Formal Dresses
Windsor’s formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
Now Trending
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Formal Dresses for Fall & Winter’s Biggest Moments
Windsor’s formal dresses bring elevated style to weddings, galas, military balls, homecoming, black-tie events, and other moments worth dressing up for. Discover elegant dresses in timeless black, romantic wine, rich jewel tones, metallic hues, and soft neutrals, with silhouettes ranging from classic A-lines and columns to fitted bodycons and mermaid gowns. New styles arrive every week with appliqués, draping, hardware, ties, and adjustable details that help you find a look that feels polished, current, and confidently yours.
Find a Formal Look That Fits the Occasion
The right dress starts with the event. Long formal dresses bring classic elegance to black-tie weddings, galas, military balls, and upscale evening celebrations, while polished midis and select short formal dresses can suit events with a less traditional dress code. For dressy occasions that call for something elevated without a full-length gown, explore formal cocktail dresses for another way to match your look to the invitation.
How Should I Dress for a Black-Tie or Formal Wedding?
Start by checking the invitation for the exact dress code. Black-tie events traditionally call for an elevated evening look, making floor-length gowns and refined silhouettes strong choices. Consider a column, A-line, or mermaid gown, then use color and details to make it your own. Black and navy offer timeless sophistication, while shades of red, green, purple, or gold can bring more personality to the occasion. Draping, appliqués, and polished necklines add another layer of interest without losing the formal feel.
What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Dress and a Formal Dress?
The biggest differences are usually the dress code, overall level of polish, and length. Cocktail dresses commonly fall around the knee or midi length and work well for semi-formal parties, receptions, and dressy dinners. Formal dresses tend to feature longer hemlines, more structured silhouettes, or elevated details suited to galas, formal weddings, and black-tie occasions. If the invitation has you second-guessing your choice, The Windsor Edit’s guide to cocktail dresses vs. formal dresses breaks down the differences with styling examples.
Can Formal Dresses Be Short?
Sometimes—the invitation and venue should guide your choice. Short formal dresses with structured silhouettes, elevated fabrics, appliqués, or polished details can work for certain dressy events, but traditional black-tie occasions generally call for an ankle-length or floor-length gown. When the dress code feels somewhere between cocktail and formal, consider the event time, setting, and host guidance before choosing your hemline.
Which Formal Dress Fabrics Work Best for Fall and Winter?
Fabric can change both the look and feel of your dress. Richer, more substantial materials create a seasonally polished effect for cooler-weather occasions, while fluid fabrics add movement to long gowns and draped silhouettes. Your event setting, desired structure, and comfort preferences can all help narrow the choice. For a deeper look at how materials affect your outfit, explore Windsor’s guide to formal dress fabrics.
How Do I Find a Formal Dress That Feels Secure and Comfortable?
Look for design details that let you personalize the fit instead of spending the evening adjusting your dress. Lace-up backs can help fine-tune the bodice, corset construction adds structure, wrap designs offer flexibility, and adjustable or removable straps can change how a neckline fits and feels. Halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, plunge, scoop, and square necklines also give you options depending on the coverage and support you prefer.
What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?
Winter is your moment to lean into deeper color, shine, and elevated details. Explore Windsor's 2026 winter formal dresses in shades like plum, hunter green, chocolate, ruby, and copper, or make the night feel extra special with rose gold and other metallic finishes. Prefer a lighter palette? White and ivory can create a striking winter look, especially with appliqués, draping, or dimensional details. Finish with a silhouette you feel confident in, from fitted columns and mermaid gowns to flowing A-lines.
Make Your Formal Moment Your Own
Whether you’re shopping for special occasion dresses, an affordable bridal look, bridesmaid style, party gown, or military ball dress, Windsor gives you options that balance current trends with timeless silhouettes. New styles arrive every week online, in the Windsor app, and at more than 350 stores across North America, making it easier to find the dress that fits both your event and your personal style.
-
Maria Evening Delicacy Dress
Special OccasionLook sweet enough to eat in our delicate Maria dress! She has a conservative boat neck paired with a padded bust and a delicate crochet back detailed with sparkling beads. Her sleeveless design is composed of a lined lace that offers a moderate stretch and features a high slit. The garment closes with a basic side zipper closure.
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: 05002-5488
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $47.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Madelyn Beaded Lace Dress
Special OccasionMadelyn has all the intricate details to make your night extra special. She features a deep V neckline with a scalloped lace trim, a padded bust, an exposed back zipper closure, and adjustable shoulder straps so you can effortlessly look and feel glam. The floor length skirt has a high leg slit and a slight flare so your curves will really be the center of attention. Madelyn has a full contrast lining and is composed of an embellished mesh and lace crochet fabric that offers little to no stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5486
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Melanie Elegance In Lace Dress
Special OccassionBe the definition of elegance in our Melanie dress. She features a strapless, sweetheart bodice composed of white lace against a nude lining and adorned with subtle sequins. Also includes boning at the bust and a back zipper. Her A-line skirt is composed of sheer chiffon fabric and includes a full lining with a high front slit.
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: 05002-5460
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $134.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Rochelle Formal Fantasy Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it radiant in the Rochelle dress! Make a sensational entrance at your next special event in this formal crepe dress featuring a stunning off-the-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust that cascades off the shoulders, and a built-in bust for support. The vertical seams on the bodice create a streamlined look on the flared mermaid silhouette that highlights curves to create an hourglass effect. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels and a sleek satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Off-shoulder sweetheart neckline, short-sleeve cuffs
- Built-in padded bust, adhesive bra recommended
- Vertical seams, mermaid silhouette
- Back zipper closure
- Form-hugging style
- Crepe-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5841
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Maddison Sleeveless Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a formal mermaid dress that radiates elegance and grace. Captivate with a sleek, timeless style for your next special event in a dress that brings glamour. The Maddison formal dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a fold-over accent and vertical princess seams at the bust that provides structure. The relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette that flatters curves by creating an hourglass illusion. Complete your elegant formal outfit with a rhinestone hair clip to create a gorgeous updo and a sleek envelope clutch.Fits & Features
- Fold-over off-the-shoulder neckline
- Strapless adhesive bra recommended
- Mermaid silhouette, princess seams
- Curve-hugging fit
- Back zipper closure
- Crepe-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5415
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Janessa Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and shine in sequins as you make a gleaming entrance in our Janessa dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a wired sweetheart bust, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with sparkling sequins set in a baroque inspired print. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5408
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Sara Sleeveless Glitter Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionBring a little magic with you as you celebrate a timelessly unforgettable night in our Sara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a deep V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a scoop back and a curve hugging bodice. Her hourglass silhouette and flattering mermaid skirt with pleated details offer a fun, flirty look! Her all over glitter accents bring plenty of shine and glamour as you own the night! She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5387
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Rena Lace Evening Dress
Make it an evening to remember in our breathtaking Rena dress. She is composed of fully lined lace and features a V neckline, adjustable shoulder straps that lead to a low back and a beautiful trumpet silhouette with rear godet paneling for a sweep train effect. Dress includes a back zipper closure. Fabric offers 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: 05002-5375
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.94 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Penny Double Slit Satin Dress
Special OccasionSet hearts ablaze in our fiery Penny dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a square back and a wide empire waist accent that cinches waist into a flattering hourglass silhouette. Her bodice leads to a flowing floor length skirt accented with two extreme high front slits to show off your glowing gams! She is composed of textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with little to no stretch. Includes back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9.5" with a 34" 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: 05002-5344
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Lucy Plunging Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionStun in our Lucy dress and it may just lead to a special encounter! She features a plunging wired V neckline, narrow long sleeves and flattering princess seams that create lovely panels along the bodice. Her bodice leads to a sweeping mermaid skirt that flares out perfectly to embrace curves while offering a moderate stretch. She is composed of a smooth to the touch knit fabric that creates a sleek silhouette.
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: 05002-5394
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $17.44 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Christina Floral Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionLet your natural beauty radiate confidence in our Christina dress! Her vibrant floral pattern will help you channel a lovely aura! She features, a plunging wrapped V neckline paired with narrow adjustable straps, a cinching tie waist belt and a lightly pleated flowing maxi length skirt. She is composed of a lightweight chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. She includes a thin knit lining and a back zipper closure.
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: 05002-5350
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Samantha Illusion Lace Dress
Special OccasionClass up your night with sophisticated lace in our Samantha dress! She features a plunging V neckline, short cap sleeves and flattering princess seams. Her collar features an unlined dainty lace accent that creates a flattering keyhole effect. Her back steals the show with an unlined illusion lace to make a bold statement! Her slim fit bodice leads to a flirty mermaid skirt that adds the perfect pop to your look!
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: 05002-5319
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.44 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Penelope Ruched Formal Dress
Special OccasionSlay in ravishing red as you make an alluring entrance that will be one to remember in our gorgeous Penelope dress. She features a sleeveless bodice and a plunging wrapped V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a square back with elastic band. Her wrapped bodice leads to a flattering ruched detail that runs along the center down a curve hugging floor length skirt. The skirt features an extreme high side slit that is perfect for showing off those glowing gams! She is composed of an extremely smooth to the touch knit fabric that offers minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9.5 with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5281
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.94 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Jessica Glitter Open Back Dress
Special OccasionCelebrate your special night with plenty of glam as you channel your inner diva in our Jessica dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging neckline with a sheer mesh inset accent and halter-like straps that lead to a racer-style back with a lower back keyhole. Back includes a gold zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice features flattering princess seams that streamline to a curve hugging floor length skirt. Her all over glitter knit fabric serves up plenty of shine while offering minimal stretch. Dress includes thin knit lining.
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: 05002-5321
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $23.44 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Hailey Open Back Sequin Dress
Special OccasionLive out your wildest dreams in our sweet Hailey dress as you enjoy your happily ever! She features a sleeveless bodice, boat neckline, cap sleeves and a daring open back with a golden button fasten at the nape of the neck. Her bodice leads to a curve hugging trumpet skirt that brings plenty of flair with a high back slit accent! Her all over rose gold colored sequins dazzle and wow and are contrasted with sheer mesh fabric. She is composed of mesh fabric that offers minimal stretch. Includes full thin knit lining and lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5320
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.94 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Amy Crepe Open Lattice Back Dress
Special OccasionSizzle and unleash your inner vixen in our sexy Amy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neck and double narrow straps leading to an open back with a strappy lattice design. Her bodice features flattering princess seams and leads to a curve hugging trumpet skirt that graces each step! She is composed of a vibrant red crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5285
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Alina Plunging Sweetheart Formal Dress
Special OccasionDive deep in love with burgundy this season as you stun in our romantic Alina dress. She features a sleeveless bodice and a plunging sweetheart neckline paired with narrow shoulder straps leading to a sexy open back. Her bodice features a sheer unlined mesh inset that makes her one of a kind! Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length skirt with a thigh high side slit. She is composed of an extremely smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5’9.5 with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5282
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.94 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Yasmin Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
Special OccasionDrape yourself in romance as you grace them with your stunning beauty in our Yasmin dress! She features a plunging wrap V neckline, long sleeves and an adjustable tie waist complimented that allows you to wear her as you please! Her sweeping floor length skirt brings plenty of drama with each step! She is composed of an extremely smooth knit fabric that offers a natural fit with moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5271
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Sarai Sleeveless Sequin Scroll Dress
Special OccasionRoll into the evening with eye catching sequins as you slay in our Sarai dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a boat neckline and an all gleaming sequin scroll print that shines from any angle! Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length sheath skirt that features a high side slit to show off a hint of leg and a diamond stitch pattern. Dress is composed of slightly sheer mesh fabric that is lined with a thin knit fabric that offers a form fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05002-5262
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Brooklynn Scalloped Lace Dress
Special OccasionLive it up in lace as you create your own special moment with your love on that much needed date night in our Brooklynn dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with lace detailed trim paired with thin adjustable straps. Her bodice features lightly padded cups, flattering princess seams leading to an inverted triangle detailed waistband. Her waistband leads to a sweeping floor length skirt with a scalloped laced detailed high slit. Her all over floral lace pattern strikes a sweet note with a thin knit underlay that offers a natural fit with moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7 with a 34" 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: 05002-5233
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.94 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Melina Pleated Crepe Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionGet lost in a sea of seams to slay in this sexy essential dress that will have them awe struck! Our Melina dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline paired with bra friendly wide shoulder straps that lead to a shallow scoop back. Her bodice features a flattering vertical seam design that resemble a pleating accent that leads to a curve hugging silhouette that allows your curves to speak for themselves! She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch and a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5204
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Kennedi Lace Illusion Dress
Special OccasionToast off the perfect night with classic lace as you flawlessly own the night in our Kennedi dress! She features a high round neckline and an unlined upper bodice with unlined narrow long sleeves that feature a lovely floral lace pattern. Her bodice features a sweetheart inset that is accented with an illusion and piping detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to an hourglass worthy silhouette that flares out to a sweeping mermaid skirt. She is composed of a crepe and lace fabric that offers a form fit with minimal stretch. Includes back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05002-5203
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $23.44 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Lizbeth Classic Twist Formal Dress
Special OccasionOur Lizbeth Classic Twist Formal dress will transform you as you walk into the room. She is a high-low prom dress that features a plunging V neckline with thin adjustable straps to show off your favorite gems. Lizbeth also has a wide waistband that hugs the curves and moves the eye to her flattering modernized skirt. The long back is like an evening gown while the front is short and flirty to show off your dazzling heels! Her woven fabric is figure-fitting and drapes like a slip that shows off your favorite features.
Model is 5'9 with a 32" 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: 05002-4017
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Gwen Scalloped Lace Dress
Special OccasionWow them all in lace, fit for a lady such as yourself, in our Gwen dress! She features a high round neckline, long, fitted, unlined sleeves and a scalloped lace trim open back leading to a lower back zipper closure. The bodice features an all over floral lace pattern with a thin knit lining leading to a curve flattering crepe skirt. Her sweeping floor length skirt features a high side slit to show off a pop of skin. She offers a curve hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'7 with a 34" 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: 05002-5145
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance