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.

  • Penny Ombre Glitter Tendril Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make a head turning impression in our enchanting Penny brown dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, built in boning, a no slip strip and ruching details. Her waist features a cinching tie waist belt that leads to a sweeping ball gown silhouette with fluttering tendril details. Her skirt features a gorgeous ombre effect that is complemented with glitter accents throughout! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0536

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $169.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emma Glitter And Rhinestone Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Glow from within as you dazzle in our fairy-tale worthy Emma light gold dress! She features a deep V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, unlined mesh side panels and tank-like straps. Her waist is adorned with a triple row rhinestone belt accent to bring the shine and leads to a floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with a gorgeous geometric glitter detail that makes Emma a true one of a kind! Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure and petticoat.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0530

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Perrianne Beaded Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make an impression they'll never forget in our Perrianne royal blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and tank like straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with gemstone embellished side pockets and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and hidden back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0533

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Trina Charming Satin Lace Gown
    Special Occasion

    Anyone will be quite charmed to meet you in our Trina navy blue gown! She features a fitted lace bodice with a plunging sweetheart neckline, a padded bust, a hidden back zipper closure, lattice straps on the sides, and a contrasting nude mesh inset. A high waist seam leads to an A-line satin gown complete with convenient side pockets! Dress is composed of a combination mesh, smooth knit and satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'3 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: 05004-0531

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $169.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kia Magical Evening Glitter Gown
    Special Occasion

    Have the most magical evening in our Kia dress! This ivory beauty looks straight out of a fairy tale with a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, built in boning, wide lattice straps on the sides to show a bit of skin, and a hidden back zipper closure. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-length skirt that will make you feel like a princess! Kia is composed of an ivory satin and tulle fabric with a baby blue, glitter fern pattern throughout. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat and knit lining.

    Model is 5'3 with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0528

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Catalina Strapless Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion

    Stay stunning in satin as you make your grand entrance in our charming Catalina red dress! She features a strapless straight neckline, a built in no slip strip and a fold over accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets, pleating details and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a 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: 05004-0517

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kara Formal Rhinestone Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Shine from the inside out in our ever captivating Kara navy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with an unlined mesh inset and sheer mesh insets on the waist that are adorned with dazzling rhinestones. Her back features a trendy keyhole and is complemented with a triple row fish hook clasp closure. Her slim fit waist leads to elongating ball gown silhouette with a sheer tulle overlay. Kara is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0529

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sonia Lace Mesh Tendril Dress
    Special Occasion

    Dazzle and sparkle under the spotlight as you make a glam entrance in our enchanting Sonia emerald dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a halter neckline, and padded cups. Her bodice is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with shimmering gemstones in a cutout infinity design. Her sweeping floor length skirt features a tendril mesh design. Dress is composed of a combination lace, mesh, tulle and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'8 with a 33" 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: 05004-0543

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $144.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Demi Floral Lace Up Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Keep it stunning in florals as you make your entrance in our dreamy Demi natural ball gown! She features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a silicone no-slip strip and a contrasting black floral applique design complemented with iridescent heat stones! Her back calls for a second look with a lattice ribbon lace up detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous tulle ball gown silhouette with petticoat and knit lining. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" 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: 05004-0527

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cindy Embellished Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Our classic Cindy ball gown will make sure you meet your prince before midnight! Cindy is a classic fairytale beauty with a square neckline, padded cups, double shoulder straps that cross at the back, a plunging back with a hidden zip up closure, and a high waist seam leading to a sweeping A-line skirt. Cindy has side pockets with gemstone embellishments. She is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'7 with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0524

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alessia Floral Applique Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Channel a romantic look in our charming Alessia dress! She features a rich burgundy color, a plunging halter neck with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and a double row hook closure at the nape of the neck. Her bodice is adorned with a lovely floral applique design accented with dazzling heat stones. Her back features an open design with bar strap accents and a lower back zipper closure. She brings the drama with her floor length silhouette and voluminous petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed 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: 05004-0523

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alayah Floral Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Stun like one in a million as you charm in florals! Alayah features a strapless neckline, a sweetheart bust, a no-slip silicone strip, padded cups and built in boning for structure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleating detailing. She is composed of a white hued textured satin fabric adorned with romantic red roses and green foliage. Her multi layered skirt features a smooth knit lining and petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0516

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Caitlyn Formal Halter Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Step into the spotlight as you make an unforgettable entrance in the ever gorgeous Caitlyn dress! She features a black hued halter neck with racer bust, neck ties, padded cups, princess seams and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her bodice leads to a vibrant teal ball gown silhouette accented with pleats, hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes smooth knit lining and a back zipper closure. 

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0522

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Angelie Embellished Satin Gown
    Special Occasion

    Get all dressed up for the evening in our Angelie black satin gown! She features a fitted bodice with a deep sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a sheer mesh inset between the bust for some added coverage on the front, while sheer mesh insets on the side show a little extra skin! Bodice is complete with a flattering empire waist seam, spaghetti straps, and an exposed back zipper closure. Angelie's floor-length A-line skirt comes with convenient side pockets that are embellished with rhinestones and pearls. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal strech.

    Model is 5'9 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: 05004-0521

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Roseynn Satin Sweetheart Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in the ever breathtaking Roselynn dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a silicone no slip strip, built in boning for structure, padded cups, sheer mesh insets on the waist adorned with floral appliques and dazzling heat stones! Her slim fit waist leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleat details. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0515

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $189.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Adaline Strapless Floral Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Charm in a floral frenzy in the sweetly inspired Adaline dress! She features a dreamy light blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a pleated ball gown silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets. She is composed of a satin fabric that features a combination pink and blue hued floral print design. Dress offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0500

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $124.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marion Mesmerizing Mesh Gown
    Special Occasion

    Marion is truly a stunning vision that will mesmerize an audience! Captivate with a plunging sweetheart neckline with a nude inset for added coverage, adjustable shoulder straps, a padded bust, a deep V back with a hidden zipper closure, a fitted bodice with a high waist seam, and a sweeping A-line gown with a mesh overlay. Marion is composed of a smooth fabric embellished with burgundy stones. Dress is lined and offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'9 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: 05004-0511

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Julie Strapless Sweetheart Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make an enchanting entrance in the ever-captivating Julie navy dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline with an an unlined mesh inset, a silicone no slip-strip, padded cups and built in boning. Her bodice is adorned with a floral applique detail and sparkling heat stones. Her floor length silhouette brings all the drama! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" 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: 05004-0514

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rose Formal Lace And Pearl Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Captivate and feel cherished like the rare beauty you are in our Rose dress! She features gray hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps adored with gorgeous pearl accents. Her lined bodice is composed of floral lace that leads to a dreamy floor length tulle silhouette. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes full knit lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0499

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rosalie Beautifully Beaded Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Beauty takes the form of our mauve Rosalie ball gown! Make your royal arrival with a corset bodice complete with a sweetheart neckline, a silicone no slip strip, boning for added structure, a padded bust, a lace up back with satin ribbon, and an intricately beaded applique with a sheer mesh lining. Bodice leads to a gorgeous A-line skirt with a pink sheen and tulle overlay. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. 

    Model is 5'3 with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0512

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brie Floral Sweetheart Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Captivate the room as you radiate elegance in our Brie formal dress! Her black hued bodice features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, built in boning and narrow straps. Her bodice features unlined mesh waist insets complemented with floral appliques and dazzling heat stones! Her natural hued floor length ball gown silhouette is composed of a lined mesh fabric. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a full knit lining, petticoat and hidden back zipper.

    Model is 5'9" 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: 05004-0513

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Annabelle Heat Stone Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Shimmer and shine in our breathtaking Annabelle burgundy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and built in boning for support. The back features a lace up back and leads to a lower zipper closure. Her bodice features a floral lace design with sparkling heat stones and leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 33" 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: 05004-0509

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ari Bohemian Floral Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion

    Keep it sweet and charming as you capture their heart in our Ari dress! She features a combination white with blue color, a straight strapless neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and built in boning for support. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and petticoat. Her all over bohemian-inspired print features floral, medallion and paisley designs. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers 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: 05004-0508

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nadia Satin Ball Gown Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Reflect sophistication as you glow with confidence in our glamorous Nadia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and wide tank-like shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleating detailing. She is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a partial lining, petticoat and back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0550

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance