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.

  • Serenity Formal Lace And Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun 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
  • Alessandra Formal Open Back Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion

    Own 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
  • Vanessa Formal Chiffon Lattice Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Captivate 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
  • Rosalie Formal Floral Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Charm 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
  • 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
  • Monroe Formal Rhinestone Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Exude 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
  • Michelle Formal Strapless Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shimmer 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
  • Kenzie High Slit Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep 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
  • Esther Formal Embellished Gemstone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create a twirl worthy moment in our breathtaking Esther navy dress! She features a high round neckline with racer bust, a plunging unlined mesh inset with matching waist insets, padded cups and a gemstone with beaded accents bodice. Her back features an lined mesh panel and a lower back keyhole. Her slim fit bodice features a gemstone embellished trim waist belt and leads to a floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with 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 small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6389

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gracelyn Formal Pearl Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Channel a beautifully elegant look in the ever captivating Gracelyn ivory dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, lined padded cups and narrow shoulder straps. Her bodice features a partially sheer unlined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling rhinestones and pearl accents for a luxe detail! Her elongating floor length chiffon silhouette is all you need to make a wow-worthy entrance! Dress is composed of combination mesh and chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes knit lining and back zipper closure.

    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: 05002-6377

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $64.97 $179.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Briar Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion

    Become a classic beauty in our sleek and sophisticated red Sandara mermaid dress. She features an off the shoulder neckline, a slim bodice with an exposed back zipper closure, a high waist seam, and a floor-length mermaid skirt with a sweeping train on the back. Sandara is composed of a stretchy crepe fabric. 

    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: 05002-6242

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Briella Formal High Slit Boa Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Hello darling! Make a diva-worthy impression in our bold Briella dress! She features an all over black hue, a strapless straight neckline and a faux feathered boa trim to bring the drama! Her slim fit bodice leads to curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Briella offers a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6405

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Audrey Pleated Sweetheart Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Enchant as you make a memorable entrance in our Audrey dress! She features a rich burgundy hue, a sweetheart neckline with a built in no slip strip, padded cups and pleated bodice. Her slim fit waist leads to a floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit to show off glowing gams! She is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'8" with a 32.5" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6383

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Amaya Strapless Sweetheart Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Make a stunning entrance in our Amaya red satin dress! She's a sultry head-turner with a strapless, deep wired sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, a deep V back with an exposed back zipper closure, a daring side leg slit, and a figure-hugging fit throughout. Amaya is composed of a vibrant red 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: 05002-6374

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Amelia Ruched Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    You'll look absolutely ravishing in our Amelia red satin dress! She features a plunging halter neckline, a draped front that wraps around the waist complete with ruched details, a low back with an exposed back zipper closure, and a high leg slit. Amelia is composed of a satin knit fabric with minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6375

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alecia Sleeveless Floral Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a stunning impression with florals! Alecia features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, princess seams and a narrow waistband accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating mermaid silhouette with a high center slit and a double layered ruffled hem. Her all over floral print features vibrant pinks, reds and yellows for a beautiful look! Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05002-6381

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ana Formal Glitter Ruffle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Start a commotion in ruffles as you make a glitzy impression in our Ana dress! She features an all over vibrant red hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and a sweeping floor length to make your grand entrance! Her back features an open design and complemented with a glam bow with ruffle accent! Ana is composed of a glitter knit fabric adorned with glitter accents. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter will transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6369

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $27.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Melany Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance in our enchanting Melany ivory dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Plunging Wrap V Neckline With Pleated Details
    • Adjustable Narrow Spaghetti Straps
    • Flowing, Floor-Length Silhouette Accented With High Side Slit
    • Lined Chiffon Fabric 
    • Form Hugging Fit With Minimal Stretch 
    • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure 

     

    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: 05002-6395

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Anne Formal Lattice Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Stun in satin as you create a one-of-a-kind entrance in our Anne dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline, padded cups, and spaghetti straps that lead to a lattice back design. Her empire waist leads to a floor-length skirt that is accented with pockets and a stunning waist-high slit. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. Complete look with a satin clutch and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps, lattice-back design
    • Empire waist, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • A-line silhouette, high side slit
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Satin fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6373

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sarah Formal Satin Trumpet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take their breath away from the moment you enter in luxe satin! Sarah features an all over navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline with a built in no slip strip, built in boning, padded cups and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a dramatic floor length trumpet silhouette that hugs curves in all the right places and is accented with a voluminous petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin-like fabric that 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: 05002-6349

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Patricia High Slit Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in sultry satin as you turn heads in our luxe Patrica dress! She features a rich navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice and a plunging wired V neckline. The curve hugging mermaid silhouette is accented with vertical seams, a high slit  and a flared hem. Dress is composed of lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6371

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Novalee Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the shine as you radiate in sequins! Novalee features a combination black with rose gold hue, a plunging V neckline and unlined fitted long sleeves. Her slim fit bodice leads to a partially unlined elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with high slits. Dress is composed of a black hued mesh fabric and adorned with rose gold hued sequins set in a scroll print design. Garment offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6348

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Olivia Formal Strappy Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine bright like the diamond you are in our flashy Olivia dress! She features an all over silver hue, a high round neckline with a double button closure at the nape of the neck, a racer bust with plunging keyhole, padded cups and princess seams. Her open back features a caged back with multi narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a flared hem. Her all over lined floral lace fabric features gleaming sequins throughout. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Model is 5'7" with a 32" 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: 05002-6338

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mya Formal Sleeveless Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Step into the room and make a glam entrance in our captivating Mya navy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and narrow adjustable cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. 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 small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6366

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance