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.
Now Trending
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.
-
Adele Pleated Formal Dress
Special OccasionCheers my dears! This party dress is all the rave ! She features a beautiful metallic lace detailed bodice, a v-neckline, and adjustable spaghetti straps that tie in the back, her spaghetti straps meet in the back to a square back with a zipper. She has an inner lining, as well as padded cups and her skirt meets at the waist with a pleated style and of course, pockets! So beautiful babe!
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: 05001-0041
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Loren Glitter Knit V Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate a fiery fierceness in our glitter-embellished Loren gown! She has a curve-hugging cut and features spaghetti straps, a deep V neck, a high-seam banded waist, and a long-line slim skirt that pools gently at hem. Loren slips on and is made from a lightweight, textured knit material with moderate stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" 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: 05002-0264
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Harrah Satin Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Step out in the Harrah! She features tank straps that break into spaghetti straps, an exaggerated wired cup, and a fitted bodice with a horizontal seams mid waist. Her bodice meets skirt and flares out into a floor sweeping mermaid design with a high slit at the side. She is composed of a satin like material that offers moderate stretch. Zipper located mid back.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0289
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Rose Marie Metallic Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmer your way through the crowd in our Rose Marie! She features a v neckline with a cinching detail. She has spaghetti straps that are adjustable and cross over in the back to a lace up detail and a lower back zipper closure. She has two cut outs, one at each side of the torso. Her hem is floor length and she is lined with a mini skirt. She is composed of a metallic knit material that has a crinkled texture. She offers minimal stretch but a smooth fit with flow. We are obsessed with the goddess style she flaunts!
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: 05002-0246
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Cara Formal Sequin And Pearl Dress
Special Occasion
Shine like the rare pearl you are in our glamorous Cara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She dazzles with her twinkling sequins and pearl accents throughout. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal 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: 05002-0251
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Marissa Embroidered Rose Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it charming and lovely with enchanting roses! Our Marissa dress features a plunging sweetheart neckline, padded cups, boning at the sides for structure and a gel no slip-slip strip. Her bodice features an embroidered rose design with a metallic trim and sparkling heat stones. Her velvet skirt features a slim fit with a bold high slit to bring the drama! Marissa is composed of a mesh bodice and velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is fully lined and includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye clasp.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0000
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.97 $209.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Larissa Formal Metallic Lurex Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle under the lights as you make an unforgettable moment in our Larissa dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Larissa shines with her geometric reflective sequins and metallic stitching. She is composed of a lined lurex fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate 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: 05002-0244
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Dena High Slit Satin Formal Dress
Radiate a classic elegant vibe in our stunning satin Dena dress. She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a trendy square neck, an open back leading to ruched detailing, a high waist seam, a sultry thigh high front slit, and a floor length, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a satin-like fabric 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: 05002-0282
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ellen Deep V Slit Gown
Special Occasion
Take the plunge in our exquisite Ellen gown. She features tank-style straps, a deep V neck, a high-seam banded waist, and a long, flowing A-line skirt with a side zip and high slit. Ellen is partially lined and made from a smooth nylon jersey material with a slight sheen and ample stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0268
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $26.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Leona Formal Long Sleeve Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitz and glamour in our Leona dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a built in no slip strip, fitted unlined long sleeves and a relaxed fit bodice that leads to mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a partially lined mesh fabric adorned with shining sequins set in a scroll print design. Dress offers a relaxed fit with a minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper 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: 05002-0250
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ximena Formal Satin Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Wow them all in our ravishing Ximena dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, vertical princess seam and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with ruching throughout and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a 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: 05002-0285
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Daisy Off Shoulder A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make an enchanting and stunning appearance in our beautiful Daisy!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Off Shoulder Straps I Deep Wire V Neckline I Princess Seams
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Flowy, Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette I Side Slit
- Chiffon Fabric I Fully Lined
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0293
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Deirdre Sequin Mesh Slit Gown
Special Occasion
Shine all evening long in our dazzling bodycon Deirdre gown! She features all-over patterned sequin embellishment, adjustable cross-back spaghetti straps, a V-neck bodice with beige mesh panel at bust and back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a high-seam waist leading to a long skirt with high side slit. Deirdre is fully lined and made from a woven mesh blend with minimal 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: 05002-0283
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Kara Satin Off Shoulder Formal Gown
Dance the night away in our stunning Kara dress!
Fits & Features
- Off Shoulder Straps I Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- V Trim Lattice Detail At Center Back
- Slim Bodice With Sweeping Floor Length Hem
- Thigh High Slit
- Satin Composition I Fully Lined
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0277
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Marian Metallic Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Be your own arm candy in our glimmering Marian! She features a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and cross over at the back. Lower back has a keyhole cutout and a hidden zipper. Her A-line skirt meets high waist with a banded accent, and flows out to a floor length hem. She has a full lining with slits on both sides of the leg. She is composed of a pleated metallic mesh material that offers slight stretch and a lightweight flow.
Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0287
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Lyndsay Satin Formal Gown
Special Occasion
Have a night to remember in our Lyndsay! She is composed of a beautiful satin like material that offers so much flow that you can dance the night away while looking amazing, and without compromising your comfort. She has a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and cross over at the back, and a wrap design bodice. She has a belt detail that is detachable, pockets, and a hidden zipper at low back. She is fully lined with a smooth fabric and offers minimal 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: 05002-0254
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Mischa Velvet Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Nothing says glam like our Mischa Mermaid Gown! She of composed of a velvet like material that is sleek and sexy and offers moderate stretch. She has a fitted bodice with a v neckline, padded cups and adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a low back line. Her floor length skirt flares towards the bottom for a mermaid design, and hugs at the waist. We love Mischa because she pairs well with a variety of heels and accessories!
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: 05002-0249
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Addie Satin Lattice Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Lace up in luxe satin as you captivate in our head turning Addie mermaid dress!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- Lace Up Straps
- Satin
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9.5" with a 34" bust, 23.5" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0286
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Melissa Formal Metallic Party Dress
Special OccasionMake it a picture perfect moment in our Melissa dress! She features a beautiful metallic lace detailed bodice, a v-neckline, and adjustable spaghetti straps that tie in the back, her spaghetti straps meet in the back to a square back with a zipper. She has an inner lining, as well as padded cups and her chiffon skirt meets at the waist with a party length silhouette.
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: 05001-0042
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Riley Lace Floral Two Piece Dress
Make it a night to remember in our beyond gorgeous Riley two piece dress! She features a lace top with a square neck and back, long fitted sheer sleeves, and a cropped hem. Her foiled floral printed satin party skirt has a high rise waist and a woven lining with a tulle hem for added flare.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0023
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Laylah Sequin Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Have the time of your life and dance the night away in our Layla! She features a v neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a square back with a zipper closure. She features a cup stitching at the bodice and a subtle banded waist line. She has a mini skirt lining that is sewn in place which makes her easy to move around in, and a floor length mermaid hemline. She is composed of a mesh material that offers a form fitting silhouette with slight stretch, that showcases a beautifully detailed geometric and floral sequin pattern!
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: 05002-0272
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Evanna Formal Crepe Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the look that will garner a second look with our Evanna formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V-neckline, padded cups, vertical princess seams at the bust, and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim-fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging floor-length silhouette with a ruched accent and high side slit. The long dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with a sphere clutch and a faux fur wrap.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Padded cups, vertical princess seams
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- A-line silhouette
- Ruching, high side slit
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0252
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ella Formal Plunging Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Take the plunge with our captivating Ella dress! She features a plunging sweetheart neckline with underwire, padded cups, fitted long sleeves and a slim fit bodice that leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of velvet 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" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0290
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Rosaleen Glitter Gown
Special Occasion
Have a magical night in our gleaming Rosaleen gown! She has a v neckline, and tank straps that lead to a low v back with a hidden zipper closure. She has a banded waist line, and her A-line skirt flows to a floor length hem. She is fully lined with a soft knit fabric and she has a mesh overlay decorated with a chunky textured glitter throughout.
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: 05002-0278
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance