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.

  • Elena Ruched Satin Gown
    Special Occasion

    Channel old Hollywood screen sirens and shine in this elegant berry-red gown. Dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, trumpet-style skirt, and back zip with ruching detail. Dress is lined and made from a satin-style fabric with generous stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6639

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gabby Reign In Rhinestone Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Reign the night like the queen you are in our elegant Gabby dress! She features a bold red color, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, a double row of rhinestone embellished cross straps that adorn her open back design and a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6615

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Diana Formal Satin Halter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance and grace in our timelessly breath taking Diana dress! She features an ivory hue, a sleeveless bodice, a halter neck and a plunging wrap V bust. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length wrap skirt to make a lovely entrance. Dress is composed of a double lined stretchy satin fabric 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: 05002-6641

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cara Formal Sweetheart Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle and dazzle in our glimmering Cara dress! She features a navy hue, a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a wired sweetheart neckline with padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length mermaid silhouette that hugs curves in all the right places! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with glitzy sequins! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6621

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cara Formal Sweetheart Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 
    Sparkle and dazzle in our glimmering Cara dress! She features a turquoise hue, a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a wired sweetheart neckline with padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length mermaid silhouette that hugs curves in all the right places! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with glitzy sequins! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6620

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Christina Lurex High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shimmer and glow in our enchanting Christina dress! She features a light blue color, a halter neckline with neck tie straps, a racer bust, a small keyhole and a ruched empire waist accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined glitter lurex fabric that offers a from hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6611

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Bianca Woman Of The Hourglass Dress
    Special Occasion

    Showcase curves in our mystifying Bianca color block black dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline and padded cups. Her natural hued color block stripes run along her sides to create a flattering hourglass silhouette to create a va va voom illusion effect! She is composed of a lined glitter mesh dress that offers a moderate stretch.

    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: 05002-6648

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Camille Formal Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Channel your inner A-Lister as you make an entrance in our stunning Camille dress! She features a chic black color, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and a double row of adjustable narrow straps that lead to an open back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a wide banded hemline. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6632

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Callie Formal Chevron Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Reflect glamour and elegance in our captivating Callie dress! She features a mint green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and a small keyhole at the back with a single button closure at the nape of the neck. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Her all over sequins are set in a trendy chevron stripe pattern to create a chic look! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight 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: 05002-6614

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aspyn Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stay stunning in sequins as you make your entrance in our glam Aspyn hunter dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a racer bust and a bold open back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a flared hem. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins! Garment offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a 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: 05002-6612

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Myra Formal High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion 

    The Myra formal dress brings all the luxe, elevating your evening with timeless elegance! The long formal dress features a sweetheart neck with a built-in padded bust that offers support to her flattering, off-the-shoulder neckline with short-sleeve cuffs.  The flattering, relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging floor-length mermaid silhouette that is accented with a sexy high side slit. Complete your captivating formal outfit with dazzling duster earrings and open-toe heels.

    Fit & Features 

    • Off-shoulder neckline, short-sleeve cuffs
    • Sweetheart neck, built-in padded bust
    • Back zipper, hook-eye closure
    • Floor-length A-line silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Lined crepe fabric
    • Curve-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2403

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Payton Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Set the right tone for the night in sparkling sequins! Payton features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with racer bust and an open back with wide cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. Her all over silver hued sequins are set in a scroll-inspired design. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-6613

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ariella Take A Bow Formal Dress

    Special Occasion 

    You'll be ready for the encore in the ever charming Ariella dress! She features a partially sheer laced bodice, a high round neckline, a sweetheart bust lining, fitted unlined long sleeves, a bold open back that leads to a charming accent with ruffled detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination of crepe and lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

     

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

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6609

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Zahra Simply Wrapped Dress
    Special Occasion

    All it could take is something simple to to create sophistication. Zahra is simple with a sleek black silhouette that will flatter anyone. She has a deep V neckline that creates a wrapped bodice and a complementing V back. A gathered high waist seam flows into a floor length wrap skirt with a slight flare and side slit. Zahra is composed of a silk-like knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6604

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Talia Formal Sequin Long Dress
    Special Occasion 

    You were born to shine, dazzle them all in our shimmering Talia dress! She features a burgundy hue, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and a sweetheart bust. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Her sequins are set in a sophisticated scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" 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: 05002-6594

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Vicky Plunging V Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Show off your curves in our seductive Vicky formal dress! She is simple but powerful with a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups, an intricate strappy back, a high front slit, and a form hugging mermaid silhouette. Her lined mauve crepe fabric offers moderate 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: 05002-6578

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marlee Formal Lace Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun them all in classic black! Marlee features a sleeveless lace bodice, a plunging V neckline with a scalloped lace trim and a beige hued lining to create a gorgeous two-tone effect. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette accented with vertical seams to showcase curves. Dress is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6600

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mary Formal Sequin Lace Dress
    Special Occasion

    Sway under the lights in our glamorous Mary dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline, a racer bust with a scalloped lace trim, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with dazzling sequin details for plenty of shine! Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp. 

    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: 05002-6584

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kylie Formal High Low Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Raise the bar in our simply breath taking Kylie black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline and narrow straps that lead to an unlined floral lace panel. Her slim fit bodice leads to dramatic high low silhouette with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined taffeta fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a petticoat and 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: 05002-6601

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lilia Multi Strap Sequin Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Leave them breathless in our stunning black Lilia dress! She features a sweetheart neckline with double spaghetti straps that lead to a breathtaking multi strap back, padded cups and a floor length sheath silhouette. Her fabric is a fully lined sequin embellished mesh. Includes back zipper closure. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6590

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kaia Formal High Low Taffeta Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a dreamy impression in our fairy tale worthy Kaia dress! She features a high round neckline with racer bust, satin-like neck tie ribbons, padded cups, princess seams and an open back. Her lined bodice features a floral lace fabric adorned with sparkling sequins! Her burgundy hued taffeta skirt features a high low hemline and hidden side pockets. Kaia offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6559

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Helene Formal Strapless Ruffle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun and make them watch you in awe the moment you enter the room! Our Helene red dress features an asymmetrical strapless neckline with padded cups, built in boning and a slim fit bodice that leads to a curve hugging silhouette with a daring high slit! Her back features a gorgeous ruffle accent and a gold hued zipper closure. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-6592

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Chrissy Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make it a moment to remember in the spotlight as you sparkle in our Chrissy gray dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline with padded cups and narrow straps that lead to a sexy open back with lattice design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins throughout. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6593

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $69.97 $209.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Desiree Satin Sweetheart Ruffle Dress
    Special Occasion

    Desiree is sexy with all the right details. She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a no slip strip, built in boning, a straight back with a hidden zip up closure, princess seams, and a high waist seam. Her body-hugging floor length skirt has vertical ruffles down the front and the back, and has a slight flare at the them. Desiree is composed of a stretchy, black satin knit fabric.

    Model is 5'9 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: 05002-6586

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance