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.

  • Cailin Velvet Open Back And Bow Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The short velvet dress features a high round neckline, and a bold open back accented with cross-straps that lead to a large bow design. Complete look with rhinestone clutch that will have you ready for a holiday party. 

     

    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

    • Velvet fabrication, stretchy knit lining
    • High round neckline
    • Open back with large bow accent
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mini length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2508

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aliana Strapless Corset Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Captivate them with your chic allure in the Aliana mermaid dress designed with structured crepe fabric for a classic look at your formal affair. It features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a pleated cowl neck overlay, a corset bodice with an angled high waist seam for a snatched fit, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette accented with a high-cut front slit.

    Fit & Features

    • Crepe knit-lined fabric
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, pleated cowl neck overlay
    • Corset bodice, angled high waist seam
    • Back zipper closure
    • High front slit
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8854

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Audrina Glitter Knit Long Sleeve Column Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Audrina formal column dress is designed with glitzy glitter knit fabric, a glamorous choice for your next black-tie affair. It features a sweetheart neckline with a chic cowl draped overlay, long fitted sleeves, a ruched front seam leading to a high-cut slit to showcase some leg, and a floor-length fitted silhouette to hug your curves.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline with cowl draped overlay
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • High waist seam
    • Ruched front seam, high slit
    • Floor-length column silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, rooftop parties, dressed-up dinners, and romantic date nights.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8857

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Della Glitter Knit Twist-Front Cutout Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Glitzy and chic, the Della formal mermaid dress is crafted with shimmery glitter knit fabric to glam up your next formal affair. It features a sleeveless V-neckline with a built-in padded bust, a dual twist-front design with a keyhole cutout under the bust, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to flaunt your stunning curves.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabric with knit lining at the bust, plenty of stretch
    • V-neckline with padded bust
    • Dual twist-front design, ruching, keyhole cutout
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8853

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Giada Glitter Knit Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress

    Special Occasion

    Exude luxe glamour in the Giada formal column dress designed with glitter knit fabric for a gorgeous shine. It features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a chic wrap-front, a ruched side seam to accentuate your stunning curves, and a faux wrap-front design creating a high slit on the floor-length column silhouette.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabric with knit top lining, plenty of stretch
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, wrap-front design, ruched short sleeves
    • High waist seam
    • Ruched side seam, ruched lower back
    • Faux wrap-front design, high slit
    • Floor-length column silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, bridesmaids, galas, and black-tie affairs.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8850

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL

  • Arianne One-Shoulder Glitter Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    The long glitter mermaid dress features a one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve, and a high-side slit. Complete formal outfit with sleek rhinestone clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Lined glitter fabrication
    • One-shoulder neckline
    • Fitted long sleeve
    • High side-slit
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Long hem length
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8847

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kyleigh Glitter Lace-Up Back Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glitz in a long glitter dress that features a sleeveless v-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a stunning lace-up back design, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete your wedding guest outfit with glitter heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter fabrication, stretchy knit lining
    • Sleeveless v-neckline, padded bra cups
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back design 
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Long length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8848

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Malani Glitter Knit One-Shoulder Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Glitz up your fancy affair in the Malani formal dress crafted with glitter knit fabric for a gorgeous glimmer. It features an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline with a short sleeve, a padded bust, ruching at the waist to accentuate your curves, a faux wrap-front design creating a high slit, and a floor-length fitted silhouette.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, padded bust, short sleeve
    • High waist seam, ruching
    • Faux wrap-front design, front slit
    • Floor-length fitted silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8852

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Meilani Rhinestone Mesh Long Sleeve Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring a chic shimmer to your night-out look in the Meilani formal mini dress crafted with lined mesh fabric with all-over tonal rhinestone embellishments. It features a square neckline, a corset bodice with flexible boning for support, sheer long balloon-style sleeves, and a partially open back with tie-back straps at the top. The ruched detailing will accentuate your gorgeous curves along the 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

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • Tonal rhinestone embellishments
    • Square neckline, corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Sheer long balloon sleeves, elastic cinched hems
    • Partially open back, top tie-back spaghetti straps, zipper closure
    • Ruching, mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2502

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Mimi Off The Shoulder Glitter Mermaid Corset Dress

    Special Occasion

    Radiate elegance in a long mermaid glitter dress that features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, short sleeves, a corset-like bodice with flexible boning for structure, a wrap silhouette, and a high side slit. Complete the wedding guest outfit with a rhinestone clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Lined glitter knit fabrication
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, sweetheart bust
    • Short sleeves
    • Corset-like bodice with flexible boning 
    • Wrap mermaid silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Long length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8840

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kamari Satin Pleated High Slit Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek and stunning, the Kamari formal mermaid dress is crafted with smooth satin-knit fabric offering a chic sheen and plenty of stretch. The long dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an alluring open lace-up back design for a customized fit. The pleating at the bodice and waist will accentuate your stunning curves, leading to a high front slit along the floor-length mermaid silhouette.

    Fit & Features

    • Satin-knit fabric with full-length knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline with padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, open lace-up back design, zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Pleated bodice and waist
    • Asymmetric front seam, high front slit
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8842

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Whitley Pearl Mesh Long Sleeve Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Show off a gorgeous aura in the Whitley formal mini dress designed with lined mesh fabric and all-over faux pearl embellishments for a luxe touch. It features a sweetheart neckline with a structured bust, sheer long balloon-style sleeves, and ruching to accentuate your stunning curves on the short bodycon silhouette.

    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

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • Faux pearl embellishments
    • Sweetheart neckline, structured bust
    • Sheer long balloon sleeves, elastic cinched hems
    • Ruched detailing, back zipper closure
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2503

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lyric Velvet Glitter Open Back Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    The velvet glitter dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, an open back design, a high side slit, and a long hem length with a mermaid silhouette. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Lined velvet glitter fabrication
    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back
    • Open back design
    • High side slit
    • Ruching
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Long hem length 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8844

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Dovie Sequin Beaded Mesh Column Dress

    Special Occasion

    Grace your formal event in the Dovie sequin beaded column dress with a high side slit for sultry and effortless movement and a chic long-length hem.

     

    This dazzling dress was made for the spotlight! Love the shimmer? Discover more sequin prom dresses or find a sophisticated look in our wedding guest dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • All-over tonal sequin and beaded embroidery
    • V-neckline with padded bust, beaded underbust trim
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • High side slit
    • Floor-length column silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, black-tie galas, weddings, red-carpet events, and fancy celebration parties.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8841

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $69.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aria Rhinestone Mesh Long Sleeve Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Live the luxe life at your next formal party in the Aria mini dress designed with lined mesh fabric and all-over rhinestone embellishments for a gorgeous sheen. It features a V-neckline, sheer long fitted sleeves with slit hems, shoulder pad accents for a bold look, and a ruched wrap-front design on the 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

    • Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • All-over tonal rhinestone embellishments
    • V-neckline, sheer long fitted sleeves with slit hems, shoulder pads
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Ruched faux wrap-front design
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2498

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Celebrate Love Halter V-Neck Bodycon Satin Midi Dress

    This sleeveless bodycon midi dress features a sultry halter V-neckline and a scoop back. The stretchy satin material wraps your body perfectly, highlighting the sleek design perfect for semi-formal weddings or cocktail soirees. 

    Fit & Features

    • Silky satin material, minimal stretch
    • Halter V-neckline with tie closure
    • Scoop back design
    • Bodycon midi-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3650

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Aletta Long Sleeveless Ruffled A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    The long A-line dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a secure fit, a corset-like bodice with sheer mesh panels, and a voluminous tiered ruffled skirt accented with a high side slit. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch. 

    Make a statement in this stunning dress. Love bold details? Explore our playful ruffle prom dresses or find a sleek look in our formal dresses.

    FIt & Features

    • Partially lined mesh fabrication
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, built-in padded underwire bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Sheer mesh panels at the bodice, flexible boning
    • Long tiered ruffled skirt
    • High side slit
    • A-Line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8834

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free