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.

  • Abbi Taffeta Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Our beautiful taffeta sleeveless Abbi dress brings us back to vintage-inspired style! She features a round neckline, padded cups, a cut out at the Back as well as two zippers. One at the upper and one the lower back. Abbi is a perfect party length and has pockets! She has a lining with a tutu underneath, this gives the dress an elegant poof. One is never under dressed in a little black dress!

    Model is 5’9” with a 32” bust, 24.5 waist, and 35” hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0037

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Robin Formal Satin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    She's Sleek, and she's polished and we love! Designed with a strapless straight neckline, with a removable faux fur trim, a form fitting bodice and that has padded cups, and a horizontal stitching at the hem mid waist. Her bodice leads to skirt high waist and leads down to a mid calf length with a high slit feature. Dress is composed of a satin material that offers slight stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05001-0236

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Tonya Sequin Scroll Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    Glam it up and amplify your shine factor when you slip into our shimmering Tonya dress. She features all-over sequin embroidery atop a mesh overlay, an off-the-shoulder neckline, short sleeves, a bodice with back zip, and a gently pleated A-line skirt. Tonya is fully lined and made from a mesh polyester with little to no 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: 05001-0072

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Melanie Formal Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the sparkle with our enchanting Melanie dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, tank-like straps and a midi length silhouette  with a high side slit. The all over sequins are set in a captivating scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of mesh knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit.

    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: 05001-0237

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Feel The Heat Stone Dress
    Rich and sultry in plush velvet, this mini will raise the temperature in the room! Dress features a long-sleeve, deep V surplice bodice, curve-hugging wrap effect skirt, and gather detail through middle punctuated by rows of shimmering heat stones. Dress is composed of a lined velvet 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: 05001-4105

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • In Pocket Satin Cocktail Dress

    This satin cocktail mini just got a subtle makeover with one fave feature—pockets! Dress is fitted through the waist and features spaghetti straps, a deep V neckline, seam detail at bodice, a back zip, and a bubble hem. Dress is made from a shiny cotton-blend material and offers a hint of stretch. 

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0095

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sonya Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Slay the night away in our beautiful Sonya satin skater dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a built-in padded bust for support, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a cross-back lace-up design that lets you adjust the fit. Her short skater skirt is flowy enough to make some dance moves tonight! The short dress is composed of a satin-like woven fabric fabric that has a very flattering finish. Style this dress with sparkling earrings and classic block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline, front padding, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Criss-cross back design, tie closure
    • Empire waist, back elastic waistband, side pockets
    • Short fit and flare silhouette
    • Luxe satin woven fabric, lightweight woven lining, no stretch
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0333

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Plus Samantha Wrap Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Wrap yourself with elegance as you sparkle under the spotlight in our enchanting Samantha dress! She features a wrap V neckline, long sleeves and an asymmetrical mini length silhouette. She is adorned with dazzling heat stones throughout to highlight your best angles for those special moments! She is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1X

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0039

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Payson Embroidered Chiffon Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Feel like a princess on your special day! Our Payson does just that. She features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a sleeveless bodice that has a lace up detailing at the back, and a wired corset structure that is delicately embroidered with rhinestone accents. Her skirt meets mid high waist and features a ball gown design composed of a chiffon material that offers a lightweight flow. Dress is lined.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0454

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $209.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marie Strapless Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make your night a regal affair as you radiate a look fit for a Queen in our timelessly gorgeous Marie dress! She features a bodice with a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her slim fit bodice leads to a satin ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets, a petticoat and pleating details. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0526

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Miryam Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our Miryam is a subtle attraction. She is modest with a slight sex appeal that shows just enough. With a high neckline that is sheer, and sweetheart neckline underlay. Sleeveless and fitted, this gown has a long hem that hits ankle length, and features a mid thigh slit. She is composed of a crepe scuba material that offers moderate stretch. The star of the show, an intricate floral embroidery down the center if the bodice.

    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: 05002-5418

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Elinor Studded Cocktail Dress

    Special Occasion

    Put some sparkle in your step with the Elinor—a cocktail dress that shimmers as you walk. She features a V neckline, back zip, side slit, and vertical rows of rhinestones from top to bottom. Elinor is lined and made from a soft, moderately stretchy, mesh tulle-like fabric.

    Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist, and 52" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0044

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Arielle Heat Stone Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle under the lights as you make an entrance in the ever charming Arielle dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and supportive tank-like shoulder straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette. She shines from all your best angles with her heat stone accents. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0043

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Oriana Off-Shoulder Gown
    Special Occasion

    They say nothing beats a classic, and our Oriana crepe gown checks all the formal wear boxes and then some! She features a curve-hugging cut, an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, seam detail at bodice and skirt, a back zip, and a high front slit. Oriana is made from a mid-weight crepe-like material and offers a hint of stretch.

    Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0128

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Piper Ruched Open Back Gown
    Special Occasion

    Dazzle from every angle in our sleek, effortlessly chic pink jersey Piper gown! She features a rounded neckline with back tie at nape of neck, an open back, long sleeves, a long slim skirt, and ruching detail at sleeve hems, rear, and hips. Piper is partially lined, slips on, and she's made from a jersey material with a touch of stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6779

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Seductive And Slinky Maxi Dress
    Get seductive in this slinky maxi dress. This black dress features a round neckline , a sleeveless bodice and an attached belt with a gold detail. This long dress is comprised of a ribbed material that offers moderate stretch and side slit.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 06005-0107

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $4.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Renée Lace-Up Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Go for gorgeous and get noticed in our stunning burgundy satin Renée gown. She features a seamed bodice with round neckline, double spaghetti straps leading to a lace-up tie back, and a long, A-line skirt with a high side slit. Renée is made from a smooth, shiny satin-like material with ample stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0158

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sandrine Keyhole Satin Gown
    Special Occasion

    Rendered in a rich emerald-green satin, our Sandrine gown pulls out all the stops. She features a seamed bodice with a high, halter-style neckline, zipper and crisscross straps at back, plunging deep V keyhole detail at front, and a long, gently fluted skirt with a high side slit. Sandrine is fully lined and made from a soft, shiny woven material with ample stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0157

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Emilia Draped Satin Gown

    Shine like a rare gem in our gorgeous satin Emilia gown. She features a slim-line silhouette, spaghetti straps, a V neck seamed bodice, back zipper, a draped panel with side gather detail at waist, and a gently fluted hem. Emilia is fully lined and made from a soft woven material with ample stretch. Complete look with a faux fur wrap. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Draped panel at waist
    • Trumpet silhouette
    • Lined smooth woven fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1290

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mariel Off Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion

    Stun in style and show off some of your best features in our Mariel dress.

    Fits & Features

    • Off Shoulder Neckline
    • Surplice V Bodice
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
    • Fitted Skirt With Gathered Wrap Detail At Hip I High, Asymmetrical Side Slit
    • Woven Crepe Fabric I Fully Lined
    • Moderate Stretch 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0133

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Dara Sequin Scroll Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    Seriously up your sparkle factor in our shimmering mesh Dara dress. She features an all-over sequined scroll design, a high neck with two-button closure, a halter-style bodice with open back, and an A-line skirt with back zip. Dara is fully lined and made from a mesh blend with little to no 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: 05001-0038

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Jaslynn Formal Plunging Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a one of a kind statement in our bold Jaslynn dress! She features a royal blue hue, a plunging V neckline with pleating details the bust and a matching plunging back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that brings plenty of flare! Dress is composed of a stretchy smooth knit fabric. 

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05002-0108

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Angie Formal Lattice Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Brighten the room with a confident glow as you make an entrance in our head turning Angie dress! She features a yellow hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, princess seams, spaghetti straps, an empire waist accent and an open back with lattice straps. Her slim fit bodice lead to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a double lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes an additional mini skirt length lining.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05002-0093

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Leandra Satin Skater Dress
    Special Occasion

    Hit the dance floor and take our satin Leandra for a twirl! She features a skater-style silhouette, a seamed bodice with deep V neckline, crisscross spaghetti straps with lace-up ties, a back zip with cutout detail, and a flowy A-line skirt. Leandra is fully lined and made from a smooth, shiny woven material with a touch of 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: 05001-0049

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale