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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Adelia Formal Lace Up Dress
Special Occasion
Lace up in our romantically-inspired Adelia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps and an empire waist. Her back features a bold open design accented with lace up straps. Her waist leads to a sweeping A-line skirt with a high side slit to bring the drama! She is composed of lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0178
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Coretta Velvet Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Show your sexy side while still keeping a modest touch! Our Coretta evening gown features a square neckline, long sleeves, and a floor length hem. She shows a little leg with a high thigh slit at one side, and she has a hidden zipper closure at center back. She is composed of a velvet material that has a form fit that offers some 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: 05002-0305
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Bennet Lace Trim Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Create a gorgeous look in the Bennet midi dress designed with sleek stretch satin fabric and a dainty lace trim at the bust. The front keyhole cutout and high-cut slit add a chic allure to the fitted silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, full-length knit lining
- Sleeveless V-neckline, sheer lace trim, padded bust
- Keyhole cutout below the bust, high waist seam
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Pleating at the waist, high front slit
- Midi-length fitted silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, cocktail parties, fancy date nights, and dinner parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2638
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Analia Formal Satin Trumpet Dress
Special OccasionStrike a stunning pose in satin! Analia reflects confidence with her sweetheart neckline, built in no slip strip, padded cups, princess seams and a double row of narrow straps. Her back features a multi-strap caged design that leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a commanding trumpet silhouette with a flared hem. She is composed of a black hued textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat and thin knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6461
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jamille Metallic Glitter Pleated Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Outshine them all in our magnificent Jamille! Her pretty sheen changes hues when the light bounces off her metallic fabric. Walk right in feeling regal and elegant in our showstopping Jamille!
Fits & Features
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Back Zipper WIth Hook & Eye Closure
- V Neckline I Mesh Inset I Padded Bust
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Ball Gown Silhouette I Pleating Details I Tulle Petticoat Underlay
- Lined, Woven Metallic Glitter Fabric
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0043
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
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Kenzie High Slit Satin Dress
Special OccasionKeep it sleek and stylish in sophisticated satin! Kenzie features a blush pink color, a sleeveless bodice, padded cups, princess seams and narrow straps that lead to an unlined floral lace back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin 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: 05002-6390
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Annalee Lace Corset Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Walk down the aisle in the romantic Annelee lace gown for brides, prom, or formal graduation parties! She features a stunning sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a spaghetti strap that shapes the lace-up back design, and a corset sheer bodice with flexible boning for a structured style. Her flattering mermaid silhouette flaunts your femme curves along the on-trend high-low bonded hem that creates a lovely train in the back. The gown is designed with intricate sheer lace with rhinestone embellishments for a hint of sparkle and tulle with a stretchy nude lining. Complete the look in chic block heels and statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline, spaghetti strap
- Lace-up back design, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Corset sheer bodice, padded bust, flexible boning
- Mermaid silhouette, high-low bonded hem, train in the back
- Intricate sheer lace, rhinestone embellishments
- Tulle and stretchy nude linings
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0099
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $299.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kierra Formal Glitter Velvet High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
A timelessly glamorous style for bridesmaids or wedding guests, the Kierra Formal Glitter Velvet High Slit Dress brings sophistication and elegance. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a wired insert, bungee spaghetti straps, a padded bust, and a back cutout with a hook-clasp closure. Her front ruched seam and high front slit provide an alluring texture, while the long-length hem and A-line silhouette promise a flattering fit. Glittering velvet knit fabric offers the perfect sparkling touch and has a bust lining and moderate stretch. Complete the look in a necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, wired insert
- Padded bust, sleek bungee spaghetti straps
- Back cutout with hook-clasp strap
- Front ruched seam, high slit
- A-line silhouette, long-length hem
- Glitter velvet knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7387
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $72.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Darana Metallic High-Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate your special event in a long formal dress that features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for additional support, ruching, a high-side slit, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined foiled metallic knit fabrication that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete formal outfit with chandelier earrings.
Fit & Features
- Lined foiled metallic knit fabrication
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruching
- High side slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Long hem length
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8413
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Luisa Pearl Fringe Trim Velvet Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Luisa formal mermaid dress is an iconic choice for your black-tie affair, designed with smooth velvet fabric with a glam faux pearl and beaded fringe trim at the strapless neckline. The long dress features a corset-style bodice with flexible boning and an angled high waist seam, a secure back zipper closure, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to showcase your gorgeous curves.
This dress is all about confidence. Want more ways to stand out? Shop our sleek black prom dresses or find a celebration-ready look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining at the top, plenty of stretch
- Strapless neckline with no-slip strip
- Tonal faux pearl and beaded fringe trim
- Corset bodice with flexible boning, angled high waist seam
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8661
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Steph Sequin Party Dress
Special OccasionMake it a night to remember in this fun party dress! Steph is composed of all over sequin fabric and features a sleeveless bodice with a plunging V neckline and small mesh inset, an A-line silhouette, a tulle petticoat for added flare, pockets and a back zipper.
Model is 5'11 with a 36" bust, 34" waist and 43" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0009
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Hillary Satin Corset Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to command a second glance, the Hillary is a sultry satin mini that moves with allure. With its softly draped cowl neckline, sheer lace corset bodice, and sculpting bodycon fit, this is the dress you slip into when RSVP’ing yes means showing up unforgettable.
Fit & Features
- Satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
- Sheer lace corset bodice, flexible boning, lace-up back
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit, bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, date nights, bachelorettes, birthdays, cocktail parties, Vegas, GNO
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000117
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: XXS
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Deb Formal Rhinestone Party Dress
Special OccasionStand out in our Deb dress as she radiates charm and beauty! She features a navy blue color, a square neckline with racer bust, padded cups, built in boning and a double row of narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a pretty party length silhouette with trendy side pockets accented with rhinestone embellishments and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined 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: 05001-4112
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $154.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sandy Halter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Stun and make flirty moves in our adorable Sandy halter formal dress! She features a sleeveless halter V neckline with spaghetti straps that tie at the neck, a wrap front structured padded bust, and a square back with a hidden zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam leads to a flowy skirt with an overlap front detail. The dress is composed of a smooth charmeuse fabric and includes a lightweight skirt lining.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0108
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Edith V-Neck A-Line Satin Tulle Party Dress
Special Occasion
Pirouette into the room in the Edith satin tulle party dress as the adorable birthday girl or party guest! The flattering V-neckline with padded bra cups and low-cut back adds a touch of sophistication. The skater silhouette and tulle short-length hem create a flirty and playful look. Complete the look with earrings, a choker, and heels!
Fit & Features
- Tulle fabric with multiple woven linings
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Satin bodice
- Skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2137
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Faye Lace Up Back Satin Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be falling for Faye's luxe satin and loving her exquisite silhouette!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Scoop Neckline I Princess Seams
- Elongated, Floor Length Wrap Skirt I Front Slit
- Stretch Satin Fabric
- Form-Hugging Fit
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: 05002-0379
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Graceann Open Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Wow them all with our dazzling Graceann dress! She features a plunging V neckline with a knotted detail, a long fitted sleeves, a single button closure at the nape of the neck and an open back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined glitter mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05002-0362
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Delaney Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special OccasionSet off the night in sparkles! Delaney features a V neckline, princess seams, narrow adjustable straps, and a hidden back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette to make a grand entrance in. Her all over dazzling sequins are set in a baroque-inspired design. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6775
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Amora Formal Ruched Satin Slip Dress
Special Occasion
Slip into this bold formal slip dress that brings the drama to your look! Amora features a sleeveless V-neckline, a caged bodice, a ruched center with drawstring, spaghetti straps, lace-up straps at the back, and a slip silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with faux leather heels and door knocker earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Caged bodice
- Ruching at bodice with drawstring
- Spaghetti straps, lace-up straps at back
- Slip silhouette
- Satin fabric
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0786
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mariam Lace-Up Slit Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Subtly shine in the Mariam glitter formal dress but catch every eye with the lace-up back and high front slit that gives endless sultriness!
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric
- Cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black-tie galas, fancy dinner parties, engagement parties, big birthday events, nights at the theatre and opera
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9665
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kensley Formal Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmering glitter makes the Kensley formal dress a sparkling standout at prom, a black tie wedding, or a gala! She shines in a sleeveless V-neckline, a padded bust, and adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to her crisscross lace-back design. Her flattering A-line silhouette features hidden waist side pockets for keeping your hands warm and a stunning asymmetrical high slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a glitter woven fabric with a stretchy sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with a sleek tennis bracelet and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neck, padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Crisscross, lace back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden waist side pockets, A-line silhouette
- Asymmetrical high front slit, floor-length hem
- Glitter woven fabric, stretchy sewn-in knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6814
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marisa Metallic Shimmer Party Dress
Special Occasion
Lend your going-out look a little sparkle when you don our dazzling Marisa dress! She features all-over glitter embellishment, a deep V front and back linked by short skinny straps, a seamed bodice with lightly padded bust, a back zip atop an A-line, inverted-pleat skirt with pockets at either hip. Skirt has a tulle-trimmed petticoat-style underlay for added volume. Marisa is made from a woven Lurex blend that changes color in the light and offers minimal stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0102
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dakota Sequin Wrap Mini Dress
Special Occasion
You got places to be and people to see, especially during this holiday season. Sparkle and shine at all your winter soirees with the beautiful Dakota!
Fits & Features
- Plunging Deep V Neckline & Back
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Wrap, Mini Length, Flowy Skirt
- Fully Lined, Mesh Fabric With Sequins Throughout
- Relaxed Fit
- Plenty Of Stretch
Model is 5'6" with a 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: 05001-0281
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $27.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Christina Glitter Velvet Formal Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Formal midi dresses are a chic iconic staple for weddings, parties, or dances! The luxe glitter velvet fabric of the Christina formal midi dress elevates this silhouette even more. She features a sleeveless cowl neckline with pleated detailing, spaghetti straps, a midi-length hem with an alluring high-cut side slit to showcase some leg, and a slim-fit silhouette. The glitter velvet fabric includes a bust lining and has a moderate stretch. Style this mid-length dress with a gemstone necklace and earrings set and stiletto heels for a cocktail party.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless pleated cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Midi-length hem, high side slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Glitter velvet fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1929
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free