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.

  • 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:
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  • 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
  • Avianna Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the drama and radiate confidence in our dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, princess seams and slim shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a double lined stretchy scuba 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: 05002-6328

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ariel Formal Rhinestone Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Our dreamy Ariel dress is wish come true for your special nights! She features a light blue color, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with unlined mesh inset, padded cups, unlined side mesh insets and narrow shoulder straps. Her bodice is adorned with sparkling mini rhinestones and beaded accents to channel a luxe look. Her sweeping chiffon floor length silhouette is all you need to make a mesmerizing entrance! Dress is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabrics that offers a form hugging fit with slight 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: 05002-6319

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $184.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Avah Formal Boucle Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Enchant and allure them all in our unforgettable Avah dress! She features an all over ivory hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and wide tank-like straps that lead to a a double row of straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass illusion. She is composed of a lined woven bocule fabric that offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05002-6306

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cami Formal Glitter Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Glow on in glitter as you allure them in all in our Cami dress! She features an all over light blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that is accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass effect. Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp and a mini skirt length knit lining. Glitter may transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6303

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Belle Formal Geometric Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Shine like one in a million in our dazzling Belle dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wired sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with sequins set in a geometric pattern. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6312

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Captivate them all in classy satin! Ophelia features an off the shoulder neckline with a built in no slip strip, a sweetheart bust, padded cups and shoulder strap strap accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to a double lined floor length silhouette accented with a high slit and hidden side pockets. Ophelia is composed of stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6293

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $40.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marissa Formal Plunging Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Spark up the night in sequins! Our Marissa dress features an all over natural hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable narrow straps that lead to a cross back design and an elastic lower back detail. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a narrow elastic waist and a sweeping floor length silhouette. Marissa is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with dangling iridescent sequins. Dress offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6264

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.94 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jada Formal Draped Pearl Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Drape yourself with exquisite pearls to radiate your rare beauty! Jada features an all over black hue, a mock neck, built in boning for structure and princess seams. Her back features an open back design, a fold over accent with multi button closure and draped gold chains with pearl embellishments. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams that create an hour glass illusion. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6292

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emmalyn Formal Heat Stone Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring sophistication and elegance to your evening as you wow in sparkling heat stones! Emmalyn features an all over black hue, a wrap V neckline, narrow shoulder straps and subtle ruching along the bodice. She is adorned with dazzling heat stones and is accented with an asymmetrical floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet 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: 05002-6291

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gabriela Formal Sequin Glam Dress
    Special Occasion 

    All that glitters is glam in our Gabriela silver dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with gleaming sequins. Gabriela offers a moderate stretch and includes a 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: 05002-6286

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $72.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Chloe Caged Long Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Bring the drama at your next soiree with our Chloe navy blue satin dress! She features a choker neck with strappy details for a caged look, a sweetheart bust with light padding, a strappy low back with an exposed zipper closure, a high waist, a floor length, flared mermaid skirt with a side leg slit, and a long train on the back that will surely turn heads. Chloe is composed of a satin fabric with no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6299

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    You were born to shine in the spotlight, stun as the center of attention in our mesmerizing Azariah dress! She features a rich burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features a matching V back, a bar strap accent and a dramatic train to grace each step! Her slim fit bodice leads to a mermaid silhouette that is accented with vertical seams to streamline curves. She is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6300

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Anya Formal Lace And Gemstone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine under the spotlight as you dance the night away in our dazzling Anya dress! She features a luxe burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups, princess seams and adjustable narrow straps. Her bodice is composed of a floral lace fabric adorned with sparkling sequins and leads to a pretty infinity shaped gemstone waist trim. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. She is composed of a combination lace and chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a full skirt knit lining and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6311

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brianna Formal Strapless Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in classically elegant velvet as you create a breathtaking entrance in our Brianna dress! She features an all over black hue, a strapless neckline, built in boning for structure and an elongating floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined luxe velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit that offers a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6287

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Breanne Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in sparkling sequins as you wow in our breathtaking Breanne dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a halter neck with a V neckline bust, padded cups, wide criss-cross shoulder straps and a bold open back. Her slim fit bodice features sexy waist cut outs and leads to a form hugging mermaid silhouette that has plenty of flair! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with gleaming sequins. Dress offers a moderate stretch. Includes a zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6272

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Angela Formal Embroidered Floral Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Enchanting and allure in our unforgettable Angela dress! She features a captivating navy color, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip and built in boning for structure. Her bodice is partially unlined and is adorned with an embroidered floral pattern with heat stone accents. He bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with vertical seams and a flared hem. Dress is composed of a combination smooth knit and mesh 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: 05002-6295

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Anika Off The Shoulder Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Step in as the center of attention as you dazzle under the lights in our glam Anika dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a sweetheart bust with a built in no slip strip and padded cups. 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 mesh fabric that is adorned with shimmering sequins throughout! Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

     Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6275

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Maia Formal One Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Wrap yourself in elegance as you enter the room in our charming Maia burgundy dress! She features a one shoulder neckline with a ruched detail, a fitted long sleeve and a curve hugging ruched silhouette that is accented with a high side slit to show off a hint of leg! Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6283

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Morgan Formal Flocked Velvet Dress

    Special Occasion

    Enchant in this long tulle formal dress featuring a sultry plunge V-neckline and empire waist that leads to dual high front slits along the sweeping floor-length silhouette. Perfect for weddings or black tie soirees.

    Fit& Features

    • Floral flocked velvet, semi-sheer mesh with lining
    • Plunge V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • High front slits, pleat details, back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Empire waist
    • Sweeping floor-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6274

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Tegan Formal Lattice Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Strike a pose in satin! Tegan features a royal blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and narrow shoulder straps. Her back features an open design with a lattice detailing that leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous floor length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets. She is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6254

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $169.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Valentina Formal Crushed Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Show what a precious stone you are in our elegant Valentina dress! She features an all over rich sapphire hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a fish hook clasp closure at the nape of the neck, a racer bust and padded cups for support. Her back features an open design accented with multi narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with a bold high slit. Dress is composed of a lined luxe crushed velvet fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6235

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rosemary Formal Chiffon Rainbow Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate in a burst of colors as you charm in our Rosemary dress! She features an all over multicolored hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, a pleated bodice and adjustable narrow straps that lead to a cross back design. Her waistband makes her a true one of a kind that comes in either a blue, yellow or pink hue! Her slim fit bodice flows into a sweeping floor length silhouette. She is composed of an airy slightly sheer chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and a lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6262

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free