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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Eliska Formal Sequin and Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Enter the room with elegance as you make a captivating entrance in our Eliska sequin dress! Her satin train elevates style made for a Queen! Pair her with sparkling gems and statement heels!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Mesh Inset | Padded Cups
- Double Row Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross-Strap Back
- Sequin Scroll Print Pattern
- Woven Satin Train
- Lined Mesh Fabric
- Form Hugging Back
- Relaxed Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1007
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Brenda Back Bow Satin Train Dress
Special Occasion
Make an entrance to remember as you walk in with our gorgeous Brenda! Chic details include her deep V back and neckline and a mermaid silhouette that'll embrace your curves. As you make your exit, people will be stunned to notice the bow at back and gorgeous train trailing behind you.
Fits & Features
- Tank Shoulder Straps
- Wire Trim Plunging V Neckline I Lightly Padded I Princess Seams
- V Back I Decorative Bow I Train Detail At Back
- Floor Length Mermaid Silhouette I Petticoat
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1010
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jamie Lace Floral Applique Mesh A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Dainty lace floral appliques are decked beautifully along Jamie's front bodice. As you sway and glide along the dance floor, her ethereal, mesh-lined skirt will have you feeling like a goddess. Complement your look with a pair of rhinestone heels and earrings!
Fits & Features
- Sheer Mesh Tank Shoulder Straps
- Plunging V Neckline
- Lace Floral Appliques At The Front Bodice I High Waist Band
- Floor Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette
- Mesh Lined 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: 05002-1001
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Electra Formal Lace A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate them all with elegant lace and a sweeping A-line silhouette in our Electra dress! Pair her with rhinestone accents and strappy stilettos for a breath-taking impression!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Partially Lined Bodice | Floral Lace
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross-Straps
- A-Line Silhouette
- Fully Lined Mesh Skirt
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
- Hidden Back Zipper Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0999
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adina Sequin and Satin Ball Gown
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0117
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tabby Formal Pleated Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glow in our radiating Tabby dress! She brings the details with her pleats while her glitter shines from all your best angles! Pair her with statement heels and an envelope clutch for a head-turning look!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross-Straps
- Tie-Back Straps
- Pleated Silhouette
- Lined Metallic Knit Back
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1000
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shea Metallic Applique Off Shoulder Chiffon Dress
Special Occasion
Whimsical and utterly romantic, our Shea is a stunner. Your attention will quickly be drawn to the arrangement of appliques highlighted by metallic threading at her front bodice. Her flowy skirt finishes the look with a soft and dreamy touch. Put your hair in a pretty up-do and show off those sparkling earrings!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I Off Shoulder Design & Shoulder Straps
- V Neckline I Padded Bust I Interior No-Slip Strip
- Mesh Lined Bodice I Brocade Applique
- Sheer Back I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Chiffon Skirt
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1003
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Valda Formal Floral Metallic Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate beauty in blooming florals as you make an unforgettable entrance in our glowing Valda metallic dress! Her gorge floral design is accented with a metallic finish and her pockets add a unique detail! Pair her with a luxe clutch to complete your look!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross-Back Straps
- Pleated Skater Silhouette
- Hidden Side Pockets
- Embroidered Floral Print Pattern | Metallic Brocade
- Lined Woven Knit Fabric
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0426
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Viona Floral Sleeveless Lattice Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm in our lovely Viona floral lattice dress! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps leading to a lattice back design, a high waist with a fit and flare party skirt silhouette, and a chic all-over floral print. Style the dress with twinkling earrings for an elevated look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline
- Padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, lattice back design, tie closure
- Pleated mini-length flared silhouette, hidden side pockets
- Floral print
- Lined woven satin fabric, relaxed fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0422
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $10.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lyra Glitter Lace Party Dress
Special Occasion
Glide around the dance floor in our captivating Lyra! Made from a sparkling glitter lace fabric and featuring a full, skater-style skirt, you'll feel party-ready the moment you slip her on! Don't forget to accessorize with some sparkling earrings and heels to match!
Fits & Features
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Surplice V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Mini Length Silhouette I Petticoat I Skater-Style Silhouette
- Lined Glitter Lace Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
- Glitter May Transfer
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0425
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
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Jeanette Crepe Two Piece Floral Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in our beautiful two-piece Jeanette! With romantic florals adorned all over her ball gown skirt, she'll add a touch of romance to your look! Her hidden hand pockets are an extra storing compartment for all your nightly necessities and offer a comfortable way to pose!
Fits & Features
- Crepe Off Shoulder Crop Bodice
- V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Woven Smooth Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette I Petticoat
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0536
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Catia Lace Up Back Floral A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Beautiful florals in full bloom adorn our Catia from top to bottom. Crafted from a lightweight smooth woven fabric, gliding around the dance floor will be effortless. Show off that shoe game with her sultry front slit and don't forget to add a cute clutch in case the pockets (!!) aren't enough storage space.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
- Scoop Neckline
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hem I Front Slit
- Smooth Woven Fabric I Fully Lined
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0985
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $58.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Carrieann Formal Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sophistication in the alluring Carrieann formal satin dress. She features a sleeveless wired V-neckline, a pleated bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined stretch satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels and a matching rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wired V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back
- Pleated bodice
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Stretch satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0987
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nicki Formal Wrap Sleeveless Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a luxe formal dress that showcases your elegant taste for your next special evening. Nicki features a sleeveless V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a wrap floor-length skirt. She is composed of a smooth stretchy knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete look with rhinestone hairpins to adorn tresses with.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Wrap floor-length skirt
- Lined smooth knit fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0989
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aria Sleeveless Ruched High-Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring a sultry-chic vibe to your formal night-out look in the gorgeous Aria dress. She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a V neckline, front ruched detailing, and a floor-length skirt with a curve-hugging fit throughout the hips and a sexy thigh-high front slit. Complete the outfit with rhinestone statement earrings and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Spaghetti straps
- V neckline
- Ruching
- Floor-length skirt, form-hugging fit
- High front slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0986
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Bristol Formal Satin Lace-Up Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning entrance in a formal long dress that brings elegance! Bristol features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a lace-up back that lets you adjust the fit, a mermaid silhouette, and a high side slit for a display of leg. The lower back features a ruched detail that enhances curves. The long dress is composed of a satin stretch fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps, adjustable lace-up back
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit, ruched back detail
- Satin stretch fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7908
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Michelle Sequin Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a gorgeous and glam look this holiday season in our pretty Michelle party dress! She features a high neckline with a back zipper closure, a high waist, a flirty skater skirt, and lined side pockets. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with an all-over intricate sequin pattern and a knit lining. Pair this dress with strappy heels and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- High neckline
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist
- Skater skirt
- Lined side pockets
- Sheer mesh fabric with a sequin pattern
- Knit lining
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0419
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Haven Formal Sequin Scroll Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the night with our captivating Haven sequin dress! She features a plunging halter neck, a double-button closure at the neck, a sequin scroll print, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. Complete your look with glitter heels and a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless halter neck
- Double-button closure at the neck
- Sequin scroll print on a sheer mesh fabric
- Knit lining
- Mermaid silhouette
- Curve-hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0971
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sarah Formal Glitter Velvet Open Back Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a glitter dress that illuminates your formal evening with specks of glitter throughout. Our Sarah dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a bold open back with sleek cross-straps. Sarah is composed of a luxe glitter velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your formal outfit with glitter heels for head to toe shine.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back with cross-straps
- Glitter velvet fabric
- Mermaid silhouette
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0973
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Delana Formal One-Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it luxe in the stunning Delana dress that brings the sophistication to your special evening. She features a unique one-shoulder neckline with a charming bow accent on the left shoulder, a floor-length mermaid silhouette, and is composed of a captivating satin-like fabric. Complete your special occasion outfit with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Bow accent on the left shoulder
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Satin-like fabric, moderate stretch
- Form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0974
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Aspen Formal Velvet Glitter High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring on the shine in our shimmering Aspen dress! She features a plunging sleeveless V-neckline, ruched side seam, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. Aspen is composed of a luxe glitter velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your special occasion look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti strap
- Ruched side seam
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Glitter velvet fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0972
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jenetta Front Slit Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Drape yourself in a light crepe fabric and look elegant in our Jenetta. A strappy back design and her sultry front slit are a playful touch to this sleek silhouette. Elevate your look by adding a pair of sparkling kitten heels and statement earrings to match!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Tie At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Wide Waist Band
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I Front Slit
- Crepe Fabric I Fully Lined
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0965
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Carmela Metallic Shine Party Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be leading the dance floor in our sparkling Carmela! Twist, twirl, and bust a move in her flowy skater skirt while showcasing all the shine from every angle. Style her up with some rhinestone heels and a pair of earrings to match!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- V Neckline I Padded Bust I Mesh Inset
- Mini Length Hem I Skater Silhouette
- Mesh Inset At Back With Triple Row Detail I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Mesh Lined Metallic Threaded Fabric I Fully Lined
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0417
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Palmira Formal Caged Back Dress
Special Occasion
Palmira brings the drama with her detailed caged back design that wows with each turn! Adorn her with sparkling rhinestones and sleek stilettos for a look that truly captivates!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Single Button Closure At Back
- Strappy Caged Back Design
- Padded Cups
- Lined Crepe Fabric
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Additional Mini Skirt Length Knit Lining
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0964
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance