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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Toni Low Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Your inner queen will shine through in our gorgeous Toni! Her full skirt will add all the drama you need to make a stunning impression!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Low, Open Back I V Neckline I Lightly Padded Bust
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette I Horsehair Trim Hem
- Woven Smooth Fabric I Pretty Sheen Finish I Mini Length Lining
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0553
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sabrina Metallic Mesh Ball Gown
Special Occasion
You'll be working your charm and turning heads in our mesmerizing Sabrina!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- V Neckline & Back I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Princess Seams
- Floor Length, A-Line Silhouette I Horsehair Trim Hem
- Lined, Mesh Fabric I Metallic Finish
- Form Hugging Fit | 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: 05004-0029
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $46.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Gayle Metallic A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Celebrate any special moments in our glamorous Gayle! She'll make an alluring and lasting impression!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Sweeping, Floor-Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette
- Lined Metallic Knit Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0554
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Carrie Scroll Sequin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Show up to the party in dazzling fashion with our showstopping Carrie dress! She features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a floor-sweeping hemline with an A-line silhouette and a chic front slit. The lined mesh fabric has stunning all-over sequin embroidery in a vintage-inspired scroll pattern. Complete the look with rhinestone duster earrings.
Fit & Features
- Deep V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Floor-length hemline, A-line silhouette, front slit
- Lined mesh fabric, sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0551
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cheryl Floral Two Piece Dress
Special Occasion
Stand out in our enchanting Cheryl two piece dress! Her floral lace and glitter are the perfect details for creating a magical night!
Fit & Features
- Lined Scalloped Lace Bodice | Padded Cups
- High Round Neckline
- Double Row Hook and Eye Closure at Neck
- Glitter
- Lined Chiffon A-Line Silhouette
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
- Zipper Closures
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0124
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kiernan Glittering Mesh Party Dress
Get ready for a night that you will never forget, when you start the party in our glittering Kiernan skater dress that is fit for a princess!
Fit & Features
- V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Square back | Zipper closure
- Fully lined with double layered glitter overlay
- Banded high waist line
- Pleated bodice
- Flowy mini hemline | Lightweight feel | Minimal stretch
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: 05001-0305
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sway With Me Rhinestone Heels
Dance with me, sway with me, all night long! These rhinestone babies offer a low heel for the gal that likes to tango allll nighhht lonnnggg!
- Open almond toe
- Strappy rhinestone detailing
- Zipper located back
- Faux suede
- Low block heel
Style Number/Barcode: 07401-0565
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $12.97 $28.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kinsey Two Piece Glitter Lace & Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Get ready to be absolutely adored in our luxe Kinsey! Her sparkling glitter top and shining satin skirt will have all eyes on you!
Fits & Features
- Lace And Glitter, Tank-Inspired Crop Top I Glitter May Transfer
- Scoop Neckline I Padded Bust
- Lace-Up, Unlined Back
- Satin-Like Skirt I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I Slit At Front I A-Line Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0132
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $136.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Isla Formal Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Glow like the queen you are in our whimsical Isla glitter dress!
Fit & Features
- Scoop Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- A-Line Silhouette
- High Slit
- Glitter
- Lined Mesh
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0549
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Olivia Formal Velvet Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and polished, our Olivia exudes elegance. You'll look absolutely breathtaking!
Fits & Features
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Cowl Neckline I Square Back
- Spaghetti Straps
- Slim Fit Bodice
- Floor Length Silhouette
- Glitter Velvet Composition
- Form-Hugging Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0163
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cowl Neckline I Square Back
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Bianca Sequin Scroll Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
It'll be a night (and look!) to remember as you walk out in our beautiful Bianca!
Fits & Features
- Halter-Style, High Neckline | Dual Button Closure At Nape
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem | Mermaid Silhouette | Slit At Side
- Mesh Lined Scroll Pattern Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit | 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: 05002-0536
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Melinda One Shoulder Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Shine the night away in our eyecatching Melinda! Her sequins will glisten and glow underneath the lights.
Fits & Features
- Asymmetrical One Shoulder Neckline
- Zipper At Back
- Floor Length Silhouette | High Slit
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Scroll Pattern Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 26" waist and 38" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0535
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $54.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Paige One Sleeve Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Show all your best angles in our statement-making Paige! Her lovely iridescent sequins will shine and reflect underneath the lights.
Fits & Features
- Slanted Neckline With Single, Fitted Long Sleeve
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I Side Slit
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Scroll Pattern Iridescent Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'4" with 33" bust, 24.5" waist and 39" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0520
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $54.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Seline Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and dazzle them all with the ever-captivating Seline sequin dress! Her sequins bring the luxe and charm to your next evening out on the town!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Sequin Scroll Print
- Mermaid
- Mini skirt lining
- Mesh Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit | Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'4" with 33" bust, 24.5" waist and 39" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0538
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $52.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Katia Two Piece Lace & Chiffon Dress
Special Occasion
Have a mesmerizing moment in our beautiful Katia! Her glowing hue and floral prints will have everyone's eyes trailing your every move!
Fits & Features
- Lace & Sequined, Scallop-Trim Crop Top I High Neckline
- Dual Hook & Eye Closure At Nape Of Neck I Back Zip With Hook & Eye
- Floral Printed, Lined Chiffon Skirt
- High Rise Waist, Floor Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0103
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $68.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Joy Iridescent Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Let our lovely Joy and her shimmering sequins do all the talking! Glow on in this glam dress!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging Wire V Neckline I Lightly Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Slimming, Mermaid Silhouette
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Scroll Pattern Iridescent Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0539
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Camilla Sequin Off Shoulder A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be looking like the elegant princess you are in our stunning Camilla!
Fits & Features
- Off Shoulder Design I Plunging Wired V Neckline
- Padded Cups
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Silhouette I Dual Slits At Front I A-Line Silhouette
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Damask Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit
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: 05002-0542
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $45.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Monica Off Shoulder A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour with our enchanting Monica! People can't resist doing a double-take as they are captivated by her dual-tone shine!
Fits & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline I Fold Over Design
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette With Pleating Details I Mini Length Lining
- Nontransferable Glitter Woven Fabric I Two-Tone Shiny Finish
- Curve Hugging Fit I 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: 05002-0525
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Justine Sequin Lace Up Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmer and show off all your dance moves in the alluring Justine!
Fits & Features
- Square Neckline
- Dual Spaghetti Straps Trail To Lace Up Back
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- A-Line, Skater Style Skirt
- Horsehair Trim At The Hem For Easy Movement & Flow
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Sequins All Over
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0301
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kendra Two Piece Lace & Chiffon Dress
Special Occasion
Take everyone's breath away as you walk out in our beautiful Kendra!
Fits & Features
- Glitter Lace Top With Full Knit Lining I Glitter May Transfer
- Tank-Inspired Straps I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Scallop V Neckline & Crop Hem I Padded Bust
- Lined Chiffon Skirt With All Over Floral Print
- A-Line Silhouette I High Rise Waist
- Floor Length Hem I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Form Hugging Fit I Slight Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0084
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Dina Sheen A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Give our lovely Dina a twirl and fall in love with her stunning shine!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- V Neckline & Back I Padded Bust
- Hidden Slant Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Skirt With Horse Hair Hem For Fullness
- A-Line Silhouette
- Smooth knit material with silver sheen finish
- Moderate Stretch
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: 05002-0523
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tracy Sequin Scroll Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
"Wow" will be the first thing out of anybody's mouth as they see you walking out in our glamorous Tracy! You'll be dazzling everyone with her multi-hued sequins!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps Cross At Back
- High Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Skirt I Mermaid Style Silhouette
- Mesh Lined Scroll Pattern, Multi-Hue Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
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: 05002-0537
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Delia Two Piece Glitter & Satin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Romance is in the air as you strut out in our enchanting Delia!
Fits & Features
- High Neck Halter With Dual Button Hook & Eye Closure
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Glitter Knit, Lined Crop Top
- Midweight Satin-Like Skirt With Floral Prints Throughout
- A-Line Silhouette I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0073
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $70.97 $134.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Wilma Glitter Lace Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Be prepared to break a few hearts as you make a sparkling appearance in our stunning Wilma!
Fits & Features
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Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
- Square Neckline I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I Mermaid Style Silhouette
- Woven glitter fabric I Partially Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample 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: 05002-0544
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back