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.

  • Giselle Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Brighten the evening as you make a head turning entrance in our wowing Giselle black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and a flared floor length silhouette. Her color block design features a black hue complemented with sheer mesh panels adorned with sparkling iridescent heat stones; that creates an hourglass illusion to enhance curves. Dress is composed of a combination double lined smooth knit fabric and mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6131

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Erika Floral Chiffon Wrap A-Line Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Effortless beauty perfectly describes the Erika formal dress in all her floral glory. Charm the room in her sleeveless, surplice v-neck design with a wrap front tie on a fitted empire waist and criss-cross back straps. She features a flattering a-line silhouette with a high-cut slit on a floor-length hem perfect for twirling the evening away! The formal dress is composed of a chiffon-lined fabric with no stretch. Complete your stunning look with sparkly duster earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Padded v-neckline, surplice accent
    • Wrap tie-front, empire waist, criss-cross back straps
    • A-line silhouette, high-cut slit
    • Floor-length hem, zipper closure
    • Floral chiffon-lined fabric, no stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1474

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Midnight Magic Sequin Lace Mini Dress

    All eyes on you—this mini dress is the definition of after-dark sparkle. With sequin shine, lace details, and a flirty fit, it’s your go-to for sparkling all night.

    Fit & Features

    • Lace, sequin-embellished fabric, knit lining
    • Square neck
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Fitted skater silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000122

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Annie Tie Back Wrap Slit Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make the most remarkable entrance in the Annie glitter formal dress at galas or weddings! With its square neckline, wide shoulder straps, and stunning tie-back detail, this dress exudes sophistication. The high front wrap slit and mermaid silhouette add glamour, while the floor-length hem and glitter knit fabric ensure you make a statement at any formal occasion. Complete the look with a clutch and earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
    • Square neckline
    • Wide shoulder straps
    • High front wrap slit
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8559

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kenzie Strapless Slit Slim Mesh Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A mesh formal dress showcases a strapless pleated neckline and a slim form-hugging silhouette that flaunts a high-side slit for a show of leg. Perfect for the school dance or a party.

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh lined fabric with stretchy knit
    • Strapless pleated neckline
    • Padded bra cups
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • High side slit
    • Slim form-hugging floor-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8685

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Celina Floral Sequin Skater Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Celina is a twirl-worthy stunner, made to light up the room from the first toast to the last dance. Shimmering floral sequins catch the light with every move, while the playful skater silhouette keeps the look fresh, feminine, and unforgettable.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral pattern, sequin embellished fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Skater silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, bridal celebrations, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, fancy brunches, dinner parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000552

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Hannah Glitter Mesh Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sparkle up the night in the pretty Hannah glitter mesh party dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a wrap-front design, adjustable spaghetti straps, a flattering high waist, and a flirty and flowy party skirt. The sheer mesh fabric includes a lining and has gorgeous all-over glitter detailing. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Wrap-front design, padded cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper closure
    • High waist, short party skirt
    • Sheer mesh fabric, lining, glitter detailing, petticoat
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0453

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Francesca Rhinestone Lace-Up Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    A girl's gotta shine and the Francesa party dress elevates your inner sparkle with her array of all-over colored rhinestones perfect for formal birthdays and bachelorettes! She features a sleeveless plunge V-neckline with a sheer nude mesh insert, spaghetti straps that lace up along her open back, and a short form-hugging silhouette. The party dress is composed of a color rhinestone-embellished mesh fabric with a smooth knit stretchy lining. Complete the look with fringe rhinestone earrings and a purse.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, sheer nude mesh insert
    • Spaghetti straps, open lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Short form-hugging silhouette
    • Colored rhinestone-embellishments
    • Mesh fabric, smooth knit stretchy lining
    • Pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1410

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Mandy Corset Ruffle Rose Floral A-Line Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Enter any event in the head-turning style of the Mandy corset floral party dress! Crafted from mesh fabric adorned with a lovely rose floral print with a knit stretchy lining, this short-length dress will make you the center of attention. The cowl neckline and tie bow straps add an elegant touch, while the padded bra cups provide comfort and support. The sheer corset bodice with flexible boning creates a stunning silhouette, and the A-line ruffled design adds a touch of romance! Complete the look in rhinestone earrings and block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Rose floral print, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Tie bow straps
    • Padded bra cups, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning
    • A-line ruffled silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2124

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Salome Scallop Lace Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Look exquisite and sleek in our stunning Salome! 

    Fits & Features

    • Plunging V Neckline + Surplice V Back With Scallop Trim 
    • Unlined, Long Sleeves
    • Lined Lace Bodice 
    • High Waist Seam
    • Floor-Length, Lined Crepe Mermaid Skirt
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
    • Zipper Not Featured 

     Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0805

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Heloise Scroll Sequin Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Mesmerize in our breathtaking Heloise! Everyone will be staring as her sequins catch the light and change color at every angle. 

    Fits & Features 

    • Tank-Inspired Shoulder Straps 
    • Plunging V Neckline I Scoop Back With Zip Closure 
    • Floor Length Hemline I Mermaid Silhouette
    • Mesh Lined Fabric With Scroll Pattern Sequins 
    • Form Hugging Fit 

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0665

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Adrielle Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Striking and glamorous, the Adrielle sequin mini dress is made to steal the spotlight with its sculpted neckline and sultry bodycon fit. Bold sparkle meets timeless allure, making it a must for nights that demand a head-turning look.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin-embellished fabric, knit stretchy lining
    • Square neckline, lightly padded bra cups
    • Wide shoulder straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homcoming, birthdays, bachelorettes, bridal celebrations, receptions, date nights, glamorous events, holiday parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000298

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $89.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kerry Glitter Lace Up Back A Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our dazzling Kerry will make you the star of the show! Glisten from head to toe by accessorizing her with some sparkling touches. 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Lace Up At The Back
    • V Neckline I Padded Bust
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Floor Length Hemline I Front Slit I A-Line Silhouette
    • Glitter Woven Fabric I Mini Length Knit Lining
    • Moderate Stretch 
    • Glitter May Transfer

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0734

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $42.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alexis Formal Heat Stone Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the heat in our glitzy Alexis dress! She features sparkling heat stones throughout, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with wide tank-like strap and a matching V- neck back accented with a bar strap accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Alexis is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0336

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $30.97 $82.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nessa Formal Strapless Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in sophistication as you make an unforgettable impression in our Nessa dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups with built in boning for structure, vertical princess seams at the bust and an unlined floral lace inset complemented with piping accents. Her slim fit waist leads to a floor length silhouette that highlights curves. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0057

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Everly Lace Front Slit Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create a classically beautiful look in our stunning Everly dress! She features a sheer lace mock neckline, long sheer fitted lace sleeves, a front and back cut out above the the bust, a sweetheart neckline with padded cups, flattering vertical seams that run down the bust, and a square back with a zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam leads to a form hugging, fitted mid-length skirt with a front slit and side sheer lace detail. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0053

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aline Woven Glitter Lace Up Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Glow this evening in our Aline dress that brings the glamour to your special event. She features a sweetheart neckline with a v-neck mesh inset, a sexy lattice back, and a party-length silhouette with hidden side pockets. Complete your glowing evening outfit with a sleek clutch and rhinestone earrings

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline with V-neck mesh inset
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back 
    • Party-length silhouette
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Woven glitter fabric
    • Form hugging fit

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0487

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Caressa Sequin Evening Gown

    Special Occasion

    Introducing our Caressa! She features a v neckline, padded cups, and spaghetti straps that cross over at the back and lead to a lower back cut out and a zipper closure. She has a form fitting silhouette that leads to a mermaid floor length hem and a high thigh side slit. Caressa is composed of a lined knit material with a mesh overlay that is adorned in a geometric sequin pattern.

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust,  23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.  

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0084

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sheri Sequin Low Back Slim Evening Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Give off that sexy, sultry vibe when you step out in our Sheri sequin gown! She is created with elegance with a high neckline, and has a little to show with her low back detailing! 

    Fit & Features

    • High neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Low open back with zipper closure
    • Fully lined
    • Mesh outer with golden sequin embellishments
    • Long hemline that has flare
    • Slim form fitting silhouette
    • Minimal stretch

    Model is 5'4" with 33" bust, 24.5" waist and 39" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0561

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cheyenne Formal Strapless Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Lead the room in stunning satin as you capture hearts in our Cheyenne dress! She features an all over blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline with a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning for structure and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatically flared floor length silhouette with vertical seams to create an hour glass illusion. She is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6204

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Daniela Floral Beaded Mini Tube Dress

    Special Occasion

    Chic and captivating, the Daniela floral beaded mini tube dress is modern glamour. With its sleek silhouette and beaded embellishments, it’s the piece that turns any occasion into a stylish affair.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
    • Large floral print, all-over beaded embellishments
    • Strapless straight-across neckline, underbust seam, padded bra cups
    • Lower back cutout
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, rooftop parties, dressed-up dinners, and romantic date nights.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001114

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $89.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: IVORY, PRINT

    Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Blair Sequin Scroll Sleeveless Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase a dazzling look in the gorgeous Blair formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back and a lace-up design, a V neckline, and a floor-length, slim silhouette. The dress is composed of a sheer fabric adorned with an intricate sequin scroll pattern and includes a nude lining. Pair this dress with rhinestone statement earrings and a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Spaghetti straps
    • Cross back and lace-up design
    • V neckline with padded cups
    • Lower back zipper closure
    • Floor-length slim silhouette
    • Sheer fabric
    • Sequin scroll pattern
    • Nude lining

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0958

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Enya Velvet Glitter Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our Enya gown is a dream come true! She features a straight neckline with off shoulder straps, and an overlapping trim. She has a form fitting bodice that leads to a horizontal seam mid waist and flares into a floor sweeping mermaid hem as well as a dramatic slit at one side. Lastly she is composed of form fitting velvet material that offers moderate stretch and showcases twinkling red glitter throughout!

    Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0359

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Eriko Glitter Lace Two Piece Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our Eriko is a stunning two-piece set. Her lace crafted top will glisten underneath the lights while her smooth and sleek satin skirt incorporates a luxe feel to the look. You'll be striding out in style as your gorgeous stilettos make an appearance through the peekaboo slit. 

    Fits & Features

    • Tank Shoulder Straps
    • Scoop Neckline I Padded Bust I Back Zipper Closure
    • Lined, Glitter Lace Bodice I Scalloped Crop Hem 
    • High Rise Waist I Floor Length, Satin Lined Skirt 
    • A-Line Silhouette I Front Slit I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Moderate Stretch 

     

    Model is 5'6" with a 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0398

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free