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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Eliska Formal Sequin and Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Enter the room with elegance as you make a captivating entrance in our Eliska sequin dress! Her satin train elevates style made for a Queen! Pair her with sparkling gems and statement heels!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Mesh Inset | Padded Cups
- Double Row Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross-Strap Back
- Sequin Scroll Print Pattern
- Woven Satin Train
- Lined Mesh Fabric
- Form Hugging Back
- Relaxed Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1007
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Laurel Velvet Skater Short Dress With Pockets
Special Occasion
Playful yet polished, the Laurel velvet short dress balances a structured bodice with a flirty flared skirt. The open back cutout detail adds a touch of modern allure to a timeless party silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Soft plush velvet fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Sweetheart neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Cutout back, hook strap and zipper hook-eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal school dances, weddings, birthdays, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, date nights, milestone celebrations, red-carpet occasions, galas
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000482
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jemma Formal Heat Stone Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionTurn up the heat in our dazzling Jemma dress! She features an all over natural hue, a V neckline with tank-like straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length mermaid silhouette that brings plenty of flair! Jemma is composed of semi-sheer mesh fabric adorned with gleaming heat stones throughout. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a partial skirt lining and hidden back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6192
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Olivia Formal Strappy Sequin Dress
Special OccasionShine bright like the diamond you are in our flashy Olivia dress! She features an all over silver hue, a high round neckline with a double button closure at the nape of the neck, a racer bust with plunging keyhole, padded cups and princess seams. Her open back features a caged back with multi narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a flared hem. Her all over lined floral lace fabric features gleaming sequins throughout. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6338
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lizza Formal Sequin Slit Long Dress
Special Occasion
Designed by wow factor sparkle, the Lizza formal sequin dress was made for celebratory events! Shine at school dances, sweet sixteen birthdays, or banquet dinners. She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a sheer mesh insert, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, and a curve-hugging slim silhouette with a sultry front slit and a floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-pattern mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a silver clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, sheer mesh insert
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Curve-hugging, slim silhouette, front slit, floor-length hem
- Sequin-pattern mesh fabric, stretch knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7167
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Maia Formal Velvet Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The Maia formal velvet dress is totally captivating at fancy parties and celebrations! She features a sleeveless square neckline with cowl pleating, adjustable spaghetti straps, a bodycon silhouette, a front ruched seam, and slit that shows some skin along her midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a flocked velvet pattern on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a gorgeous rhinestone bracelet and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, cowl pleating
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hooke-ey closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front ruched seam and slit
- Midi-length hem
- Flocked velvet pattern, mesh fabric stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1699
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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River Formal Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Reign in the night in our head turning River dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, vertical princess seams and spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared party length skirt accented with side pockets adorned with dazzling gemstones. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a slight stretch. Includes a petticoat and back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0092
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shelly High Slit Glitter Knit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the stunning shine in the Shelly glitter knit formal dress! With a floor-sweeping hem and form-hugging silhouette with a slit, you'll captivate everyone at the party.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, square back design
- Spaghetti straps
- High waist seam, high front slit
- Floor-length form-hugging silhouette
- Runs true to size
- Extra glitter for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, big birthday events, fancy date nights, dinner parties, and dressy soirees.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8278
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Pricilla Satin Ruffle Bodycon Party Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the wow factor in the Pricilla satin party dress as the stunning bride-to-be, birthday girl, or for a Vegas weekend! She features a dramatic off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline with adorable puff sleeve cuffs, flexible boning inserts along her bodice for a structured fit, and a sexy bodycon silhouette and mini-length hem. The formal party dress is crafted from a shiny satin fabric with a silky feel and stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in statement rhinestone heels and earrings for a glam finish!
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline, puff sleeve cuffs
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning inserts
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Shiny satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1722
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nivea Mauve Glitter Cowl Neck Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Sparkle your way through the crowd while you elegantly pull off our sparkling Nivea gown! Her form fitting silhouette flatters those curves, and her sparkle is incredibly stunning!
Fit & Features
- Cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Criss-cross back
- Partially lined
- Floor sweeping hemline
- Form fitting silhouette
- Glitter embellishments (Glitter may transfer)
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0733
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lara Formal Velvet High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring a level of elegance that only Lara offers! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, and vertical princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice features a ruched detail that runs along the left side and leads to sexy high slit to reveal your glam heels! Her back features a back zipper closure and is accented with a ruched detailing. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0315
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shelly Formal Sleeveless Lace Dress
Special OccasionFall back on classic lace to make the perfect impression! Shelly features a plunging V neckline, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a fluttering floor length silhouette with a trumpet hem and a high center slit. Dress is composed of a lined lace fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
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: 05002-6486
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Bella Formal Sleeveless Trumpet Dress
Special OccasionMake a twirl worthy entrance in our sophisticated Bella dress! She features an all over black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a wired V neckline with wide tank-like straps, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features an unlined mesh fabric complemented with strap accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a trumpet flared hem. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6199
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Claudia Velvet Burnout Slim Gown
Velvet isn't going anywhere, it is timeless! We are loving this vintage inspired piece intricately designed with a stunning floral pattern and a floor length slim fit! Style with neutral heels, and soft curls!
Fit & Features
- V- neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Full lining that cuts off slightly above hemline
- Floor length hemline
- Slip on fit | Moderate stretch
- Velvet with floral pattern
Model is 5'9" with 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: 05002-0771
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ellerie Low Back Ruffle Bubble Short Dress
Special Occasion
Oh so chic and just as sultry, the Ellerie short dress will have everyone fall head over heels! Designed with a low back, flattering bodycon silhouette, and an adorable ruffled bubble hem, this dress is charming from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Smooth woven fabric, sewn-in stretchy knit lining
- Boat neckline
- Low back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Ruffled bubble short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, brides, weddings, garden parties, dressy date nights, cocktail soirees, graduations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2768
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Amai Formal Velvet Strapless Dress With Gloves
Special Occasion
Exude luxury in the Amai formal dress with gloves! She boasts a strapless neckline, flexible boning inserts, and a flattering mermaid silhouette. This floor-length dress is made with a floral velvet burnout pattern and full knit stretchy lining. Complimented with matching gloves, you'll look sophisticated and undeniably chic. Finish the look with fringe earrings for a black tie party!
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline
- Flexible boning inserts
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Floral velvet burnout pattern, full stretchy knit lining
- Detached gloves
- Strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7739
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aubriella Rhinestone And Pearl Mesh Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Create an enchanting formal look in the Aubriella mermaid dress crafted with a lined mesh fabric embellished with mini iridescent rhinestones and faux pearls for a gorgeous shimmer. The dress features a feminine off-the-shoulder neckline with short sleeves, a wrap front and back design at the bodice, ruched side seams to accentuate your curves, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Iridescent rhinestone and faux pearl embellishments
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, short sleeves
- Wrap front and back design
- Ruched side seams
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8769
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alanna Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special OccasionShimmer and shine as you make a glam statement in the diva approved Alanna dress! She features a luxe gold hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flattering midi length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins. Garment offers a form hugging 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 smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4116
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ellie Sleeveless Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it luxe in a satin dress that brings the flare in our chic Ellie dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flared party-length silhouette with trendy side pockets to pose in! Complete your head-turning look with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Vertical seams at the bodice
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Party-length silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0474
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lennon Satin Feather Trim Formal Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Vivacious and chic, the Lennon satin formal skater dress will dramatically level up your party look! She features a sleeveless subtle sweetheart neckline with a fabulous ostrich feather trim, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a fitted bodice with flexible boning inserts to provide structure. Her high waist seam flows out to a short pleated skater skirt with hidden side pockets and a flirty fit and flare silhouette with a tulle lining. The smooth satin woven fabric includes a full woven lining. Style with lace-up heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, ostrich feather trim
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Fitted bodice, flexible boning inserts, high waist seam
- Short skater skirt, pleating, hidden side pockets, fit and flare silhouette
- Satin woven fabric, woven and tulle lining
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1622
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lucille Formal Long Sleeve Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle with our A-list worthy Lucille dress! She features a plunging V neckline, long bishop sleeves with a triple button cuff and a relaxed fit waist that leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette accented with a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins throughout. Lucille offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Zipper not included.
Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05002-0169
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $37.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lisi Off Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Made from a sleek and smooth fabric, Lisi will mold your every curve and let you move around effortlessly. Her ruched off-shoulder sleeves and small front slit are playful features to this glamorous dress.
Fits & Features
- Square Neckline I Padded Bust
- Ruched Off Shoulder Sleeves
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Mermaid Silhouette I Front Slit
- Smooth, Midweight Tricot Fabric I Fully Lined I Pretty Sheen Finish
- Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0609
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aleena Sequin Flower Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for a head-turning arrival, the Aleena sequin mini dress brings soft glam with high-impact shine. Designed in a sequin-covered stretch fabric, this bodycon mini features a halter V-neckline and an eye-catching floral accent that feels both flirty and elevated.
Fit & Features
- Sequin-embellished fabric
- Halter V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Flower accent
- Open back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, bachelorettes, bridal showers, date nights, garden parties, cocktail soirees, fancy brunches, birthdays, rooftop hotel bars
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000250
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nina Off The Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make bold moves and look oh-so-stunning in the dramatic Nina formal dress. She features an off the shoulder deep wired V neckline, draped off the shoulder short sleeves overlaying long fitted sleeves, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-length, form-hugging mermaid silhouette to showcase your curves. The dress is composed of a stretchy crepe fabric for comfortable wear and a chic and stylish look. Complete your outfit with rhinestone drop earrings and a sparkly rhinestone statement ring.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder wired V neckline
- Draped short sleeves overlaying long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam
- Floor-length, curve-hugging mermaid fit
- Stretchy crepe fabric
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1199
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free