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.

  • Kamala Floral High Low Dress

    Special Occasion

    As soon as they see you walking in with our beautiful Kamala, you'll be like a breath of fresh air!

    Fits & Features 

    • Sweetheart Neckline I Includes Removable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Padded Bust With Interior No-Slip Strip I Built-In Boning For Structure
    • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • High Low Hem With Pleating Accents & Petticoat 
    • Hidden Hand Pockets 
    • Midweight Knit I All Over Floral Print I Fully Lined
    • 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: 05002-0438

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Amelia Formal High Slit Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Elevate your evening look with our captivating Amelia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wrap V neckline with pleated overlay accent and spaghetti straps that lead to a square back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length slim fit silhouette with a high side slit.  Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye fasten.

    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: 05002-0434

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $27.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alexis Formal Heat Stone Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the heat in our glitzy Alexis dress! She features sparkling heat stones throughout, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with wide tank-like strap and a matching V- neck back accented with a bar strap accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Alexis is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05002-0336

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $30.97 $82.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Dakota Velvet Lace Up Evening Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Steal the look of the night with the glamorous Dakota gown. She features a lightly padded chest, a V neckline, pockets, and spaghetti straps that lead to a back lace-up and tie closure, a leg slit and a floor-length design. Dakota is fully lined, has a little bit of stretch and is made from a classic velvet fabric. Dakota includes a built in panty lining.

    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: 05002-0210

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $47.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lena Formal Open Back Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Keep it sleek and sophisticated in our stunning Lena dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging asymmetrical V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back and a sweeping floor length silhouette with a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye fasten.

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0433

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jezebel Velvet Burnout Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a little frisky in our Jezebel!

    Fits & Features

    • Deep V Neckline
    • Long Sleeve
    • Long Hemline That Meets Mid-Length 
    • High Slit At Side
    • Inner Bodysuit 
    • Mesh Composition With Velvet Burnout Detail
    • Form-Fitting Silhouette 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: 05001-0276

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Glittering Mini Dress

    Slip into something that glitters!

    Fits & Features

    • Straight Off-Shoulder Neckline
    • Long Fitted Sleeves
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Knit Material I Adorn In Glitter
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Amount Of Stretch

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0264

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lacey Mermaid Formal Dress

    Our gorgeous Lacey mermaid formal dress knows how to make a grand entrance. She features a lace top with a padded sweetheart neckline, a sheer V back, and long fitted sheer sleeves. Her high waist leads to a crepe floor length mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric with moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" 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: 05002-0325

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Giselle Formal Iridescent Sequin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Shine from every angle in our enchanting Giselle dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V-neckline, padded cups and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. Her all over iridescent sequins are set in a timelessly elegant scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05002-0317

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $47.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mckenna Formal Sequin Scroll Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the sparkle in our Mckenna dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Plunging wired V neckline I Padded cups
    • Partially open back I Adjustable spaghetti straps 
    • Sweeping floor-length skirt with two thigh-high slits
    • All over sequins in scroll print pattern
    • Lined mesh fabric 
    • Form hugging fit with slight stretch
    • Back zipper closure

    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: 05002-0335

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mona Formal Plunging Glitter Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge into glamour as you stun in our breathtaking Mona dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with pleated dealing, and sheer adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her slim fit waist leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette. She stands out with her glitter accents and caviar beaded detailing set in a romantic pattern. The dress is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. The knit lining includes two high slits to reveal a hint of skin under the semi-sheer tulle fabric. Complete your gorgeous look with rhinestone duster earrings and a new pair of heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Plunging V neckline with pleated detailing
    • Sheer adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Cross back design
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist leading to a floor-length skirt
    • A-line silhouette
    • Semi-sheer tulle fabric with glitter and beaded details
    • Knit lining with dual front slits
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0326

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Calla Two Piece Sequin Lace Satin A Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bold and romantic, our two-piece Calla features hints of sparkly sequins at her cropped lace bodice. With beautiful botanical prints flowing through her smooth satin skirt, these features are what makes Calla a charming dress. 

    Fits & Features 

    • Lace & Sequin Lined Bodice With Slightly Padded Bust
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I V Neckline
    • Crop Hemline I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Floor Length, Satin Lined Skirt With Floral Prints 
    • A Line Silhouette I Front Slit 
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • Moderate Stretch 

    Model is 5'6" with a 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0050

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lisa Marie Formal Pleated Crepe Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Captivate and wow from the moment you walk in the room in our breathtaking Lisa Marie dress! Her neckline lets you show off your shoulders and her high slit reveals just a hint of leg!

    Fit & Features

    • Off The Shoulder Neckline | Spaghetti Straps
    • Pleated Bodice
    • Overlapping Strap Accents
    • High Slit 
    • Mermaid Silhouette 
    • Lined Crepe 
    • Form Hugging | Moderate Stretch 

    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: 05002-0387

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Belinda Formal Satin Lace Up A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Enter the room in a dress that brings the splendor and glam to your evening. Belinda features a plunging v-neckline, a sexy lace-up back,  a sweeping A-line silhouette, and a charming ruffled high slit. Complete your formal evening outfit with clear pumps and dazzling rhinestone earrings. 

    Fit & Features 

    • Sleeveless v-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lattice back 
    • A-line silhouette
    • Ruffled high slit
    • Satin fabric, form-hugging fit

     
    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0390

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $45.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cecile Sequin Formal Gown

    Special Occasion 

    You shine like a beauty queen when you wear sequins doll! Introducing our Cecile, she is designed with a v neckline, long sleeves, and a form fitting bodice that flares at the floor sweeping hem. She is fully lined and has a zipper at the back. She is composed of a mesh material that offers slight stretch. Her best feature is a beautiful scroll sequin design all over that reflects a beautiful red. 

    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: 05002-0310

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $37.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rosalind Mini Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Represent in our Rosalind! She features an off shoulder neckline, long sleeves and a short hem that hits mid thigh. She showcases a dazzling heat stone pattern that is here to shine! Rosalind offers slight stretch with a form fitting silhouette.

    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: 05001-0205

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Hayden Fancy Floral Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Show some romantic flair in our lovely Hayden! Her voluminous ball gown and beautiful floral prints will make you the center of attention! 

    Fits & Features 

    • Adjustable Shoulder Straps
    • Wire V Neckline I Lightly Padded Bust
    • Square Back With Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure
    • Hidden Hand Pockets 
    • Floor Length Hem I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat 
    • Woven Lined Fabric I Floral Prints Throughout 
    • Moderate Stretch 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0012

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Brielle Formal Floral Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the charm in radiating florals as you create a twirl-worthy moment in our Brielle satin dress! 

    Fit & Features

    • Plunging Wrap V-Neckline
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Tie-Waist Belt 
    • Floral Print 
    • Hidden Side Pockets | High Side Slit 
    • Lined Satin Fabric 
    • Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch 

     

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 26" waist and 38" hips. She is wearing a size 3. 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0432

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $45.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Raegan Formal Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the glitz and shine in our dazzling Raegan dress! She features a plunging V neckline, vertical princess seams along the bust, a double row of spaghetti straps, padded cups and a partially open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging midi length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins throughout. Dress offers a curve hugging fit with a minimal 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: 05001-0216

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lilith Off-Shoulder Sequin Evening Gown

    Special Occasion

    Shine above the rest in our Lilith sequin gown! She features an off shoulder bardot neckline, padded cups, a built in no slip strip, short sleeves, and a form fit. Her bodice leads to a horizontal hem line high waist and leads into a fitted skirt that flares to a floor sweeping hem. She is composed of a knit material with a beautiful sequin overlay with a  geometric shaped pattern all over.

    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: 05002-0313

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Almira Satin Wrap Evening Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Command the room when you walk in wearing the stunning Almira satin evening gown! She is an eye-catching piece that will have all heads turning your way babe!

    Fit & Features

    • Fold over V-neckline | Padded cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Cinched wrap waistline
    • Floor sweeping hemline
    • Dramatic slit detail | Unlined
    • Satin material | Moderate stretch
    • Hidden zipper center back + Hook and eye 

    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: 05002-0391

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $27.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rosanna Crepe A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make it a night to remember in our classically elegant Rosanna! 

    Fits & Features

    • Dual Spaghetti Straps Lead To Lace-Up Back
    • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Surplice, Padded V Neckline 
    • Slant Hand Pockets I Floor Length, A-Line Skirt With Front Slit 
    • Crepe Fabric I Fully Lined 
    • 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: 05002-0386

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Winona Heat Stone Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Take yourself out in our Winona mini dress! She is designed with a mock neckline, long sleeves, and beautifully designed heat stone embellishments. Her bodice is sheer where the stones show a scalloped deep v design and leads into a lined mini skirt. Her arms and upper back are sheer as well, and she has a zipper closure that leads from lower back to neck. She is composed of a mesh material that offers moderate stretch and from fitting silhouette. 

    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: 05001-0206

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alexa Velvet Wrap Dress

    Get wrapped up in the heat of the moment! Our short and classy Alexa 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. Alexa 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 back zipper closure. Complete look with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Wrap V-neckline
    • Long sleeves
    • Empire waist
    • Mini-length, wrap hem
    • Heat stones
    • Lined velvet fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0213

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale