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.
Now Trending
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.
-
Lily Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Make an elegant impression with a formal dress that brings the sophistication. Lily features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a strappy back design, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Strappy back design
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1346
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Celina Glitter Knit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Turn heads and make a sparkly statement in the stunning Celina dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, front ruched detailing, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a thigh-high slit. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings and chic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back design
- Front ruching
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Curve-hugging fit
- Glitter knit fabric, short knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1718
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Isabella Lace-Up Back Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The adorable Isabella formal skater dress will have you ready to celebrate in style! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back, lace-up design, a high waist, and a short layered skater skirt with a flirty, flowy silhouette. The crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Pair this short dress with wedges for the perfect semi-formal outfit.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust, princess seams
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cross-back, lace-up design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist, layered skater skirt
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch, banded hems
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0624
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Maya Cowl Neck Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll enchant the room instantly when you walk in this gorgeous satin formal dress! Maya showcases thin spaghetti straps with a cowl neck, lace-up cutout back, and a midi length. She is made in smooth satin with minimal stretch. Complete your captivating look with sparkling earrings and a clutch.
Fit & Features- Cowl neck
- Spaghetti straps
- Crisscross strappy back
- Satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0621
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ever Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitz and glamour in a formal dress that reflects elegance! The Ever formal long dress features a sleeveless asymmetrical cowl neckline, a ruched shoulder strap, a spaghetti strap, and a high side slit to show off plenty of leg. Ever is composed of luxe glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti strap
- Ruched shoulder strap
- High side slit on the left leg
- High waist, slim-fit silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch , runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1344
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Trinity Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Make a glitzy impression in the Trinity formal dress that glows under the spotlight! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a U-shaped wire insert, spaghetti straps, and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette, and a ruched seam with a sexy high-side slit to showcase some skin. The formal dress is composed of a glitter stretch-knit fabric and is partially lined. Complete your dressy look with a rhinestone bracelet and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- U-shaped wire insert
- Bra-friendly design
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Glitter stretch-knit fabric, partial lining
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1343
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $62.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Amelie Formal High Slit Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Strike a pose in a formal dress that leads the way! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with a notched accent, satin bodice, a cutout at the midriff, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, notched accent
- Cutout a the midriff
- Spaghetti straps, cross at back
- High side slit
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1341
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Zenaida Formal Sleeveless Lace Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make them marvel with a mermaid dress that captivates! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, lace-up straps at the back, a lace pattern throughout, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone bobby pins and a rhinestone cuff.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Spaghetti straps, cross at back
- Lace-up straps
- Mermaid silhouette, form-hugging fit
- Sheer lace fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1338
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Floral Desire Ruffled Maxi Dress
Get that desired charming look with a maxi dress! The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, tie shoulder straps, a floral print, and a maxi-length silhouette with tiered ruffles. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with mules.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Tie shoulder straps
- Tiered ruffles
- Floral print
- Maxi length silhouette
- Lined chiffon fabric
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1040
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Peyton One Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dramatic entrance with a formal dress that brings regal appeal. The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with a tank-like shoulder strap, a high side slit, and a draped panel at the side. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- High side slit
- Draped panel at side
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1336
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Bre Satin Ruched Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sultry and stunning in the gorgeous Bre satin midi dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, ruched detailing down the center, a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette, and a front slit to showcase some leg. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Ruching down the center
- Midi-length, form-hugging fit
- Front slit
- Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0879
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Katya Formal Satin Ruched Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Stun with a satin dress that makes a head-turning impression from the moment you enter the room! Katya features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a ruched side seam with drawstring, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete look with rhinestone heels and statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruching with drawstring
- Mini-length silhouette
- Lined satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0615
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Heather Ruched High-Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
All eyes will be on you as you stun in the gorgeous Heather formal dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, back ruched detailing, and a floor-length curve-hugging silhouette with a sexy thigh-high side slit. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Cross-back lace-up design
- Back ruched detailing
- Floor-length silhouette, high side slit
- Form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1333
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Riya Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour to your evening with a formal dress that captivates! Riya features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a lace-up back, a high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit and a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric with a sheen finish
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1329
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Ella Strappy Back High-Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and stunning, the Ella dress will make a chic statement. She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a backless strappy lace-up design, ruched detailing, and a floor-length fitted silhouette with a thigh-high side slit. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Backless strappy lace-up design
- Ruching
- Floor-length fitted silhouette
- High side slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1330
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Farren Formal Lace Illusion Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a lace dress, to make your special evening memorable! Farren features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a partially lined lace illusion bodice, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace illusion bodice
- Mermaid silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1331
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Cassandra Cowl Neck Ruched Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Get a chic and sultry look for your next formal night out in the stunning Cassandra dress. She features an on-trend cowl neckline with a scalloped lace trim, spaghetti straps, a high waist, ruched detailing, and a floor-length, curve-hugging silhouette with a high side slit. Complete the outfit with sparkly stud earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, scalloped lace trim
- Spaghetti straps
- High waist, ruched detailing
- Floor-length, form-hugging fit
- High side slit
- Knit fabric, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1332
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Nat Formal Backless Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Make a sophisticated impression with a satin dress that wows! Nat features a sleeveless scoop neckline, sleek bungee straps, a backless design accented with two sleek bar straps, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a curve-hugging satin fabric that offers a slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Backless design, two bar straps
- High side slit
- Satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit, slight stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1328
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Elena Sequin Open-Back Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Get a gorgeous glow in the stunning Elena sequin formal dress! She features a sleeveless V neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy open-back design, a fitted bodice, and a floor-length skirt. The all-over sequin details will give you major glamorous vibes. Complete your look with an embellished bracelet and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V neckline, padded cups, flexible boning
- Dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Strappy open-back design
- Fitted bodice
- Floor-length skirt
- All-over sequins
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1326
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Charmaine Formal One-Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Make an elegant impression with a formal dress that makes a breathtaking entrance! Charmaine features a one-shoulder neckline with a draped short sleeve, a high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete the look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, draped short sleeve
- Built-in padded bust, no bra required
- Back zipper closure, high side slit
- Form-fitting, a-line silhouette
- Satin-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1325
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Spencer Satin High-Low Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Get a gorgeous look and have all eyes on you in the stunning and sleek Spencer satin dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline with padding, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam flows out to a high-low skirt and includes a mini-length woven lining. Complete your outfit with rhinestone earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, adhesive bra optional
- Princess seam detail, empire waist
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High-low hemline, flowy silhouette
- Lightweight satin fabric, mini inner lining
- No stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1740
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
- V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
-
Candace Satin Ruched Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in the gorgeous Candace satin mermaid dress to wow at your next formal soiree! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to a sexy cross-back design, back ruched detailing, and a floor-length, curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The smooth satin knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline, adhesive bra recommended
- Dual spaghetti straps, cross-back design
- High waist seam, back ruched detailing
- Floor-length, form-hugging mermaid silhouette
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1319
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Larissa Formal Ruched High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it fabulous in a ruched formal dress that hugs all your curves in the right places. Larissa features a sleeveless wrap V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, ruched side seams, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with block heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Ruched side seams
- High side slit
- Smooth knit fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1311
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Calista Formal High Slit Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Make a captivating entrance with a dress that brings the elegance to your evening! The dress features a halter neckline with a square neck bust, halter neck strap, ruching, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Halter neckline
- Square neck bust
- Halter neck strap
- Ruching
- High side slit
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1318
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale