Formal Dresses
Windsor’s formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
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.
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Darby Sequin Cap Sleeve Gown
Special Occasion
Up your glam factor in an instant when you slip into our gorgeous Darby gown! She features all-over sequin embellishment, cap sleeves, a draped V-neck bodice with back zip and hook-and-eye closure, a high-waist seam, and a long, fluted-hem skirt with a high side slit. Darby is fully lined and cut to fit close to the body. She is made from woven mesh and smooth knit materials with minimal stretch.
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: 05002-0120
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Simone Glitter Knit Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Radiate elegance in our vibrant, eye-catching Simone gown! Cut for a close fit, she features all-over glitter and textured embellishment, spaghetti straps leading to a V neck bodice with open, low-knot back, and a long skirt with godets and dramatic mermaid-style hem. Simone is lined and made from a lightweight knit material with moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0121
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elora Sequin Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Show your classic beauty in our Elora! She is designed with a high neckline that is halter style, a slanted sleeveless bodice, and a form fitting silhouette. Her bodice is fitted all the way down to mid thigh where she flares out into a trumpet style hemline. She is composed of a knit material with a mesh sequin overlay that displays a damask detailed pattern. Zipper located mid back.
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: 05002-6636
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $55.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ellie Formal Satin High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
From the moment you enter the room, Ellie captivates and charms. She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with neck tie straps, vertical princess seams at the bust and a partially open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit to show off a hint of skin and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper 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: 05002-0138
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $57.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Caressa Sequin Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Caressa! She features a v neckline, padded cups, and spaghetti straps that cross over at the back and lead to a lower back cut out and a zipper closure. She has a form fitting silhouette that leads to a mermaid floor length hem and a high thigh side slit. Caressa is composed of a lined knit material with a mesh overlay that is adorned in a geometric sequin pattern.
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: 05002-0084
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gigi Formal Sequin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself with shimmering sequins in our glowing Gigi dress! She features a plunging V neckline, fitted long sleeves and wrapped mini length silhouette with a tie waist accent. Her dazzling sequins are set in a floral and leaf print. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05001-0164
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mara Crepe One Shoulder Gown
Special Occasion
Turn heads from every angle in a homecoming dress like the sleekly stunning Mara gown. She features a dramatic single-shoulder seamed bodice with scalloped lace insets at the back and waist, a side zip, and a body-hugging slim skirt that pools gently at the hem. Mara is made from a crepe material with moderate stretch. Complete the look with a rhinestone clutch and a faux fur wrap.Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Scalloped lace inserts
- Sheer back
- A-line silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6731
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Everly Lace Front Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Create a classically beautiful look in our stunning Everly dress! She features a sheer lace mock neckline, long sheer fitted lace sleeves, a front and back cut out above the the bust, a sweetheart neckline with padded cups, flattering vertical seams that run down the bust, and a square back with a zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam leads to a form hugging, fitted mid-length skirt with a front slit and side sheer lace detail. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0053
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Josefina Wrap Party Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a satin beauty. Our Josefina is an adorable party dress that features a V neckline, double spaghetti straps, and a wrap designed bodice. Her bodice meets skirt mid waist with a flow that makes it easy to move around in. She is composed of a satin like material and is lined.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size 5.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0071
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lizza Formal Satin Rhinestone Dress
Special Occasion
Make an entrance they will never forget in our enchanting Lizza dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a tie waist belt adorned with multi-faceted gemstones for plenty of shine! Her waist leads to an above the knee length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0063
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Frida Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Babe we love you in satin! Our Frida cocktail dress is sweet and seductive. She showcases a straight neckline with skinny spaghetti straps that cross in the back and cross again, giving you the ability to tighten her up. Her fitted bodice has inserted padded cups and a banded waist. Her skirt meets bodice at high waist and offers a flow that makes it easy to move around in, and has a lower back zipper closure. Her satin like material has a beautiful sheen, and offers no stretch. Dress is fully lined and includes pockets!
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0082
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Penny Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Welcoming our new love—Penny! She features a modest v neckline, double spaghetti straps that lead to triangular strap detailing, and a square back with a zipper closure. Penny's bodice includes padded cup inserts and meets a skater-style skirt mid waist. Penny is fully lined and includes a tulle layer beneath that adds a little bit of volume to your look! The overlay of this beautiful dress is meticulously detailed with sequins and embroidered knot stitching. The pattern of her sequins changes at the trim and the back into a swirl and leaf design. Penny is composed of a soft knit material.
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: 05001-0025
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $96.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Susan Formal Sleeveless Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sleek and sophisticated in our timelessly elegant Susan dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, pleating accents along the bust, an empire waist accent and trendy side pockets. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit and a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0027
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nadine Glitz And Pearls Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour as you shine like the rare beauty you are in our Nadine dress! She features a round neckline, a plunging scoop back to reveal a hint of skin, long sleeves and a curve hugging mini length silhouette. She stands out with a glittered diamond stitch design and pearls accents throughout.
Model is 5'8" 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: 05001-0013
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Taryn Tulle Taffeta Party Dress
Special Occasion
Pretty, polished, and primed to party, our Taryn dress will be a hit on your next night out! She features adjustable spaghetti straps leading to an X back, a lightly padded, seamed V bodice with back zip, and an A-line skirt with pockets and volume-building tulle underlay. Taryn is fully lined and made from a shiny taffeta material with moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0061
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Laura Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress
Make flirty moves in our pretty Laura off the shoulder dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with short sleeves, a sweetheart neckline with padded cups, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, a high waist, and a flowy, full party skirt that is totally twirl-worthy. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a foiled lining, and includes a knit lining with a tulle hem for added flare.
Model is 5’3” with a 32” bust, 22.5" waist, and 34” hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0019
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $35.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Hayley Lace Taffeta Dress
Special OccasionGet the ball gown glamour without the weighted skirts in our beautiful Hayley black dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a V wire front, a lace bodice with a contrast lining, and an exposed back zipper closure. A high waist seam highlights your figure and leads to a short taffeta skirt with a tulle and knit lining. Hayley offers minimal stretch.
Model is 5'6" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 36 hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3910
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Gracelyn Formal Two Piece Lace Dress
Special OccasionMake an unforgettable impression in our swoon-worthy Gracelyn navy blue dress! Her unique two piece design features a partially lined floral lace crop top with a mock neck, unlined long sleeves and an open back with multiple-button closure. Her matching skirt features a high waist fit and an elongating velvet floor length silhouette. Gracelyn offers a form hugging fit with a slight 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: 05006-0478
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rosie Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special OccasionDazzle under the stars as you light up the night! Rosie features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with mini bar accent and adjustable narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with rose gold hued sequins that offers a form hugging fit with a slight 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: 15002-0136
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Delena Formal Chiffon Tendril Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in our charming Delena dress! She features an all over emerald green hue, a halter neckline with wide neck tie straps, a plunging V neck bust and an open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with dreamy tendril accents and a high slit. She includes a built in bodysuit lining with a thong bottom and snap button closure. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6763
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Victoria Two Piece Lace Dress
Special OccasionIt takes two to make a stunning impression! Victoria features a lined black bodice with a one shoulder neckline, a fitted unlined lace long sleeve, padded cups and a scalloped lace trim. Her matching mint hued ball gown skirt features a high rise waist, a mesh overlay and a petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1XSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15006-0000
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Ava Formal Glitter Tendril Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and sparkle under the spotlight as you make a glam entrance in our enchanting Ava light blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her bodice is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with shimmering sequins and leads to a lovely ribbon belt with gemstone accents. Her sweeping floor length features a tendril skirt with glittering accents throughout! Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 36" bust, 33" waist and 46" hips. She is wearing a 1XSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15004-0009
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $144.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Missy Tendril Ball Gown
Special OccasionCharm and radiate love in our dreamy Missy dress! She features a sleeveless partially sheer black hued bodice with round neckline, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups, an sheer mesh inset at the waist and a bohemian-inspired applique design. Her back features neck ties and small keyhole. Missy really brings the romance with her blush pink glittery tendril accented ball gown. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and knit fabric. Offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15005-0001
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Maddison Sleeveless Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionRadiate elegance and grace as you draw them in to your beauty with our Maddison mauve dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline with large fold over accent and a relaxed fit bodice that flows to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a crepe fabric that highlights curves while providing a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
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: 15002-0130
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free