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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Kiki Formal Off The Shoulder Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Glow in our shimmering Kiki dress that elevates your formal evening with her enchanting sequins. Kiki features a flattering off the shoulder neckline with off shoulder straps, glitzy sequins throughout and a mini length silhouette with a mini side slit detail. Complete your A-list worthy evening outfit with a rhinestone hairpin to style hair with and metallic platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline with off shoulder straps
- Sweetheart neckline
- Relaxed fit waist
- Sequins
- Mini length silhouette
- Mini side slit
- 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: 05001-0402
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Milana Glitter Shine High Neck Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Crafted from sparkling glitter fabric, you'll look and feel enchanting once you slip into our Milana! The lace-up detail at back reveals a low open back and flares into a stunning ball gown silhouette. Milana will look gorgeous paired with rhinestone earrings and stilettos!
Fits & Features
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High Neckline I Padded Bust
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace Up At The Back I Low Open Back
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hem I Petticoat I Pleating Details I Ball Gown Silhouette
- Woven Glitter Fabric I Fully Lined
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0055
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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High Neckline I Padded Bust
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Bayley Cross Back Satin Ball Gown
Special Occasion
A contrasting bodice and skirt make our beautiful Bayley noticeably unique. Her satin skirt flares into a voluminous princess ball gown, making her a twirl-worthy choice! Put your hair into a wispy, romantic up-do and don some rhinestone earrings for an elegant look!
Fits & Features
- Dual Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Scoop Neckline I Padded Bust
- Contrasting, Smooth Knit Lined Bodice
- Slant Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I Ball Gown Silhouette I Pleated
- Satin-Like Skirt I Fully Lined I Petticoat
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0113
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Billie Pleated Floral Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Stun in florals as you make an enchanting entrance in our captivating Billie ball gown! Her florals charm while her dramatic ball gown silhouette brings the drama! Pair hair with a rhinestone headband and glitzy heels to complete her look!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline | Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Mesh Waist Insets
- Hidden Side Pockets
- Pleated Ball Gown Silhouette
- Floral Print
- Petticoat | Wide Banded Hem
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0112
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alma Lace Two Piece Dress
Special Occasion
Impress in lace as you make a head-turning entrance in our Alma dress! Her floral lace brings the charm and pairs well with glam heels and rhinestones for the perfect evening look!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline Bodice | Padded Cups
- Halter Strap Accents | Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Floral
- Cropped
- High Waist Skirt | Hidden Side Pockets
- Lined Lightweight Woven Fabric
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0535
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Isabelle Satin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Made from smooth and sleek satin, Isabelle's pretty sheen will glisten at every angle. Her plunging V neckline falls into a glamorous A-line silhouette. The best part is her inconspicuous hand pockets for stowing away your lipstick and phone!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps Create V Design At Back
- V Neckline I High Waist Seam
- Back Zipper WIth Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette I Front Slit
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
- Minimal Stretch
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: 05002-0929
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adela Rhinestone Trim Satin Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Drama and elegance come to mind as you step out in our stunning Adela. Her voluminous ball gown will put you into focus. But the true magnets of attention are the glistening rhinestone trim at her slant hand pockets. Look and feel like absolute royalty by pairing Adela up with cascading rhinestone earrings and a sparkling cuff.
Fits & Features
- Dual Spaghetti Straps Crosses At Back
- Scoop Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Slant Hand Pockets With Rhinestone Trim
- Satin Lined Fabric
- Floor Length Hem I Petticoat I Ball Gown Silhouette I Pleated
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0111
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $105.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Vada Pleated Chiffon Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Please them all in pretty pleats! Vada brings the elegance with sweeping airy chiffon and a dramatic halter neckline! Pair her with silver accents for a look that will make them all take notice!
Fit & Features
- Halter Neckline | Mesh Inset
- Halter Neck Strap | Padded Cups
- Pleated Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
- Back Zipper Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0928
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rae Strapless Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle to your evening in our glowing Rae ball gown! Her glitter brings a glow that radiates confidence! Rae perfectly pairs with rhinestones and a metallic heel for an all-over shine!
Fit & Features
- Strapless Sweetheart Neckline | No-Slip Strip
- Bustier-Styled Bodice
- Flexible Boning | Padded Cups
- Sequins | Metallic Glitter Leaf Design
- Hidden Side Pockets | Ball Gown Silhouette
- Lined Mesh Fabric
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0109
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
- Strapless Sweetheart Neckline | No-Slip Strip
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Giannina Off Shoulder Glitter Shine Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Turn heads in our sparkling Giannina! Her off-shoulder neckline trails into a cascading ruffle trim hem leading to a front slit. Made from a glitter woven fabric, a dual-tone sheen finishes the look. Match her shine with a matching pair of rhinestone earrings and a sparkly cuff.
Fits & Features
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Off Shoulder Straps
- V Neckline I Padded Bust I No Slip Interior Strip
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Petticoat I Cascading Ruffle Leads To Front Slit
- Glitter Woven Fabric I Fully Lined I Changes Color In The Light
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 26" waist and 38" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0108
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Off Shoulder Straps
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Audriana Sequin Mesh Cross Back Dress
Special Occasion
With an all-over sequin sparkle and a body-hugging silhouette, Audriana brings the glam to any event. Her sultry front slit lets you glide around effortlessly and lets you flaunt those sparkling rhinestone heels!
Fits & Features
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Dual Spaghetti Straps Crosses At Back
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Floor Length Hem I Front Slit
- Mesh Lined Sequin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0927
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $105.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dual Spaghetti Straps Crosses At Back
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Miranda Strapless High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dazzling entrance in our stunning Miranda formal dress! Entrancing and alluring, her high slit detail and floor sweeping skirt will have all eyes on you.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- High waist seam
- Floor length skirt
- Thigh high front slit
- Foiled glitter fabric
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0925
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $179.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jules Sleeveless Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Glow under a night sky in our enchanting Jules ball gown! Pair her glowing silhouette with sparkling rhinestones and strappy stilettos!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Padded Cups | Tank-Like Straps
- Princess Seams
- Pleated Ball Gown Silhouette | Hidden Side Pockets
- Lined Iridescent Glitter Woven Fabric
- Petticoat
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0105
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Anjolie Knot Front Satin Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Made from a smooth and lightweight satin fabric, you'll be looking sleek and luxe in our flattering Anjolie! Her dual front slits add drama and ups the level of sexiness. In case you have extra necessities, make sure you pair her with a gorge envelope clutch.
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps
- V Neckline I Knot Front
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I Dual Front Slits
- Lightweight Satin-Like Fabric
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0923
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Macie Strapless Rose Ball Gown
Special Occasion
A gorge rose print design is featured throughout Macie's voluminous ball gown skirt. Her strapless, sweetheart neckline and contrasting solid-hued bodice are an elegant balance, while her hidden hand pockets are the perfect finishing touch!
Fits & Features
- Sweetheart Neckline I No-Slip Interior Strip I Padded Bust
- Lace-Up Back I Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I Petticoat I Rose Print Design I Ball Gown Silhouette
- Smooth Woven Fabric I Fully Lined
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0104
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kaylin Off The Shoulder Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Create a stunning first impression in the gorgeous and glam Kaylin glitter dress! She features an off the shoulder V neckline with a wrap-front detail, short fitted sleeves, a padded bust, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her flattering high waist leads to a sweeping floor-length skirt with a thigh-high front slit for a dramatic vibe. The glitter woven fabric has a smooth knit lining and offers a moderate stretch. Complete your look with a pair of new earrings and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder V neckline
- Wrap-front
- Padded bust
- Short fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Floor-length skirt with a high front slit
- Glitter woven fabric with a knit lining
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0921
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Avalee Formal Glitter Laceup Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in a formal dress that brings glitz and glamour to your event! Avalee features a sleeveless V-neckline, a double-row of spaghetti straps, a lace-up back design that allows for a custom fit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a shimmery-lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with chrome heels and a sphere clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Double-row of spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra
- Lace-up back
- A-line silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0917
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Molly Formal Foiled Floral Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a satin dress as you make an enchanting entrance at homecoming. Molly features a gorgeous foiled floral print, trendy pockets to keep essentials close to you, and a bold open accented with adjustable cross-straps. Complete your head-turning look with rhinestone earrings and chrome heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at back
- Empire waistband
- Side pockets
- Foiled floral print
- Party-length silhouette with subtle pleating
- Lined woven satin fabric
Model is 5'6" with 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0401
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Natasha Floral Satin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a gorgeous regal vibe in the stunning Natasha floral satin formal dress. She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customizable fit, a fitted high waist seam, and a flowy, floor-length, A-line silhouette with chic pleated detailing and a high side slit. The woven satin fabric features an all-over subtle floral print design. Complete your look with sparkling statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, bra optional
- Princess seams, high waist seam, back zipper closure
- Hidden side pockets
- Floor-length A-line silhouette, pleating, side slit
- Floral satin woven fabric, woven lining, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0919
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Bebe Formal Glitter Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a glam formal dress that instantly brings the glamour to homecoming or galas! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with subtle pleats, a sweetheart bust, and a wrap silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Pleat detailing
- Sweetheart bust
- Wrap silhouette, high side slit
- Form-hugging fit, floor-length hem
- Glitter knit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7456
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Samantha Glitter Knit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a stunning sparkle in the gorgeous and glam Samantha formal dress! She features a sleeveless high neckline, a sexy keyhole cutout at the bust, an open back with straps in a cross-back design, and a floor-length, slim-fit silhouette. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric for a pretty shine. Style this dress with rhinestone statement earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless high neckline
- Keyhole cutout at the bust
- Open back, cross-back straps
- High waist seam
- Floor-length, slim-fit silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0918
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $62.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Britney Formal Glitter Asymmetrical Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glow in our Britney dress as you make an enchanting entrance at your special event. Britney features a dramatic plunging v-neckline with sleek corded straps, an all-over glitter knit composition, and a mini length silhouette with asymmetrical hem. Complete your radiating evening outfit with rhinestone earrings and metallic stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Plunging v-neckline
- Corded straps
- Mini length silhouette
- Partially-open back with metal fasten closure
- Asymmetrical hem
- Woven glitter knit 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: 05001-0400
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Isabelle One Shoulder Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Our Isabelle will show off a never-ending glow that'll capture anyone's attention. Her sparkling sequins and figure-hugging silhouette will give you a decked-out glam look!
Fits & Features
- Single Shoulder Strap
- Slanted Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Front Slit
- Mesh Lined Sequin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0053
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adalyn Brocade High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Create an enchanting homecoming or prom look that radiates elegance and grace in our Adalyn brocade dress! She features a classic scoop neckline, padded cups, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lattice design, a high waist seam, and a flowy, floor-length, A-line silhouette with a high slit. The dress is composed of a lined textured woven knit fabric with a minimal stretch. Her brocade print elevates and pairs beautifully with gleaming rhinestone jewelry and sleek stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline, spaghetti straps
- Padded cups
- Lattice back, tie closure, hidden side pockets
- High waist seam, A-line silhouette, high slit
- Metallic brocade print
- Lined textured woven knit fabric
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0910
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale