Formal Dresses
Windsor's formal dresses are redefining elegance for 2025. Think illusion panels that sculpt and contour, printed mesh gowns with bold florals or swirls, and slinky jersey knits that drape like liquid luxe. Daring cutouts bring a sleek edge to eveningwear, while cascading ruffles add movement and modern drama. These trendy gowns prove that formal doesn’t have to mean predictable—they’re made for weddings, galas, and every post-worthy moment in between. Discover styles that are chic, camera-ready, and designed to make you unforgettable.
HomeFormal Dresses

Product Recommendations
Formal Dresses That Make Every Moment Feel Major
Windsor’s formal dresses are designed for those unforgettable nights when your look has to be flawless. From sweeping formal gowns to sleek short silhouettes, this collection delivers drama, polish, and trend-right details that set the tone for any occasion. Think structured corset bodices, adjustable straps, lace-up backs, and high slits that blend comfort with high-impact style.
- Heading to a big event? Explore Winter formal dresses in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin, and crepe that feel rich and elegant.
- For December celebrations, our formal holiday dresses sparkle with sequins, rhinestones, and glitter mesh, while bold jewel tones and classic black create timeless appeal.
- Looking to ring in the New Year? Formal NYE dresses with metallic finishes and statement cutouts are made to shine under the lights.
If you’re planning a gala, wedding, or milestone party, Windsor offers a range of formal party dresses in both fitted and flowy silhouettes to match your vibe. Go for a strapless satin gown with a sweetheart neckline for timeless elegance, or choose an asymmetrical hemline or bow-back detail for a fresh twist that feels modern and fun.
No matter where the night takes you, Windsor’s formal dresses give you options that feel special, stylish, and photo-ready. Shop Windsor’s formal dresses near you, online, in-app, or at one of 350+ stores nationwide, and find the look that will make your night unforgettable.
Tips for Choosing the Best Formal Dress for Your Body Type
- Hourglass: Slay those curves with a fitted corset bodice and flowing skirt.
- Pear‑Shaped: Balance out your look with a structured top and full skirt.
- Rectangle: Create curves with a cinched waist and flared hem.
- Apple‑Shaped: Draw eyes upward with a V‑neckline and empire waist.
For more styling inspo, hit up our blog guides like “The Ultimate Gala Dresses Guide” or “Sexy Formal Dresses – Create an Eye‑Catching Look” and get ready to own every moment.
What’s the Difference Between a Formal and a Semi-Formal Dress?
Formal and semi-formal dresses differ based on event dress codes and styling. Formal attire, often called black-tie, features glamorous floor-length gowns with luxe details like rhinestones, lace, and beading—perfect for galas, weddings, and proms. Popular silhouettes include mermaid, ball gown, and A-line styles.
Semi-formal dresses offer more variety in length and design, making them ideal for homecoming, weddings, and cocktail parties. These styles range from midi to short lengths.
The venue and occasion can also guide your choice—an upscale wedding may call for a floor-length gown, while an outdoor event might be perfect for a sleek midi dress with a stylish neckline.
Are Formal Dresses Always Long?
Not always! While long gowns are classic for formal events, modern formal attire includes various lengths and styles. Windsor’s collection of women’s formalwear features short, midi, and long dresses. Explore dramatic mermaid and column silhouettes for timeless elegance, or opt for trendy alternatives like high-low hemlines and two-piece designs for a fresh take on formal fashion.
Find your perfect formal dress at Windsor any time of year, available online, in-app, and in over 350 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Shop now for trend-driven styles that make you shine and every event unforgettable!
-
Julia Velvet Corset High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Designed for the most glamorous nights, the Julia velvet corset mermaid dress exudes luxe sophistication. With its strapless sculpted bodice, draped details, and daring high slit, it’s a look that moves with elegance and confidence.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless straight-across neckline, pleated cowl neck overlay
- Corset bodice, padded bust, flexible boning
- Back zipper closure
- Pleated draped front design
- Floor-length column silhouette, high-cut side slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal weddings, bridesmaids, galas, and black-tie parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000132
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER, RED
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Emme Satin Party Dress
Twirl the night away in the flirty Emme satin party dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a high waist, cute side pockets, and a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. Complete your look with rhinestone statement earrings and strappy heels.Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0334
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Francesca Formal One Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning impression with a dress that showcases all your best angles from the moment you enter the room! The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with an adjustable spaghetti strap, a partially open back with sexy cutouts, and a slim fit bodice with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with glitter heels and door knocker earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, padded cups, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti strap
- Partially open back with cutouts
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2301
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Violeta Chiffon Sleeve Crepe Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Style up the chic and stunning Violeta formal midi dress for a luxe cocktail party look. She features a square neckline, sheer chiffon long peasant sleeves, a partially open back with a strappy lace-up design, front ruching leading to a thigh-high slit to showcase some leg, and a midi-length, form-hugging silhouette to accentuate your gorgeous figure. The crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Square neckline
- Sticky bra recommended
- Sheer chiffon long peasant sleeves, elastic cinched hems
- Partially open back, strappy lace-up design, tie closure
- High waist seam, front ruching, thigh-high slit
- Midi-length hem, form-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1231
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ayden Ruffle High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Turn heads all night in the Ayden ruffle high slit mermaid dress that’s sleek, flirty, and made to move. With its curve-hugging fit and dramatic slit, it’s the ultimate mix of sultry and chic for your next party.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Tank shoulder straps, back spaghetti straps
- Ruching, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High-cut side slit, ruffle trim
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Birthday celebrations, dressed-up dinners, date nights, and rooftop parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000105
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED
Available Size: XS, S, M, XL
-
Gemma Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Stun with the Gemma formal satin dress that reflects luxe and glamour for your special evening. The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and ruching at the bust and down the front of the dress for a chic detail. The slim-fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging A-line silhouette with a high side slit to showcase some leg. Gemma is composed of a form-fitting satin fabric that offers minimal stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded cups
- Ruching at the bust and down the front of the dress
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1209
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Vega Formal High Slit Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Mesmerize in a formal dress that brings the luxe to your evening! Vega features a sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, bungee spaghetti straps that cross at the back, bungee bar straps, a high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Bungee spaghetti straps, cross-back
- Bungee bar straps
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Lined velvet fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1555
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ciara Sleeveless Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and stunning, you'll fall head over heels for the Ciara sleeveless satin formal dress. She features a sweetheart neckline with a cowl neck draped design, padded cups, spaghetti straps, a flattering high waist, and a floor-length fitted silhouette. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete your look with sparkling rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl neck draped design
- Padded cups
- Spaghetti straps
- High waist seam
- Floor-length fitted silhouette
- Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1659
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Valeria Satin Lace Corset Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Made for unforgettable entrances, the Valeria satin mermaid gown highlights every curve with its sculpted silhouette and strapless lace-detailed bodice. A sleek finish and floor-sweeping hemline set the stage for pure red-carpet glamour.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Corset embellished bodice
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, military balls, opera nights, engagement parties, formal celebrations, holiday soirees, red-carpet occasions, anniversaries
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000219
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $129.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Marleen Formal Crepe Corset Off-The-Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Flaunt your curves in the Marleen formal long dress and make a daring impression at banquets or fancy parties! She features a classy off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust and short-sleeve cuffs, a corset-style bodice with structured boning that creates an illusion of an hourglass figure, a high waist seam with ruching, a hip-hugging fit, and a slim floor-length silhouette showcasing a flattering front high slit. The formal maxi dress is composed of a crepe fabric and includes a smooth knit lining that offers moderate stretch. Complete the look in bold rhinestone heels and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, padded bust, short-sleeve cuffs
- Corset-style bodice, flexible boning inserts, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, ruched waist, hip-hugging fit
- Slim floor-length silhouette, high front slit
- Crepe fabrication, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7398
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Gloria Formal Sequin Short Dress
Special Occasion
Unleash your inner sparkle in the Gloria short dress covered in shimmering sequins that will have you glowing all night! She features a sleeveless, plunge V-neckline, shoulder straps, and flirty side cutouts that lead to a sultry open back with crisscrossing straps. Her form-fitting silhouette accentuates your curves on the mini-length hem perfect for showcasing some leg. The formal mini dress is composed of sequin-knit lined fabric with minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in sleek stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, plunge V-neck, shoulder straps
- Side cutouts, open back, crisscrossing straps
- Back zipper closure
- Form-fitting silhouette, mini-length hem
- Sequin-knit lined fabric, minimal stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1424
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Whitney Formal High-Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance to your look with a formal dress that wows! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, spaghetti straps, a lace-up back, a high side slit with a ruched drawstring, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone anklet and glitter heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back design
- High side slit with ruched drawstring
- Mermaid silhouette
- Knit fabric, short knit lining, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1493
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Tricia V-Neck Slit Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Effortless and undeniably chic, the Tricia plunge gown turns heads with a sleek silhouette and daring thigh-high slit. Designed to elongate and flatter, it’s your perfect plus-one for black-tie events, galas, and every moment that calls for pure glamour.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric with stretch
- Plunge V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, milestone celebrations, charity auctions, red-carpet occasions, fancy date nights, military balls
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000390
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, ROYAL
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Evette Glitter One-Shoulder Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sweet and stunning, the Evette glitter one-shoulder slit formal dress will make a lasting impression throughout the night! She features a sultry knotted one-shoulder strap with a slit accent and seam detailing along the fitted empire waist. Flaunt your curvy figure and show some leg in her form-fitting maxi silhouette with high-side slit detail. This formal dress is composed of a textured glitter knit-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look in a rhinestone tiara.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder, knotted slit strap
- Adhesive bra recommended
- High side slit
- Empire waist
- Bodycon silhouette, floor-length hem
- Textured glitter-knit fabric, skirt lining
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1882
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Irene Formal Backless Glitter Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Strike a stunning impression with a formal glitter dress that dazzles from all angles. Irene features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a backless design with lower back ties, and a floor-length hem with a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, princess seams, high waist seam
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, lower back ties, ruching at lower back
- Floor-length hem, mermaid silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7039
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Jane Cowl Neck Slit Satin Formal Column Dress
Special Occasion
The luxurious Jane satin formal dress brings effortless sophistication to black-tie events and celebrations! Crafted from silky satin fabric, this sleeveless dress features a stunning cowl neckline and high side slit to show some skin while the fitted column silhouette flatters your curves.
Fresh, bold, and effortlessly chic—this dress makes a statement. Want more? Explore our green prom dresses or find the perfect look for wedding season in our guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High side slit
- Column silhouette, long-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridesmaids, formal dinner parties, and black-tie affairs.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000364
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Christina Lace-Up Back Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dramatic entrance at your next soiree in the chic Christina velvet formal long dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline, thin shoulder straps, an open back with a cross-back lace-up strappy design, a fitted, floor-length silhouette, and a sultry thigh-high front slit. Add some sparkle with rhinestone earrings and complete the look with a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, thin shoulder straps
- Padded bust, no bra required
- Open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Fitted, floor-length silhouette, high front slit
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1552
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Arianna Rhinestone Mesh High Slit Column Dress
Special Occasion
Steal the room’s attention the moment you walk in—the Arianna rhinestone mesh column dress glimmers with every step, its sleek silhouette finished with dual daring high slits for a flawless mix of elegance and allure. Designed for nights when the spotlight naturally finds you.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, high stretch
- Rhinestone embellishments, diamond-shaped pattern
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Dual high-cut side slits
- Floor-length column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal weddings, dinner parties, birthday celebrations, romantic date nights, and black-tie affairs.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000204
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $99.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Iconic Presence Sleeveless Midi Dress
Make your presence iconic in this must-have midi dress! Designed with a slinky knit fabric with plenty of stretch, this dress will showcase a chic sheen to catch everyone's eye. It features a sleeveless square neckline, wide shoulder straps, the perfect bodycon silhouette that fits like a glove, and a flirty center back slit along the midi-length hem. Complete the look in heels and an envelope clutch for a cocktail mixer or business dinner!
Fit & Features
- Slinky knit fabric, sheen effect, plenty of stretch
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Center back slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3099
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $11.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Colette Formal Swiss Dot Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in our glam Colette formal dress! She features a high round neckline with a sheer swiss dot mesh panel, a padded sweetheart bust, an empire waist, and a sheer mesh swiss dot back. Her relaxed fit waist leads to a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- High round neckline with dual back button closures
- Sheer swiss dot mesh panel
- Padded sweetheart bust
- Empire waist with back zipper and hook and eye closures
- Sheer mesh swiss dot back
- Crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1128
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Mia Lace-Up A-Line Floral Chiffon Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Mia floral formal dress sets the tone for spring to summer dressy events! The delicate lace-up back, ruffled high front slit, and elegant A-line silhouette will make you feel like a true work of art.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, airy chiffon fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Square neckline, padded bra cups, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front ruffled slit
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, dressy celebrations, glam functions, afternoon tea parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9392
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Shay A-Line Tulle Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make a breathtaking entrance at prom in the whimsical Shay A-line tulle formal dress! With her lightweight, flowy, A-line silhouette, you'll radiate beauty with every step. She features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit that lead to a cross-back design, and a high empire waist. Her floor-length sheer mesh skirt flows out with chic pleated detailing and features a knit lining with a wrap-front design creating a high slit. Style this dress with sparkling rhinestone earrings to bring the princess vibes to this prom season.
Fit & Features
- Plunge V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Open cross-back design, zipper and hook and eye closure
- Empire waist, floor-length A-line silhouette
- Wrap-front design, high slit
- Tulle fabric, inner knit lining
- Flowy relaxed fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1985
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Bethany Lace-Up Mesh Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Made for the spotlight, the Bethany flocked velvet gown sculpts a striking mermaid silhouette with a sheer corset bodice and lace-up back designed to captivate from every angle. A true evening stunner, it’s equal parts sultry and sophisticated.
Fit & Features
- Flocked velvet pattern, mesh-lined fabric
- V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up open back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, birthday events, milestone celebrations, charity auctions, formal holiday soirees, glamorous launch parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000116
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: S, M, XL
-
Lia Ruched Satin High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and stunning, the Lia satin long formal dress is a gorgeous choice for weddings or fancy parties. She features a sleeveless square neckline, thin tank shoulder straps, front seam detailing creating a corset-like waistband, ruching down the side leading to a thigh-high slit, and a floor-length hem with a form-hugging silhouette. The satin-knit fabric showcases a stunning sheen and offers a moderate stretch. Style your look with this long dress with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, tank shoulder straps
- Front seam detailing, back zipper closure
- Ruching down the side, high side slit
- Floor-length hem, form-hugging fit
- Satin-knit fabric, knit lining at the top, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7459
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale