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.

  • Naomi Formal Top & Skirt Set
    Special Occasion

    You love a classic gown, but sometimes a special occasion calls for something a little extra special—like our Naomi crop and skirt set! She features a partially lined, heat stone-embellished scoop neck mesh top with key hole detail and single-button closure. Top is sheer above the bust line. Her A-line taffeta skirt features a dramatic high side slit, hidden side pockets to keep your essentials close to you and a back zipper. Naomi is made from a nylon blend 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: 05006-0523

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kelly Off The Shoulder Formal Dress

    Draw them in with your stunning beauty in our gorgeous Kelly off the shoulder dress! She features an off the shoulder fold over neckline, a lined and padded bust, a high waist and seam detailing, an exposed back zipper closure, and an elongating floor length skirt. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch and a flattering, form hugging fit.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6752

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ayla Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an entrance they'll never forget in the wowing Ayla dress! She features a wrap V neckline with pleating detailing and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice features a narrow waist band accent that leads to a floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6753

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Colette Satin Wrap Gown
    Special Occasion

    Steal the show while making moves in our effortlessly elegant, satin Colette gown. She features a pleated deep V bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps and back zip, and a long, slim wrap-effect skirt skirt with a front slit and drape detail at waist. Louisa is fully lined and made from a shiny satin material with ample stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6765

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • 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 rich burgundy 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.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4122

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Emilia Sequin Midi Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine the night away wearing our Emilia Sequin dress! She offers a slanted neckline with one long sleeve shoulder and a cut out detail across the chest area. She has a zip back and a sexy side slit. She is covered in sequins down to the mid-length hemline and includes a smooth inner lining. Her wine toned sequin material offers minimal stretch but maximum sparkle!

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4127

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Alicia Formal Sleeveless Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance in our sleek Alicia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, a bar strap accent and a midi length silhouette. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4128

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Camila Open Back Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine underneath the spotlight in our dazzling Camila dress! She features a V neckline, fitted long sleeves and a plunging open back that exposes plenty of skin and rests on the lower back. The slim fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lightweight mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. The iridescent sequins reflect flickers of pink and purple for unbelievable shine! Dress is lined with a form hugging smooth knit fabric. Includes a hook and eye closure at the nape of the neck.

    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: 05001-4137

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dazzling Heat Stone Satin Dress
    Dazzle under the stars in this sparking mini! It features a rich navy blue color, a high round neck with a double row button closure at the nape of the neck, a racer front and an open back with lattice back design. The all over heat stones let you shine from all your best angles! Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4130

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Shayleigh Sequin Wrap Dress
    Special Occasion

    Dazzle and dance around in the Shayleigh! She features a deep v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps lead back to a square back,and a self tie wrap around skirt that meets high waist with a skater dress hem that hits mid thigh. Her bodice is fitted and lined with a nude colored smooth material. She is composed of knit material that is covered with stitched silver sequins, material offers no stretch but design of the dress offers a flow that allows you to move around comfortably. Pair with your favorite heels and statement earrings!

     Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4067

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Seraphina Formal Caged Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an unforgettable entrance in our timelessly gorgeous Seraphina dress! She features a sweetheart neckline, built in boning for support, padded cups, a double row of straps and an open back with multi strap caged design with fish hook closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with ruching on the left side seam and an asymmetrical high slit. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes an additional mini skirt length knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6680

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cassandra Floral Chiffon Gown
    Special Occasion

    Take our breathe away in our beautiful mauve toned Cassandra Floral Gown! She features a cross over V neckline and ruffle spaghetti straps that are adjustable. The v style back line has matching material buttons and a hook closure. Long, floor-length skirt offers a flowy fit and includes a short skirt lining. Dress is composed of a semi-sheer floral chiffon fabric with no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6741

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Bryn Satin Lace Up Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create an effortlessly elegant look in our sultry satin Bryn dress. She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up back detail, a square neckline with seam detailing, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, and a thigh high sexy slit. The burgundy dress is composed of an unlined satin fabric that offers a flattering relaxed fit with moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6687

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Krystal Formal Floral Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a captivating entrance in florals! Krystal enchants the room with her sleeveless bodice, square neckline and bold open back with a lattice back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length      A Line silhouette. Her all over floral print features pink and mauve hues that complement the ivory background. 

    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: 05002-6777

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Serena Strapless Wrap Gown
    Special Occasion

    Channel a Greek goddess in Serena, an equal parts sunny and sophisticated column gown. She features a strapless bodice, wrap-style detailing, draping at waist, a front slit, and a back zip. Serena is made from a crepe-style fabric with limited stretch and is slimly fitted through the bust, waist, and hips. She is fully lined with a smooth knit fabric that provides additional coverage for her slim fit.

    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: 05002-6678

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hannah Formal Pleated Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Enchant as you make a dreamy entrance in the ever captivating Hannah dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging halter neck with V bust and pleated detailing. Her single halter strap features a double row design and leads to an open back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined airy chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6618

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nida Chiffon Ruffle Gown
    Special Occasion

    Turn heads as the belle of the ball in our chiffon beauty, Nida! She features a seamed V-neck bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps, lightly padded cups, and asymmetrical ruffle trim. She has a back zip, and partially lined flowy A-line skirt with front slit. Nida is made from a lightweight woven fabric with little to no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6714

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Abigail Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an entrance they'll never forget in our breathtaking Abigail dress! She features a plunging halter neck, narrow shoulder neck ties and a ruched detail at bust. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette with a high front slit that reveals a contrasting red hued lining. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6637

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Flora Crepe Slit Gown
    Special Occasion

    A dramatic thigh-high slit serves as the natural focal point of our lovely yellow Flora gown. She features an off-the-shoulder seamed bodice, a back zip, and a gently fluted skirt with front slit. Flora is made from a woven crepe material and has 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: 05002-0094

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Astrid Chiffon Floral Gown
    Special Occasion

    A bold black background makes the florals on our chiffon Astrid gown positively pop! She features a surplice-style V back and bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps, a self-tie belt, and a gently pleated full skirt with back zip. Astrid is lined to approximately mid thigh and semi-sheer from mid thigh to hem. She is made from a lightweight, chiffon-like material with little to no 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: 05002-0099

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Bailey Strapless Lace Dress
    Special Occasion

    Make the case for lace in our elegant, white column-style Bailey dress. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with padded cups, a floral lace body throughout, a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette, and a sheer chiffon train. The dress is composed of a lined lace fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone headband. 

    Fits & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Padded cups
    • Slim-banded waist
    • Floral lace body
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Chiffon train
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0050

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Marlena Floral Chiffon Gown
    Special Occasion

    Perfect for parties, weddings, and evenings out, our lovely Marlena gown embodies elegance in navy floral chiffon. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a draped empire-style bodice with V neckline, a back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a full A-line wrap skirt with side tie. Marlena is fully lined and made from a semi-sheer woven material with little to no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0073

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sally Floral Chiffon Formal Dress
    Special Occasion

    Floaty and feminine, our diaphanous Sally dress is perfect for warm-weather special occasions. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neck and back, criss cross ties at waist, zipper closure, and a gently pleated, semi-lined modified A-line skirt. Chiffon-like fabric is semi sheer from mid-thigh to hem and offers little to no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0004

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Luisa Strapless Crepe Slim Dress
    Special Occasion

    A standout strapless neckline lend our Luisa dress its unmistakable elegance. She features a surplice sweetheart bodice with boning, a back zip, and hook-and-eye closure and a curve-hugging slim skirt with gather detail at hip and side slit. Luisa is fully lined and made from a woven crepe material with a touch of stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0013

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free