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.

  • Eloise Ruffle Trim Gown
    Special Occasion

    Rendered in vibrant crepe, our head-turning Eloise gown will garner second—and third—glances! She features a high neck, back zip, single dramatic ruffle shoulder, a seamed bodice, and a slim-line, godet-style skirt. Eloise is unlined 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: 05002-0046

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Vaughan Chiffon Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Introducing our Vaughan Chiffon Gown! She is a beautiful floor length hunter green dress, her relaxed bodice features a v-neckline, spaghetti straps, and an overlapped cup. Spaghetti straps lead to a self tie closure at the top, a zipper closure below, and a ruffled keyhole cut out. The skirt of the gown meets high waist and has an overlapping effect, the skirt is floor length and flowy. She includes a full body smooth inner lining from cup to floor. She is composed of a chiffon like material that offers a breezy flow.

    Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0016

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Antoinette Formal Luxe Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a sophisticated entrance in our breathtaking Antoinette dress! She features a rich purple hue, a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neck and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-0048

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rhiannon One-Shoulder Satin Long Dress
    Special Occasion


    Create a strikingly gorgeous formal look in this one-shoulder long satin dress. Captivate in this eye-catching design with a one-strap detail made with luxurious stretch satin for a curve-huffing fit and accented with a revealing side slit. Make a stunning entrance in this long formal dress styled with sparkly rhinestone jewelry and matching heels for a dazzling picture-perfect look.

    Fit & Features

    • Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, dual spaghetti straps
    • High waist seam, side slit
    • Floor-length A-line silhouette
    • Luxe satin fabrication
    • Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0051

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Leandra Open Back Gown
    Special Occasion

    Seriously stunning in a fabulous crepe, our Leandra dress ups the ante on sleek sophistication. She features a tank-style bodice with seams at bust, an open back, and a V-shaped low dip with structured boning anchored by ruching at rear. Slim-line skirt flares gently at hem. Leandra is unlined and made from a mid-weight woven material with moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0043

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lynne Formal Sleeveless Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an entrance they'll never forget in our head turning Lynne dress! She features a vibrant coral hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and tank-like straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-0092

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Yelena Chiffon Slit Gown
    Special Occasion

    Elegant and ethereal, our chiffon Yelena gown is simply stunning. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neck surplice bodice, back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a full, wrap-style skirt with front slit. Yelena is fully lined and made from a lightweight woven material with little to no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0011

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ilana Satin Column Gown

    Special Occasion

    Streamlined in design and simply stunning on you, our satin Ilana gown is effortlessly sophisticated. She features a seamed, deep V bodice with darting at bust and a back zip, and a long, straight, curve-hugging slim skirt. Ilana is fully lined and made from a shiny satin fabric with ample stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0052

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lily Bonded Velvet Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    A rich ruby-red hue and gorgeous bonded velvet texture lend our Lily dress its effortless elegance. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a seamed bodice with back zip, and a gently pleated A-line skirt with pockets. Lily is fully lined and made from a thick, heavier-weight velvet material with a touch of stretch.

    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: 05001-0000

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Venus Mesh Heat Stone Gown
    Special Occasion

    Radiate the shine of a thousand diamonds in our dazzling mesh Venus gown. She features a twisted single-strap shoulder, and all-over round, square, and oval-shaped heat stones in a diagonal pattern at bust and though waist and in a vertical pattern from approximately below the knee to the bottom of the asymmetric hem. Venus is fully lined and made from a soft, mesh-blend material with plenty of 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: 05001-4147

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rowan Floral Chiffon Formal Dress
    Special Occasion

    Floaty and feminine, our diaphanous burgundy Rowan dress is perfect for warm-weather special occasions. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neck and back, crisscross ties at waist, zipper closure, and a gently pleated, semi-lined modified A-line skirt. Chiffon-like fabric is semi sheer from mid-thigh to hem and offers little to no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0006

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marlena Glitter Formal Gown
    Special Occasion

    You already sparkle—now it's time to really shine in the glitter-adorned Marlena! She has an asymmetrical, over-the-shoulder strap, a sweetheart neckline, back zipper, and a mermaid hem. Marlena is made from a soft, moderately stretchy knit material. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6766

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Diandra Crepe High Low Gown
    Special Occasion

    Stand out in style in our eye-catching crepe Diandra gown. She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a seamed, scalloped V bodice with light padding, an elasticized back with zip closure, and a gently pleated, A-line high-low skirt. Diandra is fully lined and made from a mid-weight woven material with some stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6789

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Paige Formal High Slit Taffeta Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make an impression they will never forget in the wowing Paige dress! She radiates elegance with her V neckline with padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatic floor length taffeta skirt accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined combination crepe and taffeta fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a 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: 05002-6755

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alicia Lace Crepe Mermaid Gown
    Special Occasion

    Beautiful and bold, our Alicia gown makes an elegant evening statement. She features a V neck seamed bodice, open back with two lace panels and single button closure, and a curve-hugging skirt with back zip, front slit, and dramatic mermaid hem. Alicia is fully lined and made from a mid-weight crepe material with moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0010

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Samantha Sequin Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle on the dance floor in our beautiful Samantha Sequin Formal Dress! This angelic gown features a round neckline, a slim fit bodice, satin-like double spaghetti straps that cross in the back into a lace up detailing. She has a lower back cut out, as well as a short zipper at the lower back area. She is comprised of  a sequin triangle patterned mesh material that offers minimal stretch and has a natural colored smooth inner lining.

    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: 05002-0042

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Gloria Glitter Mini Dress
    Special Occasion

    You shine naturally, but a little extra sparkle never hurt. Take our glitter-bonded Gloria mini for a spin! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamed V bodice with lightly padded cups, back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a gently pleated, A-line skirt with pockets at either hip. Gloria is lined and made from a woven material with little to no stretch.

    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: 05001-4144

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Naomi Formal Top & Skirt Set
    Special Occasion

    You love a classic gown, but sometimes a special occasion calls for something a little extra special—like our Naomi crop and skirt set! She features a partially lined, heat stone-embellished scoop neck mesh top with key hole detail and single-button closure. Top is sheer above the bust line. Her A-line taffeta skirt features a dramatic high side slit, hidden side pockets to keep your essentials close to you and a back zipper. Naomi is made from a nylon blend with a touch of stretch.

    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: 05006-0523

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kelly Off The Shoulder Formal Dress

    Draw them in with your stunning beauty in our gorgeous Kelly off the shoulder dress! She features an off the shoulder fold over neckline, a lined and padded bust, a high waist and seam detailing, an exposed back zipper closure, and an elongating floor length skirt. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch and a flattering, form hugging fit.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6752

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ayla Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an entrance they'll never forget in the wowing Ayla dress! She features a wrap V neckline with pleating detailing and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice features a narrow waist band accent that leads to a floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6753

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Colette Satin Wrap Gown
    Special Occasion

    Steal the show while making moves in our effortlessly elegant, satin Colette gown. She features a pleated deep V bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps and back zip, and a long, slim wrap-effect skirt skirt with a front slit and drape detail at waist. Louisa is fully lined and made from a shiny satin material with ample stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6765

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kali Satin Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion

    Wrap yourself in elegance as you bring the shine to the evening in our glam Kali dress! She features a rich burgundy color, a daring wrap V neckline, fitted long sleeves and a narrow waistband seam accent. Her waist leads to an asymmetrical mini length silhouette that reaches a mid-thigh length. The gold heat stones are set in a vertical stripe pattern to flatter curves. Dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4122

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Emilia Sequin Midi Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine the night away wearing our Emilia Sequin dress! She offers a slanted neckline with one long sleeve shoulder and a cut out detail across the chest area. She has a zip back and a sexy side slit. She is covered in sequins down to the mid-length hemline and includes a smooth inner lining. Her wine toned sequin material offers minimal stretch but maximum sparkle!

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4127

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alicia Formal Sleeveless Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance in our sleek Alicia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, a bar strap accent and a midi length silhouette. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4128

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free