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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Nicola Strappy Tie-Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Show off your stunning curves in the Nicola formal dress featuring a halter square neck, strappy tie-back design, and floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette. Style with a rhinestone necklace for that hint of glamour.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric, high stretch
- Sleeveless square neckline, underbust seam
- Tank halter straps
- Open cross-back strappy design, tie closure
- Lower back zipper closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black-tie parties, and dressed-up dinners.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000011
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tess Floral Off-The-Shoulder Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bloom with spellbinding beauty in the Tess floral formal dress! This floral mesh gown brings all the elegance with an off-the-shoulder neckline, mermaid silhouette that flaunts your curves, and leg-baring slit.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, short-sleeve cuffs
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- High front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, summer galas, black tie events, vacation, fancy date nights, dinner parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000009
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Clarice Applique Bodycon Satin Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dressing up is always fun with the Clarice satin midi formal dress! This elegant dress boasts a pretty beaded applique bust, sleek bodycon fit, and a flirty front slit for effortless movement.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Beaded applique bust, sweetheart pleated neckline
- Padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit, midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, garden parties, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, fancy date nights, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000006
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Annie Bodycon Wrap Satin Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Embrace classy sophistication in the Annie satin midi formal dress designed in a flattering bodycon silhouette with a chic wrap hem.
With a smooth, luminous finish, this dress was made to shine. Keep the luxe look going with breathtaking satin prom dresses or go for a sophisticated statement with our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Square neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Wrap midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, dressy celebrations, date night, cocktail soirees, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2584
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Laced-Up Masterpiece Floral Slit Maxi Dress
Elevate your style with this stunning floral maxi dress that commands attention. The striking lace-up back adds an alluring touch, while the front slit reveals some skin along the form-hugging silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh-lined fabric
- V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Back lace-up
- Front slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Maxi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-4143
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Charlie Halter Keyhole Mermaid Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Charlie satin formal dress is as captivating as you! You'll look and feel your best with a unique keyhole halter neckline and curve-flattering mermaid silhouette.
With a smooth, luminous finish, this dress was made to shine. Keep the luxe look going with breathtaking satin prom dresses or go for a sophisticated statement with our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Premium satin fabric
- Keyhole halter neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, rehearsal dinner, black tie soirees, cocktail parties, engagement parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9708
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lindsay Corset Mermaid Sequin Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Lindsay sequin glitter formal dress is a real show-stopper designed to make you feel like pure magic! The sheer corset-style bodice brings the drama while the mermaid silhouette puts your curves on display.
All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sequin glitter applique, mesh partially lined fabric
- V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sheer corset-styled bodice, bra pads attached
- Low-back design
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
- Extra glitter and sequins for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie parties, galas, glam functions and events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9714
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Fae Floral Ruffled Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dreamy and ethereal, the Fae mini dress is adorned with a floral garden print on a flattering bodycon fit with a chic ruffled hem.
Fit & Features
- Floral garden print, stretch woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Square neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Ruffled mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, shower celebrations, dinner parties, afternoon tea parties, dressy dates
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2802
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Joan Lace-Up Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Laced up in glamour, the Joan glitter formal dress exudes chic sparkle in a flattering mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem that elongates your figure!
Fit & Features
- Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Square cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, big birthday events, dressed-up date nights, rehearsal dinners, award ceremonies
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9719
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Candence Corset Mermaid Lace Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dainty lace and delicate details create the Candence lace formal dress that will leave everyone breathless! Designed with a chic corset bodice that flatters your figure, along with the mermaid silhouette with a high front slit for effortless movement.
Fit & Features
- Lace fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, padded bra cups
- Corset bodice, flexible boning inserts, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, garden parties, elegant soirees, formal celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-001611
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: IVORY, BROWN
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Amalia Bow A-Line Satin Short Dress
Special Occasion
The gorgeous Amalia satin short dress is a real head-turner with a simply chic A-line silhouette and a statement bow along the back!
Fit & Features
- Satin fabric, sewn-in woven lining
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Low back, statement bow
- A-line silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, brides, wedding showers, bridal showers, engagement parties, cocktail soirees, date nights, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, photoshoots, dinner parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2793
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rosella Open Back Mermaid Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make a timeless and elegant impression in the Rosella satin formal dress with alluring details like an open strappy back and a flattering mermaid silhouette!
Dripping in satin and pure sophistication, this dress turns heads effortlessly. Love that silky shine? Browse our luxe satin prom dresses or opt for a sleek silhouette with our formal dresses.>
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Open strappy back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie weddings, gala, fancy dinner parties, engagement parties, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9709
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elida Lace-Up Skater Satin Short Dress
Special Occasion
There's so much to adore about the Elida satin short dress with the prettiest details to make every occasion cuter! the dress boasts a flirty lace-up back, corset bodice to snatch your waist, and a flattering skater silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Premium satin fabric, tulle and organza linings
- Square neckline, ruched bust
- Bow tie shoulder straps, lace-up back
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning inserts
- Drop waist seam, skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, shower celebrations, garden soirees, brunch, afternoon tea, birthdays, graduations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2792
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lucena Convertible Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Lucena mermaid formal dress offers endless styling options to suit your mood for any formal occasion! The dress boasts a convertible style neckline that can be worn as a halter, one shoulder, and more plus has a high front slit for effortless movement.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit lined fabric
- Convertible neckline with straps
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Multiple styling options
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, black-tie gala, fancy dinner parties, formal occasions and events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000066
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Felicia Beaded Sequin Slit Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Felicia satin formal dress is here for your most glamorous events! The dress showcases a stunning sequin and beaded bodice, a high front slit for effortless movement, and a form-hugging silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer mesh bodice, sequin and beaded embellishments
- High front slit, form-hugging silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, red-carpet events, black-tie galas, nights at the theatre and opera, and glam celebrations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9704
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Willow One-Shoulder Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The slinky knit fabric and curve-creating silhouette make the Willow floor-length formal dress so sophisticated. The dress flaunts a sexy open-back design and mermaid silhouette that highlights your figure.
Fit & Features
- Slinky knit-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- One-shoulder neckline, adjustable spaghetti strap
- Open strappy back, lower ruched seam
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, black-tie parties and events, fancy celebrations, dressed-up date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9697
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Christiane Corset Satin Formal Dress With Sash
Special Occasion
From the gorgeous corset bodice to the sweeping side sash, the Christiane satin formal dress ensures a glamorous entrance when you enter the party. Designed to be alluring, this mermaid dress has a beautiful beaded applique embellishment and a high front slit for effortless movement.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded bra cups, pleated bust
- Corset bodice, flexible boning, beaded applique embellished
- Attached side sash
- High front slit, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie weddings and events, galas, charity dinners, fancy celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9705
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Isabel Strapless Slit Bodycon Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and stunning! The Isabel midi formal dress delivers a chic look with a bodycon fit that hugs your curves and a front slit for movement.
Flawlessly chic and bold, this dress is a statement. If strapless styles are your go-to, explore our strapless prom dresses or embrace effortless fashion with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Slinky knit lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning
- Front slit
- Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2773
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amari Strapless Applique Mermaid Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The gorgeous Amari satin formal dress offers an alluring and feminine look with an applique design and mermaid silhouette that highlights your curves!
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Strapless sweetheart wired neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Applique design
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem with train
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black-tie galas and parties, weddings, fancy dinner parties, nights at the theatre
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9700
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ariela Lace-Up Cutout Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Ariela formal dress is beautifully embellished with soutache that adds a pretty dimension to the mermaid floor-length silhouette!
Fit & Features
- Soutache embellished, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Lace-up back, cutout, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, garden parties, formal occasions, black tie soirees, fancy date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9703
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Juliane Strappy Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Juliane formal dress drapes your figure in a mermaid silhouette while the strappy open back turns heads!
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Halter V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Dual tie-back closures, open back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal dances, weddings, bridesmaids, gala dinners, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, fancy date nights, black tie events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000301
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: YELLOW, WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Back In Stock
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Johanna Cowl Neck Slit Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Leave a dazzling impression in the Johanna glitter formal dress designed in a bodycon silhouette that flaunts your figure and a high front wrap slit for a flirty allure.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, bust knit lining
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High front wrap slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, milestone celebrations, formal birthdays, fancy date nights, glam functions
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9688
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ellerie Low Back Ruffle Bubble Short Dress
Special Occasion
Oh so chic and just as sultry, the Ellerie short dress will have everyone fall head over heels! Designed with a low back, flattering bodycon silhouette, and an adorable ruffled bubble hem, this dress is charming from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Smooth woven fabric, sewn-in stretchy knit lining
- Boat neckline
- Low back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Ruffled bubble short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, brides, weddings, garden parties, dressy date nights, cocktail soirees, graduations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2768
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jocelyn Cold Shoulder Slit Mermaid Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Jocelyn satin formal dress is the perfect blend of sultry elegance! Its curve-flaunting mermaid silhouette accentuates your figure while the front high slit offers effortless movement along the floor-length hem.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Cold shoulder neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridesmaids, black tie functions, fancy parties, rehearsal dinners, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9692
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale