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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Anabelle Satin Strappy Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Charm them all with your stunning looks in our beyond beautiful Anabelle dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a racer back and a hidden zipper and hook and eye closure, a V neckline with a padded bust, and criss cross cut outs with mesh insets along the sides. Her high waist leads to a flared party length silhouette with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a combination smooth knit fabric and satin-like fabric with a full lining with a tulle hem for a flared look.
Model is 5'7" 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: 05001-0094
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Christine Formal Rhinestone Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Defined by striking rhinestones, the elegant Christine formal dress is made for celebratory occasions! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a V-wired insert, spaghetti straps, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette that highlights your gorgeous curves! The formal dress is composed of a rhinestone embellished slinky knit fabric with a bust lining. Style with earrings and a statement ring set for a banquet dinner or wedding.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, V-wired insert
- Spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Rhinestone-embellished
- Slinky knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless br or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7425
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Milana Velvet Corset A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Enter your sultry chic era in the Milana velvet formal dress featuring a sleeveless pleated square neckline, a snatching corset bodice with contrast piping, and adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit. The ruched detailing at the waist will accentuate your curves, leading to a high-cut front slit on the floor-sweeping A-line silhouette. Complete your look with a gemstone necklace and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Velvet lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Pleated square neckline
- Corset bodice with contrast piping
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Ruching at the waist, high front slit
- Floor-length A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7550
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cassandra Formal Floral Applique Dress
Special OccasionUshering in elegance and grace as you wow in our Cassandra dress! She features a navy blue color, a high round neckline with a racer bust and padded cups. Her waist features a sheer unlined mesh accent adorned with a floral applique design and leads to elongating floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lightly pleated mesh lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6436
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kaitlyn Formal Square Neck Mermaid Long Dress
Special Occasion
The Kaityln formal dress is designed with class and simplicity that's irresistible! Perfect for banquets, bridesmaids, and dressy events. She features a sleeveless square neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a curve-flaunting mermaid silhouette leading to her floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a slinky and smooth knit fabric with a buttery soft feel and a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with statement earrings and a bracelet to add a glam touch!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Curve-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Buttery soft and smooth knit fabric
- Stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7347
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Taylor Formal Glitter Bustier Long Dress
Special Occasion
The glittery Taylor formal long dress is the perfect piece for making a statement on your special night! Crafted from luxurious glitter fabric, she features a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, built-in padded underwire bust, side ruching, a high side slit, a slim curve-hugging silhouette for a chic and sultry look, and a long-length hem. Complete the look in sleek metallic heels for a black-tie party or event!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded underwire bust
- Side ruching, slim curve-hugging silhouette
- High side slit, long-length hem
- Glitter fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7785
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jessica Glitter Open Back Dress
Special OccasionCelebrate your special night with plenty of glam as you channel your inner diva in our Jessica dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging neckline with a sheer mesh inset accent and halter-like straps that lead to a racer-style back with a lower back keyhole. Back includes a gold zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice features flattering princess seams that streamline to a curve hugging floor length skirt. Her all over glitter knit fabric serves up plenty of shine while offering minimal stretch. Dress includes thin knit lining.
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: 05002-5321
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $23.44 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Romy Satin A-line Gown
Our Romy satin gown sure knows how to make an entrance. With her halter neckline and A-line silhouette, you are bound to turn heads.
Fit & Features
- Halter neckline | Padded Cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Square back | Zipper closure
- High waist seam
- Slanted side pockets
- Flowy A-line skirt | Petticoat
- Satin-like fabric with a sheen
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'7" 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: 05005-0034
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $239.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tabatha High Low Crochet Dress
Special OccasionBring the luxe with our Tabatha red dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, narrow straps and princess seams. Her back features an unlined crochet lace panel and a lower back keyhole. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared high low silhouette with a petticoat. Dress is composed of a combination satin and crochet fabric. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 35.5 hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6426
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jasmine Halter Cutout Slim Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll sparkle in this glitter formal dress featuring a halter neckline and a cutout back with a tie. The slim silhouette boasts a wrap front slit along the floor-length hem to give a little drama.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Halter neckline, spaghetti strap tie
- Wrap-front slit
- Slim floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8522
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Daniella Bustier Lace-Up Lace Sequin Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Your walk into the event or dance will be exceptionally glamorous in the Daniella lace sequin gown. Made from a beautiful lace sequin embellished fabric, this formal dress is designed to wow with a bustier bodice, lace-up back, and a stunning mermaid floor-length hem. Pair with a necklace.
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
- Sequin embellished lace lined fabric with stretch knit
- Sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps
- Bustier bodice, padded bra cups, flexible boning
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, bonded floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0141
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.97 $249.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Everly Sweetheart Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in gorgeous lace to show off your affinity for striking an elegant look! Our Everly dress features a sleeveless bodice and mock neck with a delicate lace trim. Her bodice features an all over gorgeous crochet lace detail, unlined inset and partial flirty sweetheart lining with heavily padded cups to enhance and lift your curves. Her waist leads to an ethereal floor length chiffon skirt that flows beautifully with each step you take. She features a natural fit offering moderate stretch. Dress is fully lined and has back zipper closure.
Model is 5'11 with a 36" bust, 34" waist and 43" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0030
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.87 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Griselda Glitter Mesh Tendril Gown
Special OccasionSparkle all night in this unforgettable gown! It features a dreamy navy blue color, a halter neck with a plunging V neck bust, an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps and a lattice back. Her waist features a dainty multi row rhinestone belt that leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette with an ombre hem and an all over glittering tendril detail. She is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure and knit lining.
Model is 5'8" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0539
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sara Formal Beaded Perfection Dress
Special OccasionFlaunt your flawless beauty in our captivating Sara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and criss crossing straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with plenty of flare and tulle panels to create a twirl worthy moment! Her all over beaded detailing is set in a baroque inspired design. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a side zipper closure.
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: 05005-0464
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $99.97 $299.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brianna Sequin Lace-Up Party Mini Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be the most fabulous invite on the list wearing the Brianna sequin party mini dress! She captures hearts and attention in her sleeveless V-neckline adorned with spaghetti straps that lace up in the back, a flattering bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The formal party dress is designed with an eye-catching sequin embroidered pattern in multiple sizes to make your sparkly entrance! Complete the look with earrings for a holiday party or birthday!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper, hook and eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Sequin embroidered pattern, multiple sizes
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1870
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Hadlee Sweetheart Halter Mermaid Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
This sleeveless formal dress features a halter sweetheart neckline with lace sequin padded bra cups, a high front wrap slit, and a stunning mermaid floor-length silhouette. Perfect for the school dance or any formal event.
This dazzling dress was made for the spotlight! Love the shimmer? Discover more sequin prom dresses or find a sophisticated look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Mesh lined fabric with stretchy knit
- Sweetheart halter neckline, button closure
- Lace sequin padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front wrap slit
- Mermaid floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8623
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lia Formal High Slit Rhinestone Dress
Special OccasionShine on in rhinestones as you dazzle in our Lia dress! She features a chic black hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and narrow shoulder straps. Her bodice features sheer mesh side panels adorned with rhinestone embellished strap accents. Her floor length silhouette is accented with a high side slit that reveals a contrast lining. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6560
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Felicity Lace-Up A-Line Floral Tulle Ball Gown
Special Occasion
You'll forever cherish every moment in the Felicity floral ball gown that will take everyone's breath away! Designed with floral embroidery on tulle fabric, this gown showcases a lace-up back for a gorgeous view and an A-line silhouette that flatters every figure.
Fit & Features
- Floral embroidery, tulle fabric, tulle and stretchy knit lining
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-Line silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, balls, big birthday events, and formal events.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0258
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Penny Double Slit Satin Dress
Special OccasionSet hearts ablaze in our fiery Penny dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a square back and a wide empire waist accent that cinches waist into a flattering hourglass silhouette. Her bodice leads to a flowing floor length skirt accented with two extreme high front slits to show off your glowing gams! She is composed of textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with little to no stretch. Includes back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9.5" with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5344
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Roselyn Floral Romance Dress
Special OccasionFeel like the ultimate princess in this royally romantic floor length chiffon dress. It features a V-neckline and a tie at waist. Long sleeves include a three gold button cuff.
*Also available in Plus. ,,Model is 5'9" with a 34" 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: 05002-3289
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mischa Sheer Long Sleeve Rhinestone And Faux Pearl Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The dazzling formal mini-dress features a crew neckline, a sheer bodice that features a plunging v-neckline design, sheer fitted long sleeves, and faux pearls with rhinestones set in a geometric pattern. Complete formal outfit with rhinestone heels that will have you cocktail-ready!
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication
- Crew neckline
- Sheer bodice with plunging V-neckline design
- Rhinestones, faux pearls
- Geometric pattern
- Sheer unlined long-sleeves
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2488
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Reina Glitter Velvet High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate a gorgeous shine in the Reina formal dress crafted with glitter velvet fabric for a stunning shimmer. A glamorous choice for your next dressy affair, it features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with asymmetric pleating at the bodice, a pleated faux wrap-front design creating a high-cut front slit, and a slim-fit silhouette to showcase your curves.
Fit & Features
- Glitter velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bust, asymmetric pleated bodice
- Spaghetti straps
- Pleated faux wrap-front design
- Thigh-high front slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8690
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lucille Velvet Formal Dress
Special OccasionKeep it smooth and sultry in our alluring Lucille dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a flattering V neckline with wide shoulder straps and structuring princess seams. Her bodice leads to an elongating mermaid silhouette that puts those va-va voom curves front and center! Her all over luxe velvet fabric offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.
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: 05002-5670
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.31 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lizette Strapless A-Line Ruffle Pleated Tulle Gown
Special Occasion
Sweet pleated ruffles romance the Lizette floor-length gown fit for bridesmaids, prom, and black tie soirees! Made with delicate pleated ruffles and tulle fabric with a glittery underskirt, this gown is a work of art that will make you feel like a true fashion icon. The sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining, and padded bra cups provide a secure, flattering fit. The cutout bust accent adds a touch of sophistication to the elegant A-line silhouette perfect for every figure. Complete the look with a gorgeous hair accessory, dainty earrings, and heels for a magical evening!
Fit & Features
- Tulle fabric, full glitter tulle, short knit underskirt linings
- Pleated ruffles
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Padded bra cups, cutout bust accents
- A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0112
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $129.97 $299.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free