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.

  • Joanne Floral Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Own the night in luxe satin as you bloom in our charming Joanne black dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a no slip strip, built in boning and a corset back with lattice ties. Her bodice is adorned with a floral applique design complemented with sparkling heat stones that leads to a dramatic ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes petticoat and hidden lower back zipper closure. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0458

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $229.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Carla Formal Floral Tendril Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the charm in our Carla dress! She features a sleeveless lined bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, padded cups, princess seams at the bust, and a partially open back. Her natural rise waist leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette adorned floral lace tendrils. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye clasp. Complete look with rhinestone earrings and chrome heels

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless v-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Padded cups and princess seams at the bust
    • Partially open back
    • A-line silhouette 
    • Floral lace tendrils 
    • Chiffon fabric, slight 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: 05002-0211

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Camille Formal Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Channel your inner A-Lister as you make an entrance in our stunning Camille dress! She features a chic black color, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and a double row of adjustable narrow straps that lead to an open back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a wide banded hemline. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6632

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Melina Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion

    The stars in the night sky are nothing compared to this beauty. Melina features a sleeveless, semi-sheer bodice with a high round neckline, padded cups,  narrow shoulder straps, a sweetheart lining, a large back keyhole cut out with an exposed zip up closure, and silver heat stones. Skirt is composed of a crepe fabric with a high waist seam, and offers a fit and flare silhouette with a high leg slit. 

    Model is 5'9 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: 05002-6506

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $72.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jewel Formal Satin Asymmetrical Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a striking impression in a formal dress that is a true one of a kind! The dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline with subtle pleating, adjustable spaghetti straps, a watercolor-inspired print, 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 sandals.  

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Watercolor-inspired print
    • High side slit
    • Satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1307

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Velvet Vibe Mini Dress

    Issa vibe  Up your look with a pair of eye-catching rhinestone heels! 

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti Straps
    • Deep V Neckline With Wire Trim I Vertical Darts At The Bust
    • Sweetheart Back 
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Smooth Velvet Fabric 
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 
    • Zipper Not Included 

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0736

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $36.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Delilah V-Neck Slit Bodycon Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      Sultry and sophisticated, the Delilah long formal dress is everything you need to make a statement! Designed to capture attention, this V-neck dress boasts a high slit for a show of leg and a bodycon silhouette that puts your curves on display.

      Fit & Features

      • Slinky smooth knit-lined fabric, moderate stretch
      • V-neckline, padded bra cups
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • High slit
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Long-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Formal weddings and dinner parties, fancy date nights

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9424

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Aimee Formal Glitter Crepe Cutout Long Dress

      Special Occasion

      Want a gorgeous look for fancy events? The Aimee formal glitter long dress promises an effortlessly refined evening look. She features a fitted long sleeve, crew neckline, cleverly designed cutout shoulder detail, a slim silhouette, a high side slit, and a floor-length hem, crafted on shimmering glitter crepe fabric with a silky satin lining. Finish the look with earrings for a black tie gala or ball!

      Fit & Features

      • Fitted long sleeve, cutout shoulder design
      • Crew neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Slim silhouette, high side slit
      • Floor-length hem
      • Glitter crepe fabric, sewn-in satin lining, moderate stretch
      • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7816

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Kiana Rhinestone Sheer Mesh Mermaid Dress

      Special Occasion

      Dare to step into your sultry era in the Kiana formal dress crafted with sheer mesh fabric and a glamorous chic asymmetric rhinestone-embellished design. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in bra with lining, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette to highlight your stunning curves.

      Fit & Features

      • Sheer mesh fabric with lined bust, sheer lining
      • Asymmetric rhinestone-embellished design
      • Sweetheart neckline, built-in bra with lining
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
      • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
      • Panty lining not included
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8771

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $149.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Julie Sequin Scoop Neck Ruffle Dress

      Special Occasion

      Radiant the dance floor lights in the Julie sequin formal dress perfect for cocktail parties and celebrations! She features long sleeves, a scoop neck, a flirty front ruffle trim, and a short bodycon silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with platform heels to complete your party look!

      Fit & Features

      • Long sleeves, scoop neck
      • Front ruffle trim
      • Back zipper closure
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Mini-length hem
      • Sequin fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
      • Fits true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1529

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Aylin Formal Wrap Corset Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      Steal all the glances at the next cocktail party in the Aylin formal wrap corset midi dress. Made with a sleek stretchy knit fabric, her bodycon fit will flaunt your gorgeous curves. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with pleating at the padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps leading to a secure back zipper closure, a chic corset bodice with flexible boning for a snatched silhouette, and a ruched wrap design creating a stylish front slit. Complete the look with stiletto heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Stretchy knit fabric with knit lining
      • Sweetheart neckline, padded bust, pleating
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook and eye closure
      • Corset bodice with flexible boning
      • Ruched wrap design, front slit
      • Bodycon fit
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2052

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $64.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Milana Glitter Shine High Neck Ball Gown

      Special Occasion

      Crafted from sparkling glitter fabric, you'll look and feel enchanting once you slip into our Milana! The lace-up detail at back reveals a low open back and flares into a stunning ball gown silhouette. Milana will look gorgeous paired with rhinestone earrings and stilettos!  

      Fits & Features 

      • High Neckline I Padded Bust 
      • Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace Up At The Back I Low Open Back
      • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
      • Hidden Hand Pockets 
      • Floor Length Hem I Petticoat I Pleating Details I Ball Gown Silhouette
      • Woven Glitter Fabric I Fully Lined 
      • Moderate Stretch 

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0055

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $219.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Joan Formal Lace Low Back Mermaid Dress

      Special Occasion

      RSVP yes to the Joan formal lace dress - ready for your upcoming formal affairs! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, sleek bungee spaghetti straps, a low scoop back, and a figure-flattering mermaid silhouette with an effortless floor-length hem. The formal dress is crafted from a delicate floral lace fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with teardrop earrings and a clutch.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless V-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
      • Low scoop back, zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Mermaid silhouette
      • Floor-length hem
      • Floral lace fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7281

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Ally Metallic Marbaou Feather Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Make a stunning impression under the spotlight in the Ally metallic mini dress! She features a strapless marabou feather trim neckline, flexible boning inserts, and a flattering bodycon silhouette. Complete your glam party look with statement earrings.

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless marabou feather trim neckline, non-slip grip lining
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Flexible boning inserts
      • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
      • Metallic fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
      • Strapless bra recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2013

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Noel Strapless Sweetheart Slit Satin Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      Everyone will marvel at your beauty in the Noel strapless satin formal dress showcasing a sultry high side slit for effortless movement and a flattering bodycon fit.

      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

      • Stretch satin fabric, top knit lining
      • Strapless pleated sweetheart neckline, padded bust
      • Pleated waist design
      • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
      • High side slit
      • Floor-length form-hugging silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear: 

      Prom, black-tie events, and formal weddings and parties.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9382

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Alena Glitter Satin Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Create an enchanting aura at prom in the gorgeous Alena glitter satin mini dress featuring an off-the-shoulder subtle V-neckline with a feminine draped overlay and short-sleeved cuffs. The ruched side and back seams will accentuate your curves along the bodycon silhouette, while the faux wrap-front design creates a chic asymmetric mini-length hem.

      Fit & Features

      • Glitter satin fabric
      • Off-the-shoulder V-neckline with draped overlay, short-sleeved cuffs
      • Princess seams, high waist seam
      • Ruched side and back seams, back zipper closure
      • Faux wrap-front design
      • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2402

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Kylie Formal Sparkling Sequin Dress
      Special Occasion 

      Bring the spotlight to you in our stunning Kylie dress! She features a high round neckline, a racer bust and a sweeping floor length silhouette that makes the perfect entrance! She is composed of a pewter gray hued lined mesh fabric that is adorned with iridescent sequins set in a chic swirl design that reflect a dreamy navy hued sheen.  Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6225

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $49.97 $134.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Lucinda Formal Knot Sequin Dress
      Special Occasion 

      Shine like the firework you are in our dazzling Lucinda light blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with a knot accent and narrow adjustable straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Lucinda is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with silver sequins to light up the night! Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6329

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $199.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Maisy Satin Strappy Back Gown

      You'll glide across the dance floor in our stunning Maisy satin gown!

      Fit & Features

      • Spaghetti straps | Cross back
      • Sweetheart neckline I No-slip interior slip I Padded bust
      • Back mesh panel detailing I Back zip with hook and eye closure
      • High waist
      • Slanted front pockets
      • Flowy floor-length skirt I Petticoat 
      • Satin-like fabric with a sheen

      Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0090

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $189.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Sequin Mesh Midi Dress

      'Tis the season for extra glam! Jaws will drop when you enter the room in this elegant and sexy midi. 

      Fits & Features

      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
      • Sweetheart Neckline I Molded, Padded Cups 
      • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
      • Midi Length Silhouette
      • Mesh Lined Fabric With Geometric Patterned Sequins
      • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0297

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $24.97 $62.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Sultry Sequins Midi Dress

      This jaw-dropping midi dress is just what you need for your holiday outings! 

      Fits & Features

      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
      • Sweetheart Neckline With Padded Cups
      • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
      • Midi Length Silhouette
      • Lined, Sheer Mesh Fabric With Diamond & Scroll Print Pattern Sequins 
      • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0602

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $62.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Peyton Formal Chiffon Floral A-Line Long Dress

        Special Occasion

        Add sophistication and elegance to any formal event with the charming Peyton formal dress. She features a sweetheart neckline with tie straps, a ruched bodice, and padded cups, as well as a tiered A-Line silhouette with a ruffled long hem. The formal dress is adorned with a beautiful blooming floral and bird print for a whimsical touch and has a tulle trim along the stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with sleek stiletto heels and a necklace for an outdoor wedding or banquet!

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, tie straps
        • Ruched bodice, padded cups
        • Back zipper and hook-eye closure, stretchy smocked panel
        • Tiered A-line silhouette, ruffled long hem
        • Blooming floral and bird print
        • Airy chiffon fabric, tulle trim, stretchy knit lining
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7779

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $24.97 $89.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Ebony Sequin Corset Slit Mermaid Dress

        Special Occasion

        An evening fit for a shimmering beauty like you begins in the Ebony sequin formal dress boasting a sultry corset bodice and a high front slit that flaunts your figure! 

        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

        • Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
        • Sequin embroidered scroll pattern
        • Sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
        • Corset bodice, padded bra cups, flexible boning
        • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
        • High front slit, floor-length mermaid silhouette
        • Runs true to size

         

        Where to Wear: 

        Prom, black-tie galas and weddings, and formal parties.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9248

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $119.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Clara Rhinestone Pearl Mermaid Formal Dress

        Special Occasion

        Looking like a glam diva is easy in the Clara mermaid formal dress crafted with dazzling rhinestones and faux pearl embellishments everyone will admire when you walk in!

        Fit & Features

        • Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, high stretch
        • Iridescent rhinestone and faux pearl embellishments, draped design
        • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline with built-in bra, padding and underwire
        • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
        • High waist seam
        • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
        • Runs true to size

         

        Where to Wear: 

        Prom, galas, and black-tie parties.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9347

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $119.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free