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.

  • Marie Strapless Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make your night a regal affair as you radiate a look fit for a Queen in our timelessly gorgeous Marie dress! She features a bodice with a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her slim fit bodice leads to a satin ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets, a petticoat and pleating details. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0526

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Miryam Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our Miryam is a subtle attraction. She is modest with a slight sex appeal that shows just enough. With a high neckline that is sheer, and sweetheart neckline underlay. Sleeveless and fitted, this gown has a long hem that hits ankle length, and features a mid thigh slit. She is composed of a crepe scuba material that offers moderate stretch. The star of the show, an intricate floral embroidery down the center if the bodice.

    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: 05002-5418

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Elinor Studded Cocktail Dress

    Special Occasion

    Put some sparkle in your step with the Elinor—a cocktail dress that shimmers as you walk. She features a V neckline, back zip, side slit, and vertical rows of rhinestones from top to bottom. Elinor is lined and made from a soft, moderately stretchy, mesh tulle-like fabric.

    Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist, and 52" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0044

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Arielle Heat Stone Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle under the lights as you make an entrance in the ever charming Arielle dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and supportive tank-like shoulder straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette. She shines from all your best angles with her heat stone accents. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0043

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Oriana Off-Shoulder Gown
    Special Occasion

    They say nothing beats a classic, and our Oriana crepe gown checks all the formal wear boxes and then some! She features a curve-hugging cut, an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, seam detail at bodice and skirt, a back zip, and a high front slit. Oriana is made from a mid-weight crepe-like material and offers a hint of 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: 15002-0128

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Piper Ruched Open Back Gown
    Special Occasion

    Dazzle from every angle in our sleek, effortlessly chic pink jersey Piper gown! She features a rounded neckline with back tie at nape of neck, an open back, long sleeves, a long slim skirt, and ruching detail at sleeve hems, rear, and hips. Piper is partially lined, slips on, and she's made from a jersey material with a touch of stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6779

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Seductive And Slinky Maxi Dress
    Get seductive in this slinky maxi dress. This black dress features a round neckline , a sleeveless bodice and an attached belt with a gold detail. This long dress is comprised of a ribbed material that offers moderate stretch and side slit.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 06005-0107

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $4.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Renée Lace-Up Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Go for gorgeous and get noticed in our stunning burgundy satin Renée gown. She features a seamed bodice with round neckline, double spaghetti straps leading to a lace-up tie back, and a long, A-line skirt with a high side slit. Renée is made from a smooth, shiny satin-like material with ample stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0158

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sandrine Keyhole Satin Gown
    Special Occasion

    Rendered in a rich emerald-green satin, our Sandrine gown pulls out all the stops. She features a seamed bodice with a high, halter-style neckline, zipper and crisscross straps at back, plunging deep V keyhole detail at front, and a long, gently fluted skirt with a high side slit. Sandrine is fully lined and made from a soft, shiny woven material with ample stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0157

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Emilia Draped Satin Gown

    Shine like a rare gem in our gorgeous satin Emilia gown. She features a slim-line silhouette, spaghetti straps, a V neck seamed bodice, back zipper, a draped panel with side gather detail at waist, and a gently fluted hem. Emilia is fully lined and made from a soft woven material with ample stretch. Complete look with a faux fur wrap. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Draped panel at waist
    • Trumpet silhouette
    • Lined smooth woven fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1290

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mariel Off Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion

    Stun in style and show off some of your best features in our Mariel dress.

    Fits & Features

    • Off Shoulder Neckline
    • Surplice V Bodice
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
    • Fitted Skirt With Gathered Wrap Detail At Hip I High, Asymmetrical Side Slit
    • Woven Crepe Fabric I Fully Lined
    • Moderate Stretch 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0133

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Dara Sequin Scroll Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    Seriously up your sparkle factor in our shimmering mesh Dara dress. She features an all-over sequined scroll design, a high neck with two-button closure, a halter-style bodice with open back, and an A-line skirt with back zip. Dara is fully lined and made from a mesh blend with little to no 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: 05001-0038

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Jaslynn Formal Plunging Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a one of a kind statement in our bold Jaslynn dress! She features a royal blue hue, a plunging V neckline with pleating details the bust and a matching plunging back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that brings plenty of flare! Dress is composed of a stretchy smooth knit fabric. 

    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: 05002-0108

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Angie Formal Lattice Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Brighten the room with a confident glow as you make an entrance in our head turning Angie dress! She features a yellow hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, princess seams, spaghetti straps, an empire waist accent and an open back with lattice straps. Her slim fit bodice lead to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a double lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes an additional mini skirt length lining.

    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: 05002-0093

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Leandra Satin Skater Dress
    Special Occasion

    Hit the dance floor and take our satin Leandra for a twirl! She features a skater-style silhouette, a seamed bodice with deep V neckline, crisscross spaghetti straps with lace-up ties, a back zip with cutout detail, and a flowy A-line skirt. Leandra is fully lined and made from a smooth, shiny woven material with a touch of 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: 05001-0049

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Eloise Ruffle Trim Gown
    Special Occasion

    Rendered in vibrant crepe, our head-turning Eloise gown will garner second—and third—glances! She features a high neck, back zip, single dramatic ruffle shoulder, a seamed bodice, and a slim-line, godet-style skirt. Eloise is unlined and made from a mid-weight woven material with a touch of stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0046

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Vaughan Chiffon Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Introducing our Vaughan Chiffon Gown! She is a beautiful floor length hunter green dress, her relaxed bodice features a v-neckline, spaghetti straps, and an overlapped cup. Spaghetti straps lead to a self tie closure at the top, a zipper closure below, and a ruffled keyhole cut out. The skirt of the gown meets high waist and has an overlapping effect, the skirt is floor length and flowy. She includes a full body smooth inner lining from cup to floor. She is composed of a chiffon like material that offers a breezy flow.

    Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0016

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Antoinette Formal Luxe Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a sophisticated entrance in our breathtaking Antoinette dress! She features a rich purple hue, a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neck and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-0048

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rhiannon One-Shoulder Satin Long Dress
    Special Occasion


    Create a strikingly gorgeous formal look in this one-shoulder long satin dress. Captivate in this eye-catching design with a one-strap detail made with luxurious stretch satin for a curve-huffing fit and accented with a revealing side slit. Make a stunning entrance in this long formal dress styled with sparkly rhinestone jewelry and matching heels for a dazzling picture-perfect look.

    Fit & Features

    • Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, dual spaghetti straps
    • High waist seam, side slit
    • Floor-length A-line silhouette
    • Luxe satin fabrication
    • Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0051

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Leandra Open Back Gown
    Special Occasion

    Seriously stunning in a fabulous crepe, our Leandra dress ups the ante on sleek sophistication. She features a tank-style bodice with seams at bust, an open back, and a V-shaped low dip with structured boning anchored by ruching at rear. Slim-line skirt flares gently at hem. Leandra is unlined and made from a mid-weight woven material with moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0043

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lynne Formal Sleeveless Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an entrance they'll never forget in our head turning Lynne dress! She features a vibrant coral hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and tank-like straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-0092

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Yelena Chiffon Slit Gown
    Special Occasion

    Elegant and ethereal, our chiffon Yelena gown is simply stunning. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neck surplice bodice, back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a full, wrap-style skirt with front slit. Yelena is fully lined and made from a lightweight woven material with little to no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0011

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ilana Satin Column Gown

    Special Occasion

    Streamlined in design and simply stunning on you, our satin Ilana gown is effortlessly sophisticated. She features a seamed, deep V bodice with darting at bust and a back zip, and a long, straight, curve-hugging slim skirt. Ilana is fully lined and made from a shiny satin fabric with ample stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0052

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lily Bonded Velvet Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    A rich ruby-red hue and gorgeous bonded velvet texture lend our Lily dress its effortless elegance. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a seamed bodice with back zip, and a gently pleated A-line skirt with pockets. Lily is fully lined and made from a thick, heavier-weight velvet material with a touch of stretch.

    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: 05001-0000

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale