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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Valencia Formal Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Make a lasting impression in our Valencia! She is uniquely designed with an asymmetrical neckline, one long sleeve, and one sleeveless tank strap. Her bodice is fitted and leads down to a mid length hemline, and a high thigh slit. She has a zipper closure located center back with a hook and eye closure to keep her securely in place. She is composed of a crepe material and is fully lined offering moderate stretch and a form fitting silhouette.
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: 05001-0260
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tessa Formal Sleeveless Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the shine to your evening with our shimmering Tessa dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with padded cups and spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that brings the flare! Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a 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: 05002-0369
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Camryn Sweetheart Long Gown
Special Occasion
Start off your special night with the perfect attire. Introducing our Camryn, designed with a deep sweetheart neckline, off shoulder sleeves, and a form fitting silhouette. The ruching down the center gives a flattering curve hugging detail and shows a high slit up the center. Her hem is floor sweeping and she is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch.
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: 05002-0375
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Khloe Long Glitter Formal Gown
Special Occasion
Have a sparkling night in our Khloe! She is designed with a v-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a criss-cross back, and an empire waist seam. She has a form fitting slim silhouette that leads down to a floor sweeping mermaid hemline. She is composed of a knit material that offers moderate stretch and is embellished with glitter that reflects red throughout! Glitter may transfer.
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: 05002-0370
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kaitlin Long Glitter Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Have a magical night in our glittering Kaitlin evening gown! She is designed with flattering seams that have been created to flatter all women!
Fit & Features
- V-neckline | Spaghetti straps
- Cinched wrap waist
- Long hemline
- Dramatic center slit
- Glitter lurex material
- Moderate stretch
- Zipper not included
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0373
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Audrina Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Come through with head-turning shine as you shimmy the night away in our sequined Audrina midi dress!
Fit & Features
- High Round Neckline
- Cap Sleeves
- Draped Cowl Back
- High Side Slit
- Sequins
- Lined Mesh | Minimal Stretch
- Side Zipper Closure
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: 05001-0261
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Off The Clock Sequin Blazer Dress
Take this one off the clock and out an about! Wear open as a jacket, or close it and wear as a dazzlin' dress!
Fit & Features
- Collared neckline
- 3/4 Sleeves
- Fully lined
- Mid-length
- Over-sized fit
- Single snap closure
- Sequin + glitter outer
Style Number/Barcode: 06204-0243
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $23.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Neann Open Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle from all your best angles with our Neann dress! She features a high round neckline, fitted long sleeves and an open back with a lower back bar strap accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined glitter mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Zipper not included.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0368
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cathy Formal Metallic Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself with dazzling shine as you captivate them all in our Cathy dress! She features a sleeveless wrap V-neckline, spaghetti straps, ruching, a high off-center slit that shows off plenty of leg, and a wrap silhouette that embraces curves. The dress is composed of a glitter lurex fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with chrome heels.
Fits & Features
- Sleeveless wrap V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Ruching, high off-center slit
- High waist, wrap silhouette
- Metallic glitter lurex fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0366
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kaliyah Formal High Slit Lurex Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and shimmer in this off-the-shoulder gown for your next formal event. Make a stunning entrance in this floor-length A-line dress with shimmery lurex fabric that wraps perfectly around the waist in a surplice off-the-shoulder bodice. Indulge in a twirly-worthy moment in this A-line-shaped skirt accented with a side high slit detail for a flirty reveal of your gorgeous legs. Complete your formal look with sparkly rhinestone jewelry and matching glitter heels for the perfect finishing touches.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Wrap-style bust
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Glitter Lurex knit fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0060
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sachelly Two Piece Dress
Make memories in our unique Sachelly two piece skater dress! She features a crop top that showcases a V neckline and halter style straps that lead to a beautiful bow detail at the back. She is composed of a glitter lace material that has a smooth inner lining, padded inserts and a scalloped trim. Skirt is high waisted, skater style, and is composed of a satin like material that has a beautiful flow to it. Skirt has a hidden zipper closure at the back.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0006
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Amari Heat Stone One Shoulder Midi Dress
Special Occasion
With an effortlessly shine and a seamless silhouette, Amari is all about elegance. She'll certainly be a conversation starter the moment you enter any room!
Fits & Features
- One-Shoulder Neckline
- Ruching Detail Along The Sides
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Fully Lined Mesh Knit Fabric With Heat Stones Embellishments
- Curve-Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0251
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Julissa Knot Front Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and glitter like the night sky in our statement Julissa!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline With Twist Front Design
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Ruching Along The Sides & Center Back
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Fully Lined, Mesh Knit Fabric With Heat Stone Embellishments All Over
- Curve Hugging Fit With Ample 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: 05001-0249
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Karen Satin Wrap Formal Gown
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in elegance tonight when you slip into our Karen gown! She is designed with a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable, padded cups, and a surplice bodice with fold over trim. Her bodice leads to a high waist line that has a gathering at one side and the start of a long skirt that wraps over. Her skirt leads to a floor sweeping length and she features a high slit at the center which gives access to move around freely and comfortably. She is lined at the bust and has a zipper closure at the back with a hook and eye closure that keeps her in place all night!
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: 05002-0364
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kay Formal Lace Up Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Lace up in luxe satin as you create a mesmerizing impression in our captivating Kay dress!
Fit & Features
- Square Neckline
- Padded Cups
- Spaghetti Straps
- Lace Up Back
- High Side Slit
- Lined Satin
- Curve Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0365
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Roselyn Floral Romance Dress
Special OccasionFeel like the ultimate princess in this royally romantic floor length chiffon dress. It features a V-neckline and a tie at waist. Long sleeves include a three gold button cuff.
*Also available in Plus. ,,Model is 5'9" 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: 05002-3289
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cleo Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in our Cleo dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, shoulder strap accents, a plunging V neckline and a partial open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette. Dress is composed of an airy chiffon fabric.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0456
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $77.97 $209.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Graceann Open Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Wow them all with our dazzling Graceann dress! She features a plunging V neckline with a knotted detail, a long fitted sleeves, a single button closure at the nape of the neck and an open back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined glitter mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a 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: 05002-0362
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Danya Scuba Floral A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Sway and sashay your way around the dance floor with our beautiful Danya! Her delicate floral prints add a flirty feminine touch.
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline I Princess Seams
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At The Back
- A-Line, Floor Length Hem I High Slit At The Front
- Smooth Scuba Knit Fabric With Floral Prints Throughout
- Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0355
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Faith Formal Midi Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Make a graceful entrance in captivating lace! Faith features a bright yellow hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, padded cups, a cinching ribbon belt and a midi length. Dress is composed of a lined fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0193
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maliya Long Slim Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Introducing our stunning Maliya dress! She is designed with a high boat neckline, long sleeves, a slim form fitting silhouette with a horizontal seam mid waist that leads to a floor sweeping hemline. She features a high slit cut out at one side that showcases a sparkling rhinestone detailing, includes a zipper closure mid back, and is composed of a satin material that offers a form fit with moderate stretch and includes a full lining.
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: 05002-0361
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Enya Velvet Glitter Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Our Enya gown is a dream come true! She features a straight neckline with off shoulder straps, and an overlapping trim. She has a form fitting bodice that leads to a horizontal seam mid waist and flares into a floor sweeping mermaid hem as well as a dramatic slit at one side. Lastly she is composed of form fitting velvet material that offers moderate stretch and showcases twinkling red glitter throughout!
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: 05002-0359
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Gabi Satin A-Line Gown
Special Occasion
Spin and twirl in our gorgeous Gabi gown! The best part? She comes with pockets!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Slant Hand Pockets
- A-Line, Floor Length Lined Skirt
- Satin-Like Composition
- Relaxed, Form Fitting I Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0360
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Juliana Open Back Heat Stone Dress
Special Occasion
Shine bright like the star you are in our gleaming Juliana dress!
Fits & Features
- High round neckline
- Fitted long sleeves
- Open back with bar strap accent
- Mini length silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric with glitzy heat stones throughout
- Form hugging fit with slight stretch
- Zipper not included
Model is 5'8" 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: 05001-0242
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance