Formal Dresses
Windsor’s formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Formal Dresses for Fall & Winter’s Biggest Moments
Windsor’s formal dresses bring elevated style to weddings, galas, military balls, homecoming, black-tie events, and other moments worth dressing up for. Discover elegant dresses in timeless black, romantic wine, rich jewel tones, metallic hues, and soft neutrals, with silhouettes ranging from classic A-lines and columns to fitted bodycons and mermaid gowns. New styles arrive every week with appliqués, draping, hardware, ties, and adjustable details that help you find a look that feels polished, current, and confidently yours.
Find a Formal Look That Fits the Occasion
The right dress starts with the event. Long formal dresses bring classic elegance to black-tie weddings, galas, military balls, and upscale evening celebrations, while polished midis and select short formal dresses can suit events with a less traditional dress code. For dressy occasions that call for something elevated without a full-length gown, explore formal cocktail dresses for another way to match your look to the invitation.
How Should I Dress for a Black-Tie or Formal Wedding?
Start by checking the invitation for the exact dress code. Black-tie events traditionally call for an elevated evening look, making floor-length gowns and refined silhouettes strong choices. Consider a column, A-line, or mermaid gown, then use color and details to make it your own. Black and navy offer timeless sophistication, while shades of red, green, purple, or gold can bring more personality to the occasion. Draping, appliqués, and polished necklines add another layer of interest without losing the formal feel.
What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Dress and a Formal Dress?
The biggest differences are usually the dress code, overall level of polish, and length. Cocktail dresses commonly fall around the knee or midi length and work well for semi-formal parties, receptions, and dressy dinners. Formal dresses tend to feature longer hemlines, more structured silhouettes, or elevated details suited to galas, formal weddings, and black-tie occasions. If the invitation has you second-guessing your choice, The Windsor Edit’s guide to cocktail dresses vs. formal dresses breaks down the differences with styling examples.
Can Formal Dresses Be Short?
Sometimes—the invitation and venue should guide your choice. Short formal dresses with structured silhouettes, elevated fabrics, appliqués, or polished details can work for certain dressy events, but traditional black-tie occasions generally call for an ankle-length or floor-length gown. When the dress code feels somewhere between cocktail and formal, consider the event time, setting, and host guidance before choosing your hemline.
Which Formal Dress Fabrics Work Best for Fall and Winter?
Fabric can change both the look and feel of your dress. Richer, more substantial materials create a seasonally polished effect for cooler-weather occasions, while fluid fabrics add movement to long gowns and draped silhouettes. Your event setting, desired structure, and comfort preferences can all help narrow the choice. For a deeper look at how materials affect your outfit, explore Windsor’s guide to formal dress fabrics.
How Do I Find a Formal Dress That Feels Secure and Comfortable?
Look for design details that let you personalize the fit instead of spending the evening adjusting your dress. Lace-up backs can help fine-tune the bodice, corset construction adds structure, wrap designs offer flexibility, and adjustable or removable straps can change how a neckline fits and feels. Halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, plunge, scoop, and square necklines also give you options depending on the coverage and support you prefer.
What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?
Winter is your moment to lean into deeper color, shine, and elevated details. Explore Windsor's 2026 winter formal dresses in shades like plum, hunter green, chocolate, ruby, and copper, or make the night feel extra special with rose gold and other metallic finishes. Prefer a lighter palette? White and ivory can create a striking winter look, especially with appliqués, draping, or dimensional details. Finish with a silhouette you feel confident in, from fitted columns and mermaid gowns to flowing A-lines.
Make Your Formal Moment Your Own
Whether you’re shopping for special occasion dresses, an affordable bridal look, bridesmaid style, party gown, or military ball dress, Windsor gives you options that balance current trends with timeless silhouettes. New styles arrive every week online, in the Windsor app, and at more than 350 stores across North America, making it easier to find the dress that fits both your event and your personal style.
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Mae Formal Taffeta Party Dress
Special OccasionKeep it flirty and playful in our pretty Mae dress! She features a navy blue color, a straight strapless neckline and a flattering empire waist band accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to gorgeous bubble skirt with hidden side pockets. 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 smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4097
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alanna Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special OccasionShimmer and shine as you make a glam statement in the diva approved Alanna dress! She features a luxe gold hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flattering midi length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
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: 05001-4116
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nayla Formal Sequin Fringe Dress
Special OccasionBring the glam and luxe in our sparkling Nayla dress! She features a rose gold color, a V neckline with padded cups, adjustable straps and a midi length silhouette with a fringe hem. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with dazzling sequins throughout. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a slight 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: 05001-4109
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Vienna Plunge Perfect Dress
Special OccasionTake the perfect backless plunge in our Vienna homecoming dress! She features a boat neck with long, narrow sleeves, a plunging back with a wired V detail and a mermaid silhouette. Her smooth stretchy fabric allows for a sexy form hugging fit with plenty of mobility for you to dance the night away!
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: 05002-3994
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vivienne Glitter Open Back Dress
Special OccasionShow off who's bringing sexy back with plenty of shine to keep you glowing all night! Our Vivienne dress features a round neckline, narrow long sleeves and a slim fit leading to a sweeping floor length. Her back stands out with an open design and single bar detail to show of more than a hint of skin. Her all over metallic glitter fabric shines from any angle to create a truly lasting impression. Dress offers a form fit with moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.
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: 05002-5065
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.44 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Reagan Velvet Gem Stone Dress
Special OccasionEmbrace the night with plenty of confidence in our alluring Reagan dress! She features a sleeveless bodice and a racer front complimented with a high round collar. Her collar features a dazzling diamond shaped gem stone accent that follows through the sides to create a beautiful trim and a button closure at the nape of the neck. Her back features a skin teasing open back design paired with two narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a sexy thigh high slit to show off your heel game! She is composed of a smooth velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes back zipper closure. Lined with a thin knit fabric and includes a mini skirt length knit lining.
Model is 5’9.5 with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5082
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.94 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kimberly Velvet Sweetheart Dress
Special OccasionNothing says sexy quite like a sleek strapless dress! Channel an alluring vibe in our Kimberly navy dress! She features a strapless neckline with sweetheart front, no slip strip for a secure fit and lightly padded cups to support your curves. Her bodice features flattering princess seams that lead to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette with a banded hemline. Her all over luxurious velvet fabric offers a soft to the touch feel with slight stretch. Dress is lined with thin knit fabric.
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: 05002-5464
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kiley Sequin Lace Up Back Dress
Special OccasionStun in sequins as you shine on throughout the whole night in our charming Kiley formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, racer front paired with double narrow adjustable straps that lead to a sexy cross back and lightly padded cups for lift and support. Her slim fir bodice leads to a floor length skirt with a skin teasing high slit to show off your heel game! The all over dangling sequins overlay a mesh fabric and is complimented with a thin knit lining. She offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes a lower 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: 05002-5093
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $37.44 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Francesca Velvet Rose Applique Dress
Special OccasionThere's nothing quite like a fresh bouquet of roses to create an aura of romance in the air. Channel a sweet look in our Francesca dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, wired sweetheart neckline and a large red rose applique detail across the bodice. Her slim fit leads to a flirty mermaid skirt to keep you twirling gracefully all night! Her all over velvet fabric creates a beautiful look and feel to keep you feeling fancy! She offers a form fit with moderate stretch. Dress includes back zipper closure and thin knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5039
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.94 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Daphne Scalloped Lace Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in classic lace to make a sophisticated entrance at your next event! Our Daphne dress features a plunging V neckline with a delicate scalloped lace trim and unlined cap sleeves with fringe detailing. Her bodice features a two tone detail with an intricate lace black pattern paired with a beige lining. The waist features a narrow empire waist detail leading to an inverted triangle detail that creates a flattering hourglass shape. Her sheath silhouette features a high front center slit to show off just a hint of skin. She is composed of crepe fabric that offers a form fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-4956
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cassidy Sleeveless Floor Length Dress
Special OccasionThe best way to stun the crowd is with an elegant floor length evening gown! Our breath-taking Cassidy dress says it all with a sleeveless bodice that is detailed with a cross over pleats and side mesh insets. She has a racer front and narrow shoulder straps leading to the back that includes a zipper closure. Her sheath skirt hugs your curves and falls to the floor with ground-shaking grace and features a back slit for easy movement. She is composed of a crepe knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch for a slim fit that is both flattering and comfortable.
Model is 5'8 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: 05002-4860
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $17.44 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shania Formal Velvet Sweetheart Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in luxe velvet as you make a breathtaking impression in our Shania dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust with padded cups, off-the-shoulder short sleeves, and an A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a sleek clutch.
Fits & Features
- Plunging wired sweetheart neckline
- Short, off-shoulder sleeves
- Padded cups, princess seams at the bust
- Slim fit bodice, back zipper
- Floor-length silhouette accented with high side slit
- Lined, velvet composition
- Form hugging fit with moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5366
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Miriam Lady In Dress
Special Occasion
Stand out tonight in our Miriam dress! She features a sleeveless body with a V neckline, a plunging V back with a bar detail, a fitted bodice and a trumpet silhouette. She is composed of a crepe knit that offers a moderate stretch. Includes back zipper
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6745
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Janie Formal One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in our Janie dress that reflects glamour for your next special evening. She features a sleek one-shoulder neckline, a ruched bodice, a high waist seam, and a floor-length skirt with a sexy high side slit and ruched detailing. The dress is composed of a comfortable knit fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete your stunning evening outfit with rhinestone earrings and strappy stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline | Tank strap
- Adhesive bra recommended
- High side slit with ruched seam
- Floor-length silhouette
- Sleek knit lined fabric
- Fits true to size | Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1020
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Polly Formal High Slit Dress
Special OccasionBring the glamour in the ever so lovely Polly dress! She features a vibrant yellow hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating sweeping floor length A-Line skirt that is accented with a high side slit to show off your heel game! She offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05002-0089
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sivan Glam Sequin Dress
Special OccasionShimmer and glow as you radiate your one of a kind beauty in our dazzling Sivan dress! She features a round neckline, cap sleeves and princess seams. Her back features a gorgeous cascading cowl neck detail. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins throughout. She offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a side zipper closure and full knit lining.
*Also available in Plus ,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: 05002-5035
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kenia Formal Velvet Midi Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in luxe velvet as you allure them all in our Kenia dress! She features an all over black hue, an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust, fitted long sleeves and a midi length silhouette with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a black hued velvet fabric.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small ,,*Also available in Plus.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4091
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rose Formal Satin Party Dress
Special OccasionFrom the moment you try on Rose, you'll never want to let go! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a no slip strip, built in boning and padded cups. Her flared party skirt features hidden side pocket with an embroidered detail and rhinestone embellishments. She is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat 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: 05001-4113
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $53.97 $154.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Becca Formal Ruched Midi Dress
Special OccasionLive it up and take the spotlight in our bold Becca dress! She features a vibrant neon orange hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with narrow straps and all over ruching to enhance curves. Becca is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4080
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gina Floral Satin Party Dress
Special OccasionStun and charm in pretty florals! Gina features an ivory color with soft pinks for a romantic vibe, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to an unlined floral lace panel. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared party length skirt with hidden side pockets and a dramatic petticoat.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4077
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lorena Glitter Prom Dress
Special OccasionBandage and glitter? Two of our absolute favorites! This stunning dress features a glitter dusted fabric with multiple horizontal seams creating a bandage look, wide shoulder straps, a crossed fabric bust accent and a sheath silhouette. Includes an exposed, gold back zipper and bust padding.
Model is 5'7.5" 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: 05002-3627
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $17.44 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Bethany Formal High Slit Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionCreate a radiating impression in our charming Bethany dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and narrow adjustable cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit that reveals a contrast lining. Dress is composed of a chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0045
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Amara Sweet Seduction Dress
Special OccasionGive in to the sweet seduction of our sultry Amara dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a zip up back, a padded bust, a high leg slit and a stretchy crepe fabric.
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: 05002-5062
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $18.44 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tamia Lace Drama Dress
Special OccasionBring on the mystery and drama in our Tamia dress! She features a round neckline, sheer lace long sleeves, and a sheer lace bodice with back zip and darker illusion underlay at bust. Tamia's dramatic high-low taffeta skirt combines two silhouettes: an A-line mini with a voluminous tulle lining and a longer maxi that tapers and pools into a train.
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: 05002-4502
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance