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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Kasey Sweetheart Lace Pearl Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Going out tonight. Show up in the Kasey lace pearl bodycon dress for a gorgeous look wherever the night takes you!
This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Faux pearl-embellished, lace-lined fabric
- Sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, bachelorettes, date night, parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2549
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Denise Halter Tie-Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring an elevated allure to every event in the Denise mermaid formal dress. With a show-stopping tie-back design and a sultry halter V-neckline, this floor-length dress will keep all the eyes on you.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit stretch fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Halter V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Tie-back design, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8931
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Morgana Lace-Up Ruched Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The long formal dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with floral lace trim, lace flutter shoulder straps, a lace-up back design, ruching throughout to enhance curves, and a mermaid silhouette that flares at the hem.
Fit & Features
- Lined smooth knit fabrication
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline with lace trim, padded bra cups
- Lace flutter shoulder straps
- Lace-up back design
- Ruching
- Mermaid silhouette
- Long length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9179
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BURGUNDY
Available Size: XS, S, L
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Michelle Applique Trim Wrap Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A forever classic with pretty details! The Michelle satin formal dress emboldens a look of romance with a beaded embroidered applique trim, a faux wrap-front creating a high slit for effortless movement, and a pretty fitted 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
- Stretch satin fabric with full-length knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline with beaded embroidered applique trim, padded bust
- Pleated cowl neck draped overlay
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High waist seam, pleating, faux wrap-front design, high slit
- Floor-length fitted silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, red-carpet events, and formal weddings.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8921
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cassia Satin And Sheer Lace Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Dare to showcase a sleek and sultry allure at your black-tie affair in the Cassia satin knit mermaid dress designed with a sheer lace corset bodice with floral applique accents for a chic detail. It features a strapless straight-across neckline with a padded bust, flexible boning for structure, and a high-cut front slit along the floor-length, curve-hugging mermaid silhouette.
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
- Satin knit fabric with moderate stretch
- Strapless straight neckline, no-slip strip, padded bust
- Sheer lace corset bodice with floral applique design
- Flexible boning, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Angled side seam, high-cut front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8926
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emma Faux Pearl Beaded Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
The bodycon dress features a plunging sweetheart neckline, sheer long sleeves, faux pearl accents, beaded accents, and a short wrap-styled silhouette. Complete formal outfit with rhinestone block heels.
Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication
- Plunging sweetheart neckline
- Sheer long sleeves
- Faux pearls
- Beaded accents
- Short wrap hem
- Bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2545
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kindra High-Slit Mermaid Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Go bold in a long mermaid dress that features a plunging halter neckline with a U-shaped bust, adjustable neck ties, ruching, a high side slit, and a captivating mermaid silhouette. Complete your formal outfit with a sleek rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication, moderate stretch
- Plunging halter neckline, U-shaped bust
- Halter neck ties
- High side slit
- Ruching
- Mermaid silhouette
- Long length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8924
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jayden V-Neck Lace Trim Bow Satin Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Chic with sultry detail, the Jayden satin formal dress makes the perfect entrance! The formal dress boasts a lace trim and bow along the bust while the mermaid silhouette accentuates your curves along the floor-length hem. Complete the look with earrings.
Fit & Features
- Silky satin fabric
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-neckline, lace and satin bow along the bust, padded bra cups
- Back zipper hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8923
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maia High-Slit Foiled Long Dress
Special Occasion
The Maia long formal dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customizable fit, a high side slit, and a metallic foiled finish for a dazzling shine.
Fit & Features
- Foiled knit fabric with full-length knit lining, high stretch
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High side slit
- Fitted silhouette
- Long-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8919
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Zoya Plunging V-Neck Long Sleeve Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dare to bring the sultry-chic energy in the Zoya formal dress designed with smooth knit fabric with plenty of stretch. It features a sexy plunging V-neckline, a ruched belted waist with a sleek asymmetric metal buckle, long fitted sleeves, and a floor-length hem with a high-cut side slit to showcase some leg.
Fit & Features
- Lined smooth knit fabric with plenty of stretch
- Plunging V-neckline
- Ruched belted waist with asymmetric metal buckle
- Long fitted sleeves
- Floor-length hem, high side slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8914
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Meriah Floral Applique Satin Strapless Mini Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be a chic stunner in the Meriah formal mini dress designed with sleek satin knit fabric and a sheer tulle floral applique across the bodice and at the hem for luxe look. It features a strapless straight neckline and a short bodycon silhouette to highlight your curves.
This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Satin knit fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless straight neckline, flexible boning
- Sheer tulle floral applique across the bodice and at the hem, rhinestone embellishments
- High waist seam
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Short front slit, mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2539
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mary Halter Cutout Rhinestone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
All eyes are on you in the Mary rhinestone mini dress to make a glamorous entrance and exit! The party dress showcases a sassy halter neckline, a cutout bodice to show some skin and a sultry bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with earrings and heels.
Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Rhinestone embellished fabric
- Halter neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper closure
- Cutout bodice
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2538
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tena One-Shoulder Rhinestone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The mini dress features an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline, sheer long sleeves with one being off the shoulder, and mini rhinestones. Complete look with rhinestone earrings.
Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication
- One-shoulder neckline
- Sheer unlined long-sleeves
- Mini rhinestones
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2540
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ashlynn Long Sleeve Corset Column Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Arrive in elegance wearing the Ashlynn column formal dress to parties and soirees. The dress features sheer long fitted sleeves with a femme corset bodice and is finished with a high-side slit.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabric
- Sheer long fitted sleeves
- Square neckline
- Corset bodice
- High side slit
- Fitted column silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rooftop parties, and formal dinners.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8913
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aliana Cutout Lace And Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Create a gorgeously chic look for your formal affair in Aliana dress designed with a sheer lace bodice with a contrast nude-tone lining and a satin-knit floor-length mermaid silhouette. It features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and dual waist cutouts for a sultry detail.
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
- Sheer lace bodice with nude-tone lining
- V-neckline with lace trim
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper closure
- Dual waist cutouts, angled high waist seam
- Satin-knit floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8909
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ashton Rhinestone Mesh Mock Neck Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Chic with a glam allure, the Ashton mini dress is glitzy perfection with its all-over rhinestone embellishments that will shine at your next formal party. It features a sleeveless mock neckline with a long cascading neck tie, ruched side and back seams to accentuate your gorgeous curves, and a short bodycon silhouette.
This dress brings the fun and the fashion. If you love a bold, playful look, explore our stylish short prom dresses or make an entrance in our stunning short wedding guest dresses in short and mini lengths.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabric
- All-over tonal rhinestone embellishments
- Sleeveless mock neckline with long neck tie
- Partially open back, zipper closure
- Ruched side and back seams
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2536
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lilly Sleeveless High-Slit Glitter Column Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour in the Lilly formal glitter dress that wows from the moment you walk in! The long dress features a strapless straight neckline, ruching to enhance curves, a bold asymmetric front slit, and a floor-length column silhouette.
Unapologetically bold, this dress is all about confidence. Keep the luxe look going with our stunning strapless prom dresses or discover the perfect fit among our stylish wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined glitter knit fabric
- Strapless straight neckline, padded bra cups
- Ruching, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Asymmetric high-front slit
- Long-length hem
- Column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, galas, and black-tie parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8901
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Azzura Cowl Neck Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Azzura glitter formal dress is a dream option to own the spotlight! Designed with a flattering cowl neckline and a mermaid fit that effortlessly hugs your curves to a knockout silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Bonded floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, big birthday events, black-tie parties, red-carpet events, and glam functions.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8899
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Molly Lace-Up Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Prepare to amaze in the Molly glitter formal dress designed to sparkle at any dressy event! The formal dress features a striking lace-up back design and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette that effortlessly flares out into a floor-length hem. Pair with earrings and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Glitter mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Cowl neckline
- Spagehtti straps
- Lace-up back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8903
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ayden Long Sleeve Velvet Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Ayden velvet mini dress features a sequin scroll pattern, a square neckline, long fitted sleeves, and an open lace-up strappy back design with a lower back cutout. Complete your formal outfit with glitter rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, minimal stretch
- Sequin embroidered scroll pattern
- Square neckline
- Long fitted sleeves
- Open lace-up strappy back design, lower back cutout, zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2534
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lille Lace-Up Corset Rhinestone Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Watch every head turn towards you in the Lille floor-length formal gown at dances and red-carpet events. Crafted from a lightweight mesh fabric, the sleeveless formal dress boasts a stunning corset bodice with a lace-up back design and a sheer trim on top of a figure-hugging mermaid silhouette.
Rich, radiant, and effortlessly glamorous—this dress was made to stand out. Keep the regal energy going with our stunning purple prom dresses or embrace glam and elegance with formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lightweight mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Applique with rhinestone embellishments
- Square neckline, padded bra cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset bodice, flexible boning, sheer trim
- Lace-up back, lower zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, bonded floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, galas, and formal birthday celebrations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0138
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.97 $249.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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April Lace-Up Velvet Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The long velvet dress features a sleeveless v-neckline, a corset bodice with flexible boning, spaghetti straps that leads to a cross-back design, a lace-up back accent, and a mermaid silhouette enhanced with a high side slit.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabrication
- Sleeveless v-neckline
- Corset bodice with flexible boning
- Spaghetti straps that lead to cross-back design
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- High side slit
- Long hem length, mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8894
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Parker Off-The-Shoulder Beaded Sequin Column Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle in the Parker formal column dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, a cowl bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, long fitted sleeves, a beaded sequin design, and a floor-length fitted silhouette. Complete your luxe look with rhinestone heels.
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
- Lined mesh fabric
- Beaded sequin design
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, cowl neck bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Floor-length fitted column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black-tie parties, and red-carpet events.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8895
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $146.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Yarelis Corset A-Line Glitter Tulle Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Make your grand entrance in the Yarelis glitter tulle ball gown to have all eyes on you. Sparkle the whole night in this floor-length ball gown designed with a sheer corset bodice that gives you the silhouette of your dreams atop the flattering A-line silhouette. Complete the look with a necklace and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Glitter tulle fabric, premium satin lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, wide tulle shoulder straps
- Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning, applique embroidery
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0136
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.97 $269.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale