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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Serena Off-The-Shoulder Bow Velvet Dress With Gloves
Special Occasion
This velvet mini dress features a flirty off-the-shoulder neckline with a cutout and satin bow accents along with matching detached gloves for a fancy allure. Perfect for styling with heels for the school dance.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, cutouts with satin bow accents
- Padded bra cups, flexible boning
- Detached gloves with satin bows
- Bodycon wrap mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2323
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brooke Cowl Neck Sequin Tulle A-Line Party Dress
Special Occasion
Party-perfect and all about dancing, the Brooke sequin tulle party dress makes a remarkable impression at birthdays, prom, and graduation parties! The cowl neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps create a flattering silhouette, while the flexible boning provides support. The short-length hem and intricate sequin pattern add a touch of glamour to this tulle and stretchy knit-lined party dress! Complete the look in block heels and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sequin pattern, tulle fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cowl neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning
- A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2141
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $76.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kerry One-Shoulder Flower Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Your night will be filled with compliments in the Kerry one-shoulder flower satin mini dress to make a statement as the gorgeous bride or birthday girl! The one-shoulder neckline and tank shoulder strap add a chic touch, while the statement organza flower on the front makes you look like you've stepped off the runway. The bodycon silhouette and mini-length hem flatter your figure, while the satin-lined fabric ensures a comfortable and elegant fit. Complete the look in platform block heels and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Satin fabric lined with stretchy knit
- One-shoulder neckline, tank shoulder strap
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front statement organza flower
- Bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2111
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Eva Lace-Up Velvet Skater Party Dress
Special Occasion
Your night just got a lot dreamier in the Eva velvet skater party dress - a flirty style for school dances, birthdays, or dressy events! Crafted from a luxe velvet fabric with a stretchy knit lining with tulle trim, this formal dress offers twirling perfection. She boasts a sweetheart neckline adorned with shoulder straps that form the lace-up back, padded bra cups for support, and a pleated skater silhouette and short-length hem. Complete the look with rhinestone jewelry and a clutch!
Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining with tulle trim
- Sweetheart neckline, shoulder straps
- Padded bra cups
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2176
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Hilary Rhinestone Mesh Party Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Add a touch of glamour in the Hilary party mini dress, a luxuriously crafted mini dress with sheer fitted rhinestone-embellished long sleeves with shoulder pads, crew neckline, and an eye-catching front rhinestone embellished pattern. The bodycon silhouette and mini-length hem flatter your figure, while the mesh fabric and partial lining add a hint of sophistication. Perfect for parties or special events, complete the look with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sheer fitted rhinestone-embellished long sleeves, shoulder pads
- Crew neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front rhinestone embellished pattern
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Partial lining, mesh fabric, moderate stretch
- Pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1902
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Haley Sequin Short Party Dress
Special Occasion
Strike the crowd with your shine in the shimmery Haley sequin party dress for birthdays and formal dances! She features a one-shoulder neckline, a long fitted sleeve, a side pleated seam, and a bodycon wrap short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of sparkly iridescent sequin embroidered mesh fabric with a knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with hoop earrings to complete the look.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, long fitted sleeve
- Side pleated seam, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, wrap short-length hem
- Iridescent sequin embroidery,
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1271
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Madeline Satin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Look oh-so-stunning for your next night out in the Madeline sleek satin mini dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a padded bust, dual spaghetti straps leading to a strappy lace-up back design, ruching at the back, and a mini-length, bodycon silhouette. Complete the outfit with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
- Dual spaghetti straps, adjustable
- Strappy lace-up back design
- Ruching at the back
- Short, curve-hugging fit
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0650
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tayla Formal Lace-Up Back Bodycon
Special Occasion
Lace up in a stunning formal bodycon that is part glam, part sultry. The bodycon features a sleeveless V-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, an open back with sleek lace-up straps, sequin accents, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a velvet fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with a rhinestone collar.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Open back, lace-up straps
- Sequin accents
- Mini-length silhouette
- Lined velvet fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1101
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Laina High Slit Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate the night in a midi dress that features a sleeveless cowl neckline, pleated bodice, tank shoulder straps, a high side slit, and a partially open back with a twist-bar accent. Complete cocktail outfit with glitter block heels.
Dripping in satin and pure sophistication, this dress turns heads effortlessly. Love that silky shine? Browse our luxe satin prom dresses or opt for a sleek silhouette with our formal dresses.>
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabrication, stretchy knit lining
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, pleated bodice
- Tank shoulder straps
- High side slit
- Partial open back with twist accent, back zipper closure
- Midi length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000009
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: L
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Kaleen Sleeveless Satin Wrap Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring elegance in a midi dress that features a sleeveless cowl neckline, ruching to enhance curves, and a wrap silhouette accented with a high-side slit. Complete the formal outfit with silver heels.
Dripping in satin and pure sophistication, this dress turns heads effortlessly. Love that silky shine? Browse our luxe satin prom dresses or opt for a sleek silhouette with our formal dresses.>
Fit & Features
- Satin fabrication
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bust
- Ruching, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High side slit
- Wrap silhouette
- Midi length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2523
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Samantha Formal Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Shine like a vision in the silky satin Samantha formal dress in a striking bodycon silhouette with a corset bodice that enhances your natural curves!
With a sleek finish and effortless shine, this dress is pure luxe. Want more? Browse our stunning satin prom dresses or find a celebration-ready style in our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Sleeveless square neckline, tank-style straps
- Corset seam bodice, pleated side seam
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Faux wrap midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridesmaids, cocktail parties, date nights, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner, graduations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1885
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $54.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY, WINE
Available Size: XS, S, XL
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Arlowe Glitter Lace Corset Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour in a glitter floral lace dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a corset bodice with molded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, a high side slit, and a midi-length hem. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Glitter floral lace fabrication
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Corset bodice with molded cups, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High side slit
- Midi length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2554
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sabrina Off-The-Shoulder Lace Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle at the next party in the Sabrina lace sequin mini dress featuring a stunning off-the-shoulder neckline and bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with heels.
Fit & Features
- Lace sequin fabrication, stretchy knit lining
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2479
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Briana Off The Shoulder Taffeta Dress
Special OccasionAdorn yourself with rose petals to create a charming look in our Briana dress! She features, a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline with cold shoulder straps and a sweetheart front. Her bodice features flattering princess seams along the bodice and lead to a lightly pleated party length skirt with hidden side pockets. Cinch off your look with her tie waist belt to create the perfect bow as you twirl the night away! Her all over red rose print is all you need for a naturally beautiful look! She is composed of smooth taffeta fabric that offers a form hugging fit with moderate stretch. Includes stretchy short skirt lining and back zipper closure.
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: 05001-3809
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.87 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gemma Iridescent Sequin Dress
Special OccasionIlluminate from all angles when you walk in wearing our gorgeous Gemma dress! She is composed of lined mesh fabric that is embellished with an geometric array of stunning iridescent sequins. She features a boat neckline, long sleeves, a large keyhole back with a single button closure and a mini fit. Includes a small back zipper.
Model is 5'9 with a 32" 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: 05001-3715
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.87 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Libbie Sleeveless Faux Pearl And Gemstone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle in a sleeveless mini dress with a sweetheart neckline and molded cups. The dress has adjustable spaghetti straps for a secure fit and faux pearls with gemstones set in a geometric pattern. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, built-in padded underwire bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Faux pearls and rhinestones
- Gemstones, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2608
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Cher Sassy Sequin Mini Dress
Special OccasionSlay in sequin as you make a glamorous impression in our diva worthy Cher black dress! She features a round neckline, unlined long sleeves and an all over baroque sequined pattern to add a gleaming touch! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3954
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $10.00 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jayne It's Showtime Sequin Dress
Special OccasionWhen it's time to show off, slip on our black Jayne dress and it's showtime! She features a turtle neck, an exposed back zipper closure, feather accents on the shoulders, fitted long sleeves and sequins throughout for added sparkle and glam. Jayne includes a bandeau and brief knit lining and is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with minimal 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: 05001-3915
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $52.41 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lilyana Lace Party Dress
Special OccasionMake it a tea party type of day with your girls in our whimsical Lilyana dress! She features a wide round neckline, unlined lace cap sleeves, flattering princess seams and an adorable satin tie waist belt. Her bodice leads to twirl worthy party length skirt! Her all over crochet lace features a delicate floral pattern complemented with a thin knit lining and a voluminous petticoat. She offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure
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: 05001-3848
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $45.87 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amira Formal Sequin Scroll Print Dress
Special OccasionHave all eyes on you as you dazzle and shine in our glitzy Amira dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wired V neckline with narrow adjustable straps, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a festive party length skirt to twirl the night away in! Her all over rose gold hued sequins feature an elegant scroll print design and are complemented with a nude hue for a flattering two tone effect. Dress is composed of mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 36 hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3908
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Terra Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special OccasionShort and sweet is just your style, just like our adorable Terra dress! She is a short homecoming dress that has a mock neck with a hook closure and a sleeveless racer cut. Her narrow keyhole back closes with a basic zipper and her natural waist band leads to a slim fit skirt. Terra is composed of a thin knit paired with a bonded tulle overlay adorned with bronze sequins and clear beads.
Model is 5'9 with a 32" 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: 05001-3591
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.87 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Deandra Precious Heat Stone Bodycon Dress
Special OccasionDeandra shows off the precious little diamond that you are in dazzling heat stones! Her flattering V neckline complements your bust while her long, narrow sleeves give your arms a slender look. Her fitted appearance is composed of a sheer, black mesh fabric that features a geometric embellishment and includes a black, short dress lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3985
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Francine Sequin Glam Dress
Special OccasionFrancine is trendy, glamorous, and the life of the party. You'll look and feel like a celebrity with a mock neckline with two button closures behind the neck, semi-sheer fitted long sleeves, a large back cut out for a backless effect, a sweetheart lining, a padded bust, and a body-hugging fit. Francine is composed of a semi-sheer mesh fabric with a silver swirled sequin pattern all over, and offers minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8 with a 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: 05001-3853
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.91 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Colette Open-Back Sequin Lace Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The sequin lace mini dress features a mock neck, sheer fitted long sleeves, a bold open-back design with a lower-back bar strap accent, and a leaf sequin pattern. Complete formal outfit with glitter heels.
This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sequin leaf scroll pattern and lined lace fabrication
- Mock neck with button closures
- Fitted sheer long-sleeves
- Open-back design with lower back bar strap, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2561
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free