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

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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!
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Edith One Shoulder Mermaid Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Embrace effortless elegance with the Edith satin formal dress! Designed with a chic one-shoulder neckline and elegantly twisted straps, this gown contours your figure with a flattering mermaid silhouette and high side slit for allure.
Fit & Features
- Silky satin fabric
- One-shoulder neckline, twisted straps
- High side slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas and parties, glamorous soirees, fancy date nights, formal events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000056
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marie Cowl Neck Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Oh-so-alluring, create a bold formal look in the Marie sleeveless sequin mini dress. She features a draped cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, an open back with a lace-up strappy design for a customized fit, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Complete the outfit with classic stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- Lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1119
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Daniella Lace-Up Floral Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be transported to a dreamy garden scene whenever you slip on the Daniella floral formal dress! This luxurious dress boasts a flattering V-neckline, a lace-up open back for added intrigue, and a figure-skimming silhouette that will make you feel elegant.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, premium satin fabric
- V-neckline
- Spagehtti straps
- Lace-up open back
- Figure-skimming silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8985
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Denise Satin Bodycon Slit Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sculpted for your most glamorous nights, the Denise satin midi dress pairs a softly draped cowl neckline with a curve-hugging silhouette. A thigh-high slit and open back detail make it the ultimate entrance-making piece.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Cowl sweetheart neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Back zipper closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front wrap slit, midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridal celebrations, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and photoshoots, black tie galas, birthdays, fancy brunches, date nights, milestone celebrations, holidays
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000358
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN, IVORY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Bebe Formal Glitter Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a glam formal dress that instantly brings the glamour to homecoming or galas! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with subtle pleats, a sweetheart bust, and a wrap silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Pleat detailing
- Sweetheart bust
- Wrap silhouette, high side slit
- Form-hugging fit, floor-length hem
- Glitter knit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7456
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Anastasia Velvet Formal Dress And Gloves Set
Special Occasion
You'll be red carpet ready and radiating glamour in the Anastasia velvet formal dress and gloves set! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a fitted bodice, flexible boning to provide structure, pleated detailing at her slim-fit waist, a floor-length asymmetrical hem creating a dramatic thigh-high side slit, and a curve-hugging silhouette. The matching gloves feature a long-fitted design to amp up the elegance. The luxe velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete your outfit with rhinestone duster earrings and an embellished cuff.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, flexible boning
- Slim-fit waist, front pleating, back zipper closure
- Floor-length asymmetrical hem, high side slit, curve-hugging silhouette
- Matching long-fitted gloves
- Velvet fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3287
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Juliane Strappy Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Juliane formal dress drapes your figure in a mermaid silhouette while the strappy open back turns heads!
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Halter V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Dual tie-back closures, open back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal dances, weddings, bridesmaids, gala dinners, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, fancy date nights, black tie events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9695
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RUST, HUNTER, RED, YELLOW
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Raquel Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Glistening sequins dance across the Raquel formal dress to make a stunning appearance at dances, weddings, and banquets! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps that lace up on the back, a built-in padded bust with underwire, and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette with a sultry front slit and floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-embroidered mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Style with a collar necklace and heels to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded bust, underwire
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette, front slit, floor-length hem
- Sequin-embroidery, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6926
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Monique Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle them all this Homecoming season in the stunning Monique mini dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps that lead to an alluring open back with a strappy design, a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette, and all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Style with stilettos and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Open back, strappy design
- Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1091
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Krissy Satin Bodycon Formal Midi Dress
Special Occasion
A sophisticated design that stands that's timeless, the Krissy satin formal dress will leave everyone speechless! The strapless tube design with alluring V-cut neckline accentuates the style, while the sleek bodycon midi silhouette hugs your curves in all the right places.
Fit & Features
- Satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless tube V-cut wired neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Center back slit
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridal showers, engagement parties and photoshoots, rehearsal dinners, bachelorette parties, date night, anniversaries
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000030
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ilya Satin Backless Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Catch everyone's gaze in the daring Ilya formal satin dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, an alluring open back with a cross-back strap design, and a cowl-draped detail at the lower back. Her slim-fit bodice leads to a floor-length hem with a fitted mermaid silhouette and a sultry high front slit to showcase some leg. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style the long dress with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back strap design
- Cowl draped design at the lower back
- High waist seam, slim-fit bodice
- Floor-length hem, mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Satin-knit fabric, knit lining at the bust
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6931
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rae Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Slip into effortless glamour in the Rae floor-length gown, cut in a curve-skimming silhouette that flows into a floor-sweeping hem. The off-the-shoulder neckline with delicate draping creates a refined yet alluring detail, perfect for every polished entrance.
Fit & Features
- Sleek knit fabric with stretchy lining
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, padded bra cups
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, formal milestone celebrations, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, red-carpet events, military balls
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000384
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: DENIM
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Cassia Formal Open-Back Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Make a luxe entrance with a formal dress that brings elegance to your special evening! Cassia features a sleeveless V-neckline with a built-in bust, bungee spaghetti straps, ruching, and an A-Line silhouette with a high-side slit. The back features an open-back design with a slide hook closure at the center and ruching at the lower back. The dress is composed of a velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, V-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust
- Open-back, ruching, slide-hook and zipper closure
- A-Line silhouette, high-cut slit
- Floor-length hem
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1551
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Beka Mesh And Heat Stone High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Make an extravagant entrance and bring the drama in our stunning Beka formal dress! She features a front heat stone embellished sheer mesh insert with a mock neck and a plunging V neckline, a back zipper closure, and long fitted sleeves with heat stone details and chic feather hems. Her form-hugging silhouette leads to a floor-length skirt with a sexy high slit and a heat stone adorned mesh insert. Complete your luxe look with strappy stilettos and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Mock neck and plunging V neckline
- Sheer mesh insert with heat stone applique
- Back zipper closure
- Long fitted sleeves with heat stone details and feather hems
- High slit with heat stone adorned mesh insert
- Floor-length curve-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric with a mini-length lining
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0722
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Cathy Formal Metallic Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself with dazzling shine as you captivate them all in our Cathy dress! She features a sleeveless wrap V-neckline, spaghetti straps, ruching, a high off-center slit that shows off plenty of leg, and a wrap silhouette that embraces curves. The dress is composed of a glitter lurex fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with chrome heels.
Fits & Features
- Sleeveless wrap V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Ruching, high off-center slit
- High waist, wrap silhouette
- Metallic glitter lurex fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0366
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kelly Formal Glitter Cowl Neck Dress
Special Occasion
The night is sparkling and you'll never want it to end in the stunning Kelly formal dress showcasing a display of glitter that the light loves to glisten! She features long sleeves, a cowl neckline, an empire waist, and a form-hugging silhouette with a sexy high-cut side slit along her long hem. The formal dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric with a short knit lining and moderate stretch. Complete your wedding guest, fall banquet, or charity ball look in statement earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves, cowl neckline, empire waist
- Bra-friendly design
- Form-hugging silhouette
- High-cut side slit
- Long-length hem
- Glitter knit fabric, short knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2516
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kaitlin Low Back Slit Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make it an unforgettable night in the Kaitlin formal dress at galas or black tie events. The sleeveless dress captivates with an alluring open-back design and high front slit along the figure-enhancing mermaid silhouette. Pair with earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric
- Scoop neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Open-back design
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where To Wear:
Weddings, bridesmaids, galas, black tie dinner parties, milestone celebrations, fancy date nights, formal dances, big birthday events, anniversaries, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000101
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY, BURGUNDY, BLACK
Available Size: S, XS, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Julianna Sleeveless Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your sweet side with a pretty sparkle in the Julianna sleeveless party dress! She features a square neckline, spaghetti straps, a cross back lace-up strappy design, a high waist seam, and a short party skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Complete the look with rhinestone chandelier earrings and embellished heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- High waist seam, short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1076
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jovie Formal Sequin Slit Mermaid Long Dress
Special Occasion
To sparkle is always the answer to the Jovie formal dress covered in head-to-toe sequins to make your dazzling entrance! Perfect for school dances, black tie weddings, and dressy celebrations. She stuns in a sleeveless square neckline, tank-style straps, and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette that creates the high-cut front slit along her floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-embroidered fabric with a lining. Complete the look in platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, tank-style straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- High-cut front slit, floor-length hem
- Sequin-embroidered fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Lightly padded bust, bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2844
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nemi Formal High Slit Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Create a mesmerizing impression with an elegant formal dress that captivates! Nemi features a sleeveless cowl neckline, padded cups, corset seams at the bodice, flexible boning, and ruching. Her slim fit bodice leads to a mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. Nemi is composed of satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a tennis bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset seams at bodice, flexible boning
- Ruching
- Mermaid silhouette, high side slit
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1294
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Arial Open Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Made for jaw-dropping arrivals, the Arial formal dress sculpts and stuns in smooth knit with a one-shoulder neckline, ruched detailing, and a striking open back twist. Its mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem bring full-glam drama—no effort required.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric with lining, moderate stretch
- One-shoulder neckline
- Side ruched seams
- Open back with twist detail
- Mermaid floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, anniversaries, formal soirees, nights at the opera or theatre, red carpet occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000371
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Sabina Sweetheart Bodycon Satin Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make everyone fall for your chicness in the Sabina satin formal dress! Designed with a flattering sweetheart neckline, this dress will highlight your curves with its bodycon silhouette while the front wrap slit allows for easy movement.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front wrap high slit
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, cocktail parties, date nights, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, milestone celebration dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000024
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Gwendolyn Cross-Back Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Let our beautiful Gwendolyn do all the talking this prom season! Her stunning sequins and gorgeous silhouette are enough to spark a conversation everywhere you go. She features a sleeveless wired deep V-neckline with a padded bust, dual adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, and a floor-length, form-hugging fit. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Complete your prom look with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless bodice, plunging wired V-neckline, padded bust
- Dual adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Floor-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0564
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kiari Formal Off the Shoulder Ruffled Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm in a ruffled dress that stuns for your next special occasion. Kiari features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a ruffled overlay, elastic off-the-shoulder straps, and vertical seams that lead to a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined scuba knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline
- Ruffled overlay
- Off the shoulder straps
- Vertical seams
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined scuba knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0371
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free