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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Atara Iridescent Sequin Two Piece Satin Dress
Special Occasion
With a high neck and crop hem, sparkling iridescent sequins shine off Atara's fitted top. Her glossy satin skirt reveals a flattering front slit, allowing comfortable movement for the dance floor. Get dolled up by accessorizing her with some complimentary shine!
Fits & Features
- Sequin Mesh Crop Top
- High Neckline I Open Back
- Back Zipper
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- High Rise, Floor Length Hemline I Overlap Design Reveals Slit
- Satin-Like Skirt
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0532
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dana Floral Chiffon Tie-Front Dress
Special Occasion
Create a stunning look for parties, bridal showers, or spring photoshoots in the Dana floral chiffon dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a wrap-front V neckline, and a back zipper closure. Her high waist features a tie-front belt and flows out to a floor-length skirt with an A-line silhouette. The airy chiffon fabric showcases a blooming floral print, perfect for the season. Complete your outfit with dainty earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, wrap v-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Pleated bodice, back zipper closure
- High waist with a tie-front belt
- Floor-length hem, a-line silhouette
- Floral printed chiffon fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0833
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Joss Formal Crepe Wrap Dress
A flattering pleated design complements the waistline of our lovely Joss! Composed of crepe, her gorgeous silhouette will hug your curves and give you ample room to stretch. You'll love that you can show off your stunning heels through her flirty front slit!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V neckline
- Back zipper with hook & eye closure
- Pleated waist accent
- Floor-length hem I
- Wrap skirt reveals front slit
- Crepe fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0835
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sable Formal Satin Sleeveless Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sophisticated in luxe satin as you make your entrance in our stunning Sable dress! Pair her with chandelier earrings and rhinestone embellished pumps to create a glam look!
Fit & Features
- Square Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Back Center Slit
- Sheath Silhouette
- Lined Stretchy Satin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0832
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Henson Rhinestone Chain-mail Mini Dress
Special Occasion
You are not here to play games, that's why our Henson dress is the dress for you bae! Caution: Henson dress comes with long stares, and constant compliments.
Fit & Features
- Cowl neckline
- Halter strap with lobster clasp closure
- Low draping back
- Bar detailing mid-back
- Extra high slits
- Cut out detailing at both sides
- Chain mail See through design
- Full rhinestone embellishments
- No stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0377
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Phoebe Strappy Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Let your shine come through in our beautiful Phoebe! Her mermaid silhouette gives some subtle drama and hugs your body to show off that figure!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps
- Strappy Back
- V Neckline I Vertical Darts At The Bust
- Floor Length Hemline I Mermaid Silhouette
- Satin-Like Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0831
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Yvette Pearl Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Show them what you're working with! You'll be lookin' like a million bucks in our stunning Yvette!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline With Rhinestone Accent
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Long Sleeves With Fringey Chain Details
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Heavyweight Mesh Lined Fabric With Sequin & Pearl Embellishments
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0374
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $50.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sia Cross Back Metallic Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmer and shine in our sensational Sia! Whenever you slip her on, just know it's always going to be your moment!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps Cross At Back
- Surplice V Neckline I Square Back
- Floor Length Hemline I Front Slit
- Ruching Detail At The Side
- Shiny Metallic Knit Fabric I Partial, Mini Length Lining
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0822
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Marzia Scroll Sequin Mesh Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Mesmerize everyone as you step out in our elegant Marzia dress! Featuring an off-shoulder V-neckline, a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette, a thigh-high slit, and stunning all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern, she brings drama everywhere she goes! Complete the look with block heels.
Fit & Features
- Deep V-neckline, off-shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam
- Floor-length hem, mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Lined mesh fabric, sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Curve-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0819
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Blair Sequin Wrap-Front Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Create a gorgeous prom look in our stunning sequin-adorned Blair formal dress. She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a flattering cowl neckline, and a back zipper closure. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-sweeping skirt with a chic wrap-front detail and a front slit to showcase your sparkly heels. The dress is composed of a knit fabric with beautiful all-over sequin embroidery and includes a bodysuit lining. Accessorize with dazzling rhinestone earrings and a sparkly clutch for a picture-perfect look.
Fit & Features
- Cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, floor-length skirt, wrap-front design with slit
- Knit fabric, all-over sequin embroidery
- Bodysuit lining, knit fabric, dual snap button closure
- Flowy fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0803
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kari Formal Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle the night in our formal Kari dress that radiates for your next night out! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, shimmering sequins set in a baroque-inspired pattern, and a party length silhouette. Complete your formal outfit with chrome heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sequins
- Party-length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0370
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nora Metallic High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Shine like the diva you are in our radiating Nora metallic dress! Her high slit brings the drama for an unforgettable entrance! She pairs well with chrome heels and a rhinestone clutch to shine from head to toe!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline
- Sweetheart Bust | Padded Cups
- Ruched Side Seam
- High Side Slit
- Lined Metallic Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Slight Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0823
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Andie Stretch Satin Knot-Front Dress
Special Occasion
You'll absolutely stun in the silky satin fabric and with the gorgeous sheen of the Andie formal dress! She features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps, an alluring knot-front design with a small keyhole cutout for a sultry vibe, and a floor-length curve-hugging wrap skirt with a front slit. Accessorize the look with simple and bright rhinestone earrings for a statement finish.
Fit & Features
- Deep V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Padded bust
- Knot-front design, center keyhole cutout
- Floor-length wrap skirt, front slit
- Back zipper closure
- Smooth satin-like fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0816
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Josie Deep V Metallic Ruched Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Made with a pretty knit fabric, our Josie will reflect a shiny metallic sheen capturing everyone's immediate attention. All while her mermaid silhouette lovingly embraces and emphasizes every inch of your curves. Walk into any room looking and feeling your absolute best in our Josie!
Fits & Features
- Tank Shoulder Straps
- Wire V Neckline I Padded Bust I Scoop Back
- Floor Length Hemline I Ruching At The Side Slit
- Mermaid Silhouette I Mini Length Lining
- Metallic Knit Fabric I Pretty Sheen Finish
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0824
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Emelie Glitter Shine A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make it a night to remember in our dazzling Emelie. Decked out in glitter from top to bottom, everyone will be doing double-takes as she transitions to a different hue in the light. Her gorgeous A-line silhouette softly flares out and complements your figure. Doll her up with some rhinestone earrings and heels!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Wire Trim Plunging V Neckline I Lightly Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Front Slit I A-Line Silhouette
- Glitter Woven Fabric I Partial, Mini Length Lining I Changes Hues In The Light
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0820
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Diana Formal One-Shoulder Ruffle Dress
Special Occasion
Bring elegance in our charming Diana formal dress! She stuns with her captivating one-shoulder neckline adorned with a ruffled accent and a flattering mermaid silhouette that flares out into her floor-length hem. The dress is composed of a fully lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete your formal outfit with earrings, heels, and a rhinestone barrette to adorn tresses with.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Ruffled design on the left shoulder
- Back zipper, hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1377
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Roseanne One-Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate with elegance in this one-shoulder long satin dress, ideal for your next formal soiree, prom, or black-tie wedding. The luxurious stretch satin contours around the waist, revealing an alluring front-wrap design that showcases the legs, allowing you to walk and move with ease. The asymmetrical neckline serves as a sleek backdrop, perfect for highlighting a trendy choker necklace or bold chandelier earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, spaghetti strap
- Ruched side seam
- Wrap-front design, asymmetrical side slit
- Floor-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0813
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Caralisa Floral Chiffon High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Crafted from light chiffon, a scatter of floral and botanical prints deck out our lovely Caralisa. Her roomy long sleeves and airy chiffon skirt add on a layer of dreaminess to this utterly romantic dress. Slip into Caralisa for that spring wedding you've RSVP'ed to!
Fits & Features
- Unlined, Plunging Surplice V Neckline
- Tie Waist
- Sheer Long Sleeves With Gold-Tone Buttoned Cuffs
- Floor Length Hem I Thigh-High Slit
- Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Relaxed Fit I Moderate Stretch
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: 05002-0809
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Venetia Glitter High Slit Deep V Dress
Sparkle like the night sky in our glamorous Venetia! Providing subtle coverage, a mesh inset is centered at the deep V. Her long, cascading skirt trickles down to a sultry front slit, giving you all the reason to show off your fabulous heels!
Fits & Features
- Tank Shoulder Straps
- Deep V Neckline & Back I Mesh Inset I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Sweeping Floor-Length Hemline I Thigh High Slit
- Fully Lined Glitter Knit Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'4" with a 33" bust, 24.5" waist and 39" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0828
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Gretchen Sequin Front Slit Dress
Special Occasion
With sequins that glimmer and shine, our Gretchen is a stunning beauty! Her figure-hugging silhouette leads down to a sultry thigh-high slit. A dramatic U-shaped cut out accentuates the back. Complement Gretchen with a glitzy touch of rhinestone by coordinating your jewelry and heels!
Fits & Features
- Tank Shoulder Straps
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust I U-Back
- Fitted Bodice
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Thigh-High Slit
- Mesh Lined Sequin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
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: 05002-0826
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kairi Cross Back High Slit Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
They won't stop looking you up and down as you strut right in with our gorgeous Kairi! With sparkling sequins all over, your shine won't ever stop! Style her up by adding a fabulous clutch to match!
Fits & Features
- Surplice V Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I Thigh High Slit
- Mesh Lined Sequin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
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: 05002-0827
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adira High Side Slit One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Flaunt your heels in Adira's flirty thigh-high slit. A smooth jersey knit drapes along your figure giving you a comfortable yet fitted silhouette!
Fits & Features
- One-Shoulder Dual Spaghetti Straps
- Slanted Neckline
- Floor Length Hemline I Ruched At The Side
- Front Slit
- Smooth Jersey Knit Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0801
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brook High Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Make it a formal affair in our cocktail ready Brook midi dress! Her high slit brings the drama, perfectly pairs with sleek stilettos and rhinestone accents!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline | Fold Over Accent
- Slim Fit Bodice
- Lined Smooth Knit Fabric
- High Side Slit
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0372
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Blake Heat Stone Mesh Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the shine to the evening with our show-stopping Blake heat stone dress!
Fit & Features
- High Round Neckline
- Sheer Fitted Long Sleeves
- Sheer Partially Lined Bodice
- Heat Stones
- Mermaid Silhouette I Floor Length Hem I Mini Length Lining
- Mesh
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
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: 05002-0802
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance