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.

  • Petra Sequin Floral Applique Glitter Tulle Gown

    Special Occasion

    Live out your fairytale dream in the Petra gown crafted with airy sheer glitter tulle fabric for a whimsical allure. It features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a lined and padded bust, a sheer waist, intricate floral embroidered applique with sequin detailing at the bodice and accented down the dress, and a floor-sweeping A-line silhouette for a regal look.

    Flawlessly chic and bold, this dress is a statement. If strapless styles are your go-to, explore our strapless prom dresses or embrace effortless fashion with our formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer glitter tulle fabric with full-length woven satin lining, tulle underskirt
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, lined and padded bust, sheer waist
    • Floral embroidered applique with sequin detail at the bodice, down the dress
    • Flexible boning, back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • High waist seam, hidden lined side pockets
    • Floor-length A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0151

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $99.97 $219.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Julieta Formal Heat Stone Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine like the star you are in our gleaming Julieta dress! She features an all over emerald green hue, a round neckline, fitted long sleeves and her back features a large keyhole with a fish hook clasp closure. She is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric adorned with twinkling heat stones from every angle! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining an back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4033

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Danna Formal Glitter Sleeveless Bodycon

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the shine to your special evening with a bodycon that stuns! Danna features a sleeveless V-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, dazzling glitter set in a diamond pattern throughout, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Glitter
    • Diamond pattern 
    • Mini length 
    • Lined mesh fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0601

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lindsay Lace-Up Bodycon Slit Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Captivate with your allure in the Lindsay bodycon midi formal dress at rehearsal dinners or celebrations! This elegant midi dress features a V-neckline and spaghetti straps for a sophisticated look. The padded bra cups provide support while the lace-up back adds a touch of luxury. Side ruched seams create a flattering bodycon fit, perfect for any formal event, and the front slit adds a hint of sultry. Complete the look in strappy heels and a clutch!

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
    • V-neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon fit
    • Front slit 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2102

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cami Formal Floral Satin A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stun in a formal satin dress for your next special evening. Enchant with gorgeous florals in our Cami dress that features a high square neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps provide a customized fit. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatic A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Complete your formal evening look with rhinestone earrings and clear heels

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless 
    • High square neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Floral print
    • A-Line Silhouette with a high side slit 
    • Pockets
    • Satin-like fabric, form-hugging fit 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1031

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Masie Lace Corset Lace-Up Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Masie mini dress stuns with sculpted curves and sheer lace drama. This bodycon mini dress features a structured lace corset bodice and a lace-up back designed to cinch, contour, and command the spotlight.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit-lined fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Sheer lace structured corset bodice
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear: 

    Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, GNO, Vegas, bachelorettes, cocktail soirees, rooftop restaurants and bars

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000142

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rose Formal Rhinestone Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep it pretty in pink as you bring the glam in our charming Rose dress! She features a gorgeous pink hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and wide rhinestone embellished shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that showcases every curve. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6778

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Clara Satin Pleated Skater Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Grab attention in the Clara satin party dress as you twirl the night away at school dances or birthdays! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a flirty pleated skater silhouette with a short-length hem. The party dress is composed of a smooth satin woven fabric with tulle and woven linings for a voluminous effect. Complete the look with earrings and rhinestone strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Pleated skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Smooth satin woven fabric, tulle and woven lining, no stretch
    • No bra required
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1621

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Serena Metallic Long Sleeve Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Immensely iconic, the Serena metallic party mini dress embodies timeless glamour with a modern flare! She features fitted long sleeves, a cowl sweetheart neckline, and a flattering bodycon silhouette with a front ruched seam for a figure-enhancing appearance, and a mini-length hem. The formal party dress is crafted from a shimmering foil metallic fabric that shimmers with every step! Complete the look in sleek stiletto heels for a holiday party!

    Fit & Features

    • Fitted long sleeves
    • Cowl sweetheart neckline
    • Bodycon silhouette, front ruched seam
    • Mini-length hem
    • Foil metallic fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1904

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Brooke Formal One Shoulder Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create a moment that you'll never forget in our mesmerizing Brooke dress! She features a deep hunter green color, a one shoulder neckline, a long fitted sleeve with a sleek shoulder cut out detail and vertical seams that create an hourglass illusion for her mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6414

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kianna Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create a head turning moment in our glimmering Kianna dress! She features a combination gold with black hue, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents and a plunging wired sweetheart bust with a wired V inset. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that showcases curves in all the right places. The all over sequins are set in a glam scroll print design.

    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: 05002-6116

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Chantel Sequin Cutout Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the spotlight, the Chantel brings shimmer and structure with sequin embellishment, a flattering bodycon fit, and that sleek square neckline. Turn around for a surprise cutout back moment that keeps all eyes on you.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin-embellished fabric
    • Square neckline, padded bra cups
    • Wide shoulder straps
    • Back cutout, hook strap, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, bachelorettes, date night, birthdays, cocktail parties, rooftop hotel bars, milestone celebrations, holidays

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000154

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Leandra Open Back Gown
    Special Occasion

    Seriously stunning in a fabulous crepe, our Leandra dress ups the ante on sleek sophistication. She features a tank-style bodice with seams at bust, an open back, and a V-shaped low dip with structured boning anchored by ruching at rear. Slim-line skirt flares gently at hem. Leandra is unlined and made from a mid-weight woven material with moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0043

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Katie Formal Off The Shoulder Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stride with beauty in each and every step in our gorgeous Katie formal mermaid dress! Her flattering thigh high slit gives you a chance to showcase your stunning heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder sweetheart neckline | Wired front | Overlay
    • Lightly padded bust | Princess seam detailing
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper closure
    • High waist seam
    • Floor length mermaid skirt | Thigh high slit
    • Glitter woven fabric | Short knit lining

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0636

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Spellbind Sequins Mini Dress

    We are under your spell! It's your time to shine in this everlasting sparkly number!

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Wrap V Neckline 
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • Mini Length Silhouette I Side Slit
    • Mesh Lined Fabric With Sequins Throughout
    • Body-Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch

     

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0479

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $17.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Maggie Formal Tiered Tulle Dress

      Special Occasion

      Beautifully bold, strut the catwalk in the Maggie ruffled tiered tulle formal dress to the opera, dinner banquets, and galas! She brings the drama in her ruffle trim off-the-shoulder neckline with sheer short-sleeve cuffs, a corset bodice with flexible boning leading to the ruffled tiered tulle long silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a layered tulle fabric with a short smooth woven lining with no stretch. Style with statement hoop earrings and sparkly stiletto heels to complete the look!

      Fit & Features

      • Ruffle trim off-the-shoulder neckline
      • Sheer short-sleeve cuffs, back zipper, and hook-eye closure
      • Corset bodice, flexible boning
      • Layered ruffled tiered tulle long silhouette
      • Short smooth woven lining, no stretch
      • Sticky bra or pasties optional
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0095

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $44.97 $279.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Marie Formal Satin Sweetheart Long Dress

      Special Occasion

      You'll be the main attraction in the Marie formal satin dress to make a wow-worthy entrance into galas, banquets, and fancy cocktail parties! She features a sleek and chic sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a wire insert, wide shoulder straps, a figure-hugging slim silhouette, and a flattering high-side slit, and long hem. The formal dress is composed of a luxurious silky satin-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look in a glam necklace and earrings set.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, wire insert
      • Wide shoulder straps
      • Figure-hugging, slim silhouette
      • High side slit, long-length hem
      • Lined silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
      • Bra-friendly design
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7504

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Wren Beaded Long Sleeve High Slit Column Dress

      Special Occasion

      Make your grand entrance in the Wren formal column dress that features a sweetheart neckline with flexible boning for additional structure, beaded long sleeves, a keyhole back with ties at the neck, and a dramatic high side slit.

      Make your entrance unforgettable in this dress. For more glam styles, explore intricate embellishments on beaded prom dresses or be ready to celebrate in wedding guest dresses.

      Fit & Features

      • Stretchy smooth knit fabric
      • Sweetheart underwire neckline, flexible boning
      • Beaded long sleeves
      • Keyhole at the back with neck ties
      • High side slit
      • Column silhouette, long-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Rooftop parties, dressed up dinners, and fancy date nights.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8596

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $109.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Shelby Floral Satin Ball Gown
      Special Occasion 

      Shine under the stars in our enchanting Shelby dress! She features a navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatic ball gown silhouette that is accented with pleating details and hidden side pockets. She is composed of a satin fabric that features a charming pink hued floral print pattern and green foliage. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Garment is fully lined and includes a petticoat. 

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0551

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $49.97 $139.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Kimia Sequin Floral Strapless Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Soft shimmer, floral detail—the Kimia formal dress feels like a love letter in dress form. Designed in lined floral mesh with glimmering sequin embroidery, this strapless mini dress defines your shape with soft structure, finished with a draped cowl detail at the neck and pleating at the waist for that effortlessly luxe effect.

      Fit & Features

      • Sheer mesh fabric with floral print, full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
      • All-over clear sequin embroidery
      • Strapless sweetheart neckline, no-slip strip, padded bust
      • Draped cowl neck overlay
      • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
      • Pleating, mini-length bodycon silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, birthday parties, bridal showers, dressed-up dinners, and formal date nights.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000074

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Gloria Glitter Mini Dress
      Special Occasion

      You shine naturally, but a little extra sparkle never hurt. Take our glitter-bonded Gloria mini for a spin! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamed V bodice with lightly padded cups, back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a gently pleated, A-line skirt with pockets at either hip. Gloria is lined and made from a woven material with little to no stretch.

      Model is 5’9” with a 32” bust, 24.5 waist, and 35” hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4144

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Juliette Velvet Heat Stone Dress

      Special Occasion

      Dress to impress with our glamorous Juliette! 

      Fits & Features

      • Surplice V Neckline 
      • Fitted Long Sleeves 
      • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
      • Slim Fit Bodice I Wrap, Floor-Length Skirt 
      • Smooth Velvet Fabric I Heat Stones Embellishments 
      • Curve Hugging Fit I 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: 05002-0337

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $89.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Joanne Floral Satin Ball Gown

        Own the night in luxe satin as you bloom in our charming Joanne black dress!

        Fits & Features

        • Strapless Sweetheart Neckline I Padded Cups I No-Slip Strip
        • Built-IN Boning & Corset Back With Lattice Ties
        • Floral Applique Design At The Bodice Complemented With Sparkling Heat Stones I Back Zip Closure
        • Floor Length, Ball Gown Silhouette I Hidden Side Pockets I Petticoat 
        • Lined, Satin-Like Fabric 
        • Relaxed Fit I Minimal Stretch 

         

        Model is 5'6" with a 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3. 

         

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0015

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $229.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Jessica Lace-Up Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress

        Special Occasion

        The Jessica sequin formal dress delivers unreal shimmer and shine to your special night! Designed in a curve-flaunting mermaid silhouette, this formal dress stands out with a lace-up back and floor-length hem for a dramatic flair.

        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

        • Sequin embellished pattern, mesh lined fabric
        • V-neckline, padded bra cups
        • Spaghetti straps
        • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
        • Mermaid silhouette
        • Floor-length bonded hem
        • Runs true to size

         

        Where to Wear:

        Prom, balls, galas, and upscale parties.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9298

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $119.90

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free