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.
Now Trending
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.
-
Alaina Formal Tulle And Sequin Dress
Special OccasionTwirl the night away in our Alaina dress! She features an all over natural hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline and adjustable narrow straps. Her bodice features a pleated detail and twinkling sequins. Her slim fit bodice leads to a whimsical pleated tulle floor length silhouette. Alaina offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a full lining and a hidden back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6570
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $10.00 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Raina Formal Crochet Dress
Special OccasionStun in lace as you make a memorable entrance in our Raina dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging padded V neckline and narrow straps. Her back features an open back design with double row bar strap accents and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a sheer skirt and high side slit. Dress is composed of a floral crochet and chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6579
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Jena Formal Sequin High Slit Dress
Special OccasionShimmer and glow through the night in our sparkling Jena dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a large keyhole at the bust and a daring open back with lattice design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins 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: 05002-6575
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Caroline Formal Satin Rhinestone Dress
Special OccasionBring the elegance as you radiate in our Caroline dress! She features a plunging V neckline, a double row of narrow cross straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette and a U-shape high slit adorned with a mini rhinestone detail. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
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: 05002-6595
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Thea Formal Floral Satin Dress
Special OccasionHighlight your beauty with our naturally-inspired Thea dress! She features a royal blue hue, a strapless neckline with a built in no slip strip, a sweetheart bust and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging trumpet silhouette accented with vertical seams to create a hourglass illusion and a flared hem. The all over floral print features vibrant pink hues with green foliage. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a slight stretch. Includes knit lining and petticoat.
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: 05002-6558
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Zaylee Formal Heat Stone Dress
Special OccasionIlluminate elegance and luxe as you make your way into the room in our dazzling Zaylee dress! She features a chic black hue, a plunging halter neck with single neck strap and an open back. Her bodice is adorned with gleaming heat stones and is accented with an empire waist band. Her slim fit bodice is complemented with a floor length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined taffeta fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure. Includes a bodysuit-like contrast bottom with snap button closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6553
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Reese Formal Layered Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionMake an ethereal entrance as you leave them breathless in our Reese dress! She features a blue hue, a plunging V neckline with wide shoulder straps and an empire waist accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a double lined chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a 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: 05002-6507
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
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: 05002-6548
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $37.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Nathalie Formal High Low Dress
Special OccasionGet the best of both worlds in our charming Nathalie dress! She features a deep navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with a scalloped trim, padded cups, princess seams and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice features an empire waist accent and leads to a playful high low hemline. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6565
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Miranda Glitter Mermaid Formal Dress
Special OccasionElegance with minimal effort. Our Miranda dress is exactly that. She features a strapless neckline with scalloped trim, a form hugging mermaid silhouette, and a stretchy knit fabric adorned with glitter. Dress includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6549
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Lia Formal High Slit Rhinestone Dress
Special OccasionShine on in rhinestones as you dazzle in our Lia dress! She features a chic black hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and narrow shoulder straps. Her bodice features sheer mesh side panels adorned with rhinestone embellished strap accents. Her floor length silhouette is accented with a high side slit that reveals a contrast 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: 05002-6560
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Leona Formal Lattice Dress
Special OccasionLace up and make an impression to remember in our daring Leona dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop necklace with supportive padded cups and adjustable narrow straps that lead to a cross-back design. Her open back features a lattice detail and a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with a vertical seams to create an hourglass illusion. 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: 05002-6568
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Janet Sweetheart Slit Formal Dress
Special OccasionA little sweet, a little naughty. Our stunning Janet formal dress charms with her sweetheart neckline, built in boning and full A-line silhouette but is ready to bring the heat with her thigh high slit! Her taffeta fabric and pleating at the bust and waist-line add the perfect amount of shimmer and texture for a uniquely elegant look. Includes banded hemline, hidden side pockets and a back zipper closure. Includes an additional bodysuit contrast bottom lining with snap button closure.
Model is 5'7" with 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: 05002-6554
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Isla Formal High Low Dress
Special OccasionOur Isla white dress is pure perfection. It features a deep V neckline with spaghetti straps that lead to a gorgeous lace back, and its high-low skirt has the perfect amount of volume with pockets as an added bonus! The taffeta fabric offers a light sheen with a structured look and minimal stretch. Includes two back zipper closures.
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: 05002-6533
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Esme Formal Floral Trumpet Dress
Special OccasionLet your beauty bloom in florals! Esme features a black hued bodice with a plunging V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and unlined mesh waist insets. Her floor length trumpet silhouette features a gorgeous floral print with pink and white hues. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and satin fabric that 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: 05002-6569
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $124.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Elaina Formal High Slit Taffeta Dress
Special OccasionCreate a moment for a lifetime as you capture their attention in our Elaina dress! She features a black hued bodice with a plunging V neckline and narrow straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a copper hued A-line silhouette complemented with hidden side pockets, high side slit and a wide banded hem. She features a built in contrast bottom with snap button closure and full coverage. Dress is composed of a combination crepe and taffeta fabrics that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6547
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Camilla Floral High Low Dress
Special OccasionBurst onto the scene with fresh florals as you make a sweet impression in our Camilla dress! She features an all over black hue, a square neckline with racer bust, narrow adjustable straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to pleated high-low silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of textured satin fabric that is adorned with a blush hued printed floral design. Garment offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Lined with a smooth knit fabric and includes a petticoat.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6562
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $94.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Bea Formal Floral Wrap Dress
Special OccasionRadiate a charming look as you let your beauty bloom in our gorgeous Bea dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and a double row of adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length wrap skirt with pleated details and a high side slit that reveals a contrast satin-like lining. The all over floral print features white with blue hues. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon 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: 05002-6550
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Amber Formal Floral Wrap Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in captivating florals to create a naturally gorgeous look! Amber features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, padded cups and adjustable straps that lead to a lattice back. Her slim fit bodice leads to floor length wrap skirt accented with hidden side pockets and a high side slit. She is composed of a lined ivory textured satin fabric adorned with a yellow and purple hued floral print. Dress 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 three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6556
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Rory Starry Night Heat Stone Dress
Special OccasionLight up the evening in our enchanting Rory dress! She features a heat stone embellished bodice with an off the shoulder neckline, a plunging wired sweetheart neckline and sheer unlined fitted long sleeves. Her bodice leads to a sweeping floor length A-Line silhouette accented with a high side slit. Rory is composed of a combination partially lined mesh and taffeta fabric. Includes a full bottom bodysuit contrast lining with snap button closure. 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: 05002-6552
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Wendy Formal Lurex Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionBring the magic to the evening in our head turning Wendy dress! She features a charming blush pink hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and a double row of narrow straps that leads to an open back with a criss-cross strap design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length mermaid silhouette accented with a bold high center slit. Wendy is composed of a lurex 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: 05002-6551
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Aliyah Formal Sleeveless Bandage Dress
Special OccasionShowcase curves in our flattering Aliyah black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and wide shoulder straps that lead to a racer back. Her back features a sheer unlined mesh caged design with wide contrasting straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined ponte-like 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 smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6535
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Mary Formal High Low Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in our gorgeous Mary navy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping high-low silhouette. She brings the romance with her all over floral print. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.
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: 05002-6546
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Val Formal Wrap Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in elegance as you make a breath taking entrance in our unforgettable Val dress! She features a light blue color, a plunging V neckline with pleating details, padded cups and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to wrapped A-line floor length skirt. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6543
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale