Formal Dresses
Windsor's formal dresses are redefining elegance for 2025. Think illusion panels that sculpt and contour, printed mesh gowns with bold florals or swirls, and slinky jersey knits that drape like liquid luxe. Daring cutouts bring a sleek edge to eveningwear, while cascading ruffles add movement and modern drama. These trendy gowns prove that formal doesn’t have to mean predictable—they’re made for weddings, galas, and every post-worthy moment in between. Discover styles that are chic, camera-ready, and designed to make you unforgettable.
HomeFormal Dresses

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Formal Dresses That Make Every Moment Feel Major
Windsor’s formal dresses are designed for those unforgettable nights when your look has to be flawless. From sweeping formal gowns to sleek short silhouettes, this collection delivers drama, polish, and trend-right details that set the tone for any occasion. Think structured corset bodices, adjustable straps, lace-up backs, and high slits that blend comfort with high-impact style.
- Heading to a big event? Explore Winter formal dresses in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin, and crepe that feel rich and elegant.
- For December celebrations, our formal holiday dresses sparkle with sequins, rhinestones, and glitter mesh, while bold jewel tones and classic black create timeless appeal.
- Looking to ring in the New Year? Formal NYE dresses with metallic finishes and statement cutouts are made to shine under the lights.
If you’re planning a gala, wedding, or milestone party, Windsor offers a range of formal party dresses in both fitted and flowy silhouettes to match your vibe. Go for a strapless satin gown with a sweetheart neckline for timeless elegance, or choose an asymmetrical hemline or bow-back detail for a fresh twist that feels modern and fun.
No matter where the night takes you, Windsor’s formal dresses give you options that feel special, stylish, and photo-ready. Shop Windsor’s formal dresses near you, online, in-app, or at one of 350+ stores nationwide, and find the look that will make your night unforgettable.
Tips for Choosing the Best Formal Dress for Your Body Type
- Hourglass: Slay those curves with a fitted corset bodice and flowing skirt.
- Pear‑Shaped: Balance out your look with a structured top and full skirt.
- Rectangle: Create curves with a cinched waist and flared hem.
- Apple‑Shaped: Draw eyes upward with a V‑neckline and empire waist.
For more styling inspo, hit up our blog guides like “The Ultimate Gala Dresses Guide” or “Sexy Formal Dresses – Create an Eye‑Catching Look” and get ready to own every moment.
What’s the Difference Between a Formal and a Semi-Formal Dress?
Formal and semi-formal dresses differ based on event dress codes and styling. Formal attire, often called black-tie, features glamorous floor-length gowns with luxe details like rhinestones, lace, and beading—perfect for galas, weddings, and proms. Popular silhouettes include mermaid, ball gown, and A-line styles.
Semi-formal dresses offer more variety in length and design, making them ideal for homecoming, weddings, and cocktail parties. These styles range from midi to short lengths.
The venue and occasion can also guide your choice—an upscale wedding may call for a floor-length gown, while an outdoor event might be perfect for a sleek midi dress with a stylish neckline.
Are Formal Dresses Always Long?
Not always! While long gowns are classic for formal events, modern formal attire includes various lengths and styles. Windsor’s collection of women’s formalwear features short, midi, and long dresses. Explore dramatic mermaid and column silhouettes for timeless elegance, or opt for trendy alternatives like high-low hemlines and two-piece designs for a fresh take on formal fashion.
Find your perfect formal dress at Windsor any time of year, available online, in-app, and in over 350 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Shop now for trend-driven styles that make you shine and every event unforgettable!
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Gwen Corset A-Line Party Dress
Special Occasion
Light up the room in the Gwen party dress showcasing major shine in her glittery, twirl-worthy silhouette! She features a sleeveless, cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a built-in padded bust, corset-style bodice with flexible boning. Her high waist seam leads to the short, A-line skirt with hidden side pockets to keep your hands warm. The formal dress is composed of a woven glitter fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your flirty look with a rhinestone hair clip and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, bra optional
- Corset bodice, flexible boning, back zipper closure
- High waist seam
- Short, A-line silhouette
- Glitter woven fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1157
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Elsie Ruched Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glam vibes to your night-out look in the chic Elsie sequin mini dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a cross-back strappy design, alluring side cutouts that lead to the back, front ruching, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette with a front slit. The lined knit fabric features all-over sequin embroidery. Style with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Cross-back strappy design, tie closure
- Side cutouts that lead to the open back
- Front ruching, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, slit mini-length hem
- Sequin knit fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1073
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jolene Sleeveless Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Show up to your special event looking oh so gorgeous and glam in our Jolene mini dress! She features a sleeveless bodice with bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, a cowl neckline, and a short, form-hugging fit. The party formal dress is composed of a shimmering sequin mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Pair this stunning, sexy dress with rhinestone statement earrings and a matching rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Cross back detail
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1084
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Belinda Off-The-Shoulder Slit Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A spellbinding choice for dreamy occasions, the Belinda off-the-shoulder satin formal dress casts a spell of beauty with a form-hugging fit and front wrap slit that brings allure to your night!
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Off-the-shoulder pleated neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Front wrap slit, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, romantic date nights, glam dinner parties, and formal events.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9109
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: DENIM, BLACK, BURGUNDY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Sharon Wired V Dress
Special OccasionSimple elegance meets sexy. Sharon features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a wired bust slit, a discreet back zipper and a trumpet silhouette. Fabric is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Black: Model is 5'9 with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Light Blue: 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: 05002-2943
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tillie Formal Corset Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Bring timeless elegance with a formal dress that creates a head-turning moment at your special event! Tillie features a sleeveless cowl neckline with a pleated overlay, built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a corset-like bodice with flexible boning for structure. Her slim-fit bodice leads to a daring floor-length wrap silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your outfit with rhinestone heels and chandelier earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, pleated overlay
- Built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset-like bodice, flexible boning
- High waist seam
- Floor-length wrap silhouette, high side slit
- Back zipper closure
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2136
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Margo Velvet Strapless High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Margo velvet long dress embodies sophistication from the strapless neckline, lace-up back, and showstopping high front slit. Style with a necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit bust lining, plenty of stretch
- Strapless angled V-neckline
- Flexible boning at bodice, high waist seam
- Open lace-up back design, lower back ruching
- High-cut front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8644
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tamara Formal Sleeveless Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it timelessly elegant in our breathtaking Tamara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a cowl neckline, and padded cups. Her slim-fit bodice is accented with ruched detailing on the left side and leads to a curve-hugging floor-length silhouette accented with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete your look with rhinestone duster earrings and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cowl neckline with padded cups
- Slim-fit bodice
- Ruched detail
- Floor-length, form-hugging fit
- High side slit
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0241
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Crushing On Velvet Flocked Floral Midi Dress
This floral velvet midi dress hugs in all the right places with a cutout back that keeps it sultry and a flattering bodycon silhouette that flaunts your curves, perfect for date night or dressy celebrations.
Fit & Features
- Flocked velvet floral pattern, mesh-lined fabric
- Tube neckline
- Cutout back, stretchy smocked strap
- Bodycon midi-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000085
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $42.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Georgia Formal One Shoulder Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stunning entrance with a formal mini dress that commands attention! Georgia features a one-shoulder neckline, a short sleeve accent, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, adhesive bra recommended
- Short sleeve accent
- Mini length silhouette
- Form-hugging fit
- Smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0975
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nora High-Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Looking to make a chic statement? Add the Nora formal dress to your cart! All eyes will be on you as you stun with every step. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust and if a push-up look is desired, explore lingerie accessories. Her sultry corset-designed top has adjustable spaghetti straps, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette that flaunts your curves finished with a thigh-high front slit for a display of leg. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Corset-designed top, flexible boning detail
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook-eye closure
- High waist seam, floor-length mermaid silhouette
- High front slit
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1289
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jennie Formal Rhinestone Long Dress
Special Occasion
Make it an enchanting evening in the Jennie formal long dress sure to take everyone's breath away when you enter the room! She features long fitted sleeves with shoulder pads, a plunge V-neckline, and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette that kisses the floor in a long-length hem. The formal dress is designed with an intricate rhinestone embellished pattern on mesh fabric with a knit lining. Complete the look with fringe earrings for a holiday gala or charity ball!
Fit & Features
- Long fitted sleeves with shoulder pads, plunge V-neckline
- Hidden side zipper closure
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Intricate rhinestone embellished pattern
- Mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2713
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kendal Lace Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to turn every entrance into a moment, the Kendal floor-length mermaid dress stuns in delicate lace with a soft cowl neckline and dramatic lace-up back. The silhouette skims and sculpts, offering just the right amount of allure.
Fit & Features
- Lace fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Flared floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, brides, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and photoshoots, black tie galas, fancy date nights, anniversaries, formal events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000188
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED, IVORY
Available Size: S, M, L, XL
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Norah Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a satin dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room of your special event. Norah features a trendy one-shoulder neckline and a double-row of sleek spaghetti straps on the left side with one leading to an asymmetrical back. Her relaxed bodice leads to a floor-length silhouette with a ruched drawstring and a high side slit. She is composed of a curve-hugging satin fabric that offers a slight stretch. Complete your look with platform heels and a dainty bracelet.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, dual spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Ruched drawstring, high side slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Lined satin, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1170
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lina Flocked Velvet A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dramatic with a chic flair, the Lina formal dress knows how to make an entrance! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a sheer mesh overlay, padded cups to eliminate the need for a bra, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an alluring open back with a cross-back strap design. Her high waist seam flows out to a floor-sweeping hem with an A-line silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric features an elevated flocked velvet floral pattern and includes a full knit lining with dual thigh-high front slits. Style this long dress with rhinestone statement earrings for your next gala.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, sheer mesh overlay, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, open back, cross-back strap design
- High waistband, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floor-length hem, A-line silhouette
- Flocked velvet floral pattern
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, dual front slits, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7513
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Soraya Sparkle Knit Sweetheart Gown
Special Occasion
Give off serious heat in our positively radiant Soraya gown. She features all-over sparkle embellishment, double spaghetti straps leading to a lattice-tie back, a seamed, lightly padded sweetheart bodice, and a long, slim-line skirt with a high side slit and a gently flared hem. Soraya has a bodycon construction and is made from a crepe material with moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0177
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Luna Floral High Low Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sculpted to stun, the Luna Floral brocade strapless mermaid dress is made for moments that demand grace and glamour. The curve-skimming silhouette flows into a ruffle hem that moves beautifully with every step.
Fit & Features
- Floral brocade pattern, woven fabric, short woven lining
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups, non-slip grip lining
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- High-low ruffled hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, fancy brunches, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, black tie galas, garden parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000203
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XS, S, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aria Formal Satin Ruched Dress
Special OccasionMake your night one to remember in our mesmerizing Aria dress! She features an all over a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her narrow straps lead to a trendy open back that leads to a ruched lower back detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Aria is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6134
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lindsey Formal Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Luxurious velvet creates a charming holiday party-ready look for the Lindsey formal dress! She brings classy glamour in her traditional sleeveless boat neckline, wide shoulder straps, a built-in padded bust, and a princess seam bodice leading to the mermaid silhouette with a high-cut front slit along the floor-length hem. Showcase a sultry show of skin in her head-turning open-back design with a wire insert and ruched seam that accentuates your curves. The formal dress is composed of a smooth velvet fabric with a sewn-in lining and a moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look in a stunning hair accessory and clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless boat neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Built-in padded bust, bra optional
- Princess seam bodice
- Open back, wire insert, ruched seam
- High-cut front slit, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Smooth velvet fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2660
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alisa Lace Sequin Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Find yourself captivating in the Alisa long formal dress at your next black-tie affair! The sleek stretchy knit fabric reveals a gorgeous sheer floral lace back design embroidered with shimmering sequins for a luxe shine. Her sleeveless bodice is shaped with a draped cowl neckline with a padded bust and adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit. She features ruching at the waist and back to accentuate your stunning curves on the floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette accented with a cascading train. Complete your look with a rhinestone jewelry set and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Stretchy knit fabric, sheer floral lace back with sequins, short knit lining
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper closure with hook and eye closure
- Ruched seams
- Mermaid fit with train
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8063
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sofia Glitter Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Made for those moments when every entrance feels cinematic, the Sofia glitter knit mermaid gown sculpts and shines with undeniable allure. The ruched detailing enhances the curve-hugging silhouette, while delicate straps frame the neckline with timeless elegance.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric
- Cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Low-cut back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Ruched detailing, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem with train detail
- Extra glitter for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, military balls, big birthday events, milestone celebrations, fancy date nights, red-carpet occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000381
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ginger Sequin Mesh Strappy Gown
Special Occasion
A little glitz, a lot of glam—our gorgeous Ginger gown will have all eyes on you! She features all-over patterned sequined embellishment, double spaghetti straps leading to a lattice-tie back, a seamed V bodice with lightly padded bust, and a long, slim-line skirt with a back zip. Ginger is fully lined and cut for a curve-hugging fit. She's made from mesh and woven knit materials with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0191
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rae Formal Corset A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Strut it out in a formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room. Rae features a sleeveless V-neckline with flirty pleated cups, a corset bodice with flexible boning to enhance your natural curves. Her floor-sweeping A-line silhouette offers a sultry high side slit for a show of leg. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers minimal stretch. Complete look with clear heels and a rhinestone choker.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, pleated cups, thin shoulder straps
- Corset-like bodice, flexible boning, adhesive bra recommended
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- A-Line silhouette
- High side slit
- Satin fabric, form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1601
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Anna Bustier Mermaid Glitter Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Anna glitter sequin formal dress brings the glam factor! Experience luxury and elegance in the bustier bodice that snatches your waist along the mermaid silhouette while the bonded floor-length hem creates a stunning flair.
This dazzling dress was made for the spotlight! Love the shimmer? Discover more sequin prom dresses or find a sophisticated look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Glitter, sequin embellished pattern
- Tulle fabric, full stretchy knit lining
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bra cups, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bustier bodice, flexible boning
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black-tie events, galas, balls, elegant parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7824
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free