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.

  • Leah Formal Taffeta Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Layer up in elegance as you wow in our Evie red dress! She features a square neckline, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to lattice back design. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette with a double layered hem. Dress is composed of a lined taffeta fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-6386

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kayla Formal High Slit Taffeta Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Give elegance a sexy twist in our unforgettable Kayla dress! She features a deep navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with origami details on the bodice and an empire waist illusion. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with two high side slits. Dress is composed of a taffeta fabric that offers a relaxed 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: 05002-6364

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lorraine Formal Glitter Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dance the night away as you glow in our Lorraine dress! She features an all over black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and narrow straps that lead to a cross back. Her open back features a lattice detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined velvet fabric adorned with iridescent glitter accents. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6346

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.94 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Karlie Formal Ruffled Rhinestone Dress
    Special Occasion

    Charm in ruffles as you radiate in our Karlie dress! She brings the magic in her lavender hue, sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, padded cups narrow shoulder straps and princess seams. Her waist features a dazzling rhinestone trim and leads to a multi-tiered ruffled skirt with gorgeous shades of lavender for an ombre effect. Dress is composed a combination lined lurex and mesh fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6352

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Joanna Formal Floral Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Transport yourself to a floral fantasy with our naturally inspired Joanna dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and adjustable criss-cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleated details. Her all over floral print features charming pink roses throughout for a romantic look! Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'8" 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: 05002-6350

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jewel Formal Beaded Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Embrace a luxe look as you shine in our dazzling dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her bodice is adorned with tear drop gemstones and beaded embellishments for an extra pop of shine! Her floor length chiffon silhouette is complemented with a voluminous petticoat. Dress is composed of combination chiffon, mesh and knit fabrics that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with ruched detailing.

    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: 05002-6345

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Charena Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Strike a pose in our statement making Charena formal dress! She features a rich burgundy color, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit to show off glowing gams! Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05002-6341

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Angelique Formal High Slit Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a bold statement in our breathtaking Maisie dress! She features a plunging wrap V neckline with lace insets, adjustable narrow straps and a cinching tie waist belt. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with two high slits. Dress is composed of chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    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: 05002-6351

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $33.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Amelie Sequin Mesh Formal Dress
    Special Occasion

    There is no better way to complement your beauty than with a radiant dress like Amelie! She is composed of a fully lined mesh fabric adorned with stunning sequin in an elegant scroll design. Her high round neckline and tank-style bodice offer a modest look, while her large keyhole back adds just the right amount of sexy. Her sheath silhouette offers a slim, curve hugging fit with an enticing side slit. Dress includes two back zippers. 

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" 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: 05002-6367

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Stella Formal Ruched Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Get ruched and ready to make a breathtaking impression in our Stella dress! She features an all over black hue, an off the shoulder neckline, ruched long sleeves and ruching along the sides to create a cascading-like effect that leads to a floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a black hued lined smooth knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    *Also available in Plus.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6308

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Scarlette Infinite Beauty Evening Dress

    Share your infinite beauty with the world in our stunning Scarlette dress. Her halter bodice features a flattering V neckline paired with an infinity cutout waistline embellished with dazzling gems and beads. Scarlette also features strategically placed pleats at the lower bust and has a floor length skirt with a daring side slit. She is composed of a thick, crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch while offering a curve hugging fit and closes with basic, back zipper.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6325

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Maren Formal Ombre Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in sequins as you make your way in our illuminating Maren dress! She features a combination gold with green hue, a V neckline, long kimono sleeves with inner arm slits and a large keyhole at the back with a single button closure at the nape of the neck. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a flared hem. Her all over sequins dazzle and shine in a one of kind ombre detail. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6334

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.94 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Marilyn Formal Beaded Dress

    Special Occasion

    Reveal a beautiful look in beads as you make an alluring impression in our Marilyn dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps that lead to a sexy cross back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with a beaded detail set in a baroque inspired design. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a side zipper closure.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6321

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Noemi Formal Mermaid Bandage Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring your curves to the spotlight as you a stunning statement in our Noemi dress! She features a deep burgundy color, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a beaded and rhinestone trim. Her bodice features a small keyhole, padded cups and princess seams. Her waist adds a unique feature with an unlined mesh detail and leads to a floor length mermaid silhouette with bandage accents. Noemi is composed of a form hugging crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6302

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lucinda Formal Knot Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine like the firework you are in our dazzling Lucinda light blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with a knot accent and narrow adjustable straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Lucinda is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with silver sequins to light up the night! Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6329

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Isabel Formal Satin Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in our head turning Isabel dress! She features an all over blush pink hue, a sleeveless bodice, a deep V neckline, pleating details on cups and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice is accented with an empire waist detail and leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette with a dramatic train. Dress is composed of a luxe satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6336

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Janessa Open Back Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Strike a pose in shimmering sequins! Our Janessa dress features a rich royal blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with padded cups, an empire waist accent, adjustable narrow straps and a bold open back! Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette with a side slit and flared train. She is composed of a mesh fabric adorned with gleaming sequins. Dress offers a relaxed fit with a minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6331

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Isabel One Shoulder Color Block Dress
    Special Occasion

    Modern yet elegant, that's our Isabel formal dress. She features a white bodice with a one shoulder neckline, a built in no slip strip, a black arm hole accent and a waist cut out. Her attached black skirt is floor length with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden side zipper closure and an additional mini skirt length knit lining.

    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: 05002-6318

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emerie Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Brighten the night with gleaming heat stones to make an unforgettable impression! Emerie features an all over elegant black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a mock neck with a two button closure at the nape of the neck and a daring open back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging sheath silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with silver hued heat stones. Garment offers a moderate stretch and includes a lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6333

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gracelynn Formal Rhinestone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine like the gem you are in our captivating Gracelynn dress! She features an all over elegant black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, tank-like shoulder straps and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice features a dazzling geometric jewel trim with gemstones and rhinestones for plenty of shine. Her floor length silhouette brings plenty of flare and is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined scuba fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with ruched detailing and an additional mini skirt length knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6332

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Giana Formal High Slit Beaded Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Go bold with a beaded look to make a stunning statement! Giana features a combination navy with beige hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her bodice features a gorgeous beaded design adorned with gemstones and pearl accents. Her floor length silhouette features a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined crepe and mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.  

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6326

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $126.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gabriella Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Charm as you create an alluring entrance in our romantic Gabriella dress! She features an all over vibrant red hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and adjustable straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flowing floor length wrap silhouette to make your grand entrance. She is composed of a slightly sheer lightweight woven fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining that is accented with a high side slit. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6314

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Esmeralda Formal Pearl And Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the luxe as dazzle like the rare beauty you are in our captivating Esmeralda dress! She features a lavender hue, a strapless sweetheart neckline, built in boning and padded cups. Her bodice is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with dazzling sequins and leads to a pearl embellished waist trim. Her floor length silhouette features an airy pleated chiffon fabric to bring plenty of elegance. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a thin knit lining and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6307

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Annie Formal Knot Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Tie your look together with a charming knot! Annie features an all over navy hue, an off the shoulder neckline, a wrap bodice, fitted long sleeves and narrow straps. Her elastic waist features a lovely knot detail and leads to a floor length silhouette accented with double high slits. Annie is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6337

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance