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.
-
Ellie Sleeveless Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it luxe in a satin dress that brings the flare in our chic Ellie dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flared party-length silhouette with trendy side pockets to pose in! Complete your head-turning look with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Vertical seams at the bodice
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Party-length silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0474
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Jaclyn Long Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle them all away in our beyond gorgeous Jaclyn sequin mini dress! She features long fitted sleeves, a deep V neckline, and a high banded waist with a mini length curve-hugging silhouette. Pair this stunning dress with strappy heels for an elongated look.
Fit & Features
- Long fitted sleeves
- V neckline
- Back zipper closure
- High rise banded waist
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Allover sequin detailing
- Knit lining
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0479
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Kadison Formal Open Back Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it stunning in a luxe velvet dress that showcases elegance for your next special evening. Make a memorable entrance in our Kadison dress that features a rich velvet fabric, ruched side seams at the skirt, and a daring open-back design. Complete your special evening outfit with chrome heels and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- High round neckline
- Long fitted sleeves
- Open back design
- Velvet fabric
- Ruched side seams at the skirt
- Mini-length silhouette
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0480
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Char Formal Velvet Glitter Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and stun in a dress that is fit for a fashionista! Char features a wrap V-neckline, long puff sleeves that bring the drama, glitter details throughout, and a ruched ruffle accent that runs off-center. The dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Fit & Features
- Wrap V-neckline
- Long puff sleeves
- Glitter details throughout
- Ruched ruffle accent
- Lined velvet fabric
- Mini length silhouette
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0483
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Jada Formal Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle in our Jada formal dress for your special evening. She features a sleeveless sequin bodice with a high round neckline, a partially open back with back ties, and a double-layered stretchy crepe party-length skirt. Complete your formal evening outfit with rhinestone earrings and stylish block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless round neckline
- Sequin bodice
- Partially open back with back ties
- Double-layered party skirt
- Stretchy retention crepe fabric
- Form-hugging, moderate stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0486
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Aline Woven Glitter Lace Up Party Dress
Special Occasion
Glow this evening in our Aline dress that brings the glamour to your special event. She features a sweetheart neckline with a v-neck mesh inset, a sexy lattice back, and a party-length silhouette with hidden side pockets. Complete your glowing evening outfit with a sleek clutch and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline with V-neck mesh inset
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Party-length silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Woven glitter fabric
- Form hugging fit
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0487
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Sadie Formal Long Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle them all in a sequin dress that brings glamour to your special occasion event. Sadie features a V-neckline with an empire waist, long sleeves, and a flared skater silhouette. The dress is adorned with sparkling sequins throughout and offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-neckline
- Empire waist
- Long sleeves
- Mini skater silhouette
- Sequins
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0484
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Emersyn Floral Embroidered Pleated Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Grace them in our Emersyn ball gown that brings elegance and charm to your special occasion. She features a sleeveless square neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, a gorgeous floral embroidered pattern, and a pleated ball gown silhouette. Her back features a head-turning open back with lattice straps to show off a hint of skin. Complete your formal outfit with sleek stiletto heels and a luxe clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Floral embroidered pattern
- Pleated ball gown silhouette
- Open back with lattice straps
- Relaxed fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0120
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Selena Sequin Deep V Neck A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Leave them all in awe as you make a stunning entrance in the gorgeous Selena sequin A-line dress! She features a plunging V neckline, blousant sleeves, a high waist, and a floor-length A-line skirt with a high front slit. The dress is composed of a semi-sheer mesh fabric adorned with allover sequins and includes a knit fabric. Pair this dress with an enevelope clutch and you'll be all set for your glam night out.
Fit & Features
- Deep V neckline
- Blousant sleeves with button detailing
- High waist
- Floor-length A-line skirt with high slit
- Semi-sheer mesh fabric adorned with allover sequins
- Knit lining
- Moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1120
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $37.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Madeline Formal Beaded Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make an ethereal entrance a dress that brings elegance and grace. Our Madeline dress features a plunging V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a form-hugging floor-length mermaid silhouette accented with godet panels. Her a beaded and sequin detail is set in a vintage-inspired geometric pattern. Complete your formal outfit with dazzling rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Sleek spaghetti straps
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette with godet panels
- Beaded and sequin detail set in a geometric pattern
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0755
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Nicola Sequin Jacket Dress
Special Occasion
Show em' all who the star of the show is in our stunning Nicola sequin jacket dress! She features puffed shoulders leading to long fitted sleeves, a classic lapel collar and a tie front belt to snatch your waist. She has a mini length form-hugging silhouette to enhance your curves. The allover sequin detailing will have all eyes on you. Pair this gorgeous dress with trendy clear heels for your next party, or really anytime you want to get all dressed up!
Fit & Features
- Puffed shoulders
- Long fitted sleeves
- Lapel collar with a V neckline
- Tie front belt
- Short, form-fitting style
- Allover sequin detailing
- Knit lining
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0478
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Curves Ahead Shirred Mini Dress
Show off curves in a mini dress that brings the major wow factor! The mini dress features a plunging v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and sexy shirred detail that adorns the center of the bodice and leads to the hem. Complete your date-night outfit with clear heels and statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunging v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Shirring at the bodice and hem
- Mini length silhouette
- Form hugging
- Stretchy knit fabric
Model is 5'8" with 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0473
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Nikita Formal Sequin Wrap Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a sequin dress that brings the glamour, captivate them all this homecoming in our shimmering Nikita dress. She features a v-neckline that flatters, sleek corded straps, a wrap mini length silhouette, and sequins throughout that reflect with each step. Complete your formal outfit with sparkling rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline
- Corded straps
- Relaxed fit waist
- Wrap mini length silhouette
- Sequins
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit
Model is 5'8" with 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0295
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Emily Satin V Neck Tulle Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Enchant in our Emily ball gown dress that brings sophistication and elegance to your evening. Dance the night away in our Emily ball gown that features a satin V neck, a dreamy tulle ball gown silhouette, and trendy pockets to keep essentials close to you. Complete your mesmerizing formal evening outfit with dazzling rhinestone earrings and statement stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Satin V-neckline bodice
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Partially open-back
- Side pockets
- Tulle ball gown silhouette
- Wide horsehair hem
- Relaxed fit
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0052
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $52.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Lola Plunging Halter Geometric Glitter Formal Dress
Glow on in a glitter dress as you make a dazzling entrance for a black-tie affair. Our Lola dress features a plunging halter neck that enhances curves and a geometric glitter design that creates an hourglass illusion. Complete your wowing look with rhinestone earrings and sleek stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Plunging halter neck
- Glitter geometric pattern
- Open back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Model is 5'6" with 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0844
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Jackie Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it simply stunning and sophisticated as you make your grand entrance in our Jackie formal dress! Her high slit brings the drama and chic side pockets keep you flawlessly on trend. Complete Jakcie with rhinestone accents and a statement heel to create a memorable look!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Cross-Back Straps
- High Slit
- A-Line Silhouette
- Satin Fabric
- Relaxed Fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0930
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Dani Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the dazzle to your evening in our shimmering Dani formal dress! Her sequins adorn and highlight curves while giving a glowing impression from all your best angles! To elevate your glam, pair Dani with a pair of sleek stilettos and a rhinestone embellished clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- Sequins
- Geometric Print
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Curve Hugging Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0321
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $8.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Angelina Formal Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle to your evening to create a flawlessly glowing impression in our radiating Angelina formal sequin dress! She sparkles from all your best angles and offers a curve hugging mermaid silhouette to enhance and flatter. Pair Angelina with a pair of neutral heels to allow sequins to pop!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless
- High Round Neckline | Mesh Inset
- Partially Open Back
- Sequins
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0997
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Angelina Formal Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle to your evening to create a flawlessly glowing impression in our radiating Angelina formal sequin dress! She sparkles from all your best angles and offers a curve hugging mermaid silhouette to enhance and flatter. Pair Angelina with a pair of neutral heels to allow sequins to pop!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless
- High Round Neckline | Mesh Inset
- Partially Open Back
- Sequins
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0996
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Lana Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in our captivating Lana high slit dress! Her sleeveless bodice is perfect to pair with a statement necklace while her high slit is all for showing off your glam heels!
Fit & Features
- Strapless Square Neckline
- Subtle Fold Over Accent
- A-Line Silhouette
- High Slit
- Crepe Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1034
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Lana Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in our captivating Lana high slit dress! Her sleeveless bodice is perfect to pair with a statement necklace while her high slit is all for showing off your glam heels!
Fit & Features
- Strapless Square Neckline
- Subtle Fold Over Accent
- A-Line Silhouette
- High Slit
- Crepe Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1035
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ava Formal Floral Pleated Dress
Special Occasion
Bloom into the season in charming florals as you make a dreamy impression in our Ava formal floral dress! Her florals and pleats are bring a sweet attention to detail that we love for a bridal shower or spring wedding. Complete Ava with a pair of clear heels to let the print really standout!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline
- Ruffled Should Straps
- Open Back
- Floral Print
- Pleated A-Line Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Relaxed Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1033
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Jaden Floral Foiled Sweetheart Dress
Special Occasion
Give a truly stunning entrance when you walk through the door in the Jaden. Her breathtaking design flatters every silhouette and catches eyes with her foiled finish.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline
- Off shoulder mini sleeves
- Form fitting silhouette
- Floor length hemline
- Exaggerated slit
- Floral pattern with a foiled finish
- Hidden zipper
Model is 5'6" with 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1117
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Delaney Satin Triple Rhinestone Trim A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Everyone's eyes won't be able to avoid the pretty luster shining from Delaney's smooth and sleek satin composition. A sheer mesh inset accented by three rows of twinkling rhinestones hugs her fitted bodice. The best part is her convenient hand pockets for stowing away your phone and lipstick!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Mesh Inset At Front Waist With Triple Row Of Rhinestone Trim
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette I Front Slit
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined I Pretty Sheen
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0931
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $146.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance