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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Kristen Satin A-Line Evening Gown
Special Occasion
You are simply stunning in our satin Kristen gown! Radiate elegance all night long when you step out in this beautifully designed evening dress!
Fit & Features
- Modest V-neckline
- Back zipper with hook & eye closure
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Fitted bodice
- High waist A-line skirt I Pleated details
- High slit detailing
- Midweight satin | Minimal stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0400
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kyra Glitter Long Slim Gown
Special Occasion
Keep it truly classy in our Kyra! She is designed with a high boat neckline, long sleeves, and a draping cowl back-line with a criss cross strap detailing. She has a slim form fitting silhouette with a horizontal seam mid waist, that leads to a floor sweeping hemline. She is composed of a mesh material that is embellished with glitter all over and offers moderate stretch. She is fully lined.
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: 05002-0406
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kaia Satin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Step right into the spotlight with our beautiful Kaia!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps Cross At Back & Lace-Up
- Square Neckline I Padded Bust
- Hidden Hand Pockets I Back Zipper
- Floor Length Hemline
- Flowy, A-Line Silhouette I Slit At Front
- Satin-Like Fabric
- Form Hugging
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: 05002-0403
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maple Pleated Satin Cross Back Dress
Special Occasion
Crafted from a lightweight satin fabric, our gorge Maple will have eyes trailing your every move! A deep plunge neckline falls right into her flowy floor-length hem. Her pretty sheen finish creates an everlasting glow that can be seen from miles away!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Lightly Padded Bust
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Sweeping Floor-Length Hemline I Pleating Details
- Satin-Like Fabric With Pretty Sheen Finish I Partial, Mini Length Lining
- 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: 05002-0404
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lucy Formal Satin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxe satin as you make a head-turning impression in our classically gorgeous Lucy dress!
Fit & Features
- Plunging Wrap V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Lined Satin Fabric
- A-Line Silhouette | Pockets
- Pleats
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'6" with a 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: 05002-0399
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $57.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Lianne Floral Skirt And Top
Special Occasion
Perk up classically elegant florals with a little sparkle-dusted lace in our lovely Lianne skirt and top set. She features a glitter-embellished tank-style top with lace crochet overlay, a lightly padded bust, and a rounded neck that closes with a single button at nape of neck. Taffeta-style floral skirt has an A-line silhouette and features a back zip and a double-layer curved hem. Lianne has a partially lined tank and a fully lined skirt with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0046
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nohemi Open Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
All eyes will fall on you in our stunning Nohemi! Take everyone's breath away as you make your way across the room.
Fits & Features
- High Neckline
- Long Fitted Sleeves
- Open Back With Bar Accent I Button Closure At Nape Of Neck
- Slim Fit Bodice I Floor-Length Hemline
- Glitter Knit Fabric
- Curve-Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
- Glitter May Transfer
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0383
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Heather Formal Heat Stone Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle as you dazzle in our metallic Heather dress! Her glitzy heat stones are complemented with luxe pearls for a super glam look!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- Heat Stones
- Gemstones
- Ruched
- Lined Mesh
- Form 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: 05001-0269
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cami Formal Velvet and Pearl Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe in velvet as you wow in our Cami dress!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross-Straps
- Pearl Waist Trim
- Lined Velvet
- High Side Slit
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0384
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nadine Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Stand out in sequins as you wow them all in our Nadine sequin dress!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline I Padded Cups
- Spaghetti Straps
- Midi Length Silhouette With Split At Center Back
- Lined Mesh Fabric With Sequins Throughout
- 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: 05001-0265
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Rianna One Shoulder Heat Stone Dress
Special Occasion
Light up the night with dazzling heat stones as you wow in our Rianna dress!
Fit & Features
- One Shoulder Neckline
- Ruched Side Seam
- Heat Stones
- Lined Mesh
- Midi Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0268
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kayley Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Have a night to remember in our Kayley! She features a wired deep v neckline, double adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a criss-cross back, padded cups, and a fully lined form-fitting silhouette that offers a moderate stretch. She has a zipper located center back and is composed of a mesh material that is adorned in sequins! Her hem hits mid-length and she features a small slit at the back. Complete look with a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Wired V-neckline with padded cups
- Double row adjustable spaghetti straps
- Criss-cross back
- Sequins
- Midi length silhouette with small center slit at the back
- Fully lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0262
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Arielle Geometric Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Shine at all your soirees in our gorgeous Arielle midi dress!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Lace Up At The Back
- Midi Length Silhouette With Thigh High Slit
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Shimmering Geometric Sequins Throughout
- 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: 05001-0266
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sarina High Slit Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Highlight your beauty with our mesmerizing Sarina dress! You'll illuminate every room!
Fits & Features
- Bungee Shoulder Straps Leads To Racerback Design With Zip Closure
- Plunging V Neckline
- Slim Fit Bodice
- Midi Length Silhouette With Thigh-High Slit
- Fully Lined Mesh Fabric With Sequins Throughout
- 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: 05001-0264
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sequin Mesh Midi Dress
'Tis the season for extra glam! Jaws will drop when you enter the room in this elegant and sexy midi.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Sweetheart Neckline I Molded, Padded Cups
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Geometric Patterned Sequins
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0297
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $62.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Zora Formal Satin Dress
Special Occasion
All eyes will definitely fall on you as you make your way to the dance floor in our lovely Zora!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps I Wrapped V Neckline With Fold Over Detail
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Ruching Along The Front
- Slim Fit Bodice I Floor Length Wrap Skirt With Thigh-High Slit
- Smooth Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
- Body-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0378
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Peyton Off Shoulder Lace Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Channel your inner princess in our darling Peyton! Onlookers will do a doubletake once that light hits the glittering bodice and skirt.
Fits & Features
- Scalloped Off Shoulder Neckline
- Glitter Mesh Bodice I Unlined At The Back
- Slim-Banded Waist
- Elongated, Floor-Length Crepe Skirt I Glitter Mesh Panel At The Back
- Curve Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
- Glitter May Transfer
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: 05002-0385
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tawny Formal Satin Pleated Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the drama in our twirl-worthy Tawny dress! Her pleats and pockets give her an extra glam detail!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Adjustable Cross-Straps
- Empire Waist
- Pleated Full Length Silhouette
- Side Pockets
- Satin
- Relaxed Fit | 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: 05002-0381
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Faye Lace Up Back Satin Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be falling for Faye's luxe satin and loving her exquisite silhouette!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Scoop Neckline I Princess Seams
- Elongated, Floor Length Wrap Skirt I Front Slit
- Stretch Satin Fabric
- Form-Hugging Fit
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: 05002-0379
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vianney Formal Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Stunning and exquisite, our Vianney will make both an entrance...and an exit!
Fits & Features
- Plunging Wrap V Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Side Seam Hand Pockets
- Floor Sweeping Hemline I Full Skirt
- Satin Fabric & Lining
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0377
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $57.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aerin Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Have a night to remember in our Aerin! She features a boat neckline, long sleeves, and a sexy low back with a zipper closure. She is fully lined and composed of a mesh material that offers a form fitting silhouette and slight stretch. Her mid length hemline hits mid calf, and she features a high slit at one side that makes her easy to walk and dance in! She showcases a beautiful sequin swirling pattern throughout that gives an elegant finish!
Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05001-0267
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $27.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kassidy Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Fall in love with our elegant Kassidy!
Fits & Features
- Mesh, Off Shoulder Neckline With Fold Over Accent
- Unlined, Fitted, Ruched Long Sleeves
- Crepe Crafted Bodice I Floor Length Wrap Skirt
- Fully Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0372
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Danica Long Formal Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Danica gown! She has a little edge, she has a little sex appeal, and she has a lot of intricate detailing!
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline
- Deep V notch | Padded cups
- Crepe
- Side slit
- Long hemline
- Back keyhole cut out I Adjustable self-ties
- Fitted silhouette | Moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0371
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vada Lace-Up Formal Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Create a polished yet sexy look for yourself in our Vada! She features a wired deep v neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up back detail and a lower back zipper closure with a hook and eye to keep her in place. Bodice is designed with a gathered pleating at the bust, and leads down to a mid length hemline and a high slit at one side. She is fully lined and composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch and a form 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: 05001-0259
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free