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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Diane Sequin Drape Back Formal Dress
Our Diane sequin drape back formal dress knows how to make you shine! She features tank-like shoulder straps that lead to a dramatic drape back detail, a wrap-front with a deep V neckline, a high waist, and a curve-hugging silhouette with a floor-length skirt. The dress is composed of a sheer knit fabric with all-over sequin embroidering, and includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete your look with a rhinestone collar necklace and dainty earrings.
Fit & Features
- Tank-like shoulder straps
- Drape back with layered detailing
- Wrap-front with a deep V neckline
- Side zipper and hook and eye closure
- Flattering curve-hugging fit
- Sheer knit fabric with a knit lining, moderate stretch
- All-over sequin embroidering
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0621
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Miley Asymmetric Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Glisten from top to bottom with our shining Miley!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Surplice V Neckline I Square Back
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Asymmetric Midi Length Silhouette I Mini Length Lining
- Mesh Lined Fabric I Vertical Sequin Pattern
- Curve Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0620
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Devon Tulle A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Look like a goddess in our divine Devon tulle formal dress! She features a sleeveless V neckline with a wrap-front tulle overlay, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a high waist. Her floor-length skirt has a gorgeous A-line silhouette and features dual front slits. Complete the look with new earrings for a romantic and feminine touch!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V neckline, wrap-front tulle overlay
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Floor-length hem, dual front slits
- A-line silhouette
- Sheer tulle overlay with a knit lining, pleating throughout
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0622
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Janica Plunging Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
No one will be able to look away as you walk in with our jaw-dropping Janica! With glitter and caviar beading throughout, you'll be an absolute showstopper!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Sheer, Mesh Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline
- Floor Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette I Lined Skirt With Two High Slits
- Lined Tulle Fabric I Glitter Accents And Caviar Beaded Detailing
- Relaxed Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Square Back With Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure
Model is 5'6" with 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0623
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Halle Formal Velvet Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxe velvet and have a moment as you make an entrance in our Halle velvet dress!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Ruched Left Side Seam
- Wrap Silhouette | High Side Slit
- Lined Velvet Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Light Blue: Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Mauve: Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0617
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Destiny Floral High Low Dress
Special Occasion
Let our beautiful Destiny speak for you! She's the picture-perfect addition to your wedding guest look.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Surplice V Neckline | Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- High-Low Style Skirt | Flowy Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon Fabric | Floral Prints Throughout
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0616
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rylie Chiffon A-Line Gown
Sweep them away when you walk through the door in a stunning chiffon gown! Designed with a flattering wrap style that offers flow with every step you take!
Fit & Features
- Pleated V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Double straps | Halter detail
- Faux wrap design
- Tie waist detailing
- Full lining | Zipper center back
- Chiffon | Minimal stretch
Model is 5'8" with 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: 05002-0615
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Slick 'Em Satin Mini Dress
Show them what you're workin' with! Flaunt the Slick 'Em mini dress and show them how it's done.
Fits & Features
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Narrow Spaghetti Straps
- Surplice V Neckline I Square Back
- Asymmetrical Wrap Mini Skirt Accented With Pleats
- Smooth Satin Fabric I Fully Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
Teal Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Purple Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0535
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Narrow Spaghetti Straps
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Alia Deep V Mermaid Dress
Our Alia deep V mermaid dress was made to flatter your curves and create a gorgeous silhouette! She features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline with a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, front seam detailing, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette with a sultry front slit. Style this dress with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Front seam detailing, high waist seam
- Floor-length fitted mermaid silhouette, front slit
- Crepe fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0614
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Yara Formal Crepe Bodycon Dress
Special Occasions
Make it a moment to remember in our captivating Yara bodycon dress!
Fit & Features
- High Round Neckline | Single Button Closure
- Halter Bust | Princess Seams
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Lined Crepe
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
- Hidden Back Zipper
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0312
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Billie Crepe Lace Up Mermaid Gown
Feel like an ethereal goddess tonight in our stunning Billie mermaid gown! Her form fitting silhouette, and lace up back will give you that sexy finish while still feeling modest with her floor sweeping length!
Fit & Features
- Square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy back
- Lower back zipper with hook and eye closure
- Flattering vertical seams
- Weighted floor length mermaid hemline
- Mini skirt lining
- Composed of a crepe material with stretch
Model is 5'9" 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: 05002-0612
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Iva Crepe Lace Up Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Show off that figure in Iva's flattering mermaid silhouette! With a horsehair trim hem, her skirt looks more sculpted and structured, giving you fullness without a petticoat! Wear your hair in soft curls and add some rhinestone earrings and a clutch to match!
Fits & Features
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
- Back Zipper WIth Hook & Eye Closure
- Scoop Neckline
- Floor Length Skirt I Mermaid Silhouette I Horsehair Trim Hem
- Crepe Fabric I Partial, Mini Length Lining
- Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0608
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
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Lisi Off Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Made from a sleek and smooth fabric, Lisi will mold your every curve and let you move around effortlessly. Her ruched off-shoulder sleeves and small front slit are playful features to this glamorous dress.
Fits & Features
- Square Neckline I Padded Bust
- Ruched Off Shoulder Sleeves
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Mermaid Silhouette I Front Slit
- Smooth, Midweight Tricot Fabric I Fully Lined I Pretty Sheen Finish
- Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0609
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sequin Stunner Fringe Mini Dress
Showcase stunning looks in sequins in this fringe detail mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a square back with an exposed zipper closure, and a short hem with longer fringe detail. Dress is composed of a sequin adorned knit fabric with a short knit lining and offers a form hugging fit.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0422
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Candra Strappy Back Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
The strappy back design of our Candra is one of a few eye-catching features on this fabulous dress. Made from a smooth woven fabric, Candra caresses your figure yet gives you ample stretch to glide around comfortably. Highlight her subtle sheen by wearing a pair of sparkling dusters!
Fits & Features
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Dual Spaghetti Straps I Strappy Back Design
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure I Ruching At Center Back
- Pleated Detail At Side Waist
- Floor Length Hemline I Wrap Design I Front Slit
- Form Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0611
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dual Spaghetti Straps I Strappy Back Design
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Belle Satin Tulle Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Enchant them all in our fairytale-worthy Belle ball gown! Live out an evening straight out of a dream with her captivating tulle and luxe satin! She pairs well with rhinestones and sophisticated heels!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Partially Open Back
- Fully Lined Satin Bodice
- Multi-Layered Tulle Ball Gown Silhouette
- Petticoat | Wide Banded Hem
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0053
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Claire Floral Chiffon Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the romance with captivating florals as you create a timeless moment in our Claire dress!
Fit & Features
- Wrap V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Pleated Bodice
- Floral Print
- High-Low Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0607
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sahar Open Back Beaded Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Reflect glamour in every detail in our captivating Sahar beaded dress! Her beaded bodice reflects luxe and is matched with her sweeping mermaid silhouette for an enchanting entrance!
Fit & Features
- High Round Neckline | V-Neck Bust Unlined Mesh Inset
- Padded Cups | Multiple Row Fish and Hook Closure At Strap
- Open Back
- Beaded and Gemstone Accents
- Mermaid Silhouette | Tulle Hem | Petticoat
- Lined Mesh Fabric | Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
- Hidden Side Zipper Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0014
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $183.97 $348.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jodi Tulle A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in our dreamy Jodi! Her tulle overlay adds an ethereal flow everywhere you go.
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Deep V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Sweeping Floor-Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette I Thigh High Slit
- Fully Lined Knit Fabric With Tulle Overlay
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Yellow: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Lavender: 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: 05002-0604
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kalel Off The Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Create an ethereal moment in our breathtaking Kalel formal dress! Put simply her elegance is showcased with her mermaid silhouette and dainty off the shoulder straps to radiate an unforgettable impression!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline | No-Slip Strip
- Sweetheart Bust
- Sheer Mesh Off The Shoulder Strap Accents
- Vertical Princess Seams
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Fully Lined Crepe Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0610
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lei Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Shine on in our Lei formal sequin dress, her scroll print pattern radiates elegance from every angle! Pair her with sleek stilettos and a dazzling clutch for an enchanting look!
Fit & Features
- High Round Neckline | Racer Bust
- Open Back | Cage Strap Accents
- Sequin Scroll Print Pattern
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Lined Mesh Fabric
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0606
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Julian Floral Chiffon A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Get your evening to a fabulous start by gracing everyone with your presence in our stunning Julian!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- V Neckline
- Sweeping Floor Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette I Front Slit
- Floral Chiffon Fabric I Partially Lined
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0605
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Skylar Glitter Shine Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Make them all take notice in our glam Skylar ruched dress! Take her glow to the next level with rhinestone accents and glitzy heels!
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart Neckline | No-Slip Strip
- Padded Cups | Ruched Side Seam
- Wrap Silhouette
- High Side Slit
- Lined Woven Glitter Knit Fabric
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size five
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0602
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Corina Formal Bandage Tulle Dress
Special Occasion
Make a bold statement in our one of a kind Corina dress! She effortlessly combines a sleek bandage bodice with a dramatic tulle silhouette! Pair her with gold accents for a glamourous look!
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart Neckline | Padded Cups
- Bandage Knit Bodice | Tank-Like Straps
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Glitter Tulle Skirt | Wide Banded Hem
- Lined Metallic Ponte Knit Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0007
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $134.97 $319.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free