Formal Dresses

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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.

  • Lucy Formal Floral Chiffon A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the romance in our charming Lucy floral dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, a bold open back accented with adjustable spaghetti cross-straps, a floral print, and a flowy A-line silhouette. She is composed of a semi-sheer chiffon fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with no stretch. She also includes a mini skirt smooth knit lining. Complete your look with block heels and a butterfly necklace.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline 
    • Open back 
    • Adjustable spaghetti cross-straps
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closures
    • Floral print
    • A-line silhouette 
    • Chiffon fabric, form-hugging fit, no stretch
    • Mini skirt length knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0694

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aubrielle Formal Floral Chiffon A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Create a head-turning moment with a formal dress that brings the luxe to your evening. Aubrielle features a plunging V-neckline with a pleated bodice, thin adjustable cross-straps, a floral print, and a sweeping A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a semi-sheer chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit. Complete your look with heels and a sleek envelope clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Pleated bodice 
    • Thin adjustable cross-straps
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Floral print 
    • A-line silhouette, relaxed fit
    • Semi-sheer chiffon fabric, mini skirt length lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0697

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sahara Lace Up Back Wrap Dress

    Special Occasion

    Strike a pose in our sizzling Sahara wrap dress! She features a deep V neckline with bar accent detailing, a wrap front and a thigh-high slit. Pair this gorgeous formal dress with some strappy heels and dazzling rhinestone duster earrings.

    Fits & Features 

    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Plunging V neckline with three bar accents
    • Lace-up back 
    • Floor length hem with a wrap skirt and front slit
    • Smooth tricot fabric 
    • Form-hugging fit 

     

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0685

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aleta Deep V Tulle Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Dreamy and elegant, it'll be like you're walking on cloud 9 in our gorgeous Aleta! Wrapped in whimsical tulle, soutache diamond-inspired patterns are adorned throughout the skirt for a subtle and pretty touch. Glide through the dance floor and twirl around in our airy and beautiful Aleta.

    Fits & Features 

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Plunging V Neckline
    • Hidden Hand Pockets 
    • Floor Length Hemline I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat
    • Fully Lined Tulle Composition 
    • Moderate Stretch
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0075

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sami Lace Up Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Lace up and head out for an elegant evening in our captivating Sami dress! Her high slit and mermaid silhouette showcase curves in all the right places! 

    Fit & Features

    • Plunging V-Neckline | Tank Straps
    • Lace Up Back 
    • Mermaid Silhouette 
    • High Slit
    • Fully Lined Smooth Knit Fabric
    • Form Hugging Fit 
    • Moderate Stretch 


    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Red: Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0676

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Adelise Lace Back Crepe Dress

    Special Occasion

    Look stunning from top to bottom in our gorgeous Adelise! A dainty lace back detail adds a pretty touch to her streamlined look. Her sultry front slit is the perfect way to show off those heels! Add a glitzy clutch to hold all your essentials without worrying about misplacing them! 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I Zippered Lace Back 
    • Plunging V Neckline | Built-in padded cups
    • Form-hugging silhouette
    • Floor Length Hem I Front Slit 
    • Crepe Fabric
    • Fits true to size | Moderate stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0698

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Maci Lace-Up Back Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our gorgeous Maci mermaid dress is a mesmerizing vision! She features a sleeveless V neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back and lace-up back design, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a sultry thigh-high front slit. Doll up your look with sparkly earrings and an embellished clutch!

    Fit & Features

    • Dual spaghetti straps
    • Cross-back, lace-up back design
    • Plunging V neckline, padded bust
    • Lower back zipper closure
    • High waist seam, floor-length hem, front slit
    • Mermaid silhouette, curve-hugging fit
    • Smooth tricot fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0696

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Zarina Floral Embroidery Halter Ball Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle them all in our regal Zarina! Her fitted bodice features gorgeous floral embroidery with rhinestone accents that twinkle and shine in the light. Look and feel like a princess by pairing her up with rhinestone earrings! 

    Fits & Features

    • Halter Design With Hook & Eye Closure I Plunging V Neckline
    • Mesh Lined Bodice With Floral Embroidery Rhinestone Details  
    • Back Zipper WIth Hook & Eye Closure
    • Hidden Hand Pockets
    • Floor Length Satin-Like Skirt I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat
    • Moderate Stretch 

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0018

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $209.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Jolie Formal Lace Up Gown

    Special Occasion

    Compliments will be coming at you from left to right. Look absolutely dreamy and breathtaking in our stunning Jolie! 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Plunging V Neckline I Lace Up Detail At Back 
    • Hidden Hand Pockets 
    • Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette 
    • Lined, Woven Fabric I Slight Sheen 
    • Form Hugging Fit 

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 3.

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0073

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $136.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Biana Embroidered Floral Tulle Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Gorgeous metallic threading and captivating floral embroideries will draw everyone's attention to Biana's stunning front bodice. Her plunging V neckline and back add a sultry touch to this posh ball gown. With an all-over, dreamy tulle-lined composition, Biana exudes an ethereal, fit-for-a-princess vibe. 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Plunging V Neckline & Back I Mesh Inset I Back Zipper 
    • Brocade Floral Embroidery Along The Front Bodice
    • Floor Length Hem I Ball Gown Silhouette  
    • Tulle-Lined Fabric 

     

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0017

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $229.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Aracely Glitter Crepe Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our gorgeous Aracely is the embodiment of your shine and glow! Slip her on and work it! 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Square Neckline | Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Floor Length Hemline | High Front Slit
    • Mermaid Silhouette
    • Crepe Glitter Fabric 
    • Form Hugging Fit 
    • Glitter May Transfer 

    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: 05002-0680

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Stacia Glitter Crepe Formal Dress

    Elongate your look and flatter your curves in our beyond gorg glitter crepe Stacia dress!

    Fit & Features

    • Double spaghetti straps
    • Wrap front V neckline
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Ruched side detailing
    • Front slit
    • Glitter crepe fabric

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0682

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $34.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lona Formal Cross Back Gown

    Special Occasion

    Make a jaw-dropping entrance in our luxurious Lona! The best part? She has pockets for storing all your essentials! 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Dual Spaghetti Straps I Cross Back
    • V Neckline I Low Back With Zipper I Princess Seams 
    • Side Seam Hand Pockets 
    • Elongated, Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette 
    • Lined, Woven Foil Fabric 
    • Form Hugging Fit 

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 3.

     

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0074

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $136.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Liza Formal Ruched High Slit Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Make a captivating entrance with a formal dress that reflects timeless elegance. Liza features a sleeveless scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, a strappy back design, a ruched body, and a curve-hugging, floor-length silhouette accented with a high side slit.  Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless scoop neckline
      • Spaghetti straps
      • Strappy back design, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
      • Ruched body, high side slit
      • Floor-length silhouette
      • Lined mesh fabrication, moderate stretch, form-hugging fit
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0681

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $56.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Shining Star Glitter Mini Dress

      Showcase stunning looks in this beyond gorgeous glitter knit mini dress! It features a wrap front V neckline, high waist seam, and a wrap front skirt with a short asymmetrical hem and ruched detailing. Pair this shimmering dress with a rhinestone collar necklace to add all the more glam.

      Fits & Features

      • Spaghetti straps
      • Surplice V neckline
      • Square back with zipper and hook and eye closure
      • Wrap front skirt with ruched detailing
      • Asymmetrical mini length hem 
      • Glitter knit fabric with moderate stretch
      • Curve-hugging fit

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0579

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $35.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sequin One Shoulder Mini Dress

      Start off the night with wowing sequins as you live your best life in this fun sequin mini dress! 

      Fit & Features

      • One Shoulder Neckline
      • No Slip Strip
      • Fitted Long Sleeve
      • Waist Cut Out
      • Sequin
      • Mini Side Slit
      • Form Hugging Fit | Slight Stretch

       

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0575

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $34.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Malie Formal Floral Chiffon Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Bring the romance in florals as you make a dreamy entrance in our mesmerizing Malie floral chiffon dress! Pair her with sleek strappy stilettos and a pair of rhinestone embellished earrings for an unforgettable look! 

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless Plunging V-Neckline
      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps } Cross Back Straps 
      • Floral Print
      • A-Line Silhouette
      • Chiffon Fabric

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0687

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Mikerra Lace Up Back Mermaid Dress

      Special Occasion

      You'll be stunning everyone in our lovely Mikerra! Her streamlined silhouette leads to a sweeping skirt with fullness and flair that'll have you look like you're floating. Accessorize her with some rhinestone studs and a glitzy clutch for finishing touches!

      Fits & Features

      • Dual Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
      • Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
      • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
      • Floor Length I Mermaid Silhouette I Horsehair Trim Hem For Fullness I Godet Inset
      • Smooth Tricot Fabric I Fully Lined 
      • 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: 05002-0672

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $73.97 $139.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Piper Glitter A-Line Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Glow on through the night in our radiating Piper A-line dress! Her sweeping silhouette is perfect for making a glam entrance! Piper features a plunging sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, adjustable straps that cross at the back, and a pleated bodice. The slim-fit bodice leads to a flowy A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.  Pair her with chrome heels and rhinestone accents! 

      Fit & Features

      • V-neckline, padded cups 
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-strap Back 
      • Pleated bodice
      • Metallic floral glitter pattern 
      • A-Line silhouette 
      • Lined mesh fabric, high slit within the lining 
      • Relaxed fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0670

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $33.97 $89.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Fiona Crepe Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      Slip right into the enchanting Fiona and make a lasting impression!

      Fits & Features 

      • Wired V Neckline I Padded Cups 
      • Fitted Long Sleeves With Puff Shoulders
      • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back 
      • Midi Length Silhouette With Slit At Front 
      • Crepe Fabric 
      • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0331

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Misty Off Shoulder Glitter Dress

      Special Occasion

      You'll be channeling princess vibes in this one. Look magical in our glistening Misty dress! 

      Fits & Features

      • Off Shoulder Neckline I Fold Over Design
      • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
      • Midi Length Silhouette I Front Slit
      • Glitter Lurex Fabric I Fully Lined
      • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0330

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Sofia Formal Sequin Midi Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Shine for those moments that count the most in our shimmering Sofia dress! She features a high neck with a racer bust and a flattering midi length silhouette with mini side slit. She features dazzling sequins set in a scroll print design for an elegant touch! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp fasten.

      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: 05001-0332

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $30.97 $89.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Keily Formal Ruched Crepe Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      Wrap yourself in our Keily dress to make a sophisticated entrance!

      Fit & Features

      • Plunging Wrap V-Neckline
      • Long Sleeves
      • Ruched Side Seam
      • Wrap Midi Length Silhouette
      • Lined Crepe Fabric
      • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
      • Back Zipper Closure

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0328

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Shine Through Glitter Mini Dress

      This hard-to-miss mini dress will make an entrance! Featuring a flattering scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, a front slit, and a form-hugging fit to enhance your curves, this mini-length dress is perfect for your next GNO. The glitzy glitter knit fabric has a moderate stretch. Pair with some strappy heels for a gorgeous look.

      Fit & Features 

      • Sleeveless scoop neckline, spaghetti straps
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Front slit accent
      • Mini-length hem
      • Textured knit fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
      • Glitter may transfer
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3778

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $33.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale