Formal Dresses
Step into a world of elegance in our collection of formal dresses, picture-perfect for weddings, proms, balls, and galas. Our curated assortment includes a variety of lengths and styles, from the classic floor-sweeping ball gowns to the sophisticated charm of midi-length dresses. Delve into the timeless beauty of princess-like tulle skirts, the sleek allure of luxe satin mermaid-style dresses, and the modern sophistication of low-back silhouettes.
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The Best Formal Dresses Online For Any Occasion!
Welcome winter in style with Windsor’s elegant collection of formal dresses, made to help you look and feel amazing at every event. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a black-tie party, or preparing for Prom 2025, our selection includes everything from dramatic mermaid gowns to chic semi-formal dresses. This season, explore fabrics like velvet, lace, and chiffon in rich autumn shades that are perfect for making a statement.
Our formal dresses aren’t just stylish—they’re designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Many styles feature side pockets, adjustable straps, and quality fabrics to ensure they last beyond a single season. Whether you prefer the flowing shape of a maxi dress, the structured fit of a trumpet gown, or the timeless appeal of an A-line dress, every silhouette is crafted to flatter your figure and suit your style.
If you’re looking for semi-formal styles, discover dresses with playful details like lace-up backs, thigh-high slits, or delicate ruffles. These designs are ideal for formal winter weddings or cocktail parties, balancing sophistication with fun flair.
Complete your look with our latest arrivals featuring trendy necklines such as off-the-shoulder, sweetheart, or plunging V-necks. Add a touch of glamour with sparkling rhinestone accessories and step out in style.
Planning a milestone celebration like a big birthday or prom night? Our formal dresses with dramatic trains, shimmering sequins, and eye-catching embellishments will ensure all eyes are on you. Choose from elegant long-sleeve options, trendy one-shoulder designs, or daring backless looks to find a style that’s uniquely yours.
Shop Windsor’s formal collection today, in-store for formal dresses near you or online, and update your winter wardrobe with pieces that will keep you on-trend. Make this season one to remember with our stunning new collection!
Tips For Choosing The Right Formal Dress Silhouette For Your Body Type
When choosing a formal gown or dress, it's important to choose a silhouette that flatters your body type. A dress that fits well and accentuates your best features will make you feel confident and beautiful. Here are some tips for choosing the right silhouette for your body type:
- If you have an hourglass figure, opt for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt to accentuate your curves.
- If you have a pear-shaped figure, opt for a dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt to balance out your proportions.
- If you have a rectangle-shaped figure, opt for a dress with a defined waistline and a flowing skirt to create the illusion of curves.
- If you have an apple-shaped figure, opt for a dress with a v-neckline and an empire waist to draw attention to your upper body.
No matter what your body type, there is a formal dress or gown out there that will flatter your figure and make you feel confident and beautiful.
What is the difference between a formal dress and a semi-formal dress?
There are subtle differences between formal and semi-formal dresses. When shopping for the right dressy attire, consider how you will style your look for the dress code of the event you're attending and the vibe of the venue location. Formal attire can also be called a black-tie dress code that lends itself to the most glamorous attire. Explore specialty gowns designed with accents that elevate your formal dress with hand-beading, rhinestone embellishments, or detailed embroidery. Expect to see this dress code for weddings, galas, and proms—these events usually require a floor-length dress with an A-line or mermaid silhouette, ball gown dresses, or a formal dress with luxe details like rhinestones or lace. A semi-formal dress for homecoming, weddings, or anniversary parties can come in shorter or midi lengths, two-piece styles, or a classic party length. Choose formal midi dresses that feature glam detailing like sequin bodices, sparkly embellishments, or high-slit satin skirts as this length offers more variety in semi-formal silhouettes. Explore necklines on formal dresses to highlight jewelry from plunge, cowl, and scoop necks to sweetheart or V-necklines. Strapless, spaghetti straps, and off-the-shoulder formal styles are sexy gown details to adore on both formal gowns and semi-formal dresses. The type of event you're attending, a military ball versus a Broadway show or a wedding at an upscale hotel versus one at the local house of worship, can also be a good clue to tell you if a formal dress code or semi-formal dress code is required.
Are formal dresses long?
No, not all formal dresses are long. Formal dresses are traditionally long in length and feature beautiful, eye-catching details like rhinestones, pleats, lace, and embroidery. The special occasion dress collections at Windsor feature a glamorous variety of short, midi, and long dress lengths to accommodate every occasion. When it comes to silhouettes, discover stunning long silhouettes like A-line, mermaid, trumpet, and sheath dresses to stay on-trend. Formal short dresses can be found in midi-lengths or shorter styles like party or skater dresses but come in elevated designs showcasing sleeves, necklines, and of course luxe fabrications from velvet to satin, sequin to rhinestone. These days you can expect to see high-low satin dresses or unique two-piece dresses as floor-length alternatives for trendsetters looking to revamp their formal dress assortment.
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Hallie Satin Sleeveless Halter Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Serve sleek and chic style at your formal affair in the Hallie mermaid dress designed with smooth satin knit fabric that will hug your stunning curves. It features a sleeveless high halter neckline with a knot design, a partially open back, and a head-turning floor-length mermaid silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Satin knit fabric with top knit lining, plenty of stretch
- High halter neckline with knot design, back hook-eye closures
- Partially open back
- Lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High waist seam
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9098
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Verona Off-The-Shoulder Bow Back Velvet Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Have an iconic moment at your black-tie soiree in the gorgeously chic Verona velvet formal dress designed with a satin off-the-shoulder fold-over neckline and a large bow back accent with a cascading floor-length train. The dress features a high-cut side slit to showcase some leg on the long slim-fit silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Satin woven off-the-shoulder fold-over neckline
- Satin large bow back accent with floor-length train
- High waist seam
- High side slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8966
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK-2
Available Size: XS, S, M
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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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: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: S, M, XL
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Luisa Pearl Fringe Trim Velvet Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Luisa formal mermaid dress is an iconic choice for your black-tie affair, designed with smooth velvet fabric with a glam faux pearl and beaded fringe trim at the strapless neckline. The long dress features a corset-style bodice with flexible boning and an angled high waist seam, a secure back zipper closure, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to showcase your gorgeous curves.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining at the top, plenty of stretch
- Strapless neckline with no-slip strip
- Tonal faux pearl and beaded fringe trim
- Corset bodice with flexible boning, angled high waist seam
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8662
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK-2
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Inez Beaded Applique Velvet Formal Dress With Gloves
Special Occasion
Exude gorgeous glamour and chic elegance in the Inez formal dress designed with luxe velvet fabric perfect for a black-tie affair. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline accented with a beaded floral applique and a cowl-draped overlay, a floor-length side sash for a dramatic touch, and a high front slit on the long slim-fit silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sweetheart neckline with beaded floral applique, padded bust, cowl-draped overlay
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Underbust seam, high waist seam, floor-length side sash
- Pleating, high front slit, floor-length slim-fit silhouette
- Long ruched velvet gloves
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8606
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Giada Glitter Knit Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Exude luxe glamour in the Giada formal mermaid 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 mermaid 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 mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8851
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Audrina Glitter Knit Long Sleeve Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Audrina formal mermaid 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 mermaid 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 mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8857
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $84.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Noa Lace-Up Rhinestone Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and glow in a long dress that features a sleeveless square neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps, a corset-bodice that provides additional structure, a lace-up back design for a customized fit, studded rhinestones throughout, and an elegant mermaid silhouette. Complete outfit with a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset bodice
- Studded rhinestones
- Lace-up back design
- Long length hem
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8953
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Emmaline Lace Trim Cutout Crepe Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your stunning curves in the Emmaline mermaid dress at your next formal affair. The crepe dress is designed with a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a sheer lace back leading to a lower back cutout with a dainty lace trim, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette to flaunt your gorgeous figure.
Fit & Features
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Sweetheart neckline, structured bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sheer lace back design, hook-eye closures
- Lower back cutout, lace trim, zipper closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8767
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Ilse Velvet Bow Strap High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Elegantly chic, the Ilse formal mermaid dress is crafted with smooth velvet fabric for that oh-so-luxe look. It features a sleeveless high crew halter neckline, an open cross-back design with an adorable bow accent, a ruched front seam leading to a high-cut slit, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette to highlight your curves.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- High crew halter neckline, princess seams, back hook-eye closures
- Open cross-back, bow accent
- Ruched lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High waist seam, ruched front seam, high front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8837
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Meara Sequin Velvet Hight Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate a glamorous aura in the Meara formal mermaid dress crafted with luxe velvet fabric and all-over sequin embroidery in a chic abstract pattern. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, tie-back halter straps leading to a partially open back, and a high-cut front slit to accent the floor-length mermaid silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- All-over sequin embroidery, abstract pattern
- Sweetheart neckline, tie-back halter spaghetti straps
- Partially open back, lower back zipper closure
- High front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8681
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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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: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PURPLE
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Lyra Velvet One-Shoulder Rhinestone Cuff Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate luxe glamour in the Lyra mermaid dress designed with smooth velvet fabric perfect for a formal holiday soiree. It features a one-shoulder neckline, a long fitted sleeve with a glitzy rhinestone-embellished cuff, ruched seams to accentuate your stunning curves, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette accented with a high-cut front slit.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- One-shoulder neckline
- Long fitted sleeve with rhinestone embellished cuff, slit with dual rhinestone buttons
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Ruched seams
- High front slit, floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8665
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Naya Lace-Up High Slit Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be the image of glamour in the Naya sequin formal dress at your next fancy affair! Designed with sheer mesh fabric lined with knit, she is crafted with all-over sequin embroidery to radiate glitzy shine. Her sleeveless bodice is shaped with a square neckline with a built-in padded bust and spaghetti straps that lead to a bold open back with a lace-up strappy design for a customized fit. Her high-cut side slit will showcase some leg on her floor-length slim-fit silhouette. Complete the look with sleek stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh lined with knit, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery
- Square neckline, padded bust
- Spaghetti straps, open lace-up strappy design
- Lower back zipper with hook and eye closure
- High side slit, slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8401
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Winnie Velvet Corset Mermaid Dress
The velvet dress features a sleeveless halter neckline, a corset bodice accented with flexible boning, a high slit, and a wrap mermaid silhouette. Complete formal outfit with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Lined velvet fabrication
- Sleeveless halter neckline
- Corset bodice
- High slit
- Wrap mermaid silhouette
- Long hem length
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8875
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Carolina High-Slit Bow Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
The long wrap dress features a stretchy satin-like fabrication, a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a high-side slit accented with ruching, and a partially open back accented with a large bow accent. Complete formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Stretchy satin-like fabrication
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High side slit with ruching
- Partial open back with large bow accent
- Long hem length
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8943
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BURGUNDY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Freida Velvet Ruffled One-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Exude bold elegance in the Freida mermaid dress designed with luxe smooth velvet fabric for your next black-tie affair. It features a one-shoulder neckline with a dramatic ruffled design, chic pleating at the bodice and waist, a faux wrap-front creating a high slit, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette to hug your curves.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with top knit lining, moderate stretch
- One-shoulder neckline with ruffled design, no-slip strip, padded bust
- Pleating at the bodice and waist
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Faux wrap-front design, high slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8709
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Rae Lace-Up Glitter Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The long mermaid dress features a glitter knit fabrication, a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, and a lace-up back design. Complete the formal outfit with a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Lined glitter knit fabrication
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps lead to x-back design
- Lace-up back design
- Mermaid silhouette
- Long hem length
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8865
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PURPLE, WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Sonya Off-The-Shoulder Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Sonya long velvet mermaid dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with long fitted sleeves, a ruched front seam leading to a bold high-cut slit, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone necklace set.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, no-slip strip, long fitted sleeves
- Dart seams, high waist seam
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure, ruched lower back
- Ruched front seam, high-cut slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8879
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Elowen Plunging V-Neck Ruched Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The long dress features a curve-hugging fit, a sleeveless plunging wired v-neckline, ruching, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete formal outfit with glitter mesh block heels.
Fit & Features
- Lined smooth knit fabrication
- Sleeveless plunging wired v-neckline
- Ruching
- Mermaid silhouette
- Long length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8960
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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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: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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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.
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: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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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: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: SLATE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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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.
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: $119.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, IVORY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L