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.

  • Sylvia Strapless Glitter Satin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A strapless glitter satin formal dress that sparkles in a form-hugging silhouette and front slit for a flirty flair along the midi-length hem. Style with heels for any occasion.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter satin fabric, bust lining, minimal stretch
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Flexible boning
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Front slit
    • Form-hugging midi-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2408

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ariana Rhinestone Satin Bubble Hem Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Serve major flirtatious vibes at your formal party in the Ariana skater dress crafted with a woven satin skirt and a sheer mesh bodice with tonal rhinestone embellishments for a glitzy shine. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a lined bust, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a short ruffled skater silhouette with an adorable bubble hem to twirl all night long.

    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

    • Woven satin fabric
    • Tonal rhinestone embellishments at the bodice
    • Sweetheart neckline, sheer mesh bustier bodice, lined bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • High waist seam
    • Short ruffled skater silhouette with bubble hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2409

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jemma Embellished Studded Sleeveless Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the glitz in a long mermaid dress that features a sleeveless wired sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for customized fit, and dazzling tonal rhinestone embellishments. Complete your formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Lined mesh fabrication, tonal rhinestone embellishments
    • Sleeveless wired sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Long length hem
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8756

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kamila Lace Long Sleeve Velvet Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Gorgeously chic will be your night-out vibe in the Kamila formal velvet mini dress designed with sheer lace long fitted sleeves for a touch of allure. It features a scoop neckline, a corset-style bodice, and a pleated faux wrap-front design with a bodycon silhouette.

    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

    • Velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sheer lace long fitted sleeves, partial open back with top tie-back straps
    • Scoop neckline, corset bodice, high waist seam
    • Back zipper closure
    • Pleated faux wrap-front
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2407

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Marley Lace-Up Mermaid Crepe Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    This strapless crepe formal dress features a stunning lace-up back and mermaid silhouette that shapes the high-low hem. Perfect for the school dance or a banquet.

    Fit & Features

    • Crepe fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Cutout bust
    • Mermaid high-low silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8755

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alena Glitter Satin Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create an enchanting aura at prom in the gorgeous Alena glitter satin mini dress featuring an off-the-shoulder subtle V-neckline with a feminine draped overlay and short-sleeved cuffs. The ruched side and back seams will accentuate your curves along the bodycon silhouette, while the faux wrap-front design creates a chic asymmetric mini-length hem.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter satin fabric
    • Off-the-shoulder V-neckline with draped overlay, short-sleeved cuffs
    • Princess seams, high waist seam
    • Ruched side and back seams, back zipper closure
    • Faux wrap-front design
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2402

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alice Corset Velvet Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A velvet midi formal dress features a sultry cowl neckline and corset bodice that leads to the flattering bodycon silhouette with a front wrap slit. Perfect for homecoming or banquets.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
    • Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Front wrap slit
    • Bodycon midi-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2403

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Beyond Precious V-Neck Ruffle Babydoll Dress

    Special Occasion

    This floral chiffon formal dress features a flirty sweetheart neckline with padded bra cups for support, scrunched shoulder straps, a high front slit, and a flowy A-line ruffled floor-length silhouette. Perfect for homecoming or a wedding.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral print, chiffon fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Scrunched shoulder straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • High front slit
    • A-line floor-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8753

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Anisa Sleeveless Floral Velvet Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a striking impression in a long velvet dress that features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, an embossed floral pattern, a high-side slit, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete your wedding guest outfit with chandelier earrings. 

    Fit & Features

    • Embossed floral pattern, velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • High side slit
    • Long hem length, mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8740

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Tova Off The Shoulder Glitter Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Grace your event in a shimmering glitter knit mermaid dress that features an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline with a foldover accent, sheer ruched long sleeves, and a sweeping long-length hem. Complete your formal event outfit with glitter block heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabrication, stretchy knit lining
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, foldover accent
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Sheer ruched long sleeves
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Long length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8741

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mckenna Velvet Flocked Lace Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase chic luxury at black-tie galas in the Mckenna formal dress crafted with sheer floral lace fabric with a velvet flocked design and a nude-tone lining. It features a sleeveless V-neckline with a ruched padded bust, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up strappy design, a high-cut front slit, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to hug your curves.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer floral lace fabric with velvet flocked design, nude-tone lining
    • V-neckline with padded bust, ruching, underbust seam
    • Spaghetti straps, open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design
    • Lower back zipper closure
    • High front slit
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8743

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Fia Sleeveless Velvet Wrap Corset Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make your grand entrance with a long velvet dress that elevates your special evening! The sleeveless dress features a sweetheart neckline, a corset-like bodice with boning, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a wrap mermaid silhouette. Complete with a luxe rhinestone jewelry set. 

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet fabric with top knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, structured padded bust
    • Corset-like bodice, contrasting piping, flexible boning
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • High wrap silt
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Black-tie weddings, galas, charity balls, red-carpet events, engagement parties, luxury dinner parties, milestone celebrations, holiday soirees

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000122

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

    Available Size: XS, S

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kristine Beaded Sequin Strappy Back Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Kristine skater dress is crafted with all-over beading and sequin embroidery for a gorgeous glam vibe. This sleeveless A-line dress features a flattering halter V-neckline with a draped bodice and a strappy back design for a bold look. Perfect for a school dance or a dressy celebration.

    Fit & Features

    • Beaded sequin mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Halter V-neckline, dual spaghetti straps, tie closure
    • Padded bra cups, draped bodice
    • Strappy back with hook-eye closures, lower back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • A-line mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2394

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Gemma Sequin Embroidered Lace-Up Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Gemma sequin floral embroidered formal dress will make jaws drop. The dress boasts a corset bodice leading to the lace-up strappy back while the ruched side seams accentuate your curves along the mermaid silhouette. Pair with 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 knit fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Sheer mesh bodice with floral embroidery, sequin accents
    • V-neckline with padded bust, corset bodice with flexible boning
    • Spaghetti straps, open back with cross-back lace-up strappy design
    • High waist seam, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Ruched side and back seams
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8732

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Eva Lace-Up High-Low Ruffle Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A sleeveless glitter formal dress boasts a sultry V-neckline and spaghetti straps that shape the lace-up back, a mermaid silhouette, and a high-low ruffled hem. Perfect for the school dance or a black tie event.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • V-neckline, padded bra cups
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mermaid fit
    • High-low ruffled hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8733

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alanna Ruffled Lace Corset Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase your romantic flair in the Alanna formal mermaid dress that features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust, a chic corset bodice, and adjustable spaghetti straps detailed with cascading ruffled accents. The floor-length mermaid silhouette will hug your stunning curves. Complete your look with dainty duster earrings.

    This dress is all about movement and flair. Want more standout designs? Discover our eye-catching ruffle prom dresses or embrace an elevated style with our guest dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer floral lace fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline with padded bust, no-slip strip
    • Corset bodice, angled high waist seam
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, ruffled accents
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8737

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Christine Beaded Sequin Lace-Up Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Christine mini dress is crafted with all-over beading and iridescent sequin embroidery for a gorgeous glitzy look. This sleeveless short dress features a sassy lace-up back to make heads turn and a bodycon silhouette. Perfect for a school dance or a birthday!

    Fit & Features

    • Beaded sequin embroidered mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • V-neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2396

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Esme Glitter Lace Strappy Back Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sparkle up your black-tie affair in the Esme formal dress designed with glitter lace fabric for a gorgeous shimmer. It features a sleeveless square neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up strappy design, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to show off your curves.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter lace fabric with lining
    • Square neckline, padded bra cups
    • Dual spaghetti straps, adjustable
    • Open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design
    • High waist seam
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8735

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Eleanor Lace-Up Slit Slim Glitter Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A sleeveless glitter formal dress boasts a flattering cowl sweetheart neckline, lace-up meant to turn heads, and a high front slit for stylish movement. Complete the look with earrings for the school dance.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Cowl sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • High front slit
    • Slim floor-length fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8730

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lylah Lace Cowl Neck Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase your beauty in the Lylah formal dress designed with a dainty floral lace fabric with a full lining. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a structured padded bust, a draped cowl neck overlay for a feminine touch, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette to highlight your curves.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer floral lace fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline, structured padded bust, draped cowl neck overlay
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • High waist seam
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure, lower back ruching
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8905

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Briella Glitter Lace Cross-Back Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Serve gorgeous glamour at your black-tie affair in the Briella formal dress designed with a glitter lace fabric for a stunning shimmer. It features a sleeveless V-neckline with a padded bust for support, dual spaghetti straps that lead to an alluring open back with a cross-back strappy design, lower back ruching, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to highlight your curves.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter lace fabric with lining
    • V-neckline with padded bust
    • Dual spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back strappy design
    • High waist seam, lower back ruching
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8725

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Marleigh Lace-Up High Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek with a sultry chic style, the Marleigh formal dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with an alluring bust seam outline, thin tank shoulder straps leading to an open lace-up strappy design for a customized fit, and a high-cut side slit to showcase some leg on the long slim-fit silhouette. Complete your look with statement earrings and stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit fabric with plenty of stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline, bust seam outline
    • Thin tank shoulder straps
    • Open cross-back lace-up strappy design
    • High side slit
    • Long slim-fit silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8723

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Nora V-Neck Ruffle Cutout Sequin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    This sequin mini dress exudes sparkle making it perfect for school dances or birthdays. The bodycon dress features a V-neckline with padded bra cups, ruffle trim adjustable spaghetti straps, and a cutout back. 

    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

    • Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • V-neckline with padded bra cups
    • Ruffled adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Cutout back with hook strap, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Sequin embellished pattern
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2382

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Elise Cowl Neck Slim Glitter Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A sleeveless glitter formal dress features a sultry cowl neckline and sheer bodice with flexible boning to give you a snatched look along the slim fit silhouette. Perfect for the school dance or a banquet.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Cowl neckline, padded bra cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Sheer  bodice, flexible boning
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • High front wrap slit
    • Slim floor-length fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8728

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free