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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Francesca Formal One Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning impression with a dress that showcases all your best angles from the moment you enter the room! The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with an adjustable spaghetti strap, a partially open back with sexy cutouts, and a slim fit bodice 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 heels and door knocker earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, padded cups, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti strap
- Partially open back with cutouts
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2301
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lauren Sleeveless Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Show up to your holiday party lookin' gorgeous and glam in our Lauren mini dress! She features a sleeveless bodice with bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, a cowl neckline, and a mini length, curve-hugging silhouette. Pair this stunning, sexy dress with rhinestone statement earrings and a matching rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Cross back detail
- Cowl neckline
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Sheer sequin mesh fabric with knit lining
- Minimal stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0399
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lara Formal Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle in our dazzling Lara sequin dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with padded cups, long bishop sleeves. and a mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with shimmering sequins throughout. The dress offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone hair clips.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline with a built-in no-slip strip
- Sweetheart bust
- Padded cups
- Long bishop sleeves
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Sequins
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0525
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Carissa Formal Open Back Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmer in a formal sequin mini dress that dazzles under the spotlight. The Carissa formal sequin dress features a crew neckline, cap sleeves with shoulder pads, and a mini-length silhouette with slightly ruched side seams. The back features a daring keyhole cutout with single-button closure. The mini dress is composed of a sequin-adorned lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone stilettos and a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Crew neckline, cap sleeves, shoulder pads
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Keyhole cutout, back zipper closure
- Subtle ruched side seams
- Mini-length silhouette
- Lined sequin-knit fabric, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0523
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Glitter Glam Wrap Mini Dress
Wrap yourself in a glitter dress that stuns for your next night out! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a wrap mini dress with an asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a woven glitter fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Wrap asymmetrical hem
- Woven glitter knit fabric
- Form hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0475
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mina Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the evening in our dazzling Mina dress that brings glamour to your special evening. She features a partially sheer bodice with an unlined mesh lining, a crew neckline, a sweetheart bust, and sparkling heat stones throughout. Complete your special evening outfit with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Crew neckline
- Partially-lined bodice with unlined mesh
- Sweetheart bust
- Heat stones
- Long sleeves
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0517
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $84.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Anabelle Heat Stone Mesh Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and shine in the stunning Anabelle mini dress! She features a trendy mock neckline, long fitted sleeves, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric, offering plenty of stretch, has allover heatstone embellishment in a vertical design, and includes a partial knit lining. Pair this dress with a sparkly clutch for a gorgeous look for your night out.
Fit & Features
- Mock neckline
- Long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Sheer mesh fabric with allover heatstone embellishment
- Partial knit lining
- Plenty of stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0520
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $38.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Scarlett Formal High Slit Lace Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Impress in our Scarlett dress from the moment you enter the room. The dress features a crew neckline, unlined floral lace long sleeves, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. The back features a gorgeous unlined lace back and a ruched lower back accent. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a sleek clutch, rhinestone hairpins to style tresses with, and heels.
Fit & Features
- Crew neckline
- Unlined floral lace long sleeves
- Floral lace back
- Floor-length Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1145
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Raina Formal Heatstone Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Heat up the night in this stunning bodycon that shines from every angle. The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, narrow shoulder straps, allover heat stones, and a mini length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a bodycon fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings and rhinestone rings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Narrow shoulder straps
- Allover heat stones
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0515
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $55.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Vicky Heat Stone Mesh Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stunning entrance in our gorgeous Vicky mini dress! She features a trendy mock neckline with short cap sleeves, a mini length form-hugging silhouette, and allover glimmering heat stone embellishement. The mesh fabric offers plenty of stretch and includes a back zipper closure for comfortable wear. Pair this dress with a pack of sparkly rings to add that extra glam factor.
Fit & Features
- Mock neckline
- Cap sleeves
- Back zipper closure
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Stretchy semi-sheer mesh fabric
- Allover heat stone embellishment in an intricte pattern
- Detachable stretchy knit brief
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0513
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Reese Formal Heat Stone Illusion Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the night with our shimmering Resse formal dress! She features a partially lined bodice with a sweetheart neckline, sheer long sleeves, lined cups with underwire, piping details, and sparkling heat stones throughout the bodice. The back is sheer and unlined. The slim-fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging mini-length silhouette. Complete your look with chrome heels and a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline
- Partially lined bodice, back is unlined
- Lined and padded cups with underwire, piping details
- Long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Heat stone embellishment on sheer mesh fabric, short knit lining
- Mini-length silhouette with a form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0512
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tori Formal Heat Stone Feathered Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your over the top style in our glam formal Tori dress! She features a mini mock neck, a plunging mesh inset adorned with heat stones, long sleeves with heat stones, and a feathered cuff. The dress is composed of a curve-hugging crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete your look with chrome heels and rhinestone hair pins to style tresses with.
Fit & Features
- Mini mock neck
- Plunging mesh inset
- Heat stones
- Long sleeves with feathered cuff
- Mini length silhouette
- Crepe fabric, additional mini skirt length knit lining
- Form hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0511
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cami Formal Floral Satin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a formal satin dress for your next special evening. Enchant with gorgeous florals in our Cami dress that features a high square neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps provide a customized fit. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatic A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Complete your formal evening look with rhinestone earrings and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless
- High square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Floral print
- A-Line Silhouette with a high side slit
- Pockets
- Satin-like fabric, form-hugging fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1031
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nora Satin Open Back Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Strike a stunning look in a dress that brings the elegance! Nora features a daring open back, a ruched center back seam, a high round neckline, and a midi length silhouette with a high side slit. Nora is composed of a lined stretch satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete your look with rhinestone hairpins.
Fit & Features
- High round neckline
- Long sleeves
- Open back with sleek bar strap accent
- Ruched center back seam with lower back zipper
- Midi length silhouette with high side slit
- Lined stretch satin fabric
- Form hugging fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0505
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Chelsea Satin High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stunning entrance to your formal holiday party in our gorgeous Chelsea satin dress! She features a sleeveless bodice with spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a chic cowl neckline, a floor-length skirt with a thigh-high front slit, and a form-fitting style. Pair this sleek dress with a rhinestone clutch to really bring the bling.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design
- Floor-length skirt with a high slit
- Form-fitting style
- Ruched detailing
- Satin-like fabric with no lining, minimal stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1141
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Arabella Formal Sequin Scroll Print Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a formal sequin dress for homecoming or your next special night! Arabella features a sleeveless square neckline, a double row of adjustable spaghetti straps, adjustable cross straps, a sequin scroll print, and a curve-hugging floor-length silhouette with a high side slit. Complete look with heels and rhinestone hairpins.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, no bra required
- Back zipper closure, high side slit
- Curve-hugging, floor-length hem
- Sequin scroll pattern
- Lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1142
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kelly High Slit Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate your special evening outfit in our chic Kelly dress. She features a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, vertical seams at the bust, and a midi length silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of lined stretch satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline
- Long sleeves
- Vertical seams at the bust
- Midi length silhouette
- High slit
- Lined stretch satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0506
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Becca Satin Lace-Up Ruched Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sultry vibes to your next party in our stunning Becca satin mini dress! She features a sleeveless, spaghetti strap bodice with a cowl neckline that creates a curvy appearance that leads to a strappy lace-up back with a tie closure so you can adjust the fit, sexy ruched detailing, and a mini length on her curve-hugging silhouette. Pair this dress with sleek hoop earrings and a chic clutch.
Fit & Features
- Cowl neckline, dual spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Strappy lace-up back with tie closure
- Ruched detailing
- Short bodycon hem
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0499
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Addison Stretch Satin Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dramatic entrance in our stunning Addison midi dress! She features long fitted sleeves, a wired notch front V neckline, a high waist, and a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette with a sultry back slit. Pair this dress with a rhinestone choker necklace for a glam factor.
Fit & Features
- Long fitted sleeves
- Wired notch front V neckline
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Princess seams and high waist
- Mid-length, form-hugging fit
- Back slit
- Stretch satin-like fabric
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0498
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rose Formal Taffeta and Lace Party Dress
Special Occasion
Stun as you impress in a dress that brings the charm! Rose features a plunging v-neckline with tank-like straps, an empire waist that flatters curves, and a gorgeous partially open back with lace trim. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Plunging v-neckline
- Vertical seams at the bust
- Empire waist
- Partially open back with floral lace trim
- Party length silhouette with subtle pleats
- Hidden side pockets
- Taffeta fabric, form-hugging fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0468
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sophia Sequin Sleeveless Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Get a chic and stunning vibe wearing our glam Sophia formal dress to your next soiree. She features a sleeveless bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps, a wired notch front V neckline, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. She has a floor-length skirt with a slim, curve-hugging fit. The dress is composed of a sheer nude mesh fabric with a full knit lining and showcases an all-over sequin scroll print. Complete your look with rhinestone statement earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Wired notch front V neckline
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Form-hugging fit
- Sheer nude mesh fabric with a full knit lining
- Sequin scroll print
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1138
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brin Formal Open Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the night in the formal Brin dress that dazzles from all your best angles. The dress features V-neckline, long sleeves, and a bold open-back design with a lower back bar strap accent. She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings, a sleek clutch, and glitter heels.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline
- Long sleeves
- Open-back design
- Lower back bar strap
- Mermaid silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric with moderate stretch
- Form-hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1135
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brea Formal Lace One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Make a captivating entrance in our formal Brea dress that stuns from the moment you enter the room. Brea features a one-shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, a sheer fitted long sleeve, a lined floral lace body with glitter embellishments, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. Complete your special occasion outfit with duster earrings and rhinestone hairpins to style tresses with.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline with scalloped lace trim
- Fitted long sleeves
- Lined lace body
- Minimal stretch
- Glitter embellishments
- Mermaid silhouette
- Curve-hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1139
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Olivia Formal Off The Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sophisticated and glam with a formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room. Olivia features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a pleated overlay, a sheer mesh V-shaped insert, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline with a pleated overlay
- Sheer mesh V-shaped insert
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1137
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance