Formal Dresses
Windsor’s fall formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up in 2026. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
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.
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Janice Formal Open Back Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sophistication to your evening with our awe worthy Janice dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with padded cups, tank-like straps and a partially open back with an upper back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice features vertical princess seams at the bust and leads to a sweeping floor length A-line silhouette with hidden side pockets and a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes an additional lower back closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0155
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lynda Formal Halter Dress
Special OccasionKeep your look sophisticated and breathtaking as you unleash your inner siren in our Lynda dress! She features a halter neck with a two button closure at the nape of the neck, a sweetheart bust with padded cups and flattering princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length skirt that is accented with bodycon like seams to create an hourglass illusion. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. She is lined with a smooth knit fabric. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'7 with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5836
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brenna High-Slit Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Get a gorgeous iridescent glow in the stunningly chic Brenna dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a notched front detail, padded cups, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a thigh-high side slit. The dress features all-over iridescent sequin embroidery for a pretty vibe. Style this dress with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wired notched front detail, padded cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back lace-up design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high side slit
- Lined knit fabric, moderate stretch, iridescent sequin embroidery
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1302
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Carrie Formal Satin Sequin Corset Dress
Special Occasion
Step out and sparkle at your next formal event in the Carrie satin dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that crisscross along the open back design, a padded bust with lining, and a sheer corset bodice with sequin and beaded embroidery and flexible boning inserts. Her flattering mermaid silhouette hugs your curves with accentuating side and back ruched seams, and a flared floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a luxurious silky satin-lined fabric with minimal stretch. Complete the look with a glitter envelope clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper
- Padded bust with lining, crisscross straps, open back design
- Sheer corset bodice, sequins and beading, flexible boning
- Side and back ruched seams, mermaid silhouette
- Flared floor-length hem
- Lined satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3039
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Harlee Formal Satin Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionStun in satin as you make a grand entrance in our romantic Harlee two piece dress! She features a strapless crop top with a sweetheart bust, padded cups, princess seams and built in boning for structure. Her matching skirt features a high waist fit and a flared mermaid silhouette with a wide banded hemline. Dress is composed of a burgundy hued lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Both pieces include back zipper closures.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0483
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $26.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Maisie Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Shine like you own the night—the Maisie sequin bodycon mini dress is pure glam with its bold shimmer and sculpted fit. Designed to hug your curves and catch the light, it's the ultimate go-to for party-perfect moments.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidered scroll pattern
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adjustable thin tank shoulder straps
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000306
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Annabella Formal Satin A-Line Midi Dress
Special Occasion
You have plans and the Annabella formal satin midi dress is the style you need for looking sultry-chic at upcoming soirees! She features a classy sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a slim and flattering A-line silhouette with a front curved seam atop her flirty slit midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a matte woven satin-lined fabric with a subtle sheen effect. Complete your breathtaking look in faux pearl duster earrings and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Slim A-line silhouette
- Front curved seam, front slit
- Midi-length hem
- Lined matte woven satin fabric, no stretch
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1491
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Elsie Formal Open Back Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Wow them all from the moment you enter the room in our dazzling Elise dress!
Fits & Features
- Plunging Wired V Neckline
- Double Button Closure At Nape Of Neck I Open Back
- Padded Cups
- Cap Sleeves
- Floor Length Silhouette
- Lined Mesh Fabric I Scroll Pattern Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit I Minimal Stretch
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: 05002-0255
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $52.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rochelle Tulle A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Be a vision of beauty in our elegant Rochelle! Her lovely tulle adds a romantic and dreamy touch to the look.
Fits & Features
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Square Back With Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure
- Flowy Floor Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette
- Lined Tulle Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0599
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps Cross At The Back
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Miranda Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour to an evening you'll never forget in our shimmering Miranda A-Line dress! She glows with each step to create a truly enchanting moment! She pairs beautifully with a glitzy choker necklace and rhinestone embellished heels!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Hidden Side Pockets
- High Side Slit
- A-Line Silhouette
- Lined Woven Glitter Knit Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit | Slight Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0842
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Harrah Satin Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Step out in the Harrah! She features tank straps that break into spaghetti straps, an exaggerated wired cup, and a fitted bodice with a horizontal seams mid waist. Her bodice meets skirt and flares out into a floor sweeping mermaid design with a high slit at the side. She is composed of a satin like material that offers moderate stretch. Zipper located mid back.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0289
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tessa Formal Halter Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionMake an entrance they'll never forget in our enchanting Tessa dress! She features a mauve hue, a halter neck strap, a sweetheart padded bust, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, and an elongating floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a curve hugging fit.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6640
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Hayden Halter Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Flirt with the spotlight in the Hayden embroidered mini dress, designed with a high halter neckline and an open lace-up back that wows from every angle. Its textured floral finish adds just the right touch of luxe.
Fit & Features
- Embroidered woven-lined fabric
- High halter neckline
- Open lace-up back design
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, engagement parties, baby showers, bridal showers, fancy brunches, birthdays, milestone celebrations, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000255
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tori Off-The-Shoulder Lace Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Alluring and chic, the Tori off-the-shoulder lace formal dress will create a stunning night-out look for your next soiree! She features a sheer lace top with a lined and padded bust, a straight-across neckline with a scalloped hem, long fitted sleeves, and a sheer illusion bodice. Her high waist seam flows out to a floor-length fitted silhouette with a sultry thigh-high front slit. Complete the outfit with rhinestone earrings and sleek and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sheer lace top, lined and padded bust
- Off-the-shoulder straight across neckline, scalloped hem
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Long fitted sleeves
- Sheer illusion bodice
- High waist seam, floor-length fitted silhouette, front slit
- Sheer lace fabric, knit skirt lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1600
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Suzanne Taffeta Flower Mini Party Dress
Special Occasion
Flower power is for real cute on the Suzanne taffeta party dress! She features a strapless neckline with non-slip grip lining, a front pleated design with a flower inset, a bodycon silhouette that flaunts your curves, and a mini-length hem. The party dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete the look in platform stiletto heels and a clutch for a school dance, banquet, or sweet sixteen!
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front pleated design, flower inset
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1880
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rhonda Formal Velvet Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Turn heads in the glamorous Rhonda formal velvet dress for your next holiday party or celebration! She stuns in a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, padded cups, and side ruched seams to accentuate your curves along her form-fitting, midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of luxurious velvet fabric. Complete your dressy look in lattice cutout booties and earrings!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Padded cups
- Side ruched seams
- Form-fitting silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Velvet fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1235
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $54.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Selma Velvet Wrap Dress
Make every moment your spotlight in our ravishing Selma!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Square Back
- Wrap V Neckline With Dart Details At The Bust
- Wrap, Floor Length Skirt With Thigh High Slit
- Smooth Velvet Fabric I Fully Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
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: 05002-0180
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rosaleen Glitter Gown
Special Occasion
Have a magical night in our gleaming Rosaleen gown! She has a v neckline, and tank straps that lead to a low v back with a hidden zipper closure. She has a banded waist line, and her A-line skirt flows to a floor length hem. She is fully lined with a soft knit fabric and she has a mesh overlay decorated with a chunky textured glitter throughout.
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: 05002-0278
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Leona Formal Long Sleeve Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitz and glamour in our Leona dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a built in no slip strip, fitted unlined long sleeves and a relaxed fit bodice that leads to mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a partially lined mesh fabric adorned with shining sequins set in a scroll print design. Dress offers a relaxed fit with a minimal 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: 05002-0250
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emilia Corset Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Emilia is designed to turn heads—sleek knit meets sculpted mesh for a look that’s equal parts sultry and sophisticated. This bodycon mini dress features a sheer corset bodice and lace-up open back that brings the drama from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit-lined stretchy fabric
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Sheer mesh embroidered corset bodice, flexible boning
- Lace-up back
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, bachelorettes, birthdays, date nights, Vegas, GNO, glam events, rooftop hotel bars, fancy dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000112
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $139.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sami Lace Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Lace up and head out for an elegant evening in our captivating Sami dress! Her high slit and mermaid silhouette showcase curves in all the right places!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Tank Straps
- Lace Up Back
- Mermaid Silhouette
- High Slit
- Fully Lined Smooth Knit Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Red: Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0676
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sierra Formal Off the Shoulder Glitter and Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a gleaming dress from the moment you walk in, as you create a head-turning moment in our Sierra glitter and lace dress. She features a glitter lace bodice with scalloped lace trim, short unlined sleeves, and an alluring off the shoulder neckline. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging crepe skirt complemented with lace godet panels that enhances curves with providing a moderate stretch. Complete your formal outfit with a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Glitter floral lace bodice
- Off the shoulder neckline with scalloped lace trim
- Unlined short sleeves
- Crepe mermaid skirt
- Lace godet panels
- Unlined lace back
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1092
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Monica Formal Wrap Ruched Dress
Special OccasionMake a captivating entrance in our lovely Monica dress! She features a mauve hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a fold over accent and an asymmetrical floor length silhouette with a ruched side seam. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit. The back features a ruched detailing and full zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist and 52" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0149
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $23.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vada Pleated Chiffon Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Please them all in pretty pleats! Vada brings the elegance with sweeping airy chiffon and a dramatic halter neckline! Pair her with silver accents for a look that will make them all take notice!
Fit & Features
- Halter Neckline | Mesh Inset
- Halter Neck Strap | Padded Cups
- Pleated Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
- Back Zipper Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0928
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale