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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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
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Brit Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in elegance as you captivate the room with our Brit dress!
Fits & Features
- Off Shoulder Neckline
- Wrap V Neck Bust I Built-In, No-Slip Strap
- Ruching Detail At Left Side Of Bust
- Sweeping Floor Length Wrap Silhouette With High Slit
- Lined Satin Composition
- Form Hugging Fit, Moderate Stretch
- Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At Back
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: 05002-0356
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nights Like This Sequin Peplum Jacket
Have a night to remember in sequins! Designed with a lightweight feel, a v neckline, and a simple hook and eye closure at the center. Sleeves are a blouson design which means that they are banded at the wrist and have a blousing of material over. There is a seam mid torso that leads into a flared peplum hemline and features a self tie belt. Composed of a knit material that is embellished with sequins, offering moderate stretch and form fit. This jacket is not for outerwear, but for when you trying to be a fancy babe and dress yourself up.
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 06204-0219
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $16.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adeline Formal Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in our Adeline formal satin dress! She is stunningly designed with tank straps, a v neckline, and a wrap bodice and skirt with horizontal pleated detailing. Her hem is a floor sweeping length and has a subtle slit at one side. She features a low back with a bar detail around the high shoulder and a zipper closure low back. She is composed of a satin like material that offers a slinky form fitting silhouette with moderate 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: 05002-0357
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maddie Formal Satin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Create a head-turning look in our sophisticated Maddie dress! Her A-line silhouette and pockets are a must!
Fit & Features
- Plunging Wrap V-Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- High Slit
- Hidden Side Pockets
- Open Lower Back
- Lined Satin
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0353
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adrienne Formal Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Stay sleek, and sexy in our Adrienne midi dress! She features off shoulder sleeves, and a sweetheart neckline with a wired v notch at the center. She has padded cups and straight princess seams at the cup area that offer flattering bust area. She offers a form fitting silhouette and her bodice meets skirt high waist with a horizontal seam detail. She has a zipper closure located mid back, as well as an additional hook and eye closure to make sure she stays in place all night. Her hem is mid length an hits mid calf, and she features a sexy side slit. She is composed of a satin material that offers a form fit with moderate stretch.
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: 05001-0244
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Annabeth Velvet Strapless Gown
Special Occasion
Make a remarkable first impression in our Annabeth gown! She is designed with a sweetheart neckline, a bow-like bodice with a small cut out detail below the cup area, and a form fitting silhouette that leads down to a floor sweeping hem. She is fully lined and has a wired boning down the sides of the bodice. She is composed of a velvet material adorned in glitter that reflects red. She offers moderate stretch. 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: 05002-0358
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nola Darling Satin Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Look oh-so-darling in our sleek satin Nola gown! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V-neckline, and spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy back design for a chic and stunning look. Her high waist seam elongates your silhouette and flares into a mermaid-style hem with a gorgeous train that sweeps the floor behind you. The dress is composed of a satin fabric and offers a moderate stretch. Complete your head-turning outfit with statement earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Open back, strappy design
- Lower back zipper closure
- Mermaid silhouette, long flowy train
- Satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1375
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Hattie Sequined High Neck Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzling details make our elegant navy crepe Hattie dress truly eye catching. She features a high neck, lace and mesh bodice with sequin detail, spaghetti straps, and single-button closure with cutout at nape of neck leading to a back zip. Her waist features crisscrossing solid crepe panels with mesh inserts leading to an A-line, inverted-pleat skirt with pockets at either hip. Hattie is fully lined and made from a mid-weight woven material with a touch of stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0024
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Karolina Caviar Beaded Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Playful yet polished, our shimmering skater-style Karolina dress will make a bold impression. She features a tank-style, deep V bodice with padded cups, hook-and-eye closure, a back cutout, and caviar beading atop a mesh overlay. Her A-line mini skirt features seam detailing, pockets at either hip, and a back zip. Karolina is fully lined and made from a crepe material with a hint of stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0031
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Gracie Formal Chiffon Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance in our timelessly breath taking Gracie dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and a ruched empire waist. Her relaxed fit bodice flows into a sweeping floor length silhouette. She is composed of a fully lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye closure.
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: 05002-0064
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Regina Formal Sequin And Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance as you reign the night in our Regina dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with a sheer unlined mesh inset, padded cups and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared skater length silhouette with a wide banded hem. Her all over floral lace with adorned with dazzling sequins throughout. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric and voluminous petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye closure.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0029
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Simone Satin Cowl Neck Gown
Special Occasion
Sleek and effortlessly sophisticated, our Simone gown stuns in its simplicity. Rendered in a rich red satin, she features adjustable, cross-back spaghetti straps, an elegant cowl neck bodice with back zip and hook-and-eye closure, and a long-line, curve-hugging slim skirt. Simone is made from a shiny woven material with ample stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0280
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nellie Deep V Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Go for glamour in our sleek and streamlined Nellie gown! She features an off-the shoulder neckline, a seamed bodice with back zip, a lightly padded bust, and V wire detail at center chest. Nell has a long, curve-hugging seamed skirt leading to a fluted, mermaid-style hem. She is made from a woven crepe material with moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0119
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Linley Sequined Surplice Midi Dress
Special OccasionLend your sparkle a distinctly sophisticated aura in our lovely Linley dress! She features all-over sequin embellishment, a surplice bodice with deep V neckline and back zip, long sleeves, and a curve-hugging midi-length pencil skirt with side slit at front. Linley is fully lined and made from a woven material with little to no stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0030
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nerissa Pleated Satin Gown
Special OccasionSophisticated and sleek, our satin Nerissa gown will elevate your evening look to elegant effect. She features adjustable cross-back spaghetti straps, a plunging V neck with pleating detail at bodice, and a long A-line skirt with back zip. Nerissa is fully lined and made from a smooth woven material with a touch of sheen and little to no 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: 05002-0146
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Arianne Lattice Back Chiffon Gown
Special OccasionSimply stunning, our diaphanous Arianne gown will have you floating on air. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, an off-the-shoulder neckline, a seamed sweetheart bodice with elegant lattice-tie back, and a full A-line skirt with a front slit and back zip. Arianne is made from a lightweight chiffon-like material with little to no stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0225
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katelyn Ruched Midi Dress
Chic and fab, the Katelyn ruched midi dress is a new go-to. She features a sleeveless bodice, a Y neck with halter straps, a knot detail, and a front keyhole cut out, and a square back with a zipper closure. Her high waist band leads to a curve hugging skirt with ruched side details and a mid-length hem. The dress is composed of a stretchy knit fabric with a pretty sheen.
Model is 5'8" 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: 05001-0238
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Diane Formal Satin Sleeveless Dress
Special OccasionEmbrace a sophisticated look in our luxe Diane dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, supportive padded cups and a square back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a flared hem. Dress is composed of sleek stretchy satin-like 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: 05002-0039
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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India Satin Tie Neck Gown
Special OccasionRegal and radiant, our India gown is streamlined yet sophisticated. She features a high collar with a tie that knots at the nape of the neck, a halter-style bodice with princess seams, lightly padded cups, and a back zip, and a full A-line skirt with a slit and pockets at either hip. India is fully lined and made from a smooth woven material with a subtle sheen and a hint of stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0061
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Gia Rhinestone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
We all know diamonds are a girl's best friend, shine in sparkling rhinestones in our glitzy Gia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a built in no slip strip, a plunging wired sweetheart neckline accented with a rhinestone embellished fringe and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye fasten 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: 05001-0241
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alana Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special OccasionSparkle and dazzle in our glam Alana dress! She features a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and light reflecting sequins adorned with pearl accents throughout. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Dress is lined with a form hugging smooth knit fabric. Includes a back zipper closure
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: 05001-0090
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jess Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
You're known for your moves—make 'em in our dynamite satin Jess dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamless sleeveless bodice with fold-over detail and back zip, and an A-line flared mini with pockets at either hip. Jess is made from a smooth, shiny material with moderate stretch.
Model is 5’7” with a 32” bust, 23” waist, and 34.5” hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0033
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance