Formal Dresses

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Formal Dresses for Fall & Winter’s Biggest Moments

Windsor’s formal dresses bring elevated style to weddings, galas, military balls, homecoming, black-tie events, and other moments worth dressing up for. Discover elegant dresses in timeless black, romantic wine, rich jewel tones, metallic hues, and soft neutrals, with silhouettes ranging from classic A-lines and columns to fitted bodycons and mermaid gowns. New styles arrive every week with appliqués, draping, hardware, ties, and adjustable details that help you find a look that feels polished, current, and confidently yours.

Find a Formal Look That Fits the Occasion

The right dress starts with the event. Long formal dresses bring classic elegance to black-tie weddings, galas, military balls, and upscale evening celebrations, while polished midis and select short formal dresses can suit events with a less traditional dress code. For dressy occasions that call for something elevated without a full-length gown, explore formal cocktail dresses for another way to match your look to the invitation.

How Should I Dress for a Black-Tie or Formal Wedding?

Start by checking the invitation for the exact dress code. Black-tie events traditionally call for an elevated evening look, making floor-length gowns and refined silhouettes strong choices. Consider a column, A-line, or mermaid gown, then use color and details to make it your own. Black and navy offer timeless sophistication, while shades of red, green, purple, or gold can bring more personality to the occasion. Draping, appliqués, and polished necklines add another layer of interest without losing the formal feel.

What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Dress and a Formal Dress?

The biggest differences are usually the dress code, overall level of polish, and length. Cocktail dresses commonly fall around the knee or midi length and work well for semi-formal parties, receptions, and dressy dinners. Formal dresses tend to feature longer hemlines, more structured silhouettes, or elevated details suited to galas, formal weddings, and black-tie occasions. If the invitation has you second-guessing your choice, The Windsor Edit’s guide to cocktail dresses vs. formal dresses breaks down the differences with styling examples.

Can Formal Dresses Be Short?

Sometimes—the invitation and venue should guide your choice. Short formal dresses with structured silhouettes, elevated fabrics, appliqués, or polished details can work for certain dressy events, but traditional black-tie occasions generally call for an ankle-length or floor-length gown. When the dress code feels somewhere between cocktail and formal, consider the event time, setting, and host guidance before choosing your hemline.

Which Formal Dress Fabrics Work Best for Fall and Winter?

Fabric can change both the look and feel of your dress. Richer, more substantial materials create a seasonally polished effect for cooler-weather occasions, while fluid fabrics add movement to long gowns and draped silhouettes. Your event setting, desired structure, and comfort preferences can all help narrow the choice. For a deeper look at how materials affect your outfit, explore Windsor’s guide to formal dress fabrics.

How Do I Find a Formal Dress That Feels Secure and Comfortable?

Look for design details that let you personalize the fit instead of spending the evening adjusting your dress. Lace-up backs can help fine-tune the bodice, corset construction adds structure, wrap designs offer flexibility, and adjustable or removable straps can change how a neckline fits and feels. Halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, plunge, scoop, and square necklines also give you options depending on the coverage and support you prefer.

What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?

Winter is your moment to lean into deeper color, shine, and elevated details. Explore Windsor's 2026 winter formal dresses in shades like plum, hunter green, chocolate, ruby, and copper, or make the night feel extra special with rose gold and other metallic finishes. Prefer a lighter palette? White and ivory can create a striking winter look, especially with appliqués, draping, or dimensional details. Finish with a silhouette you feel confident in, from fitted columns and mermaid gowns to flowing A-lines.

Make Your Formal Moment Your Own

Whether you’re shopping for special occasion dresses, an affordable bridal look, bridesmaid style, party gown, or military ball dress, Windsor gives you options that balance current trends with timeless silhouettes. New styles arrive every week online, in the Windsor app, and at more than 350 stores across North America, making it easier to find the dress that fits both your event and your personal style.

  • Gracie Formal Chiffon Ruched Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the elegance in our timelessly breath taking Gracie dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and a ruched empire waist. Her relaxed fit bodice flows into a sweeping floor length silhouette. She is composed of a fully lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye closure.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0064

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Regina Formal Sequin And Lace Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the elegance as you reign the night in our Regina dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with a sheer unlined mesh inset, padded cups and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared skater length silhouette with a wide banded hem. Her all over floral lace with adorned with dazzling sequins throughout. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric and voluminous petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye closure.

    Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0029

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $33.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Simone Satin Cowl Neck Gown

    Special Occasion

    Sleek and effortlessly sophisticated, our Simone gown stuns in its simplicity. Rendered in a rich red satin, she features adjustable, cross-back spaghetti straps, an elegant cowl neck bodice with back zip and hook-and-eye closure, and a long-line, curve-hugging slim skirt. Simone is made from a shiny woven material with ample stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0280

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Nellie Deep V Mermaid Gown

    Special Occasion

    Go for glamour in our sleek and streamlined Nellie gown! She features an off-the shoulder neckline, a seamed bodice with back zip, a lightly padded bust, and V wire detail at center chest. Nell has a long, curve-hugging seamed skirt leading to a fluted, mermaid-style hem. She is made from a woven crepe material with moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0119

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Linley Sequined Surplice Midi Dress
    Special Occasion

    Lend your sparkle a distinctly sophisticated aura in our lovely Linley dress! She features all-over sequin embellishment, a surplice bodice with deep V neckline and back zip, long sleeves, and a curve-hugging midi-length pencil skirt with side slit at front. Linley is fully lined and made from a woven material with little to no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0030

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Nerissa Pleated Satin Gown
    Special Occasion

    Sophisticated and sleek, our satin Nerissa gown will elevate your evening look to elegant effect. She features adjustable cross-back spaghetti straps, a plunging V neck with pleating detail at bodice, and a long A-line skirt with back zip. Nerissa is fully lined and made from a smooth woven material with a touch of sheen and little to no stretch. 

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0146

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Arianne Lattice Back Chiffon Gown
    Special Occasion

    Simply stunning, our diaphanous Arianne gown will have you floating on air. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, an off-the-shoulder neckline, a seamed sweetheart bodice with elegant lattice-tie back, and a full A-line skirt with a front slit and back zip. Arianne is made from a lightweight chiffon-like material with little to no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0225

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Katelyn Ruched Midi Dress

    Chic and fab, the Katelyn ruched midi dress is a new go-to. She features a sleeveless bodice, a Y neck with halter straps, a knot detail, and a front keyhole cut out, and a square back with a zipper closure. Her high waist band leads to a curve hugging skirt with ruched side details and a mid-length hem. The dress is composed of a stretchy knit fabric with a pretty sheen.

    Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0238

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Diane Formal Satin Sleeveless Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Embrace a sophisticated look in our luxe Diane dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, supportive padded cups and a square back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a flared hem. Dress is composed of sleek stretchy satin-like fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0039

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • India Satin Tie Neck Gown
    Special Occasion

    Regal and radiant, our India gown is streamlined yet sophisticated. She features a high collar with a tie that knots at the nape of the neck, a halter-style bodice with princess seams, lightly padded cups, and a back zip, and a full A-line skirt with a slit and pockets at either hip. India is fully lined and made from a smooth woven material with a subtle sheen and a hint of stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0061

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Gia Rhinestone Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    We all know diamonds are a girl's best friend, shine in sparkling rhinestones in our glitzy Gia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a built in no slip strip, a plunging wired sweetheart neckline accented with a rhinestone embellished fringe and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye fasten closure

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0241

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alana Formal Sequin Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle and dazzle in our glam Alana dress! She features a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and light reflecting sequins adorned with pearl accents throughout. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Dress is lined with a form hugging smooth knit fabric. Includes a back zipper closure

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0090

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jess Off The Shoulder Dress

    Special Occasion

    You're known for your moves—make 'em in our dynamite satin Jess dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamless sleeveless bodice with fold-over detail and back zip, and an A-line flared mini with pockets at either hip. Jess is made from a smooth, shiny material with moderate stretch.

    Model is 5’7” with a 32” bust, 23” waist, and 34.5” hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0033

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kali Satin Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion

    Wrap yourself in elegance as you bring the shine to the evening in our glam Kali dress! She features a regal royal blue color, a daring wrap V neckline, fitted long sleeves and a narrow waistband seam accent. Her waist leads to an asymmetrical mini length silhouette that reaches a mid-thigh length. The gold heat stones are set in a vertical stripe pattern to flatter curves. Dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye closure.

    Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4123

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Theia Crepe Side Slit Gown
    Special Occasion

    Make a striking statement in our sultry, streamlined Theia gown. She features thick, fold-over straps anchoring a seamed bodice with sweetheart neckline and back zip, a long, straight skirt with front seam detail, and a high slit at the side. Theia is lined and made from a mid-weight woven material with a fair amount of stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0263

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Abbi Taffeta Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Our beautiful taffeta sleeveless Abbi dress brings us back to vintage-inspired style! She features a round neckline, padded cups, a cut out at the Back as well as two zippers. One at the upper and one the lower back. Abbi is a perfect party length and has pockets! She has a lining with a tutu underneath, this gives the dress an elegant poof. One is never under dressed in a little black dress!

    Model is 5’9” with a 32” bust, 24.5 waist, and 35” hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0037

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Robin Formal Satin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    She's Sleek, and she's polished and we love! Designed with a strapless straight neckline, with a removable faux fur trim, a form fitting bodice and that has padded cups, and a horizontal stitching at the hem mid waist. Her bodice leads to skirt high waist and leads down to a mid calf length with a high slit feature. Dress is composed of a satin material that offers slight stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0236

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Tonya Sequin Scroll Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    Glam it up and amplify your shine factor when you slip into our shimmering Tonya dress. She features all-over sequin embroidery atop a mesh overlay, an off-the-shoulder neckline, short sleeves, a bodice with back zip, and a gently pleated A-line skirt. Tonya is fully lined and made from a mesh polyester with little to no stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 23" waist, and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0072

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Melanie Formal Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the sparkle with our enchanting Melanie dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, tank-like straps and a midi length silhouette  with a high side slit. The all over sequins are set in a captivating scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of mesh knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0237

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Feel The Heat Stone Dress
    Rich and sultry in plush velvet, this mini will raise the temperature in the room! Dress features a long-sleeve, deep V surplice bodice, curve-hugging wrap effect skirt, and gather detail through middle punctuated by rows of shimmering heat stones. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4105

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • In Pocket Satin Cocktail Dress

    This satin cocktail mini just got a subtle makeover with one fave feature—pockets! Dress is fitted through the waist and features spaghetti straps, a deep V neckline, seam detail at bodice, a back zip, and a bubble hem. Dress is made from a shiny cotton-blend material and offers a hint of stretch. 

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0095

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sonya Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Slay the night away in our beautiful Sonya satin skater dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a built-in padded bust for support, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a cross-back lace-up design that lets you adjust the fit. Her short skater skirt is flowy enough to make some dance moves tonight! The short dress is composed of a satin-like woven fabric fabric that has a very flattering finish. Style this dress with sparkling earrings and classic block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline, front padding, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Criss-cross back design, tie closure
    • Empire waist, back elastic waistband, side pockets
    • Short fit and flare silhouette
    • Luxe satin woven fabric, lightweight woven lining, no stretch
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0333

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Plus Samantha Wrap Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Wrap yourself with elegance as you sparkle under the spotlight in our enchanting Samantha dress! She features a wrap V neckline, long sleeves and an asymmetrical mini length silhouette. She is adorned with dazzling heat stones throughout to highlight your best angles for those special moments! She is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1X

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0039

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Payson Embroidered Chiffon Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Feel like a princess on your special day! Our Payson does just that. She features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a sleeveless bodice that has a lace up detailing at the back, and a wired corset structure that is delicately embroidered with rhinestone accents. Her skirt meets mid high waist and features a ball gown design composed of a chiffon material that offers a lightweight flow. Dress is lined.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0454

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $209.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance