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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Alexa Rhinestone And Pearl Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle with every step—the Alexa rhinestone and pearl mini dress brings instant glam with its curve-skimming silhouette and delicate lace-up back. Designed to dazzle, it’s the perfect look for nights that call for shine.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- Rhinestone and faux pearl embellishments, diamond pattern
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open lace-up back design, tie closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, dressed-up dinners, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000429
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Party Starter Latex Ruffle Skater Dress
Steal every glance in the room with this latex skater dress built to slay. With a ruched curve-hugging fit and flirty ruffled design, it’s the ultimate party starter.
Fit & Features
- Sleek latex fabric, high stretch
- Strapless straight-across neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper hook-eye closure
- Ruching, drop waist
- Tiered ruffled design
- Mini-length skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000450
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $7.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kailany Floral Ruffle Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Let the Kailany charm you with beautiful, cascading ruffles and a delicate floral print while the high side slit offers an alluring show of leg along the floor-length silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, airy mesh fabric, smooth knit stretchy lining
- Strapless neckline
- Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Cascading ruffles
- High side slit
- Form-hugging silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridal showers, garden parties, birthdays, date nights, engagement photoshoots, baby showers, dressy brunches, milestone celebrations, dinner parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000305
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLUE, SAGE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alaia Floral Embroidered Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to captivate from every angle, the Alaia satin mini dress stuns with a sheer sequin floral embroidered bodice that perfectly balances allure and elegance. It's your luxe go-to for nights that call for a little extra glam.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Sheer mesh bodice, lined sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Flexible boning, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Floral embroidery with clear sequins
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Pleating, mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, holiday soirees, and luxe nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000416
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: M
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Makenna Floral Sequin A-Line Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle in movement with the Makenna floral sequin A-line mini dress, crafted to catch the light with every step. The playful flared silhouette and lace-up back bring a fresh mix of romance and allure, perfect for any occasion on your calendar.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Floral print sequin embroidery
- Sleeveless square neckline, underbust seam
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open lace-up back, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday festivities, formal garden parties, bridal showers, fancy date nights, and bachelorette parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000415
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ashlie Velvet Burnout Lace-Up Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A gown designed to steal the spotlight, the Ashlie velvet burnout mermaid dress drapes in a soft cowl neckline and flows into a high front slit that moves with every step. The lace-up open back adds the perfect balance of allure and drama.
Fit & Features
- Velvet burnout pattern, mesh fabric, stretch knit lining
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams
- High front slit, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Black-tie weddings, formal receptions, red-carpet events, galas, holiday soirees, engagement parties, formal celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000310
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Juliette Strapless Beaded Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and radiant, the Juliette strapless beaded mini dress is designed to sparkle with every step. With its sweetheart neckline and bodycon silhouette, it’s a flawless choice for celebrations that call for timeless glamour.
Fit & Features
- Beaded, embellished, mesh-lined stretch fabric
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, bridal celebrations, engagement parties, bachelorettes, birthdays, date nights, cocktail parties, fancy brunches, rooftop hotel bars
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000419
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WHITE, PINK, YELLOW, LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XXS
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Juliette Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Romantic with an edge, the Juliette velvet mini dress features a corset-inspired bodice and flirty ruffle straps. Designed with a bodycon fit and ruched detailing, it’s the perfect blend of sultry and sweet for your next dressy night out.
Fit & Features
- Velvet burnout pattern, mesh-lined fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, ruffled fringe trim
- Ruffle trim adjustable shoulder straps
- Corset-inspired bodice
- Back zipper closure
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthdays, bachelorettes, date nights, cocktail parties, rooftop hotel bars, fancy brunches
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000418
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Morgan Lace-Up Slit Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Striking from every angle, the sultry Morgan formal midi dress is your RSVP-ready secret weapon. With a sculpting bodycon fit, statement lace-up back, and thigh-high front slit, it’s built for champagne toasts and double takes.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit stretchy fabric
- Halter neckline, spaghetti strap tie
- Lace-up open back
- Front slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, fancy brunches, date night, cocktail soirees, dinner parties, red carpet occasions, charity dinners, glam events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000413
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sophie Open Back Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made to shine at every celebration, the Sophie strapless bead sequin mini dress brings a sculpted fit and open back detail that feels sleek yet playful. It’s the perfect mix of flirty and polished—built for those unforgettable moments.
Fit & Features
- Sequin, bead-embellished, knit-lined fabric
- Strapless neckline
- Cutout open back
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthdays, date nights, bridal and wedding showers, bachelorettes, dressy brunches, rooftop hotel bars, Vegas
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000405
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: IVORY, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXS
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brooke Satin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for the spotlight moment, the Brooke mini dress turns every glance into admiration. Crafted in luxe satin with a strapless cowl neckline and sculpted pleated waist, this mini’s all about curve-hugging polish and effortless allure.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin-lined fabric
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Back lace-up and zipper and hook-eye closure
- Dual pleated waist accents
- Draped pleated waist detail
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Cocktail soiree, birthday dinner, upscale date night, bachelorettes, glam celebrations, Vegas
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000403
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Cecilia Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Ethereal and elegant, the Cecilia mesh off-the-shoulder dress is made for entrances that linger in memory. The cascading ruffle detail and sleek silhouette bring soft movement and romantic polish to every occasion.
Fit & Features
- Mesh-lined fabric
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, ruffled short-sleeve cuffs
- High side slit
- Ruffled form-hugging fit
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, fancy brunches, bridal showers, baby showers, garden parties, date nights, milestone celebrations, birthdays, dinner parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000299
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Corrie Mesh Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A dress made for grand entrances, the Corrie mesh mermaid gown skims every curve before flowing into an elegant floor-length finish. The plunging neckline and sleek ruching add the perfect balance of drama and polish for your most formal occasions.
Fit & Features
- Mesh-lined fabric
- V-neckline with wired insert
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Ruched mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, homecoming, black tie galas, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, bridal celebrations, fancy birthdays, date nights, anniversaries, red-carpet events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000298
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS
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Anne Halter Cutout Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Made for grand entrances, the Anne floor-length gown features a halter neckline with a bold keyhole cutout and an open lace-up back. The curve-contouring mermaid silhouette flows into a floor-sweeping hem, serving sleek sophistication with every step.
Fit & Features
- Sleek knit-lined stretchy fabric
- Halter cutout neckline
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, charity auctions, nights at the theatre, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, military balls, red-carpet occasions, big birthday events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000291
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sofie Satin Strapless Lace-Up Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Silky satin meets sculpted structure in the Sofie strapless floor-length gown, designed with flexible boning at the bust for support and a lace-up back for a customizable fit. A high side slit adds just the right amount of drama to every step.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Strapless neckline, flexible boning inserts
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- High side slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Black-tie weddings, bridesmaids, galas, elegant engagement parties, anniversary dinners, formal celebrations, charity balls, holiday parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000281
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jessica Strapless Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Elegance in motion—the Jessica strapless mermaid gown hugs every curve with sleek sophistication, featuring a ruched sweetheart bodice and an open back cutout that feels equal parts timeless and daring.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, twist bust
- Cutout back design, clasp closure strap
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black-tie galas, formal celebrations, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, nights at the opera
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000286
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marleigh Velvet One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek, stunning, and undeniably chic—the Marleigh velvet one-shoulder midi dress turns heads with its asymmetric neckline, figure-tracing silhouette, and daring thigh-high slit. A perfect mix of elegance and allure for your next night out.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, long fitted sleeve
- Sweetheart padded bust
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Ruching, high-cut front slit
- Midi-length form-hugging silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, evening dinners, romantic date nights, and rooftop parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000400
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sloane Velvet Lace-Up Column Dress
Special Occasion
Made to mesmerize, the Sloane velvet column dress exudes understated allure with its sleek draping and lace-up back detail. Designed to hug your shape and glide with every step, it’s the definition of soft glam done right.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sweetheart neckline, pleated cowl neck overlay, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, tie closure, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Floor-length column silhouette
- High-cut side slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal weddings, black-tie parties, red-carpet events, galas, and holiday soirees.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000280
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Allina Halter Strappy Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sculpted for drama, the Allina mesh mermaid dress wows with a plunging halter neckline, ruched details, and a strappy open back that leaves a lasting impression. Its curve-hugging silhouette and floor-length finish make it the ultimate statement for after-dark glamour.
Fit & Features
- Abstract print, mesh-lined stretchy fabric
- Plunge halter neckline, padded bra cups
- Open strappy back with hardware insets
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, formal galas, red-carpet events, dressy birthday dinners, cocktail receptions, industry events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000287
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Eleanor V-Neck Bodycon Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Made for your next dress-to-impress moment, the stunning Eleanor formal dress hugs your curves in all the right places. With a plunge V-neckline, crisscross back, and a side-pleated hip seam, this midi dress turns every step into a statement.
Fit & Features
- Sleek knit fabric, smooth knit stretchy lining
- Plunge V-neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Crisscross back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side pleated hip seam
- Faux wrap bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, date nights, cocktail soirees, birthdays, shower celebrations, dinner parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000398
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Katelyn Sequin Open Back Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for that effortlessly unforgettable entrance, the Katelyn mini dress catches the light with every step thanks to its intricate sequin scroll pattern. The body-skimming silhouette is balanced by an open strappy lace-up back that is head-turning.
Fit & Features
- Sequin-beaded scroll pattern, mesh-lined fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Open strappy lace-up back
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, birthdays, bachelorettes, date nights, rooftop hotel bars, upscale dinners, Vegas
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000395
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XS, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maia Satin Corset Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for nights that call for sleek confidence, the Maia satin mini dress features a structured corset bodice and lace-up back that sculpts and stuns. The curve-skimming silhouette with a subtle slit is sultry and chic—perfect for any party that deserves a head-turning look.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric with knit lining
- Sleeveless square neckline, padded bust, underbust seam
- Corset bodice, flexible boning, thin tank shoulder straps
- Sheer mesh back inserts, lace-up back, zipper with hook-eye closure
- Ruched detailing, short side slit
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, brides-to-be, bachelorette parties, dressed-up dinners, romantic date nights, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000394
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Gemma Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Designed for your most glamorous moments, the Gemma velvet mermaid dress stuns with an off-the-shoulder neckline that frames every entrance with elegance. The sleek silhouette hugs in all the right places before flowing into a floor-sweeping hem.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Off-the-shoulder cross-front neckline, short sleeve straps
- Ruching
- Floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Black-tie parties, red-carpet events, galas, and formal affairs.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000276
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nyssa Strapless Slit Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to steal the spotlight, the Nyssa strapless gown features a ruched bust, mermaid fit, and a daring thigh-high slit. Equal parts sultry and sophisticated, it’s a look that guarantees unforgettable entrances.
Fit & Features
- Foil sheen knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups, ruched bust
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, cocktail parties, red-carpet events, romantic dinner dates, formal celebrations, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000266
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free