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.

  • Ophelia Formal Sequin Two Piece Dress
    Special Occasion

    The sequins say it all when it comes to our Ophelia burgundy dress! She features a sequin embellished crop top with a halter neck, racer bust and padded cups. Her matching  stretchy twill knit skirt features a high rise waist and a flared mermaid silhouette. Top is composed of lined mesh fabric. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt knit lining and back zipper closures.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0511

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Candy Darling Tulle Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Pretty as a picture and just as sweet? That'll be you, my dear, in this gorgeous baby pink tulle mini! Dress features spaghetti straps, a deep V bodice with back zip and gather detail at banded waist, and an A-line skirt with tactile patterned mesh overlay. Dress is lined and made from a mesh tulle 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: 05001-0009

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $33.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cami Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Create a magical evening in our shimmering Cami dress! Her heat stones twinkle from all your best angles! 

    Fits & Features 

    • Round Neckline 
    • Fitted Unlined Long Sleeves
    • Heat Stones | Diamond Pattern
    • Mesh 
    • Fully Lining
    • Back Zipper | Hook and Eye Closure 
    • Form Fit | Moderate 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: 05001-0207

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $27.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ellie Asymmetrical Flounce Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a flirty first impression in our Ellie flounce midi dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a mutli-layered wrap front V neckline, a high waist seam, a hidden back zipper and hook and eye closure, and a form hugging skirt with an asymmetrical ruffle hem. The crepe fabric offers moderate stretch and includes a knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0279

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jadie Open Back Floral Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Fun, feminine, and flattering, the Jadie floral short dress is a whimsical dream come true! Designed with a sultry open back and drop waist seam that accentuates your curves along the skater silhouette.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth woven fabric, multiple mesh and organza linings
    • Plunge V-neckline, padded bra cups
    • Halter spaghetti strap tie
    • Open back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Floral applique across the bodice
    • Drop waist seam, voluminous skater short silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, brides, weddings, graduations, birthday parties, garden parties, dressy date nights

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2721

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Brieann Formal Strapless Peplum Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in our sophisticated Brieann black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a no slip strip and padded cups. Her bodice features a lovely peplum detail waist and leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams. She is composed of a lined scuba fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

     Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0021

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hayden Glitter Goddess Tendril Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make them all stop and stare in the awe of your ethereal beauty as you glow in our Hayden dress! She features a soft natural color, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups, narrow straps and unlined mesh panels on the sides. Her bodice features a dreamy glitter swirl pattern and a double row mini rhinestone belt trim. Her twirl worthy floor length silhouette features a tendril detail throughout and includes a voluminous petticoat. Garment is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Dress is lined and includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05002-6472

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $144.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • One Shoulder Wrap Midi Dress

    Wrap yourself in a look of elegance with a touch of sexy when you dress up in this sleek one shoulder midi!

    Fit & Features

    • Slanted one shoulder neckline
    • One quarter sleeve
    • Flattering seams at the bust
    • High waist seam that meets wrap skirt
    • Slit detailing at the center
    • Fully lined
    • Zipper center back + Hook and eye

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0606

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $16.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Nevaeh Cold Shoulder Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      When you're ready to glow the Nevaeh sequin formal dress is the gal for the job! Perfect for black tie galas or banquets. The glamorous sequin pattern and elegant mesh fabric will have all eyes on you. She's designed with a sultry cold shoulder surplice neckline, padded bra cups, flexible boning, and adjustable spaghetti straps, this dress hugs your curves in all the right places with a mermaid silhouette and high front slit leading to the dramatic floor-length hem. Complete the look with a clutch and high heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sequin pattern, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
      • Cold shoulder surplice neckline
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Padded bra cups, flexible boning
      • High front slit, mermaid silhouette
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8180

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $129.90

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Gemma Strapless Bow Party Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Bring the elegance and charm in our classically lovely Gemma dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, vertical princess seams, built in boning for support and unlined mesh panels on the side with a triple-row bow accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared party length silhouette with a double tiered hem and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a combination smooth knit fabric and satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure with fish and hook clasp closure and voluminous petticoat.  

      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: 05001-0111

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $139.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Avamarie Formal Bandage Tulle Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      Defined in a curve-hugging fit, the Avamarie formal midi dress is a glamorous addition to your formal wear! She features a strapless neckline with non-slip grip lining, a bodycon silhouette, and a flirty asymmetrical ruffle midi-length hem. The formal dress is crafted from a seamless bandage knit fabric that fits like a glove and has a sheer tulle overlay for dramatic effect! Complete the look with earrings and block heels for a rehearsal dinner, dressy date night, or banquet!

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Asymmetrical ruffled midi-length hem
      • Bandage seamless knit fabric, sheer tulle overlay
      • Strapless bra recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1861

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $119.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Dawn Open-Back Velvet Mermaid Dress With Sash

      Special Occasion

      The long velvet dress features a high mock neckline with an attached long sash accent that drapes over the shoulder, an open back design with two rows of faux pearls that cascade across the lower back, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.

       

      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

      • Lined velvet fabrication
      • Sleeveless high mock neckline
      • Attached sash accent at the neckline
      • Open-back design
      • Two rows of faux pearls at the lower back
      • Mermaid silhouette
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8862

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $15.97 $79.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Liz Lace-Up Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      All eyes on you in the head-turning Liz glitter formal dress with a striking lace-up back and mermaid silhouette that accentuates your natural curves!

      Rich, radiant, and effortlessly glamorous—this dress was made to stand out. Keep the regal energy going with our stunning purple prom dresses or embrace glam and elegance with formal dresses.

      Fit & Features

      • Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
      • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
      • Spaghetti straps
      • Lace-up back
      • Mermaid silhouette
      • Floor-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Prom, weddings, upscale parties, elegant soirees

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9497

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $79.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Jacquelin Sequin Marabou Strap Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Experience understated elegance with the Jacquelin sequin mini dress perfect for fancy holiday parties or celebrations! She features a plunge-wired V-neckline, a padded bust, fabulous marabou trim straps, a flirty V-cut back, and a flattering bodycon silhouette and mini-length hem. The formal mini dress is crafted from a shimmering sequin-scroll pattern on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in luxe stiletto pumps and a clutch!

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless plunge-wired V-neckline
      • Marabou trim straps, V-cut back, padded bust
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
      • Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • No bra required
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1932

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Desirae Sequin Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      Wave bye to 2019 and ring in the new year with our gorge Desirae!

      Fits & Features

      • Crew Neckline 
      • Low U-Shaped Back WIth Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure
      • Fitted Long Sleeves
      • Midi Length Silhouette
      • Mesh Lined Fabric With Vertical Sequins All Over 
      • Curved 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: 05001-0278

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $27.97 $79.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Lori Ruffle Detail High Low Dress

        Special Occasion

         You'll be sure to ruffle some feathers in our chic Lori high low dress!

        Fit & Features

        • Spaghetti straps
        • V neckline | Ruffle overlay
        • Hidden back zipper | Hook and eye closure
        • Wrap front with ruffle overlay
        • High low hem
        • Crepe fabric | 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: 05002-0874

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $46.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Delia Two Piece Glitter & Satin A-Line Dress

        Special Occasion

        Romance is in the air as you strut out in our enchanting Delia! 

        Fits & Features 

        • High Neck Halter With Dual Button Hook & Eye Closure 
        • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
        • Glitter Knit, Lined Crop Top 
        • Midweight Satin-Like Skirt With Floral Prints Throughout 
        • A-Line Silhouette I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure 
        • Moderate Stretch

         

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0073

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $70.97 $134.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Jessa Formal Bohemian Glitter Dress
        Special Occasion 

        Light up the night in glamorous glitter in our alluring Jessa ivory dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neckline and narrow straps. Her bohemian inspired print is composed of a gold glitter detail that adds plenty of shine from any angle! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6471

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $47.97 $129.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Klarissa Cowl Neck Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress

        Special Occasion

        An evening fit for a beauty like you begins in the Klarissa glitter formal dress! With a luminous shine across the mermaid silhouette, this floor-length gown ensures you'll standout out from the crowd.

        Fit & Features

        • Glitter knit fabric with a mini-length smooth knit lining, moderate stretch
        • Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bust
        • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
        • Ruched seams
        • Mermaid silhouette, bonded floor-length hem
        • Runs true to size
        • Extra glitter for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout

         

        Where to Wear:

        Prom, balls, galas, and formal weddings.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9066

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $99.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Sabrina Metallic Mesh Ball Gown

        Special Occasion

        You'll be working your charm and turning heads in our mesmerizing Sabrina! 

        Fits & Features 

        • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
        • V Neckline & Back I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure 
        • Princess Seams 
        • Floor Length, A-Line Silhouette I Horsehair Trim Hem 
        • Lined, Mesh Fabric I Metallic Finish 
        • Form Hugging Fit | Minimal 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: 05004-0029

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $46.97 $109.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Sapphire Formal Scalloped Lace Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Impress in lace with a formal dress that is part bold, part glam. The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, a scalloped lace bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, and an A-line silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch. 

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless V-neckline
        • Scalloped lace bodice
        • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross at back
        • A-line silhouette, high side slit
        • Lined chiffon fabric
        • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1645

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $42.97 $92.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Jessa Formal Satin V-Neck Mermaid Dress

        Special Occasion

        You'll be a stunning vision in the Jessa formal satin dress at upcoming banquets, weddings, and celebration soirees! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lace up along her eye-catching open back, and a curve-flaunting mermaid silhouette with a sexy high side slit that leads to the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a silky satin-lined fabric with a sheen effect and minimal stretch. Complete the look with an elegant choker and a dainty bracelet.

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
        • Open back with a lace-up design
        • Back zipper closure, high side slit
        • Curve-hugging, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
        • Lined silky satin fabric, minimal stretch
        • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3516

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $62.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Scarlett Formal Glitter Lace-Up Mermaid Long Dress

        Special Occasion

        Jaws will drop with a glitter long dress that shimmers from head to toe! The Scarlett formal dress exudes sparkle featuring a V-neckline, dual spaghetti straps that shape the open strappy lace-up back design, and a flattering mermaid silhouette with a graceful floor-length hem. The glitter-foiled knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with a sleek ring set for prom or a black-tie banquet!

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless V-neckline
        • Dual spaghetti straps
        • Open back, strappy lace-up design, tie closure
        • Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
        • Glitter-foiled knit fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
        • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7748

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Leslie Floral Applique Lace Up A-Line Formal Dress

        Special Occasion

        Adorn your moments in romantic floral appliques and airy mesh on the Leslie formal dress perfect for prom or black tie balls! Her square neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps frame the sheer bodice, while the lace-up back and padded bra cups provide a perfect fit. The A-line silhouette flows effortlessly to a floor-length hem, making it the ideal choice for any formal occasion! Complete the look with linear earrings and heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Floral applique embroidery
        • Airy mesh fabric lined with woven fabric
        • Adjustable spaghetti straps
        • Lace up, back zipper and hook-eye closure
        • Padded bra cups
        • A-line silhouette
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8008

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $129.90

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free