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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Adina Velvet Long Sleeve Open Back Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The velvet mini dress features a crew neckline with a twist accent, a cutout above the bust, an open lower back design, long fitted sleeves, and a chic side slit at the mini-length hem. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Crew neckline with twist accent, cutout at the bust
- Open lower back
- Long fitted sleeves
- Mini-length hem with side slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2410
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elisa Ice Queen Heat Stone Dress
Give the crowd chills when you walk by in our stunning Elise dress! She has a round neckline paired with long, fitted sleeves and a short, curve hugging fit. She is composed of an ivory, thin knit fabric that is embellished with white piping and dazzling heat stones throughout. Elise closes with a hidden back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4061
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Juliana Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionTurn up the heat on your next evening in our dazzling Julian dress! She features a mock neck, fitted long sleeves and a playful mini length silhouette. She features an all over lined natural hue adorned with green foliage and sparkling heatstones. Dress is composed of smooth knit 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: 05001-3987
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Briella Formal Beaded Mini Dress
Special OccasionBring the glamour in our standout Briella dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with racer bust, a double row strap accent and a mini length silhouette. Her all mini beaded design is set in a baroque-inspired geometric pattern to make her a true one of a kind! She is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal 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: 05001-4048
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $48.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lorelei Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionGlow on like the star you are in our show stopping Lorelei black dress! She features a mock neck, unlined long sleeves and a party ready mini length silhouette. Lorelei is composed of a sheer mesh fabric adorned with sparkling heat stones and gemstones for dazzling shine! Lorelei offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress includes a partial skirt lining and back zipper closure. Undergarments not included.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" 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: 05001-4000
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sarai Formal Sequin Mini Dress
Special OccasionStay sassy in sequins! Sarai features an elastic off the shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeves and a fun mini length silhouette. She is composed of a pink hued mesh fabric adorned with iridescent payette sequins throughout that reflect a lavender hue to create a holographic effect and complemented with gold hued mini sequins. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4026
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alia Formal Sequin Mini Dress
Special OccasionStand out in sequins as you shimmer under the lights! Alia features a combination yellow with beige color, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and all over sequin scroll print. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4066
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.00 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Casey Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and shine as you make a diva-worthy entrance in our Casey dress! She features a white hue, a plunging V neckline, narrow adjustable straps that cross at the back and a mini length skirt. Her all over heat stones are all you need to make a glam entrance! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05001-4051
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Breigh Beaded Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The mini dress features a square neckline, fitted long sleeves, beaded embellishments, a partially open back with a lower-back lace-up design, and a fitted short hem. Complete formal outfit with stiletto heels.
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
- Lined mesh fabrication
- Square neckline
- Fitted long sleeves
- Partial open back
- Lower-back lace-up design
- Beaded embellishments
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2514
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Stephanie Formal Ruched Midi Dress
Special OccasionGlow girl as you light up the night in neon! Stephanie features a bursting neon orange hue, an off the shoulder neckline, short sleeves, a wrap V neckline, ruched detailing along the side and wrap silhouette with an asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of a lined smooth tricot fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4081
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Abby Formal Velvet Midi Dress
Special OccasionCreate a luxe look in elegant velvet! Abby features a rich burgundy hue, an off the shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeves and a bold open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging midi length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4107
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jessica Formal Neon Midi Dress
Special OccasionGet the celebration started in our fun Jessica dress! She features a playful neon pink hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a midi length silhouette that is accented with a side slit. She is composed of a lined smooth tricot fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4082
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lisa Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionRadiate in the spotlight as you shine in our Lisa dress! She features a black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a round neckline and a mini length silhouette. Her all over heat stones glimmer and are accented with rectangular shaped gem stones. Dress is composed of lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4086
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Imani Get Your Attention Mini Dress
Special OccasionMake your entrance and grab everyone's attention in this vibrant Imani orange mini dress! She features a mock neckline, sheer mesh sleeves, an exposed back zipper closure, and all over trendy heat stones for the perfect party look. Imani offers a body-hugging fit and is composed of a lined mesh fabric.
Model is 5'8.5 with a 32" bust, 24" waist, and 35" hips. She is wearing as size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4088
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Starlette Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionStarlette shines like the stars in the night sky! She features a plunging V neckline, narrow shoulder straps that lead to a low open back, lace up straps, and high waist panel. Starlette is composed of a smooth knit fabric with all over silver heat stones, and offers a body-hugging fit.
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: 05001-4100
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Leslie High Slit Midi Lace Dress
Special OccasionKeep it simply elegant as you make an impression in lace! Leslie features an ivory hue, an off the shoulder neckline, unlined short sleeves and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined lace fabric that offers a form hugging 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: 05001-4087
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Faith Formal Midi Lace Dress
Special OccasionMake a graceful entrance in captivating lace! Faith features an ivory hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, padded cups, a cinching ribbon belt and a midi length. Dress is composed of a lined fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a 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: 05001-4131
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ashton Rhinestone Mesh Mock Neck Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Chic with a glam allure, the Ashton mini dress is glitzy perfection with its all-over rhinestone embellishments that will shine at your next formal party. It features a sleeveless mock neckline with a long cascading neck tie, ruched side and back seams to accentuate your gorgeous curves, and a short bodycon silhouette.
This dress brings the fun and the fashion. If you love a bold, playful look, explore our stylish short prom dresses or make an entrance in our stunning short wedding guest dresses in short and mini lengths.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabric
- All-over tonal rhinestone embellishments
- Sleeveless mock neckline with long neck tie
- Partially open back, zipper closure
- Ruched side and back seams
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2536
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Twila Satin Lace-Up Corset Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The satin skater dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline supported with tank-like shoulder straps, a corset bodice accented with flexible boning for additional support, a lace-up back design, and a short pleated skater hem. Complete formal outfit with chandelier earrings.
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
- Lined satin-like fabrication
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Tank shoulder straps
- Corset bodice with flexible boning
- Lace-up back design
- Short pleated skater hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2568
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Claudia Lace-Up Slit Floral Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Everyone will swoon over you in the Claudia floral formal dress! Elegantly constructed in a form-hugging silhouette, this dress is designed with a striking lace-up back and high front slit.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Open lace-up back
- Side ruched seams, high front slit
- Form-hugging silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, dressed up date nights, dressy occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000021
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLUE, WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, XL
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Shea Pearl Beaded Long Sleeve Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Sweet and alluring, the Shea formal mini dress is crafted with all-over faux pearl and beaded embroidery in a detailed swirl pattern on the airy mesh fabric. It features a boat neckline, sheer long fitted sleeves with flared hems, a bold open back to turn heads, and a short bodycon silhouette to flaunt your curves.
This dress is made for the spotlight. Want more ways to stand out? Shop our vibrant pink prom dresses or find a chic, event-ready look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining
- All-over faux pearl and beaded embroidery, swirl pattern
- Boat neckline
- Sheer long fitted sleeves with flared hems
- Open back, top bar strap
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2567
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free