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.

  • Layla Formal Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the shine to match your glam taste in our sparkling Layla dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, short sleeves, a natural fit waist and a curve hugging midi length silhouette with bold side slit. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins throughout. Garment offers a minimal stretch and includes a back zipper closure.

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4093

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Marleen Sequin Pearl Bow Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Delicate yet daring, the Marleen mini dress was made for that enchanted evening glow, with sequin faux pearl embellishments, a sleek bodycon silhouette, and romantic bow-tied spaghetti straps. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin, faux pearl embellished, bow pattern, stretchy knit lining
    • Scoop neckline, padded bra cups
    • Spaghetti strap bow ties
    • Low-cut back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, bachelorettes, bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner, birthdays, date night, anniversaries, receptions, cocktail parties, rooftop hotel bars

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000135

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mariah Ruched Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a stylishly chic entrance at your next party in the luxe Mariah velvet bodycon dress. She features a V-neckline, bishop sleeves with tapered smocked hems, front and back ruched detailing, an adjustable drawstring at the front hem, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete your look with strappy heels and a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline
    • Bishop sleeves, tapered smocked hems
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Front and back ruched detailing
    • Adjustable drawstring at the front hem
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0845

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Graciela Formal Ruched Strappy Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Highlight all of your best assets in the Graciela formal midi dress! She features a sexy V-neckline, sleek bungee spaghetti straps that shape the open strappy back design made to turn heads, and a bodycon silhouette and midi-length hem to flatter your figure. The formal dress is crafted from a ruched mesh fabric that fits like a glove and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in a layered necklace for a bachelorette or party!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Open strappy back design
    • Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
    • Ruched mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1966

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Everleigh Formal Sequin Scroll Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the shine to your evening with our enchanting Everleigh dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neck with hook and eye closure at the nape of the neck and a racer bust  Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric with a glitzy sequin scroll print throughout. Dress offers a minimal stretch and includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05002-0154

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $27.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Blake Heat Stone Mesh Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the shine to the evening with our show-stopping Blake heat stone dress!

    Fit & Features

    • High Round Neckline
    • Sheer Fitted Long Sleeves
    • Sheer Partially Lined Bodice
    • Heat Stones
    • Mermaid Silhouette I Floor Length Hem I Mini Length Lining
    • Mesh
    • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate 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: 05002-0802

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Viv Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in our head turning Viv burgundy dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeves and a bold open back to show off plenty of skin! Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 

    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: 05002-6718

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Korrie Formal Embroidered Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Make prom a night to remember in the Korrie formal ball gown sure to have all eyes on you! She catches the light with her subtle sparkly lace embroidery on a sheer, mesh overlay fashioned into an A-line floor-length silhouette that's flattering on every figure. Her classic one-shoulder design features dual adjustable spaghetti straps, a built-in padded bust, and a fitted bodice with a back zipper closure. Complete the look in a glam necklace set.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Built-in padded bust, strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Fitted bodice, back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • A-line silhouette
    • Floor-length hem
    • Subtle sparkly lace embroidery, mesh overlay, inner lining
    • Flowy fit, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2222

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kimora Strapless High Low Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    The prettiest glitter details on the Kimora mermaid formal dress make it a stunning style for modern brides, bridesmaids, or black-tie party guests! Elevate your formal look with this exclusive and sophisticated gown showcases a glitter woven fabric that adds subtle sparkle. She features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a wired insert for a flattering structured look, flexible boning for support, and a mermaid silhouette that accentuates all the right curves while the ruffled high low hem adds drama! Complete the look with luxe earrings and block heels for a magical evening.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter woven fabric, bust lining, satin lining along hem
    • Wired neckline, flexible boning
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Ruffled high-low hem
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8111

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ada Rhinestone Open Back Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made to shimmer under the lights, the Ada rhinestone bodycon dress stuns with its sleek strapless silhouette and daring draped back. A perfect mix of polished glamour and modern edge, it’s built for unforgettable entrances.

    Fit & Features

    • Rhinestone embellished knit fabric
    • Strapless tube neckline
    • Draped open back
    • Bodycon fit
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, bachelorettes, date nights, birthdays, rooftop hotel bars, cocktail parties, concerts

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000385

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $64.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aubrielle Off The Shoulder Corset Velvet Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    The long formal velvet dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with cold shoulder straps, a v-neckline bust, a corset bodice accented with flexible boning, and a mermaid silhouette accented with a high-side slit. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Lined velvet fabrication, moderate stretch
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, cold shoulder straps
    • V-neckline bust
    • Corset bodice with flexible boning
    • High side slit
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Long length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8956

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Linley Sequined Surplice Midi Dress
    Special Occasion

    Lend your sparkle a distinctly sophisticated aura in our lovely Linley dress! She features all-over sequin embellishment, a surplice bodice with deep V neckline and back zip, long sleeves, and a curve-hugging midi-length pencil skirt with side slit at front. Linley is fully lined and made from a woven material with little to no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0030

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lara Formal Sequin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the sparkle in our dazzling Lara sequin dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with padded cups, long bishop sleeves. and a mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with shimmering sequins throughout. The dress offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone hair clips

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline with a built-in no-slip strip 
    • Sweetheart bust
    • Padded cups
    • Long bishop sleeves
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Lined mesh fabric 
    • Sequins 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0525

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Joelle High Slit Satin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sassy and sleek, the Joelle satin midi dress is perf for styling up for your next cocktail party. She features a sleeveless plunging V-wired neckline that provides structure, spaghetti straps, ruching at the bodice and down the front, a midi-length, curve-hugging silhouette, and a high side slit. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless deep V-wired neckline
    • Sticky bra recommended
    • Spaghetti straps
    • High waist seam, ruching at the bodice and down the front
    • Midi-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette, high side slit
    • Stretch satin-knit fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1210

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Debrah Sequin Strappy Back Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Debrah sequin dress starts the party everywhere you take her! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, a padded bust, sleek dual bungee spaghetti straps that lead to her open strappy back design, and a bodycon silhouette with a mini-length hem. The party dress is composed of an iridescent sequin embellished fabric that shimmers and shines all night! Complete the look in block heels for a bachelorette or Vegas weekend!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Open strappy back design
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Iridescent sequin-embellished fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Bra optional
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1482

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lisa Glitter Lurex A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our lovely Lisa will bring the glitz and glam in an elegant way! 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Sweetheart Neckline I Padded Bust I Princess Seams
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back 
    • Flowy, A-Line Skirt With Pleated Detailing 
    • Glitter Lurex Fabric I Fully Lined 
    • Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0416

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $99.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Alice Formal Metallic Satin Dress
      Special Occasion 

      Leave an impression that they will never forget in the twirl worthy Alice burgundy dress! She features a sleeveless gold bodice, a scoop neckline and adjustable narrow criss cross straps. Her bodice features a gorgeous metallic design adorned with glittering sequins that leads to a burgundy hued floor length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and a high side slit. Her open back features a wowing lattice back. Dress is composed of a combination textured satin and knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes knit lining and back zipper closure.

      Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6502

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $119.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Adeline Sequin Open Back Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Made for grand entrances and camera flashes, the Adeline mini dress catches the light with every step. Its sequin-covered bodycon silhouette and open back with a delicate tie strap bring after-dark glamour to a whole new level.

      Fit & Features

      • Sequin-embellished mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • V-neckline, padded bra cups
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Open back with tie strap, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Mini-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, birthdays, milestone celebrations, bachelorettes, Vegas, parties

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000388

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Callie Formal Chevron Sequin Dress
      Special Occasion 

      Reflect glamour and elegance in our captivating Callie dress! She features a mint green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and a small keyhole at the back with a single button closure at the nape of the neck. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Her all over sequins are set in a trendy chevron stripe pattern to create a chic look! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.

      Model is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 35.5 hips. She is wearing a size small. 

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6614

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $79.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Kelise First Impression Evening Dress
      Special Occasion

      Make a lasting impression when you stroll through your next formal event. Our Kelise dress does just that with a flattering racer cut bodice detailed with a large keyhole bust and narrow shoulder straps. Her sheath silhouette accentuates your shape and is composed of a crepe knit fabric that smooths down every curve while providing a moderate stretch for a comfortable fit. Kelise closes with a basic 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: 05002-5694

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $47.87 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Grace Sweetheart Rhinestone Mermaid Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

       Effortless with a touch of glam, the Grace formal dress makes a stunning statement! She features a strapless, tube sweetheart neck design with a no-slip grip and a fitted, empire waist with a rhinestone trim cutout. The dress is composed of a smooth-knit-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete your elegant look in a sparkly tiara and heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless, sweetheart neck, no-slip grip
      • Empire waist, rhinestone trim cutout
      • Mermaid silhouette
      • Floor-length hem
      • Smooth-knit lined fabric
      • Moderate stretch
      • Fits true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1905

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $72.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Holly Formal Sleeveless Open Back Dress

      Special Occasion

      You'll be a vision in the Holly formal dress at fancy dinners and celebrations! She features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sultry open tie-back design, and flattering side and back ruched seams that accentuate your curves and a slim long silhouette with a high side slit to show some leg. The formal dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric with a stretchy lining. Complete the look with a glam hair accessory and clutch.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Open tie-back design
      • Side and back ruched seams
      • Slim silhouette, high side slit, long hem
      • Smooth knit fabric, stretchy lining
      • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7623

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Lyra Velvet One-Shoulder Rhinestone Cuff Mermaid Dress

      Special Occasion

      Radiate luxe glamour in the Lyra mermaid dress designed with smooth velvet fabric perfect for a formal holiday soiree. It features a one-shoulder neckline, a long fitted sleeve with a glitzy rhinestone-embellished cuff, ruched seams to accentuate your stunning curves, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette accented with a high-cut front slit.

      Fit & Features

      • Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
      • One-shoulder neckline
      • Long fitted sleeve with rhinestone embellished cuff, slit with dual rhinestone buttons
      • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
      • Ruched seams
      • High front slit, floor-length mermaid silhouette
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8665

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $39.97 $79.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Laura Sequin Lace-Up Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Made to sparkle under the spotlight, the Laura sequin mini dress brings high-shine sophistication in a sculpting bodycon silhouette. With its intricate sequin pattern and daring lace-up cutout back, this dress was built for unforgettable entrances.

      Fit & Features

      • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
      • Sequin embroidered floral pattern
      • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bra cups
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Open lace-up back design, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
      • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, birthdays, bachelorettes, date nights, GNO, and parties.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000330

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $59.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: BLACK, IVORY

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

      Product Badge:
      • Best Seller