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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Layci Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Create a memorable impression in our breathing-taking Layci dress! She features a straight off-the-shoulder neckline with a fold-over accent and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor-length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit to showcase your glam heels! The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline
- Fold over accent, princess seams
- High side slit
- A-Line
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0487
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sophie Formal Floral Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Take the plunge in a glitter dress that enchants from the moment you enter the room. Our Sophie dress features a plunging V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a partially open back, and a gorgeous floral glitter pattern. Her relaxed fit waist leads to a flowy A-line silhouette to dance the night away in. Complete your formal outfit with sleek stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunging V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to partially open back
- Floral glitter pattern
- A-line silhouette
- Composed of a mesh fabric
- Form-hugging fit
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: 05002-0479
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Timeless Elegance Faux Fur Bolero
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance to your evening looks with a chic cover up! It features an open front, short sleeves and an all over faux fur fabric. Cover up also features a smooth knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05008-0003
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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All The Luxe Velvet Cover Up
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe to your evening looks with a glam cover up! This must have piece features an open front, quarter-length sleeves with ruched detailing and an all over velvet fabric.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05008-0004
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Suri Low Back Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
People won't be able to resist doing a double-take as you walk right past in our smoldering Suri!
Fits & Features
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Adjustable Spaghetti Strap That Tie At The Back
- V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Low, Open Back With Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure
- Slim Fit Bodice I Floor Length Hemline
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Scroll Pattern Sequins All Over
- Curve Hugging Fit I 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: 05002-0477
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $27.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adjustable Spaghetti Strap That Tie At The Back
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Serena Formal High Low Dress
Special OccasionStand out like the fierce fashionista you are in our Serena dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip and padded cups. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to head turning high low silhouette that is complemented with a contrast lining. Serena is composed of a textured satin fabric. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and mini skirt length knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6514
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Chiffon Lace Darling Skater Dress
Keep it playful and chic with lace! This skater dress is all you need doll!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline | Scalloped Lace Trim
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Floral Lace Bodice
- Skater Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0362
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $16.97 $43.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ellie Asymmetrical Flounce Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Make a flirty first impression in our Ellie flounce midi dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a mutli-layered wrap front V neckline, a high waist seam, a hidden back zipper and hook and eye closure, and a form hugging skirt with an asymmetrical ruffle hem. The crepe fabric offers moderate stretch and includes a knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0279
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Reese Double Ruffle Off Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Our gorge Reese will flatter your every curve! Pair her with some rhinestone heels and earrings to further elevate your look!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps I Double Ruffle Off Shoulder Sleeves
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust I Princess Seams
- High Waist Seam I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I Mermaid Silhouette
- Lined Crepe Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I 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: 05002-0473
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Fonda Sequin Wrap Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Be the one that sparkles when you walk through the door in our gorgeous sequin Fonda gown!
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V- neckline | Wrap bodice
- Wrap skirt | Slit center
- Long hemline
- Sequin embellishments throughout
- Slight stretch | Form fitting silhouette
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: 05002-0474
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Shimmering Sequins Mini Dress
Love that glimmer! Make it your moment in the Shimmering Sequins mini dress.
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Long Sleeves
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Asymmetrical, Mini Length Silhouette
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Sequins Throughout
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0359
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $58.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Luxe Lights Sequin Midi Dress
Live that luxe life with dazzling sequins to brighten the night!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Large Back Keyhole
- Sequins
- Lined Mesh
- Small Side Slit
- Form Hugging Fit
- Slight Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0357
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Renee Caviar Beaded Tulle Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the wow factor in our gorgeous Renee! With layers and layers of dreamy tulle, your entrance will be the only thing everyone talks about!
Fits & Features
- Tank-Inspired Shoulder Straps
- Plunging V Neckline
- Caviar Beading Ontop Mesh Overlay At Bodice
- Lined Skirt With Layered Tulle Detail
- Back Zip 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: 05004-0015
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Callie Sequin Lattice Back Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and look red-carpet-ready in our gorgeous Callie! Her shimmering sequins will make you the focal point of the night!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps
- V Neckline I Bar Accent I Padded Bust
- Lattice Design At Back
- Floor Length Hem I Thigh-High Slit
- Mesh Lined Sequin Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0441
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Bridget Double Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Dream of a romantic getaway in our ravishing Bridget gown! She features a deep V neck and back, a banded waistline, and a pleated bodice. Her high waist flows to a floor-length skirt with an A-line design, a back zipper closure, and two thigh-high slits. She is fully lined with a smooth knit fabric that offers moderate stretch, and she has a tulle overlay that offers a dreamy angelic flow. Complete the look with cascading rhinestone duster earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Tank shoulder straps
- V neck and back
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High banded waist
- Floor-length skirt, A-line silhouette
- Sheer tulle fabric
- Full knit lining with dual high slits
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0318
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Star In Sequins Wrap Midi Dress
The dreamy Star In Sequins midi dress puts you right into the spotlight.
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Scoop Back
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Gathered Design At The Wrap Front I Midi Length Silhouette
- Mesh Knit With Sequin Accents Throughout
- Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At Back
- Form Hugging Fit I 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: 05001-0277
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $27.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alessi Lace Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the wow factor in our darling Alessi!
Fits & Features
- Tank Inspired Sleeveless Bodice I Padded Cups I Princess Seams
- Hook & Eye And Snap Button Closure At The Nape
- Lace-Up At Open Back I Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Mermaid Silhouette With Gorgeous Train
- Wide-Banded Waist
- Smooth Tricot Composition I Knit Lining
- Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate 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: 05002-0467
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $54.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Desirae Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Wave bye to 2019 and ring in the new year with our gorge Desirae!
Fits & Features
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Crew Neckline
- Low U-Shaped Back WIth Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure
- Fitted Long Sleeves
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Vertical Sequins All Over
- Curved 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: 05001-0278
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $27.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Crew Neckline
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Sage One Shoulder Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Celebrate 2019 in absolute stunning style with our fab Sage!
Fits & Features
- Slanted Neckline I One-Shoulder, Single Fitted Long Sleeve
- Gathering At The Waist I Side Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor-Length Wrap Skirt I Front Slit I Mini Length Lining
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Sequins All Over
- 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: 05002-0470
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $37.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Londyn Formal Sleeveless Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it stunning in sleek satin as you create a memorable impression in our Londyn dress!
Fit & Features
- Cowl Neck
- Spaghetti Straps
- Lined Satin
- Relaxed Slinky Fit
- Minimal Stretch
- No Zipper
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0469
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alma Two Piece Satin & Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Show some flirty flair in our gorge two-piece Alma! Her crepe crop top and flowy satin skirt are the perfect match-up!
Fits & Features
- Crepe Crop Top
- High Halter Style Neckline I Padded Bust
- Button Closure At Nape I Lace-Up Detail At Back
- Floor Length Lined Satin Skirt I A-Line Silhouette I High Front Slit
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0072
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Londyn Formal Sleeveless Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it stunning in sleek satin as you create a memorable impression in our Londyn dress!
Fit & Features
- Cowl Neck
- Spaghetti Straps
- Lined Satin
- Relaxed Slinky Fit
- Minimal Stretch
- No Zipper
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0466
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jasmine Formal Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glam and shine with our captivating Jasmine dress! Her glitter detailing bring the charm and her pockets add a special touch!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Spaghetti Straps
- Open Low Back
- Pleated A-line Silhouette
- Pockets
- Lined Glitter Mesh
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal 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: 05002-0471
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elisa Floral Chiffon Cross Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
You'll look as beautiful as a garden in our ethereal Elisa! Her wrap skirt is crafted from flowy chiffon, revealing a playful front slit that lets you show off your heels. Elisa is the perfect wedding guest dress for that special outdoor wedding.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Surplice V Neckline
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette
- Chiffon Lined, Wrap Skirt Reveals A Front Slit
- 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: 05002-0464
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free