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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Camila Formal Ruched Open Back Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in our Camila dress from the moment you enter the room. She features a plunging V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, ruched side seams, and a bold open back that shows off more than a hint of skin. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone earrings to add a pop of shine.
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-neckline, built-in padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruched side seams
- Open back design
- Mini-length silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0571
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Calyspa Fold Over Off Shoulder Dress
Elegant and minimalistic, our Calyspa is such a chic mini dress! Her skirt is accented by a petticoat that gives her a full and robust look. The best part is her slant hand pockets for stowing away essentials for the night.
Fits & Features
- Fold Over, Off Shoulder Neckline & Sleeves
- Padded Bust I Princess Seams
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Slant Hand Pockets
- Mini Length Silhouette I Petticoat
- Fully Lined Crepe Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0356
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Celeste Off The Shoulder Wrap Front Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Live that luxe, glam life in our stunning Celeste wrap front dress! Velvet fabric, her off the shoulder neckline, and seam detailing provide a flattering sihouette.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder sweetheart neckline
- Long fitted sleeves
- Padded bust
- Back zipper closure
- High waist seam
- Floor-length, wrap front detail
- Velvet fabric | Moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0777
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $27.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Carella Wrap Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Crafted from a lightweight waffle knit fabric, glitter embellishments twinkle and shine from top to bottom on our stunning Carella. Her wrap skirt reveals a flirty front slit, letting you show off those heels and glide around comfortably!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Strap
- Surplice V Neckline
- Floor Length, Wrap Skirt
- Front Slit
- Waffle Knit Fabric With Glitter Embellishments
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Featured
Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0789
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Colleen Ruffle Off Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be an absolute showstopper in our beautiful Colleen! Her ruffles add an extra oomph to your whole look!
Fits & Features
- Ruffle-Trim Off Shoulder Neckline
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline | High Side Slit
- Crepe Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0784
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amanda Wrap Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Drape yourself in our luxe Amanda satin midi dress! She features a spaghetti strap and halter design on the surplice V-neckline that shapes the fitted bodice. Her bodycon silhouette smooths and wraps around your curves and hits mid-calf with a sexy slit accent. The dress is composed of silky satin fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look in this midi-length dress with gold hoops.
Fit & Features
- Surplice V-neckline, halter spaghetti straps
- Curve-hugging silhouette
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Wrap style, midi-length hem
- Lined stretch satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0350
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Charlie Metallic Knit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Our Charlie dress knows how to make an entrance! With her mermaid silhouette and high slit, she will flatter your curves and make you look oh so gorg.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps | Cross back
- Back zipper closure
- Cowl neckline
- Fitted waist
- Mermaid flowy silhouette I Thigh high slit
- Metallic knit fabric 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: 05002-0781
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sonia Glitter Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and shine your way into the New Year with our gorg and glam Sonia!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps
- Surplice V Neckline I Square Back
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Wrap Design With Front Slit
- Lined Glitter Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Glitter May Transfer
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: 05002-0775
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Marie-Anne Glitter High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the shine in our glowing Marie-Anne high slit dress! She glows with elegance and brings the drama with her bold open-back design. Pair her with sleek stilettos and a rhinestone clutch for a look that wows
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Open Back | Bar Strap Accent
- High Slit
- A-Line Silhouette
- Woven Glitter Knit Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0783
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ensley Formal Satin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxe satin to make a stunning impression! Ensely stuns with her wrap silhouette, pair with sleek stilettos to take their breath away!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline
- Ruched Short Sleeves
- Wrap V-Neck Bust
- Lined Satin Fabric
- Asymmetrical Silhouette | Ruched Side Seam
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0778
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Persephone Formal Satin And Sequin Two-Piece Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it radiant in a two-piece dress that creates a dazzling entrance for your special event. Persephone features a dazzling crop top with a mock neck, cap sleeves, sparkling sequins set in a geometric pattern, and an inverted triangle-shaped lower back cutout. The matching satin skirt features a high-rise waist, a wrap overlay with a high slit, hidden side pockets, and an A-line silhouette. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and a sparkling glitter clutch.
Fit & Features
- Set includes a crop top and satin skirt
- Mock neck, cap sleeves
- Lower back cutout
- Sequins
- High waist, hidden side pockets
- Wrap overlay, A-line silhouette, woven lining
- The top and skirt have a back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0531
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $56.97 $124.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ellen Formal Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Ellen is such a head turner! You'll be showered with compliments all night.
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps I Plunging V Neckline
- Square Back With Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure
- Asymmetric Floor-Length Silhouette I Draped Hip With Pleating Accents
- Stretch Satin 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: 05002-0774
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marina Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Stop everyone in their tracks in the lovely Marina mermaid dress! Embrace all the elegance and grace of this sultry sleek dress with its sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, ruching at the waist, and its floor-length fitted silhouette with a high front slit. Complete the look with sparkly statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- High waist seam, front ruching
- Floor-length fitted mermaid silhouette, thigh-high slit
- Stretch satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0776
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lucia Side Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Enter any room and you'll be receiving compliments left and right in our lovely Lucia!
Fits & Features
- Thick Shoulder Straps
- Sweetheart Neckline I Linear Seam Details At The Bust I Square Back
- Midi Length Silhouette With Front Side Slit
- Stretch Satin Fabric I Fully Lined
- Bodycon Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
Model is 5'9" with a 34" 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: 05001-0351
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $8.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Christy Formal Sleeveless Heat Stone Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle like the queen are in our shimmering Christy heat stone dress!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless
- V-Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- Heat Stones
- Mini
- Lined Mesh
- Curve Hugging | Slight Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0188
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Harley Convertible Ties A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Take on the night in our beautiful Harley! From a high halter neckline to one-sided shoulder straps to the plunging V neckline with cap sleeves, get creative and create versatile looks!
Fits & Features
- Convertible Ties At The Bodice & Waist
- Elastic Square Back
- Floor Length Hemline I Thigh-High Slit I A-Line Silhouette
- Jersey Knit Fabric
- Plenty Of 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: 05002-0773
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Carla Formal Floral Tendril Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm in our Carla dress! She features a sleeveless lined bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, padded cups, princess seams at the bust, and a partially open back. Her natural rise waist leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette adorned floral lace tendrils. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye clasp. Complete look with rhinestone earrings and chrome heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded cups and princess seams at the bust
- Partially open back
- A-line silhouette
- Floral lace tendrils
- Chiffon fabric, slight 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: 05002-0211
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ciara Glitter Tulle Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Highlight the evening in our glowing Ciara tulle dress! She shines with her gorgeous glitter accents throughout and brings the drama with her tulle godets for a sweeping entrance! Pair her with a chrome clutch and rhinestone pumps for a complete look!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Princess Seams
- Lined Glitter Knit Fabric
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Tulle Godet Accents
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal 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: 05002-0785
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Cali Sequin Slim Asymmetrical Dress
Make a jawdropping entrance in our beyond gorg Cali dress! Her dazzling sequins and your beauty will light up the room!
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Slim fit | Minimal stretch
- Asymmetrical hem with thigh high leg slit
- All over lined sequin embellishment
- Lined mesh
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: 05002-0786
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sophia Puff Sleeve Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in our elegant Sophia! Her statement sleeves and sleek satin will elevate your evening look.
Fits & Features
- Deep V Neckline
- Self Ties At Nape Of Neck I Open Back
- Cuffed, Puff Long Sleeves
- Thigh High Slit I Floor Length Silhouette
- Stretch Satin Fabric I Fully Lined
- Form Flattering Silhouette 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: 05002-0772
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
- Deep V Neckline
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Katherine Formal Satin Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate elegance as you make it a regal affair in our mesmerizing Katherine dress! She features a plunging V neckline, padded cups, fitted long sleeves and a ruched bodice that leads to a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. Katherine is composed of a lined stretch satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch to enhance curves. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye 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: 05002-0332
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Marisol Shining High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Our Marisol will bring some serious shine and glitter! Her sultry slit will showcase your beautiful heels!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Cut Out Design At Waist
- Floor Length Hemline I Sultry High Slit
- Glitter woven Fabric I Dual Tone Finish
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Glitter May Transfer
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0768
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Claudia Velvet Burnout Slim Gown
Velvet isn't going anywhere, it is timeless! We are loving this vintage inspired piece intricately designed with a stunning floral pattern and a floor length slim fit! Style with neutral heels, and soft curls!
Fit & Features
- V- neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Full lining that cuts off slightly above hemline
- Floor length hemline
- Slip on fit | Moderate stretch
- Velvet with floral pattern
Model is 5'9" with 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: 05002-0771
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cairo Glitter Off-Shoulder Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Our stunning Cairo woven glitter dress is such a show-stopper! Her remarkable shine will have you second-guessing what hue she is. She features an off-the-shoulder V-neckline with a wrap-front design, short fitted sleeves, ruching at the waist, and a floor-length asymmetrical wrap skirt creating a sultry side slit. Complete the look with sleek hoop earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder V-neckline, wrap-front design, short sleeves
- Back zipper closure
- Ruched detailing at the waist
- Floor-length asymmetrical wrap hem, side slit
- Glitter woven fabric, fully lined, two-tone shine
- Form-fitting silhouette, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0769
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale