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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Taylor Satin Floral High-Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Dress to impress this season in the stunningly chic Taylor satin floral dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a slim-fit bodice with cinched details that flows out to a floor-length skirt with a thigh-high front slit. The satin fabric showcases an all-over floral print for a romantic vibe. Complete your look with gold hoop earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Slim-fit bodice
- Cinched details at the waist
- Floor-length skirt, high front slit
- Stretch satin fabric, short knit lining, floral print
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1177
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lori Formal Asymmetrical Ruched Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in the captivating Lori formal dress to make a gorgeous impression. She features a sleeveless wrap v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and padded cups. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an asymmetrical A-line silhouette with ruching. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with glitter heels and a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wrap v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded cups
- Asymmetrical A-line silhouette
- Ruching
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1176
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rebecca Tulle A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Get a gorgeous look for your next fancy soiree in our stunning Rebecca formal dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a one-shoulder sheer tulle overlay, a side zipper and hook and eye closure, and a high waist. Her flowy floor-length skirt has an A-line silhouette with dual front slits. The dress is composed of a sheer tulle fabric with a knit lining, offering moderate stretch. Complete your look with block heels and a chic evening bag.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- One-shoulder sheer tulle overlay
- Side zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist
- A-line silhouette
- Dual front slits
- Sheer tulle fabric with a knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1174
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lana Formal One Shoulder High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sophisticated with a formal dress that brings the luxe to your evening. Lana features a one-shoulder neckline, a double row asymmetrical spaghetti strap, a high side slit on the right leg, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a sleek lined satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Adhesive bra or fashion tape recommended
- Double row asymmetrical spaghetti strap
- High side slit on the right leg
- Fitted waist, floor-length A-line silhouette
- Lined satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1168
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Isla Formal One-Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in the captivating Isla formal satin dress. The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with a fold-over accent and a slim-fit bodice that leads to a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined satin stretch fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete your formal outfit with clear mules.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Fold-over accent
- Slim-fit bodice
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1169
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Harlowe Formal Off The Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Making a captivating impression in a dress that brings the elegance! Harlowe features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a sexy v-shaped cutout at the bodice, padded cups, and an A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with glitter mesh heels.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline
- V-shaped cutout
- Padded cups
- A-line
- High side slit
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1167
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Norah Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a satin dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room of your special event. Norah features a trendy one-shoulder neckline and a double-row of sleek spaghetti straps on the left side with one leading to an asymmetrical back. Her relaxed bodice leads to a floor-length silhouette with a ruched drawstring and a high side slit. She is composed of a curve-hugging satin fabric that offers a slight stretch. Complete your look with platform heels and a dainty bracelet.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, dual spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Ruched drawstring, high side slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Lined satin, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1170
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Saylor Formal Double Slit Tulle Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate in our dreamy Saylor formal dress that stuns from the moment you enter the room. She is a perfect option for this prom season! She features a plunging V-neckline that you can accentuate with a lariat necklace, a pleated bodice, spaghetti straps, and a lace-up back for a customized fit. Her slim-fit bodice leads to a flowy, floor-length, A-line silhouette. She is composed of a tulle fabric that includes a full lining with double high slits for a sexy detail. Complete the look with door knocker earrings and glitter heels.
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-neckline, pleated bodice, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive pasties recommended
- Lace-up back design, tie closure
- Dual high slits
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- A-line silhouette
- Sheer tulle fabric with a knit lining, relaxed fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1669
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Vanessa Sweetheart A-Line Tulle Dress
Special Occasion
Make a glam grand entrance at your next soiree in the stunning Vanessa dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, sheer tulle shoulder straps, a sweetheart neckline with a center ruched detail, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist leads to a flowy A-line fit. The dress is composed of a sheer tulle fabric with a knit lining with dual front thigh-high slits. Style this dress with a rhinestone collar necklace and shimmery heels.
Fit & Features
- Sheer tulle shoulder straps
- Sweetheart neckline
- Center ruched detail
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Flowy A-line silhouette
- Sheer tulle fabric with a knit lining
- Dual front slits on the knit lining
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1172
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Emily One-Shoulder Pleated Asymmetric Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your bride-to-be status in our chic Emily mini dress for your upcoming engagement party! She features a one-shoulder neckline with a single long fitted sleeve, a back zipper closure, an asymmetric, mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette, and a dramatic side skirt overlay. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric with a knit lining and offers a moderate stretch for comfortable wear. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch. Be sure to shop this dress in the other luxe fabrications!
Shop Sequin Dress: Talulla Formal One-Shoulder Sequin Mini Dress
Shop Velvet Dress: Zhuri Formal One-Shoulder Velvet Dress
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, long sleeve
- Adhesive bra recommended
- High waist seam, back zipper closure
- Side drape overlay
- Asymmetric short hem
- Crepe-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0542
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kalea Fiery Sunset Dress
Special OccasionYou've got a fire in your eyes and a burning desire within so get noticed from head to toe in our Kalea Burgundy Fiery Sunset Dress! Kalea is a beautiful floor length gown that will envelop you in elegance. She has an empowering mock neck with an elegant sleeveless cut that shows off the shoulders while her high slits allow a grand entrance. Her simple drop waist and short skirt lining compliment a heavy decorated fabric that brushes the floor with a sheer screen of looped ribbon and sequin detailing. Kalea is a clear choice for a unique explosion of beauty.
*Also available in Plus. ,,Model is 5'7 with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 24" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-4662
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.87 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Makayla Floral Chiffon Wrap Dress
Special OccasionGet lost in a sweet floral wonderland as you live out the most enchanting night in our Makayla dress! She features a plunging wrap V neckline, long bishop sleeves accented with button cuffs and an elastic cinched waist. Her waist is paired with a lovely tie belt accent and leads to a flowing chiffon skirt accented with a gorgeous thigh high front slit! Her all over floral pattern is contrasted with a soft ivory background. She is composed of textured woven fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes mini skirt length knit lining.
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: 05002-5363
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.87 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jennifer Floral Wrap Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionHere's looking at you blushing beauty! Keep your look effortlessly gorgeous in our Jennifer dress! She features an unlined bodice with a plunging wrap V neckline, long unlined bishop sleeves with a triple row gold button cuff and an elastic waist detail and tie waist belt. Her bodice flows to a sweeping floor length skirt that makes for the perfect snapshot moment! Her all over floral print feature soft pink florals over a sheer chiffon fabric. She offers a relaxed fit minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.
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: 05002-5403
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $42.87 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mariah Siren Formal Dress
Special OccasionThrill them all in ravishing red as you stun in our diva worthy Mariah dress! She features a deep plunging V neckline, fitted long sleeves and a wide waistband accent to create a flattering hourglass silhouette. Her bodice leads to a sweeping floor length skirt accented with two extremely high front slits. She is composed of a smooth form hugging knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. She includes a stretchy shorts lining and a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5419
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.44 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Emilia Chiffon Wrap Dress
Special OccasionGet whisked away in airy chiffon as you radiate your beauty in our romantic Emilia dress! She features an unlined wrap V neckline, long bishop sleeves accented with a three row button closure and a stretchy elastic cinched waist. Her waist features a surplus tie waist belt to frame your curves and leads to a flowy floor length skirt to grace each step! She is composed of sheer chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes a thin knit partial skirt lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5313
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nicole Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special OccasionStun in sequins as you light up the room with our charming gray Nicole dress! She features, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a sexy lace up back design, padded cups and flattering princess seams. Her bodice leads to a floor length sheath skirt that elongates to create a lovely silhouette. Her all over mesh fabric is accented with dazzling floral designs composed of twinkling sequins. She offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes a thin knit lining and lower back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9.5" with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5349
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Haven Double Slit Sequin Dress
Special OccasionReign in the night in full packed glam as you shine in the spotlight! Our Haven dress features a sleeveless bodice and a plunging V neckline paired with narrow adjustable straps that lead to a square back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a wide empire waist accent that flatters curves and leads to a lengthening floor length skirt. Her skirt features a skin teasing double slit accent that brings plenty of drama! Her all over mesh fabric is adorned with star dazzling sequins and offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes back zipper and hook eye closure as well as a contrast bottom with a snap button closure.
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: 05002-5266
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $28.44 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Remi Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special OccasionLight up the night like the firework you are in our shine powered Remi dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline, lightly padded cups and flattering princess seams. Her bodice leads to a fluttering trumpet skirt adorned with contrast panels that will sweep them off their feet! Her all over sequin pattern is complimented with a fully lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes back zipper closure.
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: 05002-5260
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.87 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Aliyah Velvet Formal Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionCruise through the night in our sophisticated Aliyah dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, narrow straps leading to a stunning cross back design and a plunging V Neckline. Her slim fit bodice cinches at the waist and leads to a curve hugging hourglass fit leading to a sweeping mermaid skirt. She is composed of a smooth to the touch velvet fabric that offers minimal stretch. Dress is lined with a thin knit fabric.
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: 05002-5247
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.94 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sydney Sleeveless Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionGlow on girl in sequins as you rock the night away in our Sydney dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline, an unlined upper bodice paired a sweetheart lining and gorgeous beaded and sequin scroll patterning throughout. Her sheer unlined back is adorned with chrome colored beads to create a sophisticated look. Her flowing bodice leads to a multi layered tulle mermaid skirt for an awe worthy entrance. She offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5240
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.87 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nia Sequin Scroll Dress
Special Occasion
We just can't get enough glamour! Light up the night with our twinkling dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline with narrow adjustable straps, and flattering princess seams. Her bodice leads to an elongating floor-length skirt that is accented with two high front slits to bring the drama! Her all-over sequin scroll design is all you need to make a memorable impression! She is composed of mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. She includes a back zipper closure and is lined with a thin knit fabric. Complete look with rhinestone heels.Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wired V-neckline, padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, princess seams
- A-Line
- Dual high slits
- Sequin scroll pattern
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5070
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Phoenix Open Back Sequin Dress
Special OccasionStun as you sparkle with plenty of glow from the inside out as you impress with sequins! Our Phoenix dress features a high round neckline leading to a single button fasten, narrow long sleeves and a slim fit that leads to a sweeping floor length skirt. Her back wows with a sexy open back and lower back bar accent that makes a bold statement! Her all over mesh fabric is adorned with gleaming sequins and offers a natural fit with little to no stretch. Dress includes thin knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5135
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.94 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Catalina Sequin And Chiffon Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and awe in our enchanting Catalina dress! She features a high round neckline that leads to a large keyhole with a single button fasten and unlined mesh sleeves complimented with sequin embellishments and a merrow edge cuff. Her sheer mesh bodice is unlined and adorned with a floral array of sparkling sequins that lead to an empire waist that flows to a mesh floor length skirt with a high front slit. She is composed of a sheer mesh and chiffon fabric that offers a form fit with little to no stretch. Includes thin knit partial skirt lining and lower back zipper closure.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5100
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.87 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Valentina Chiffon Floral Dress
Special OccasionMake it a love story as you wrap yourself in a floral wonderland! Our Valentina dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wrapped V neckline paired with narrow adjustable straps that lead to a matching back, a waist cinching tie belt and a lightly pleated slightly sheer chiffon skirt. Her all over floral design features hues of sweet pink contrasted with a dark background. She offers a relaxed fit with little stretch. Dress includes partial skirt knit lining and back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5099
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.87 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance