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.

  • Bianca Long Sleeve Faux Pearl Beaded Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stop the party when you arrive in the Bianca party mini dress, which boasts a femme low-cut cowl neckline and a flattering bodycon silhouette. The dress is crafted from a lined mesh fabric with all-over beading and faux pearl embellishments for a glam style. Complete the look with heels.

    Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Faux pearl and beaded embellished mesh-lined fabric
    • Sheer fitted long sleeves
    • Low-cut cowl neckline with bar accent
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2601

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Maria Glitter Bow Off-The-Shoulder Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for your spotlight entrance, the Maria glitter dress captures movement and elegance in every step. With a structured corset bodice, flirty skater silhouette, and a shimmering glitter woven fabric, her off-the-shoulder bow neckline is the perfect RSVP-ready detail.

    Fit & Features:

    • Glitter woven fabric, tulle and knit linings
    • Sweetheart bow off-the-shoulder neckline, padded bra cups
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Corset bodice with flexible boning
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, red carpet events, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, rehearsal dinners, formal occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000012

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Perrie Formal Layered Tulle Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep it whimsical and enchant them all in our twirl-worthy Perrie tulle dress! Her layers bring the drama to create a memorable look! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Plunging V-Neckline
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Pleated Bodice
    • Layered Tulle Silhouette 
    • Lined Mesh Fabric 
    • Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch 
    • Back Zipper with Hook and Eye Closure 

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" 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: 05002-0489

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aspen Sweetheart Lace Crepe Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    This crepe formal dress features a flattering sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded underwire bust, a lace trim bodice, and a stunning mermaid floor-length silhouette. Perfect for styling with a necklace.

    Fit & Features

    • Crepe fabric, bust lining, minimal stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline, built-in padded underwire bust
    • Shoulder straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Lace trim bodice
    • Mermaid floor-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8647

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Liv Sleeveless Beaded Sequin Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the shine in the Liv mermaid dress featuring a dazzling geometric beaded and sequin pattern, a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a draped mermaid silhouette.

     

    All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Geometric beaded and sequin embroidered pattern
    • Sleeveless V-neckline with padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • High waist seam
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, galas, and fancy parties.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8818

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Roxanne Formal Two Piece Lattice Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Elevate your look with our luxe Roxanne two piece dress! She features a sleeveless crop top with a wired V neckline, padded cups, princess seams, adjustable narrow straps and a lattice back. Her matching skirt features a high rise waist, hidden side pockets and a voluminous petticoat. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal 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: 05006-0510

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Beverly Formal Satin Pleated Corset Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Beverly formal satin dress takes flawless bathroom selfies and looks amazing while sipping on a cocktail! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a corset bodice with a pleated and padded bust, flexible boning, and a curve-flaunting bodycon silhouette, front slit, and midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined silky satin fabric with minimal stretch. Complete your red carpet or wedding guest look in rhinestone stiletto heels.

    Fit & Fetaures

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Corset bodice, pleated and padded bust, flexible boning
    • Bodycon silhouette, front slit
    • Midi-length hem
    • Lined silky satin fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1694

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kaitlin Long Glitter Evening Gown

    Special Occasion

    Have a magical night in our glittering Kaitlin evening gown! She is designed with flattering seams that have been created to flatter all women!

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline | Spaghetti straps
    • Cinched wrap waist
    • Long hemline
    • Dramatic center slit
    • Glitter lurex material
    • Moderate stretch
    • Zipper not included

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0373

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Lucinda Formal Satin Pleated Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Celebrate a fab moment in our unforgettable Lucinda satin dress! She brings the glam with her vibrant shade and curve-hugging silhouette! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Plunging V-Neckline | Flexible Boning 
    • Pleated Overlapping Strap Accents 
    • High Side Slit 
    • Lined Satin Fabric 
    • Form Hugging Fit 
    • Slight Stretch 

     

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0763

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Francine Satin Halter Slit Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Effortlessly sleek and made to mesmerize, the Francine is your RSVP-ready statement. With a halter V-neckline and bodycon fit in glossy satin, its side slit adds just the right touch of drama.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabric
    • Halter V-neckline
    • Open back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Side slit
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Midi-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, birthdays, cocktail soirees, date night, rooftop hotel bars, formal milestone celebrations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000291

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Laila Formal Open Back Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an alluring entrance in lace! Our Laila dress features a rich burgundy hue, a round neckline, fitted unlined lace long sleeves, lace insets at the waist to create an hour glass illusion and an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Her back features a bold open back that leads to a lower back zipper closure with ruched detailing. Dress is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a full knit lining. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6258

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Macy Mikado Floral Ball Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Our lovely Macy will make your presence be known with her dreamy florals and her gorgeous A-Line silhouette! 

    Fits & Features 

    • Tank Shoulder Straps
    • Square Neckline I Padded Bust 
    • Scoop Back I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • Hidden Hand Pockets 
    • Floor Length Hem I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat I Pleating Details
    • Fully Lined, Heavyweight Mikado Fabric 
    • Moderate Stretch

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0030

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Samara Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion

    Set off sparks in our head turning Samara dress! She features a classic black hue, a V neckline, fitted long sleeves and princess seams. Her back features an open design with a bar strap accent and a knotted detail at the lower back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6466

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Taylor Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the drama in our picture perfect Taylor dress! She features an all over hunter green hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her double row narrow straps leads to a trendy lattice back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6111

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Gracie Beaded Tie Back Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    A sparkle-soaked moment with a twist—the Gracie beaded mini dress turns heads with every step, while the dramatic bow back ensures your exit is as unforgettable as your entrance. Effortless, flirty, and built for nights that call for a little extra shimmer.

    Fit & Features

    • Beaded embellished, mesh-lined fabric
    • Crew neckline
    • Open tie-back design
    • Skater silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthdays, milestone celebrations, weddings, dinner parties, date nights, rooftop brunch restaurants

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000550

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Off The Clock Sequin Blazer Dress

    Take this one off the clock and out an about!  Wear open as a jacket, or close it and wear as a dazzlin' dress!

    Fit & Features

    • Collared neckline
    • 3/4 Sleeves
    • Fully lined
    • Mid-length
    • Over-sized fit
    • Single snap closure
    • Sequin + glitter outer

    Style Number/Barcode: 06204-0243

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $23.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Shannon Lace-Up Sequin Mesh Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Lines of sparkly sequins dance across the Shannon formal dress adding drama and dimension to prom night or banquet dinners! Made from a lightweight mesh fabric with a full stretchy knit lining for coverage, this gown is a perfect choice for any formal occasion. She boasts a flattering V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and padded bra cups that provide support for a sophisticated look. The intricate lace-up back and mermaid silhouette create a stunning silhouette, while the sparkling sequin striped pattern adds a touch of glamour to this floor-length gown. Complete the look with earrings, bracelets, and a clutch to carry your essentials!

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin striped pattern, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Padded bra cups
    • Lace-up, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7935

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lennyn Off-The-Shoulder A-Line Tulle Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Airy tulle creates the romantic Lennyn formal dress with beautiful details perfect for bridesmaids, wedding guests, or fancy banquets! Capture an irresistible allure in her off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline adorned with charming short-sleeve ruffle cuffs and a built-in padded underwire bra top for support and shaping. The dreamy A-line silhouette makes twirling a must while the high front slit along the floor-length hem gives you plenty of movement out on the dance floor! Complete the look with dainty earrings and block heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Tulle fabric lined with smooth stretchy knit
    • Built-in padded underwire bra top
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • High front slit
    • A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7976

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Melanie Formal Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the sparkle with our enchanting Melanie dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, tank-like straps and a midi length silhouette  with a high side slit. The all over sequins are set in a captivating scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of mesh knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit.

    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: 05001-0237

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Blaire Halter Open Back Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    The most glam event warrants the sparkly Blaire sequin formal dress to make a debut! Designed with a sultry open back that shows some skin and a flattering mermaid silhouette that flaunts your curves.

    This captivating dress is just the beginning. From deep navy to icy pastels, discover more flattering blue prom dresses or elevate your look with sophisticated formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin embellished pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Plunge halter V-neckline, chiffon tie straps
    • Padded bra cups
    • Open back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Floor-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, big birthday events, red carpets, award ceremony dinners, galas

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9380

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $15.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Tonya Sequin Scroll Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    Glam it up and amplify your shine factor when you slip into our shimmering Tonya dress. She features all-over sequin embroidery atop a mesh overlay, an off-the-shoulder neckline, short sleeves, a bodice with back zip, and a gently pleated A-line skirt. Tonya is fully lined and made from a mesh polyester with little to no stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 23" waist, and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0072

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Maddie Formal Satin A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Create a head-turning look in our sophisticated Maddie dress! Her A-line silhouette and pockets are a must!

    Fit & Features

    • Plunging Wrap V-Neckline
    • Spaghetti Straps 
    • High Slit
    • Hidden Side Pockets
    • Open Lower Back 
    • Lined Satin
    • Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch  

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0353

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rose Marie Metallic Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Shimmer your way through the crowd in our Rose Marie! She features a v neckline with a cinching detail. She has spaghetti straps that are adjustable and cross over in the back to a lace up detail and a lower back zipper closure. She has two cut outs, one at each side of the torso. Her hem is floor length and she is lined with a mini skirt. She is composed of a metallic knit material that has a crinkled texture. She offers minimal stretch but a smooth fit with flow. We are obsessed with the goddess style she flaunts!

    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: 05002-0246

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Portia Satin Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Polished, poised, and made to turn heads. The Portia satin corset mini dress blends sleek sophistication with a chic sculpting fit, perfect for formal parties or elevated evenings out.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Thin tank shoulder straps
    • Corset-style bodice, flexible boning
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, dressed-up dinners, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and birthday celebrations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000042

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale