Formal Dresses

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Summer Bridesmaid Dresses

Military Ball Gowns

Purses, Bags & Clutches

Have Glamour, Elegance, and Style In Your Formal Dresses

Make a captivating statement with the gorgeous selection of formal dresses from Windsor's 2023 Summer Collection. Explore the latest trends in affordable formal dresses made in luxurious fabrics such as luxe satin, airy chiffon, detailed lace, sheer tulle, taffeta, mesh, crepe, and velvet. Whether you're attending a summer wedding, a black-tie gala, or any elegant birthday soiree, we have the perfect formal attire curated just for you, both in-store and online.

Choosing the perfect formal dress can be fun and exciting with so many options available. Start by considering the silhouette that flatters your unique figure. We offer a variety of figure-flattering dress silhouettes, from floor-sweeping A-lines to fitted trumpet styles. Showcase your curves with mermaid-length dresses crafted from satin, matte crepe, glitter knit, or embroidered sequin. These long formal dresses not only flatter your shape but also photograph beautifully. Visit our store or connect with us on social media for personalized styling advice.

Explore a semi-formal dress with eye-catching details like open lace-up backs, side ruching, thigh-high slits, ruffle details, feather accents, or wrap fronts to highlight your best assets. Discover gorgeous ruched dresses that show off your figure and make for the perfect wedding guest attire or formal cocktail attire for the summer season. Our formal dresses feature flattering necklines such as off-the-shoulder, cutout, square, sweetheart, halter, and plunging V-necklines, allowing you to adorn them with sparkling rhinestone necklace sets.

For those who love to make a dramatic entrance or are celebrating a milestone birthday, we have floor-sweeping formal birthday dresses that will turn heads. Illuminate the night in stunning long sequin dresses featuring intricate designs, or opt for short sequin dresses with all-over sequin embroidery. Our formal dresses feature long sleeves, one-shoulder designs, and off-shoulder styles. For a truly red-carpet-ready look, explore our selection of floor-length formal dresses featuring intricate rhinestone designs, all-over sparkling heat stone embellishments, or rhinestone accented straps.

This prom season, be the trendsetter of your squad in flirty taffeta dresses or tulle dresses with chic tiered ruffled designs. Available in short and long-length silhouettes, these dresses will make you feel like you came right off the runway. For added drama and allure, opt for feather-trim formal dresses. Browse through our selection of prom dresses featuring of-the-moment designs such as puff sleeves, bubble hems, or elaborate bow-back designs with a cascading train. Our formal dresses are designed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring side pockets and adjustable fits to ensure your comfort and convenience. For a fairytale moment, explore tulle or mesh ball gowns with fitted high waists and floor-length hems that will make you feel like royalty as you enter the room.

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 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.