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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Tabatha High Low Crochet Dress
Special OccasionBring the luxe with our Tabatha red dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, narrow straps and princess seams. Her back features an unlined crochet lace panel and a lower back keyhole. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared high low silhouette with a petticoat. Dress is composed of a combination satin and crochet fabric. Dress 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: 05002-6426
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Miley Formal Sweetheart Lace Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in our charming Miley dress! She features a black hued sweetheart lace bodice, padded cups, a no slip strip and princess seams. Her navy blue hued floor length taffeta silhouette features hidden side pockets and a side high slit. Dress is composed of a lined lace and taffeta fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Miley includes an additional fitted mini skirt knit lining.
Model is 5'7" with 30" bust, 22" waist and 33" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6439
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nadine Formal Heat Stone Cross Dress
Special OccasionAdorn yourself with dazzling heat stones to elevate your evening look! Nadine features a chic black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and an elongating floor length silhouette that showcases curves! Dress is composed of a partially lined mesh fabric that is accented with silver hued heat stone embellishments and multi-faceted stones set in a cross pattern. Dress offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and additional mini skirt length knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6411
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.94 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Leia Formal High Slit Sequin Dress
Special OccasionSparkle under the lights as you dance the night away in our breathtaking Leia blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline, a partially lined lace bodice, a V neck bust and padded cups. Her bodice features dazzling sequins for plenty of shine and leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination crepe and lace 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: 05002-6429
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lillian Formal High Slit Lace Dress
Special OccasionMake it a memorable moment in lace as you enter the room in our lovely Lillian gray dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with scalloped lace trim, short sleeves and a relaxed fit bodice. Her elongating floor length is accented with a high side slit to show off your stylish heel game! Dress is composed of a lined floral line fabric adorned with glitter accents throughout. Garment offers a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6415
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Julia Formal Chiffon Lace Up Dress
Special OccasionLace up in sophisticated chiffon as you grace them all in our Julia dress! She features a ravishing burgundy color, a plunging V neckline with unlined mesh inset, halter neck straps, padded cups and a pleating detailing throughout the bodice. Her open back features vertical strap accents, a built in no slip strip and a lattice back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. includes a hidden back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6434
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kassandra Formal Ruched Mesh Dress
Special OccasionMake an unforgettable impression in our charming Kassandra dress! She features an all over black hue, a square neckline, wide shoulder straps and a partially open back with a single button closure at the nape of the nape. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with ruched detailing along the sides. Dress is composed of a black metallic mesh fabric that is lined with a nude hued lining to create a subtle two tone effect. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6408
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gia Formal Sleeveless Beaded Dress
Special OccasionStun and shine as you own the night in our Gia dress! She features a taupe hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and a floor length A-Line silhouette. She is adorned with sparkling sequins and beaded details throughout for an extra luxe look! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6437
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Genevieve Formal Open Back Lace Dress
Special OccasionDare to stun in lace as you make a breathtaking entrance in our Genevieve dress! She features a combination black with beige color, a high round neckline with a triple row fish hook closure, padded cups and an open back. Her bodice is partially lined featuring floral appliques and heat stone accents. Her waist leads to a floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit that reveals a contrast lining. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6435
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cassandra Formal Floral Applique Dress
Special OccasionUshering in elegance and grace as you wow in our Cassandra dress! She features a navy blue color, a high round neckline with a racer bust and padded cups. Her waist features a sheer unlined mesh accent adorned with a floral applique design and leads to elongating floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lightly pleated mesh lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05002-6436
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Denise Formal Sleeveless Beaded Dress
Special OccasionMake an entrance they'll never forget in the alluring Denise navy dress! She features a high round neckline, a partially lined bodice, a sweetheart bust and padded cups. Her bodice is adorned with a gorgeous bohemina-inspired beaded detailing and a matching sheer unlined back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit that reveals a contrasting lining. Dress is composed of a combination smooth and mesh knit 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 three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6432
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cameron Formal Floral Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionCharm in florals as you sweep them off their feet in our darling Cameron dress! She features a lovely red color, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, lined padded cups and a double row of narrow straps that lead to a partially open back. Her bodice is partially unlined with a sheer mesh fabric that is adorned with floral appliques and dazzling heat stones! Her floor length silhouette is composed of an airy lined chiffon fabric. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a satin knit lining and hidden back zipper closure.
Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" 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: 05002-6428
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Azalea Formal Floral Applique Dress
Special OccasionStep in as the center of attention as you stun in our Azalea dress! She features a combination plum with gold hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline, padded cups, a small keyhole, narrow straps and a gold hued floral applique design. Her back features an open back with a sheer unlined mesh panel. Her slim fit bodice leads to a elongating floor length silhouette.Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6424
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brooke Formal One Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionCreate a moment that you'll never forget in our mesmerizing Brooke dress! She features a deep hunter green color, a one shoulder neckline, a long fitted sleeve with a sleek shoulder cut out detail and vertical seams that create an hourglass illusion for her mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6414
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Bria Formal One Shoulder Heat Stone Dress
Special OccasionBring the glamour as you command the room with gleaming heat stones! Bria features a black hue, a one shoulder neckline, an unlined fitted long sleeve and a interlocked knit lined bodice adorned with heat stone accents. Her waist features sexy cut outs for a pop of skin and leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with vertical seams and a godet detail with heat stone accents. Dress is composed of a combination sheer mesh and crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. Back is unlined.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6413
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Angelica Formal Rose Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionCaptivate in a floral fantasy as you charm them all in our Angelica dress! She features a combination black with red hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with mini bar strap accents, padded cups and tank-like straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a gorgeous floor length silhouette that is adorned a red rose print design and a flared hemline. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes knit lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6412
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $154.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Serenity Formal Lace And Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionStun in airy lace as you make a sweet entrance in our Serenity dress! She features a charming blush pink color, a sleeveless lace bodice, a wrap V neckline with a scalloped lace trim, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to a racer back. Her slim fit bodice is accented with a cinching tie waist belt and leads to a sweeping wrapped A-Line silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 35.5 hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6422
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alessandra Formal Open Back Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionOwn the night in ravishing red as you allure them all in our head turning Alessandra dress! She features an all over rich navy blue hue, a high square neckline with racer bust, padded cups and an open back to show off a hint of skin. Her sheer mesh bodice is partially lined and adorned with with floral appliques and rhinestones. Her sweeping double lined floor length silhouette is composed of an airy chiffon fabric. Alessandra offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch and includes a hidden lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6419
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vanessa Formal Chiffon Lattice Dress
Special OccasionCaptivate in our one of a kind Vanessa formal dress! She features a rich navy blue hue, an off the shoulder neckline with chiffon strap accents, a sweetheart bust, padded cups, narrow adjustable straps and princess seams. Her back features a lovely lattice detailing that leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32.5" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6387
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rosalie Formal Floral Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionCharm in florals as you make a captivating entrance in our Rosalie dress! She features a light blue hue, a sweetheart neckline with a pleated bodice, a no slip strip, padded cups and a floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Her all over lined chiffon fabric is adorned with a pink hued floral print. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32.5" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6393
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Briar Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm to your evening as you captivate them all in our Briar dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with padded cups, princess seams and shoulder strap accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flaring twirl worthy mermaid silhouette with godet accents. She 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.
*Web exclusive - online returns only*
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0083
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Monroe Formal Rhinestone Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionExude elegance in our timelessly graceful Monroe green dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, padded cups, built in boning, verticals seams and a rhinestone embellished waist trim. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating mermaid silhouette with a flared wide banded hem. Includes a back zipper closure. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6378
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Michelle Formal Strapless Sequin Dress
Special OccasionShimmer and brighten the night as you stun in sequins! Michelle features a deep navy blue color, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a form hugging floor length silhouette with flared hem. Michelle flatters with an ombre effect that begins as a navy blue hue and fades into a black hue to create a gorgeous two-tone effect. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with dazzling ombre sequins throughout! Garment offers a minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6376
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kenzie High Slit Satin Dress
Special OccasionKeep it sleek and stylish in sophisticated satin! Kenzie features a blush pink color, a sleeveless bodice, padded cups, princess seams and narrow straps that lead to an unlined floral lace back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6390
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance