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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Emma Seamed Crepe Mermaid Gown
Special OccasionAnswer the siren call in our stunning Emma mermaid dress! She features a halter-style neck with two-button closure, a padded deep V bodice with mesh insert at bust, seam detail, and V back, a banded waist with back zip, and a curve-hugging seamed skirt with fluted mermaid hem. Emma is made from a mid-weight woven crepe with moderate 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: 05002-0113
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Blanca Formal Sequin Halter Gown
Special OccasionBring the white heat in Blanca, a showstopping sequined gown with plenty of sizzle. She features a dramatic, choker-style high neck, open back, a sequined mesh overlay, and zipper closure. Blanca is a bodycon style through the bodice and hips with a gently fluted lower portion, pooling at the hem.
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: 05002-6492
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Allison Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special OccasionMake an entrance they'll never forget in our breath taking Allison dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a plunging wired V bust, an unlined mesh inset and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length wrap silhouette. Dress 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: 05002-6635
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Graciela Heat Stone Tulle Gown
Special OccasionEthereal and enchanting, our Graciela gown is a true showstopper! She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a deep V, seamed lace-effect bodice with heat stone overlay, and a full, A-line tulle skirt with a front slit. Open back with zipper closure and full lining. Graciela is made from a soft woven fabric through the bodice and with a mesh tulle through the skirt with little to no stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6710
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jess Off The Shoulder Dress
You're known for your moves—make 'em in our dynamite midnight blue 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 5’9” 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: 05001-0002
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Stunning In Silver Formal Dress
You are a stunner doll! And this is the dress to prove it. Featuring a high halter style neckline, a sleeveless bodice, and a keyhole cut out at the breast. This mini dress is fully lined with a smooth inner material. Dress has a long zipper from lower back to neck, and is composed of a knit fabric that offers a form fitting silhouette with maximum stretch. The pattern of the fabric is adorned with a vertical stitching and all over gemstones. The hem of the dress hits mid thigh.Model is 5'11 with a 42" bust, 35" waist and 49" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0042
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tatianna Floral Gown
Special Occasion
Make it special in the Tatianna gown! She features a straight neckline, padded cups, off shoulder sleeves, and a zipper closure at the back. Bodice is fitted and comosed of a nylon material that offers moderate stretch. Bodice meets skirt high waist with a ribbon accent and flows out with an A-line design. Dress has a mini skirt lining and skirt is composed of a taffeta material that showcases a floral pattern and a sheen finish. Best of all dress includes pockets!
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: 05002-0233
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rebecca Party Pleated Dress
Special OccasionGet the party started in the Rebecca dress! She features a square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that are detachable, padded cup inserts, as well as non slip strip lined at the neckline that helps support the dress to stay up and not slide down. She also has vertical wiring at both sides of each breast of the bodice. The bodice meets the skirt at high waist and is pleated to offer a flowy effect with a hem that hits just above your knees. The best part of all, she has pockets! The backside of this dress has a hidden zipper and the back line is straight with an elasticity for a little stretch. This dress is composed of a satin like material that has a beautiful sheen to it.
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: 05001-0001
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jessie Glitter Tulle Party Dress
Special OccasionBe the highlight of the night in our navy blue Jessie dress! She is made of a tulle fabric that features beautiful glitter accents, and includes a V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a satin belt detail and a fun mini skirt. Dress is fully lined and includes a back zipper closure. Dress is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
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: 05001-4145
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ria Formal High Slit Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate them all as you make a head-turning entrance in our Ria dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline with ruched off-shoulder strap accents, a slim-fit bodice that leads to a curve-hugging floor-length silhouette, and a ruched off-center high slit detail. The dress is composed of a double-lined smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete your stunning look in sparkly heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless off-the-shoulder neckline, strap accents
- Strapless bra recommended
- Slim-fit bodice, ruching, high-cut side slit
- Curve-hugging floor-length silhouette
- Double-lined knit fabric
- Moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0034
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Pearly Perfect Mini Dress
This dress is pearly perfect in our eyes! With a fitted bodice , a scoop neck, and long sleeves, this dress is adorned in pearl and rhinestone embellishments. The back of the dress has a low U shaped back with a white zipper closure. The piece is composed of a mesh material and a smooth inner lining that offers moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye clasp closure.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: 05001-4134
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brady Beaded Mini Dress
Special OccasionMeet our Beaded Brady Mini Dress! She features a sleeveless bodice with a high mesh scoop neckline overlay, an inner sweetheart neckline, and beautiful swirl floral leaf embroidery adorned in reflective beading throughout the dress. She has a smooth inner lining as well as a long zipper that leads from lower back up to nape, also a sheer upper back. She is composed of a mesh net like material overlay and a smooth inner fabric underneath. Offering a curve hugging fit, and party ready mini length silhouette with minimal stretch.
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: 05001-4138
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sami Sequin And Lace Party Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in the ever so glam Sami dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, a floral lace bodice and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a double layered skater length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined lace and crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0035
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jana Rhinestone Party Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and charm them all in our lovely Jana dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, a double row of adjustable spaghetti straps and vertical princess seams on the bust. Her waist features a sparkling rhinestone trim that leads to a party length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets and pleating details. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining and a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0008
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Daria Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe in our captivating Daria dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and vertical princess seams to accent the bust. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye fasten closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0150
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Cintra Mesh Tulle Bustier Gown
Special Occasion
You've always dared to bare—especially at night! Consider our decidedly sultry Cintra dress for your next evening out. She features a sheer mesh bustier bodice with a cut-out back, a satin trim detail, hook and eye closures, and lined underwire cups attached to gold-tone chain link and adjustable spaghetti straps. Cintra has a zip-up tulle overlay skirt atop a black underlay with two sexy front slits. She is made from a mesh blend with little to no stretch. Pair this dress with gold statement earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh bustier bodice
- Cut out back with hook and eye closures
- Built-in bust support, no bra required
- Gold-tone chain link straps
- Zip-up tulle overlay skirt
- Black underlay, two front slits
- A-line silhouette, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0126
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Donna Chiffon Deep V Gown
Special OccasionYou never shy away from statement dressing—and our gorgeous Donna gown proves no exception! Rendered in a bold, black and marigold abstract print, Donna features adjustable spaghetti straps leading to a cross back, a deep V bodice with pleat detail at bust, a banded waist with back zip and hook-and-eye closure, and an A-line skirt. Dress is partially lined and made from a float-y, chiffon-like material with little to no stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0164
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dionne Strapless Column Wrap Gown
Special OccasionStreamlined, sexy, and positively made for making moves, our dynamite Dionne dress will get you going. She features a strapless, seamed sweetheart bodice with middle mesh panel and flexible wire boning at bust. Wrap-style slim skirt ends in a small side slit. Dionne is made from a mid-weight nylon blend with ample stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0125
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tammy Taffeta Lace And Layers Dress
Special OccasionSwitch up the formal scene with this fun formal dress! Our navy blue Tammy dress features a V neckline with spaghetti straps that lead to a stunning lace back, an exposed lower back, hidden side pockets and a flirty double layered mini skirt. She is made from a taffeta fabric that offers a structured look with a hint of sheen. She includes two back zippers.
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: 05001-0012
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nessa Formal Strapless Lace Dress
Special OccasionStun in sophistication as you make an unforgettable impression in our Nessa dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups with built in boning for structure, vertical princess seams at the bust and an unlined floral lace inset complemented with piping accents. Her slim fit waist leads to a floor length silhouette that highlights curves. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0057
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Set In Heat Stone Dress
Up your sultry sparkle factor in a major way with this glam mesh mini! Dress features all-over heat-stone and embroidery-texture detail, a round neckline, a deep V leading to a back zip, and long semi-sheer sleeves. Dress is lined and made from a woven mesh material with moderate stretch.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0040
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kelly Formal Velvet Affair Dress
Special Occasion
Make it a velvet affair in our luxe Kelly dress! She features a plunging wired V-neckline, long sleeves and a slim fit bodice that leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch for a comfortable wear. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye closure.
Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0140
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Life Of The Party Mini Dress
Center of attention? All eyes on you? It's a given when you say yes to this dress!
Fits & Features
- Mock Neck With Two-Button Closure At Nape
- Faux Wrap-Style Bodice With Cutouts At Back, Bust, Waist
- Fitted Long Sleeves
- Slim Pencil, Mini Length Skirt
- Bodycon Fit
- Velvet Composition I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0156
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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On One Studded Mini Dress
Girl you are on one! This party dress is one for the books. Designed with a boat neckline, long sleeves, and a short mini hemline that meets above the knee. Dress is partially lined at the skirt and composed of a mesh material that offers moderate stretch. A mix of studs, heat stones, and rhinestones adorn this dress in a beautiful pattern that we are obsessed with!
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0225
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance