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.

  • Alexia Fab Fringed Dress
    Special Occasion

    Have fun and look extra fab in our rose gold Alexia dress! Get Gatsby ready with a deep V neckline, adjustable narrow shoulder straps, a subtle high waist seam, a straight across square back with an exposed back zipper closure, and a slim fit. Alexia is decorated in beaded diamond patterns with sequin accents for that added sparkle you love!

    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: 05001-3974

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Braelynn Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle and shine in the spotlight as you radiate confidence in our Braelynn dress! She features an all over natural hue, a mock neck, unlined fitted sleeves and a partially lined bodice with a matching unlined back. Her all over glitzy heat stones spark up the night and leads to a mini length silhouette. Braelynn is composed of semi sheer mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3988

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ginger Show Stopper Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a stunning impression as you shine under the spotlight in our Ginger black dress! She features an all over black hue, a scoop neckline, adjustable narrow straps and a flattering midi length silhouette. Her all over partially lined mesh fabric features gleaming heat stones! Ginger includes a built in bodysuit lining that features a cheeky bottom with a snap button closure. Dress offers a form hugging fit that offers a moderate stretch. Be sure to pick up the matching duster to complete your show stopping look! 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3997

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jaelyn Formal Open Back Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Enchant as you create a magical impression in our breathtaking Jaelynn dress! She features a plunging V neckline, ruffled cap sleeves and an open back with a single button closure at the nape of the neck. Her slim fit bodice leads to twirl worthy mini length silhouette! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with a vintage inspired baroque design and glitter accents throughout! Dress offer a relaxed fit with minimal stretch and includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4024

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Amara Fringe Watch Bandage Dress
    Special Occasion

    Amara is on everyone's style watch, so get ready for all the incoming compliments! Amara is a black mini dress that demonstrates sexy sophistication. She has a plunging neckline with draped fringed details that are cinched at an empire waist, adjustable double shoulder straps that lead to a low square back and a hidden zipper closure, and a body-hugging fit from the waist down. Fringes fall below the hem for a 1920's flapper effect. Amara is composed of a bandage knit fabric with a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4029

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Frances Dapper In Fringes Dress
    Special Occasion

    Frances loves to break the rules and has all the sass that makes her the life of the party! She gets all the attention with a plunging neckline, adjustable double shoulder straps a hidden back zipper closure, a high waist piping seam, and long fringes to create a fun movement to her body-hugging silhouette. Frances is composed of bandaged fabric that offers a 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: 05001-3994

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.87 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kaylee Draped Back Cocktail Dress
    Special Occasion

    Our Kaylee cocktail dress is a combination of sophistication, luxury, and a dash of sexy! This unique LBD begins with a classic sleeveless bodice with shoulder pads for structure, a high round neckline, and a short skirt with a slim fit. Turn around to reveal a sexy open back paired with luxurious draped details with pearls, gemstones, and gold chain links of various sizes! Kaylee is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes an exposed back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3996

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emery Beaded Sequin Cross-Back Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Emery mini dress is crafted with clear sequin and beaded embroidery in a chic scalloped pattern on the lined mesh fabric. It features a sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps that cross at the back with a tie closure, and a short bodycon silhouette to highlight your stunning curves. Complete the look with a rhinestone 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

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Clear sequin and beaded embroidery in scalloped pattern
    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps, cross at the back with tie closure
    • Mini-length hem
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2577

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Amira Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Light up the night in gleaming heat stones as you impress them all in our Amira black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a mock neck with a double button closure at the nape of the neck, a racer bust and an open back with a mini bar strap accent. She is composed of a semi-sheer mesh fabric adorned with dazzling heat stones throughout. Amira offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is fully lined and includes a lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4022

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Danielle Formal Heat Stone And Pearl Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate your rare, one of a kind beauty in our dazzling Danielle dress! She features an all over black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a round neckline and a mini length silhouette. The all over assortment of luxe pearls and heat stone embellishments are set in a stunning baroque design. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3989

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $34.00 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Makayla Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a splash in sequins as you make a breathtaking entrance in our Makalya dress! She features an all over bronze hue, a mock neck with a two button closure at the nape of the neck, fitted quarter length sleeves and a keyhole at the back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a playful mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined natural hued fabric adorned with bronze hued sequins set in a scroll print pattern. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3978

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.94 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Eliza Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine like one in a million as you dazzle in our Eliza dress! She features  a round neckline, long fitted sleeves and and contrasting color blocking stripes that run along the sides. Dress is composed of a mesh fabric that is adorned with sparkling heat stone accents for plenty of shine! 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4049

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cassandra Sequin Lace Party Dress
    Special Occasion

    What better way to party this season than with our Cassandra lace sequin dress! She's ready for wedding festivities or graduation with tank style bodice, a sweetheart lining, an exposed back zipper closure, and a ribbon belt around the waist. Dress is composed of a sheer lace dress with sequin accents and offers minimal stretch. 

    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: 05001-3846

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $42.87 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cora Formal Beaded Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle yourself with plenty of glamour as you shimmy the night away in our wowing Cora dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and a partially unlined bodice with a sweetheart inset lining. The all over beaded baroque pattern adds plenty of detail to make an unforgettable impression! She is composed of slightly sheer mesh fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes a smooth knit lining and back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3821

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $38.41 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Torrie Heat Stone Formal Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle and wow in our photo op ready Torrie dress that brings plenty of flashy glam! She features a mini mock neck, fitted unlined long sleeves and an all over heat stone detail with a scroll print pattern. She is composed of a mesh fabric that offers a curve loving fit offering a moderate stretch. Dress includes a smooth thin knit 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: 05001-3955

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.31 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Abigail Scalloped Lace Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dance the night away in graceful lace in our Abigail black dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, unlined short sleeves and a cinching tie waist ribbon belt. Her slim fit bodice leads to a party length skirt accented with a voluminous petticoat. Dress is composed of a black hued lined floral lace fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3963

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Marleigh Satin Off-Shoulder Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek silky satin knit fabric gives the Marleigh mini dress its chic allure, perfect for your next formal party. It features an asymmetric off-shoulder neckline, pleated detailing at the bodice and waist, and a short bodycon silhouette to showcase your stunning curves.

    Fit & Features

    • Knit satin fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Asymmetric off-shoulder neckline
    • Tank strap, thin off-shoulder strap
    • Pleated detailing
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2642

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Paisley Formal Embroidered Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a sweet charming entrance in our breathtaking Paisley dress! She features an all over gray hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no strip, adjustable narrow straps and built in boning. Her bodice features piping details and leads to a mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with embroidered floral details and dazzling sequins. She offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3998

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $26.00 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cassie Velvet Wrap Dress
    Special Occasion

    Get wrapped up in the heat of the moment! Our short and classy Cassie dress is perfect for your homecoming night with a wrap-like body, a daring V neckline and long sleeves. She has a wide waistband that accentuates your curves and a mini length skirt. Cassie is composed of a soft velvet knit that offers a moderate stretch and has a vertical stripe pattern created by dazzling heat stones. She includes a hidden back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3437

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $16.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Haley Jewel Queen Embellished Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    Reign the night with a look fit for a queen in our dazzling Haley black dress! She features a straight strapless neckline, a built in no slip strip and a mini length silhouette. Her all over embellishments feature shining rhinestones and multi faceted gemstones. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3991

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.00 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Karina Formal Fringe Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep it festive and fab in fringe! Our silver Karina dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline and narrow adjustable straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a shimmy worthy mini length silhouette with a fringe hemline. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with dazzling sequins! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes an exposed back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4050

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Zoey Formal Lurex Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine in confidence as you sparkle in our gleaming Zoey dress! She features a luxe gold hue, a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and a ruched bodice. Her slim fit waist leads to a twirl worthy party length silhouette. Dress is composed of a dazzling lined lurex fabric. She offers a relaxed with plenty of stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4055

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lyla Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate and sparkle as you bring the glam to your next evening out! Lyla features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with double button closure at the nape of the neck and a racer bust. Her back features an open design to show off plenty of skin and leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined semi-sheer mesh fabric adorned with heat stones and gemstones! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3845

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lacey Beaded Contrast Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    Shimmy through an unforgettable night in our Lacey dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high rounded neckline and racer front. The upper portion of the bodice is unlined with a geometric beaded design to create an eye catching pattern. The all over sequin and floral beaded pattern in complimented with a a blush colored sweetheart lining to create a head turning contrast illusion. She is composed of an unlined sheer mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with little to no stretch. Includes 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: 05001-3740

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.87 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance