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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Christina Lace-Up Back Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dramatic entrance at your next soiree in the chic Christina velvet formal long dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline, thin shoulder straps, an open back with a cross-back lace-up strappy design, a fitted, floor-length silhouette, and a sultry thigh-high front slit. Add some sparkle with rhinestone earrings and complete the look with a sleek clutch.
Fiery, bold, and unforgettable—this dress is made to stand out. Want more? Browse our gorgeous red prom dresses or discover the perfect wedding guest dresses for your next RSVP.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, thin shoulder straps
- Padded bust, no bra required
- Open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Fitted, floor-length silhouette, high front slit
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8870
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Brie Floral Sweetheart Ball Gown
Special OccasionCaptivate the room as you radiate elegance in our Brie formal dress! Her black hued bodice features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, built in boning and narrow straps. Her bodice features unlined mesh waist insets complemented with floral appliques and dazzling heat stones! Her natural hued floor length ball gown silhouette is composed of a lined mesh fabric. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a full knit lining, petticoat and hidden back zipper.
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: 05004-0513
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Missy Tendril Ball Gown
Special OccasionCharm and radiate love in our dreamy Missy dress! She features a sleeveless partially sheer black hued bodice with round neckline, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups, an sheer mesh inset at the waist and a bohemian-inspired applique design. Her back features neck ties and small keyhole. Missy really brings the romance with her blush pink glittery tendril accented ball gown. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and knit fabric.
*Also available in Plus.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0537
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tarryn Bring the Sparkle Heat Stone Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle to light up the night in this dazzling midi dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging sweetheart neckline with a built in no slip strip, molded padded cups with underwire for support and a double row of spaghetti straps. The slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging midi length silhouette. Dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric embellished with heat stones throughout. Includes a bodysuit-like contrast bottom lining and a back zipper closure. Garment offers a curve hugging fit with a 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: 05001-0154
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Michelle Applique Trim Wrap Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A forever classic with pretty details! The Michelle satin formal dress emboldens a look of romance with a beaded embroidered applique trim, a faux wrap-front creating a high slit for effortless movement, and a pretty fitted silhouette.
With a smooth, luminous finish, this dress was made to shine. Keep the luxe look going with breathtaking satin prom dresses or go for a sophisticated statement with our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric with full-length knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline with beaded embroidered applique trim, padded bust
- Pleated cowl neck draped overlay
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High waist seam, pleating, faux wrap-front design, high slit
- Floor-length fitted silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, red-carpet events, and formal weddings.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8921
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Coco Beaded Tulle Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Coco brings the glam and elegance with her hand-beaded detailing and airy tulle fit for a princess! Adorn her with glitter pumps and sparkling rhinestones to create a breath-taking look!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Pleated Tulle Bodice
- Hand Beaded Bodice | Pearl Accents
- Ball Gown Silhouette
- Lined Tulle | Petticoat
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0024
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $63.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dacia Embroidery Mesh Rhinestone Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Dacia's princess ball gown will make you want to twirl around and showcase her stunning embroidery designs. Flecks of metallic threading are featured throughout, giving her a radiant shine every time the light hits! Dacia is a regal choice for a princess like you!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Triple Row Of Rhinestones Along The Waist
- Floor Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette I Front Slit
- Sheer Mesh Overlay With Embroidery Details I Full Knit Lining
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0037
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $68.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cassia Satin And Sheer Lace Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Dare to showcase a sleek and sultry allure at your black-tie affair in the Cassia satin knit mermaid dress designed with a sheer lace corset bodice with floral applique accents for a chic detail. It features a strapless straight-across neckline with a padded bust, flexible boning for structure, and a high-cut front slit along the floor-length, curve-hugging mermaid silhouette.
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
- Satin knit fabric with moderate stretch
- Strapless straight neckline, no-slip strip, padded bust
- Sheer lace corset bodice with floral applique design
- Flexible boning, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Angled side seam, high-cut front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8926
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jaslynn Formal Plunging Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionMake a one of a kind statement in our bold Jaslynn dress! She features a royal blue hue, a plunging V neckline with pleating details the bust and a matching plunging back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that brings plenty of flare! Dress is composed of a stretchy smooth knit fabric.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05002-0108
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $44.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Indra Metallic Glitter Cross Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make a magical appearance! The glistening, dual-tone hues add a playful and unique flair, while Indra's accordion pleats let you move around effortlessly. Walk right in and make a stunning first impression in our enchanting Indra!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Pleating All Over
- Floor Length Hem
- Textured Woven Fabric I Glitter Embellishments I Partial Mini Length Lining
- Form Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0048
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $249.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kylie Strapless Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Shine like the goddess you are in our breathtaking Kylie ball gown! Glow with her metallic glitter body and pair her with chrome heels for an entrance to wow them all!
Fit & Features
- Strapless Sweetheart Neckline | Padded Cups
- Flexible Boning
- Lattice Back
- Pleated Ball Gown Silhouette | Hidden Side Pockets
- Lined Metallic Glitter Knit Fabric | Petticoat
- Relaxed Fit
- Slight 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: 05004-0033
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lyric Cross & Lace Up Back Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stunning debut in our striking Lyric! Her elongated silky skirt opens up to a flirty front slit, revealing a lining that boldly stands out. Cohesive and colorful, her spaghetti straps cross and lace up the back, finishing the look with a chic touch.
Fits & Features
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Plunging V Neckline
- Princess Seams Trail Down Front Bodice I Hidden Hand Pockets
- Contrasting Triple Spaghetti Straps
- Cross & Lace-Up Design At The Back I Back Zip With Hook & Eye
- Floor Length Hemline I Front Slit I A-Line Silhouette
- Satin-Like Fabric I Contrast Lining
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 2.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0035
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $239.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plunging V Neckline
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Sleek Satin Wrap Front Dress
Get that sleek and chic look with this satin wrap front dress. It features a collar, a plunging wrap front V neckline, long sleeves with buttons to cuff, ruched detailing on the side, a hidden side zipper closure, and a sultry thigh high front slit. The dress is composed of a satin-like fabric with moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0333
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Darla Halter Open Back Bow Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dare to be sultry in the Darla floor-length formal dress boasting a plunge halter V-neckline, revealing open back with a chic bow tie, and a high side slit to show off your heels of the night.
Fit & Features
- Slinky knit fabrication
- Plunge halter V-neckline
- Open back, bow tie closure
- High side slit
- Form-hugging slim silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, gala dinners, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner, big milestone celebrations, fancy dates
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8935
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Gracelyn Formal One-Shoulder Mermaid Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmering sequins and glitter cover the glam Gracelyn one-shoulder long formal dress, a mesmerizing style for prom or black tie events! Sure to make a lasting impression, this one-shoulder dress highlights your best features with an open strappy back design and a mermaid silhouette enhancing your body's curves, accentuating an hourglass figure. This stunning floor-length gown offers a dramatic tulle hem that adds volume to your look thanks to the multiple tulle and knit linings. Style this captivating formal dress with block heels, rhinestone earrings, and a clutch for an unforgettable evening look!
Fit & Features
- Sequin glitter pattern on mesh fabric, tulle and knit lining
- One shoulder neckline, padded bust
- Open strappy back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Tulle floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8072
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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On Stage Sequin Corset Velvet Jumpsuit
Take the stage in this stunning sequin jumpsuit sure to capture the spotlight! This stylish jumpsuit features a sweetheart neckline, adjustable velvet spaghetti straps, and a sequin-embellished padded bust. With a sheer corset waist complete with velvet trim and a sequin-embellished skinny-leg design, this jumpsuit is sure to make you shine! Complete the look in stiletto heels for a party or dressy night out!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline,
- Adjustable velvet spaghetti straps
- Sequin-embellished padded bust
- Sheer mesh corset waist, velvet trim, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sequin-embellished skinny leg design
- Sequin-embellished velvet fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Runs small, recommend to size up
Style Number/Barcode: 06502-2427
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $5.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Deirdre Satin and Lace Sleeveless Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate modern sophistication with a long satin dress that makes an unforgettable impression! The dress features a sleeveless v-neckline with contrasting lace overlay, a tie-front accent at the bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete your formal outfit with metallic heels.
Fit & Features
- Premium satin fabric, short chiffon lining
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Sheer lace overlay at the bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Long hem length
- Mermaid silhouette, high side slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8933
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Carrie Sequin Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the gorgeous shine to your formal affair in the Carrie corset mermaid dress crafted with a sequin scroll pattern exuding luxe glamour. The high-cut front slit on the floor-length hem adds that allure.
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
- Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidered scroll pattern
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Corset bodice, padded bust, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, galas, and formal weddings.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9176
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Raena Sequin Lace Party Dress
Look and feel your best, girl! The Raena dress features a sequined lace top with a satin skater skirt. It has a padded no-slip chest. Both pieces have a back zipper closures and zero stretch. Pair with your favorite evening heels for your most confident look!
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: 05006-0007
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Evie Floral Chiffon Two Piece Dress
Special Occasion
Create an enchanting moment with gorge florals as you enter the room in our dreamy Evie two piece dress!
Fit & Features
- Lined Floral Lace Bodice | V-Neckline
- Padded Cups | Double Row Spaghetti Straps
- Glitter
- High Waist Floor Length Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon
- Floral Print
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0081
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $58.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Anastasia Strapless A-Line Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Radiate the classic and chic vibes this Prom season in the stunning Anastasia A-line ball gown. She features a strapless subtle sweetheart neckline, a padded bust, a flattering high waist seam, and a flared-out A-line silhouette with a full tulle underskirt. Style this gorgeous Prom dress with strappy stilettos and a sparkly embellished clutch for the perfect look.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, no-slip strip
- Padded bust
- High waist seam
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- A-line silhouette, full tulle underskirt
- Smooth lined woven fabric, no stretch
- Runs small to size
Please be advised that dress runs small. Fit model recommends one size up.Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0071
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $249.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Faith Formal Midi Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Make a graceful entrance in captivating lace! Faith features a bright yellow hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, padded cups, a cinching ribbon belt and a midi length. Dress is composed of a lined fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0193
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dakota Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Become a glam icon in the Dakota sequin formal dress designed to make jaws drop! The floor-length gown showcases a mermaid silhouette that flatters your gorgeous curves and a low-cut back for a show of skin.
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 fabric lined with stretchy knit
- V-neckline, padded bra cups, keyhole cutout
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Low-cut back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie weddings, galas, big celebration events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9199
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nicola Sequin Jacket Dress
Special Occasion
Show em' all who the star of the show is in our stunning Nicola sequin jacket dress! She features puffed shoulders leading to long fitted sleeves, a classic lapel collar and a tie front belt to snatch your waist. She has a mini length form-hugging silhouette to enhance your curves. The allover sequin detailing will have all eyes on you. Pair this gorgeous dress with trendy clear heels for your next party, or really anytime you want to get all dressed up!
Fit & Features
- Puffed shoulders
- Long fitted sleeves
- Lapel collar with a V neckline
- Tie front belt
- Short, form-fitting style
- Allover sequin detailing
- Knit lining
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0478
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free