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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Pretty & Posh Halter Party Dress
Too pretty, too posh! This dress features a contrasting bodice and and a skater design. It has a halter neck tie closure, a satin skirt and an open back. Fully lined with no stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" 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: 05001-0098
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Satin Floral Print Cocktail Dress
Special OccasionSpring into satin this season, with this beautiful dress. Featuring a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and lead back to a lace racer back that zips closed. Bodice of dress has built in cups, and a vertical stitching that compliments upper body. Bodice meets skirt at a mid banded mwaist line, and flares out into a skater style. She has pockets and I think we can all agree that pockets in dresses are the best! The back of the dress has a keyhole cut out at the lower back as well as a second zipper at the skirt. Dress is composed of a satin like material that offers no stretch, and is lined with a smooth inner material and includes a tulle skirt underneath for a little extra fluff!
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: 05001-0149
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Poppy High Slit Satin Formal Corset Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Slip into the Poppy high-slit satin formal corset midi dress for an alluring vibe at dances, parties, or weddings! Designed with a smooth satin-knit fabric, this formal dress offers plenty of stretch and a gorgeously chic sheen. She is shaped with a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a pleated cowl neck overlay, padded bra cups for support, and features adjustable spaghetti straps so you can find your perfect fit. Her corset-style bodice has flexible boning inserts for structure and an angled high waist seam for that snatched silhouette. The asymmetric mid-length hem creates a sultry high side slit along the figure-flaunting bodycon fit. Complete the look with metallic heels for a pop of glam!
Fit & Features
- Satin-lined fabric with stretch
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl neck overlay
- Corset bodice with flexible boning, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Asymmetric hem with high-side slit
- Bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2064
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Greta Formal Tie Waist Dress
Special Occasion
Make a captivating entrance in our luxe Greta dress! She features a plunging V neckline with satin trim, long bishop sleeves with single button cuff, a cinching satin tie waist belt and a sweeping A-line silhouette. Dress is composed of a partially lined airy chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal 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 small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0299
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Amber Puff Sleeve Lace-Up Slit Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Enchant the night with your sparkle in the Amber sequin formal dress destined to be your shimmering plus one! Designed with adorable puff sleeves and a lace-up back while the high sit adds allure.
This dreamy dress is pure elegance and sure to leave a lasting impression. Looking for more? Elevate your look with a stunning pink prom dresses or a captivating formal dress.
Fit & Features
- Sequin embellished pattern mesh fabric,s stretchy knit lining
- Puff sleeves
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Lace-up open back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hight front slit
- Form-hugging silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, red-carpet events, fancy milestone celebrations, award ceremonies
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9319
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alena Satin Gown
Special Occasion
Our Alena is luxury and more! She is composed of a satin like material that offers moderate stretch. She has a v neckline and cap sleeves. Her bodice meets skirt at a banded high waist. Skirt is an A-line design that catches eyes when you're walking through a room with its flow! She features a high thigh slit, and she has a large keyhole cutout at the back and a zipper closure at lower back. Pair with your go to heels for a fabulous night out.
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: 05002-0153
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alexina Crepe High Neck Floral Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Complementary hues will make you stand out in our gorgeous Alexina! Her crepe bodice, smooth printed satin skirt, and peekaboo mesh midriff are a few details that make her a vision of perfection.
Fits & Features
- High Neckline, Sleeveless Crepe Bodice
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Mesh Inset At The Waist
- Lined, Satin Skirt With Floral Prints I Front Slit
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0511
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Thea Sequin Lace-Up Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Made to move with you, the Thea sequin skater dress catches the light in every step. The flared silhouette and lace-up back detail bring a playful yet polished edge to your next big night out.
Fit & Features
- Sequin mesh-lined fabric
- Square halter neckline, spaghetti straps
- Strappy open lace-up back
- Skater silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, weddings, engagement parties, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000212
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Aleta Deep V Tulle Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Dreamy and elegant, it'll be like you're walking on cloud 9 in our gorgeous Aleta! Wrapped in whimsical tulle, soutache diamond-inspired patterns are adorned throughout the skirt for a subtle and pretty touch. Glide through the dance floor and twirl around in our airy and beautiful Aleta.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat
- Fully Lined Tulle Composition
- Moderate Stretch
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0075
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Hailey Satin A-Line Formal Dress
Captivate them all and be a complete stunner in our luxe satin Hailey dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a deep V neckline, and double spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up back detail. Her high waist seam leads to a flowing A-line floor length skirt with side pocket detailing. The navy blue dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric with a beautiful sheen.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: 05002-6737
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kassandra Formal Ruched Mesh Dress
Special OccasionMake an unforgettable impression in our charming Kassandra dress! She features an all over black hue, a square neckline, wide shoulder straps and a partially open back with a single button closure at the nape of the nape. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with ruched detailing along the sides. Dress is composed of a black metallic mesh fabric that is lined with a nude hued lining to create a subtle two tone effect. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6408
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lottie Formal Satin And Lace Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in a formal dress that makes a twirl-worthy moment! Lottie features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, spaghetti straps, and an unlined floral lace back. Her empire waist leads to a pleated ball gown silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets. Lottie is composed of a lined woven satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Padded cups
- Hidden side pockets, pleats
- Unlined floral lace back
- Empire waist
- Ball gown
- Lined woven satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0139
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Eileen Formal Swiss Dot A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Like a breath of fresh air, the Eileen formal prom dress offers simplicity with femme allure to captivate every room she enters. Look and feel so elegant in her sleeveless V-neck, built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a fitted empire waist with back pleating atop the A-line silhouette that leads to her floor-sweeping hem. She's composed of a swiss dot mesh overlay with an inner lining and a back zipper closure. Complete your look for prom with a sparkling tiara and clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, bra-friendly design
- Fitted empire waist, back pleating, zipper closure
- A-line silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Swiss dot mesh overlay, inner lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2162
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $156.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Aimee V-Neck Ruffle Slim Lace Formal Dress
Special Occasion
It's love at first sight! The Aimee lace formal dress will capture your heart for the wedding, banquet, or garden party! Made of luxurious sheer lace fabric with a full-length knit lining for coverage, this floor-length dress is perfect for any formal occasion. With a V-neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps, this dress hugs your curves along the slim silhouette and features stunning ruffles and a high front slit. Complete the look with marquise earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sheer lace fabrication with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-Neckline
- Back zipper with hook and eye closure
- Curve-hugging slim silhouette, ruffled
- High front slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8511
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Selina Cutout Back Lace Glitter Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The Selina lace glitter dress doesn't enter a room - it owns it. Make your entrance in this skater dress designed with a cutout back and a voluminous silhouette made for twirling!
Fit & Features
- Lace glitter fabric, tulle and stretchy knit lining
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Cutout back, hook bar strap
- Drop waist seam
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, big milestone parties, birthdays, dressed-up dates, semi-formal weddings
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2704
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katherine Formal Lace-Up Glitter Party Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour to your event with a party dress that shines from every angle! Katherine features a sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, vertical princess seams at the bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a lace-up back. The slim-fit bodice leads to a flared mini-length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a lined woven glitter fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and rhinestone earrings for maximum shine.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Princess seams, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Mini length silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Lined woven glitter fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0582
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jaelene Strapless Bodycon Mini Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
The dancefloor isn't ready for your sparkling vibes in the Jaelene sequin party dress at the school dance, birthday, or after party! The strapless sweetheart neckline and built-in padded underwire bust provide a flattering silhouette, while the pipe trim adds a touch of sophistication. Show off your curves with the bodycon fit and dance the night away in the mini-length hem. Complete the look with high heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sequin scroll pattern, mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded underwire bust
- Bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2079
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sylvia Strapless Glitter Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A strapless glitter satin formal dress that sparkles in a form-hugging silhouette and front slit for a flirty flair along the midi-length hem. Style with heels for any occasion.
Fit & Features
- Glitter satin fabric, bust lining, minimal stretch
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit
- Form-hugging midi-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2408
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ali Stretch Satin Sweetheart Gown
Special Occasion
Cut to hug every curve, our irresistible Ali gown will leave you looking radiant. She features an off-the-shoulder neckline with pleat-detailed micro sleeves, a seamed sweetheart bodice with wire boning and lace-up back, and a slinky, form-fitting skirt with gather detail at back zip and a high side slit. Ali is made from a smooth, shiny woven material with moderate stretch.
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: 05002-0216
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Elane Floral Satin Slip Gown
Make a stunning entrance in our Elane, perfect for all spring occasions, engagement pictures, or even bridesmaid dresses!
Fit & Features
- Cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Square back with
- Slip on | Fully lined
- Floor length | Side slits
- Floral pattern | Textured satin
- Minimal stretch
Model is 5'6" with 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0637
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sawyer Glitter High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be heating up your evening look in our flirty and fab Sawyer!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Zipper At Cage Back & Ruched Low Back
- Square Neck
- Sweeping, Floor Length Hem | High Slit
- Glitter Knit Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0625
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Josie Formal Leopard Lattice Dress
Special OccasionMake a fierce impression as you command the room in our wildly inspired Josie formal dress! She features a trendy leopard print, a plunging V neckline and narrow straps. Her open back is complemented with a lattice design and a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice flows into a flattering maxi length skirt that is accented with two side slits. Dress is composed of a partially light weight woven fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6464
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Savannah Glitter Cutout Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Made for the spotlight, the Savannah formal dress stuns in a glitter knit that hugs every curve with effortless allure. Its sleek bodycon fit, sultry front slit, and open cutout back deliver the kind of detail that turns an entrance into a moment.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, smooth knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Cutout back, hook closure, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit
- Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, cocktail soirees, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, date nights, birthdays, dinner parties, milestone celebrations, red-carpet events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000363
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sherrie Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special OccasionStrike a stunning look in stylish sequins as you mesmerize in our Sherrie dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a built in no slip strip for secure fit, fitted long sleeves and a sweeping partially lined floor length silhouette. The all over black mesh fabric is adorned with rose gold hued sequins set in scroll print design. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook closure.
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: 05002-6160
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance