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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Kendall Formal High Slit Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle in sequins as you radiate in our Kendall dress! She features a plunging wrap V neckline with subtle pleated accents, fitted long sleeves and a slim fit bodice that leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. The all over twinkling sequins are set in a timelessly glam scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a slight 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: 05002-0284
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $45.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jenna Metallic Goddess Maxi Dress
Show up to the function dressed like the goddess you are!
Fits & Features
- Draped Neckline
- Stretchy Shoulder Straps That Cross At The Back
- Gorgeous, Smooth Metallic Fabric
- Partially Lined
- Ample 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: 05002-0261
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Julie Heat Stone High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and be the center spotlight of the dance floor in our stunningly chic Julie dress! She features a high round neckline, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, long fitted sleeves, and a floor sweeping fitted length with a sultry thigh high front slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric, offering moderate stretch, and showcases an intricate design of iridescent multi-faceted heat stones.
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: 05002-0267
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tulip Lace Up Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Tulip Gown! She is designed with long sleeves, a deep v neckline, and an overlapping bodice. Skirt has a wrap design that cinches at one side of the waist, and her hemline flows to a floor length. She is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch. Her back detail is the star of the show with a lace up strappy detailing.
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: 05002-0259
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Maeve Sequined V Mesh Gown
Special Occasion
Go for the glow in our simply sizzling mesh sequined Maeve gown! She features all-over patterned embellishment, adjustable spaghetti straps leading to a V back with hook-and-eye zip closure, a V-neck seamed bodice with padded bust, a high-seam waist, and a long, curve-hugging skirt. Maeve is fully lined and made from mesh and woven materials 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: 05002-0265
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $45.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ryder Satin A-Line Gown
Special Occasion
Have a fun and adventurous night in our Ryder! She features a modest V neckline and double spaghetti straps that lead to a square back and a zipper closure. Her bodice is fitted and meets horizontal hemline mid waist. Her skirt flows out into an A-line design and features a side slit detailing that meets mid thigh. Her hem hits ankle length which makes her easy to dance and move around in! She is composed of a satin like material that offers slight stretch.
Rose: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Red: 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: 05002-0179
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Odessa Sequin Mesh Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Odessa! She is elegantly designed with a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and lead to a square back, and padded cups. She has a form fitting silhouette and is fully lined. She is composed of a mesh overlay that showcases a silver diamond sequin pattern and offers moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0292
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nori Formal Plunging Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Take the plunge in luxe satin as you wow them all in our fiery Nori dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps and vertical princess seams. Her slim fit bodice features a pleated detailing and leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
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: 05002-0237
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jayden Satin Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make heads turn in our stunningly chic Jayden dress! She features an off the shoulder slight sweetheart neckline with padded cups, short sleeves, a back zipper closure and hook and eye closure, a high waist seam, and a fitted, curve hugging skirt with a floor length mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric with a gorgeous sheen.
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: 05002-0175
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Avery Satin Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Satin Avery Gown! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline paired with spaghetti straps leading to a V back, and an eye catching sheer mesh inset. Her bodice features flattering princess seams throughout to provide structure. Her waist leads to a playfully pleated ball gown skirt with hidden side pockets and a wide banded hemline. She is composed of a satin fabric that offers a flowy fit with moderate stretch. Includes mini skirt knit lining and back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0195
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alena Satin Gown
Special Occasion
Our Alena is luxury and more! She is composed of a satin like material that offers moderate stretch. She has a v neckline and cap sleeves. Her bodice meets skirt at a banded high waist. Skirt is an A-line design that catches eyes when you're walking through a room with its flow! She features a high thigh slit, and she has a large keyhole cutout at the back and a zipper closure at lower back. Pair with your go to heels for a fabulous night out.
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: 05002-0153
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Raquel Cross-Back Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Make way for killer curves ahead in our bodycon beauty, Raquel! She features spaghetti straps leading to a cross-back double strap design, a seamed V neck bodice with light padding, and a higher seam waist. Her figure-hugging, zip-back seamed skirt flutes into a mermaid-style hem anchored by a lightweight, flexibly structured insert. Raquel is fully lined and made from a woven crepe material with 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: 05002-0150
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Talia One Shoulder Formal Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Shine and command the room like the queen you are in our glam Talia dress! She features a one shoulder neckline with a tank-like strap, a scalloped lace trim and a slim fit bodice that leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette with a high side slit. Dress is composed of lined mesh fabric adorned with a floral sequin design. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a side zipper closure that starts the bodice.
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: 05002-0274
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adley Lace Gown
Special Occasion
Whether you're walking down the aisle or just looking like an angel sent from heaven our Adley lace gown is the perfect fit. She features a straight scalloped neckline with off the shoulder short sleeves, a sheer back and a form fit. Her silhouette leads down to a mermaid hem that is floor length. She is lined with a smooth knit fabric and showcases a stunning lace overlay.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0266
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sierra Sequin Off The Shoulder Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Be a total sequin stunner in our Sierra formal dress! She features an off-the-shoulder square neckline, long fitted sleeves, a back zipper, and hook and eye closure, and a high waist seam. Her long floor-length skirt flows down beautifully and has a flattering, form-fitting look. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric adorned with all-over sequins in an intricate pattern and includes a stretchy knit lining. Style this dress with rhinestone statement earrings and a sparkly evening bag.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder square neckline
- Long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Form-fitting floor-length skirt
- Sheer mesh fabric with all-over sequins
- Full knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0253
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adelia Formal Lace Up Dress
Special Occasion
Lace up in our romantically-inspired Adelia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps and an empire waist. Her back features a bold open design accented with lace up straps. Her waist leads to a sweeping A-line skirt with a high side slit to bring the drama! She is composed of lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0178
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cami Ravishing Satin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate your beauty in our breath taking Cami dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, tank-like straps, padded cups and vertical princess seams across the bust. Her empire waist leads to voluminous A- line wrap silhouette with a high slit and hidden side pockets. She is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye fasten.
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: 05002-0204
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Christen Velvet Off The Shoulder Formal Dress
Bring the elegant drama in our stunning Christen formal dress! She features an off the shoulder foldover square neckline, a back zipper closure, a high waist seam, a thigh high front slit, and floor length, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a smooth velvet fabric, offering moderate stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0176
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tamara Formal Sleeveless Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it timelessly elegant in our breathtaking Tamara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a cowl neckline, and padded cups. Her slim-fit bodice is accented with ruched detailing on the left side and leads to a curve-hugging floor-length silhouette accented with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete your look with rhinestone duster earrings and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cowl neckline with padded cups
- Slim-fit bodice
- Ruched detail
- Floor-length, form-hugging fit
- High side slit
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0241
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Trinity Satin Formal Gown
Special Occasion
Dance under the spotlight in our Trinity! She features a v neckline, double spaghetti straps that cross over to a low back, and a fitted bodice with a wrap design. Bodice meets skirt high waist with a banded detail, and flows into an overlapping a line design. Dress includes pockets and is composed of a satin material that offers slight stretch. Zipper located low back.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0193
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ginger Sequin Mesh Strappy Gown
Special Occasion
A little glitz, a lot of glam—our gorgeous Ginger gown will have all eyes on you! She features all-over patterned sequined embellishment, double spaghetti straps leading to a lattice-tie back, a seamed V bodice with lightly padded bust, and a long, slim-line skirt with a back zip. Ginger is fully lined and cut for a curve-hugging fit. She's made from mesh and woven knit materials with minimal 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: 05002-0191
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kennedy Sequin Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our beautiful and elegant Kennedy gown, She has a form fitting silhouette that is floor length. She has a v neckline, padded cups and adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a low V back and zipper closure. She is fully lined and showcases a beautiful scroll sequin pattern. Her hem flows out in a mermaid style fashion. Just beautiful!
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0200
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Holga Sequin Gown
Special Occasion
Showcase your elegance in our Holga sequin gown! She has a wired deep v-neckline, tank straps and a back-line that has a draping cowl design. Her hem is floor length and she shows off a form fitting silhouette. She is fully lined with a knit material that has minimal stretch and her overlay is embellished all over with sequins that catch the light and reflect dazzling holographic hues. Simply stunning.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0221
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Christiana Velvet Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Gain elegance in our Christiana. She has a sweetheart neckline, off shoulder sleeves, and spaghetti straps. Her neckline has a fold over detail and her bodice has a wrap design which makes for a flattering fit. Skirt meets high waist and features a high thigh slit at one side. She is fully lined with a soft knit material and she has a hidden zipper closure at the center back. Her hem is floor length, and she is composed of a velvet like material that offers moderate 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: 05002-0222
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance