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.

  • Kiara Formal Plunging Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the charm in our lovely Kiara dress! She features an ivory hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seam and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice features a narrow waist band accent and leads to a flounced midi silhouette skirt with a ruffled hem. Dress is composed of a slightly sheer crepe fabric with a full knit lining and offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. The back features a lower back zipper closure with a ruched detailing.

    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: 05001-4052

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jenny Formal Satin Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make your night one you'll never forget as you make memories in our party ready Jenny dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with padded cups and narrow adjustable straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a twirl worthy party length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets and pleated detailing. She is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes lining and a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4074

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aubrielle Formal Glitter Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glitz and glam as you shine in our Aubrielle dress! She features a rich burgundy color, an off the shoulder neckline with a fold over accent, a ruched detail along the left seam and an asymmetrical mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a glitter embellished crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter will transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4054

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Live it up in the spotlight as you shine on in our Millie dress! She features an all over black hue, a mock neck and a double button closure at the nape of the neck, fitted long sleeves and a daring open back that leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her lined crepe fabric is adorned with gold hued beads with heat stones set in a diamond geometric pattern. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'8.5" 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: 05001-4021

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nancy Floral Satin Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Channel a naturally beautiful look as you enchant in the ever-so gorgeous Nancy party dress! She features a strapless neckline with a wired V inset, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a party length silhouette with hidden side pockets and a voluminous petticoat. Her all over floral print features pink flowers that are contrasted with a royal blue background. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    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: 05001-4078

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Makenna Formal Velvet And Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an A-List worthy entrance in our gorgeous Makenna navy blue dress! She features a wrap V neckline, fitted long sleeves, princess seams and waistband accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a lovely envelope wrap skirt. She is composed of an all over navy blue lined velvet fabric adorned with gleaming sequins set in a diamond pattern. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes 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: 05001-3937

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Arabella Formal Heat Stone Mesh Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Adorn yourself with plenty of shine in our Arabella burgundy dress! She features a mock neck, unlined fitted long sleeves and a curve hugging midi length silhouette. She is composed of a burgundy hued lined mesh fabric adorned with gold hued heat stones set in a flashy baroque pattern. Dress offers a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3995

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Reyna Formal Sequin Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Glow from within as you shimmer in our dazzling Reyna rose gold dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, a row of double narrow straps and a fun mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with gorgeous sequins throughout! Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05001-4068

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kenzie Formal Lattice Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 


    Lace-up in luxe satin as you make a captivating entrance in our Kenzie dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V-neckline with padded cups, princess seams, and narrow straps that lead to a lattice back detail. Her slim-fit bodice leads to a midi-length silhouette accented with a side slit. The dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure. Complete look with heels and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps, lattice back, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Midi-length silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Lined stretchy satin fabric
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0619

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sheila Satin Queen Skater Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance and grace as you stun in our breathing Macy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to an unlined floral lace back with a lower back keyhole. Her slim fit bodice leads to a fluttering double layered skater skirt. Macy is composed of a luxe satin and lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4063

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Noelle Formal Satin Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Claim the throne as you reign the night in luxe rhinestones! Our Noelle dress features a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart bust with a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning for structure and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flaring multi layered party length skirt with hidden side pockets accented with rhinestones and gemstones. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure and petticoat

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3938

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $53.97 $154.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Carrianne Formal Taffeta Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Tie your evening look together with a pretty bow! Our Carrianne dress features an all over white hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and an empire waist accent. Her back features a cute tie waist accents to create the perfect bow! Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a playful bubble skirt with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined taffeta dress that offers relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4035

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Matilda Double Tiered Floral Dress
    Special Occasion

    Have a fun and flirty evening in our playful Matilda navy blue dress! She features a racer front bodice with narrow shoulder straps, a padded bust, a V back with a hidden zipper closure, sheer mesh insets on the sides, and a slim fit. Her short,  A-line satin skirt has a double-tiered hem complete with a beautiful, large floral purple watercolor design. Matilda offers little to no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4032

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Emily Ruched Glitter Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    You deserve to feel confident and glam, and that's exactly what our Emily natural mini dress will do! She features a V neckline, three-quarter sleeves, ruching to flatter every body type, and glitter to add that touch of sparkle. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3956

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.44 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Andrea Formal Glitter Lace Dress
    Special Occasion

    Shine and sparkle as you radiate in our glow-worthy Andrea dress! She features a white hue, an off the shoulder neckline, unlined elastic short sleeves, a sweetheart bust with a scalloped lace trim and padded cups. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette to show off your fab heel game! Dress is composed of a lined scalloped lace fabric featuring a gorgeous floral pattern and glitter accents throughout. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. Glitter may transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4037

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Pia Satin Floral Party Dress
    Special Occasion

    Our Pia party dress is so flirty and feminine! Perfect for attending a wedding or garden party, Pia is a springtime dream with a deep V neckline, adjustable shoulder straps, a hidden back zipper closure, a fitted bodice with a high waist seam, and a pleated A-line skirt with pockets that's totally flattering on your figure! Pia is composed of a lined satin fabric with a red floral print, and has no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4031

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Julieta Formal Heat Stone Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine like the star you are in our gleaming Julieta dress! She features an all over emerald green hue, a round neckline, fitted long sleeves and her back features a large keyhole with a fish hook clasp closure. She is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric adorned with twinkling heat stones from every angle! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining an back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4033

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Annalynn Formal Sequin Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Impress in dazzling sequins as you make a diva worthy entrance in our Annalynn dress! She features an all over black hue, a straight strapless neckline, a built in no slip strip and a flattering midi length. The all over lined mesh fabric is adorned with gleaming sequins set in a baroque and diamond pattern. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3992

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Elaine Fine Dine Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    It's an elegant night out! This perfect midi dress features a racer front with double halter and shoulder straps, a form hugging bodycon fit and a midi length. Dress includes a hidden back zipper closure. Elaine is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a from hugging fit with slight stretch. Includes an additional mini skirt length knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0173

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kairi Formal Scroll Print Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Light up the night as you glow in our Kairi dress! She features a burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with racer bust, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her bodice features a pretty scroll print composed of a mini beaded detail and glitter outline. Create a twirl worthy moment with her multi-tiered mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined crepe 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: 05001-4009

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Elysse Steal The Show Sequin Dress
    Our rose gold Elysse sequin dress steals the show with her glam party style! She features a wide neckline, long fitted sleeves, and a slim fit throughout. Rose gold sequins create an aesthetic diamond pattern all around. Elysse is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a full lining, and has minimal stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small

    *Also available in Plus

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3969

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Heather Formal Glitter Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take a bow as you make an encore worthy exit in our dazzling Heather dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and princess seams. Her back will garner a double take with an open design and lovely bow accent. She is composed of a twinkling glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3931

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $34.87 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Norah Formal Rhinestone Tulle Dress
    Special Occasion 


    Reign on in rhinestones as you dazzle in our Norah dress! She features a sleeveless partially unlined bodice, a square neckline with racer bust, adjustable narrow straps, a small keyhole, and lined padded cups. Her lace bodice is adorned with gleaming rhinestones to make a glam statement. Her multi-tiered party-length skirt is perfect for those twirl-worthy moments and is accented with a frilly merrow edge hemline. The dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure, skirt lining, and voluminous petticoat. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3934

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $119.87 $169.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mei Heat Up The Night Dress
    Special Occasion

    Heat up the night in our burgundy Mei mini dress! She features a wide neckline, long fitted sleeves, an exposed back zipper closure, and a body-hugging silhouette. Heat stones vertically curve around Mei to create a sexy hourglass illusion. The dress is composed of a stretchy velvet fabric.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3884

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance