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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Kirsten Velvet Wrap Formal Dress
Make major stylish and bold moves in our chic Kirsten velvet formal dress. She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a wrap front V neckline with ruched detailing, a square back, and a floor sweeping silhouette with a thigh high front slit. The velvet fabric offers a form hugging fit and 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: 05002-0168
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Aura Formal Velvet Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxe velvet as you radiate in our Aura dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline with ruched detailing at the left seam and a curve hugging wrap silhouette with high side slit. Dress is composed of lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0166
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tania Classic Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Our Tania is definitely a classic beauty. She features a one shoulder asymmetrical cap sleeve that crosses over in the back, a sweetheart neckline that has padded cups, and a wrap bodice detail. She has a form fitting silhouette that flares to mermaid style weighted hem that sweeps the floor. She is composed of a crepe material that 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: 05002-0183
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Oksana Marabou Trim Formal Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
This captivating gown will command attention in any room! She features a strapless neckline with removable marabou trim, a slim fit bodice with princess seaming details, padded cups, and a floor-length silhouette with a high side slit. Fully lined and composed of crepe fabric, the dress offers a form-flattering fit with a slight stretch. Includes a zipper and hook and eye closure at the back.
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: 05002-0205
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Rhoda Velvet Lace Up Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Have a night to remember in the beautiful Rhoda gown. She features a v neckline, and a form fitting silhouette with princess seams that lead vertically down the sides for a flattering design. She has double spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy lace up back detail, and padded cups. Her hem is floor length and she is composed of a velvet material that offers moderate stretch and a romantic touch.
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: 05002-0208
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Charlie A-Line Double Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dress to impress in our seriously stunning Charlie dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a deep V neckline with a sheer mesh inset, padded cups, and a V back with a zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist detailed seam leads to a floor length A-line skirt with thigh high double slits and an included knit bodysuit lining with dual snap button closures and a partial coverage bottom. The dress is composed of a taffeta fabric with a beautiful sheen and minimal 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: 05002-0201
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sharlene Tulle A-line Gown
Special Occasion
Take a twirl in our beautiful Sharlene gown! She is designed with layers of luxury and flattering seams!
Fit & Features
- Square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Banded high waist line
- Ruched detailed bodice
- Floor length hemline
- Hidden zipper located center back
- Lined | Tulle outer layer
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0234
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lydia Formal Velvet Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxe velvet as you enter the room in our enchanting Lydia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wrap V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a square back and light ruching on the left seam. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping wrap silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0165
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lucille Formal Long Sleeve Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle with our A-list worthy Lucille dress! She features a plunging V neckline, long bishop sleeves with a triple button cuff and a relaxed fit waist that leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette accented with a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins throughout. Lucille offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Zipper not included.
Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05002-0169
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $37.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ali Stretch Satin Sweetheart Gown
Special Occasion
Cut to hug every curve, our irresistible Ali gown will leave you looking radiant. She features an off-the-shoulder neckline with pleat-detailed micro sleeves, a seamed sweetheart bodice with wire boning and lace-up back, and a slinky, form-fitting skirt with gather detail at back zip and a high side slit. Ali is made from a smooth, shiny woven material 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: 05002-0216
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lauren Rose Tulle Dress
Special Occasion
Dark and sleek, our Lauren Rose gown shows a little edge. She features a v neckline, double spaghetti straps that lead to a cross over back detail. Zipper closure is located low back and she is fully lined with a nude knit material that offers moderate stretch. Her middle layer is a leafy lace material and top layer is a mesh material. Her layers give her dimension that will flow when you are on the dance floor!
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: 05002-0235
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ida Velvet Formal Gown
Special Occasion
You are a dark goddess in our Ida! She features a straight and off shoulder neckline, long sleeves and a form fitting silhouette. Her bodices flows into a flared out hemline that sweeps the floor with a slight train that follows. She is composed of a velvet material that offers slight stretch. Zipper located mid back.
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: 05002-0229
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Brianna Chiffon A-Line Dress
Make bold moves in our classically beautiful Brianna A-line dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a deep V neckline with a wrap front with pleated details, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back and a lower back lace up detail with a tie closure, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, a high waist seam, and a flowy A-line skirt with a thigh-high front slit. The gorgeous dress is composed of a sheer chiffon fabric with a full knit lining.
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: 05002-0212
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Soraya Sparkle Knit Sweetheart Gown
Special Occasion
Give off serious heat in our positively radiant Soraya gown. She features all-over sparkle embellishment, double spaghetti straps leading to a lattice-tie back, a seamed, lightly padded sweetheart bodice, and a long, slim-line skirt with a high side slit and a gently flared hem. Soraya has a bodycon construction and is made from a crepe material with 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: 05002-0177
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Selma Velvet Wrap Dress
Make every moment your spotlight in our ravishing Selma!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Square Back
- Wrap V Neckline With Dart Details At The Bust
- Wrap, Floor Length Skirt With Thigh High Slit
- Smooth Velvet Fabric I Fully Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample 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: 05002-0180
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ash High Slit Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glam in our sparkling Ash dress! She features a scoop neckline, padded cups and a double row of corded straps that leads to a daring lattice back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a statement side slit. Dress is composed of a lined sequin fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0240
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $72.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Janice Formal Open Back Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sophistication to your evening with our awe worthy Janice dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with padded cups, tank-like straps and a partially open back with an upper back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice features vertical princess seams at the bust and leads to a sweeping floor length A-line silhouette with hidden side pockets and a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes an additional lower back 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: 05002-0155
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jessica Satin Lace Up Gown
Take yourself out this weekend in the Jessica! She has a sweetheart neckline with a wired v notch detail at the center, padded cups, and spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up detail at the back. Lower back has an opening and a zipper closure with a ruched bottom. Her skirt is a wrap design and is floor length and features a high slit. Fully lined and composed of a satin like material that offers minimal stretch. Stunning!
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: 05002-0217
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Hazel Formal Halter Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm in our romantic Hazel dress! She features a halter neck with a double button closure at the nape of the neck, padded cups and an open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous floor length A-line silhouette with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0214
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Harlow Formal Gown
Special Occasion
Watch heads turn in our Harlow gown. With a stunning form fitting silhouette, a deep v neckline, and spaghetti straps that cross in the back to a lace up detail. Her bodice showcases a contrasting X design at the waist, her hem sweeps the floor and she features a high thigh slit. She is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch. 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: 05002-0203
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brigitte Metallic Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Have a night to remember in our beautiful Brigitte evening gown. She features a slanted neckline with one long sleeve. Her hem is floor length, and she has a slight low back with a hidden zipper. She is composed of a metallic lurex that offers minimal stretch with a form fit.
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: 05002-0224
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Chelsea Satin High Slit Dress
Slay like the absolute queen you are in our stunning Chelsea satin high slit dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, double spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, a wrap front creating a V neckline, and a lower back zipper closure. Her high waist leads to a floor length skirt with a sultry thigh high slit. The dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric 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: 05002-0161
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Monet Off Shoulder Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Monet! She is sleek and sexy. She features a wired sweetheart neckline, satin off the shoulder sleeves and a form fitting silhouette. She is designed with vertical princess seams leading down to her flared floor length hem. Her back has a lace up detail as well as a zipper closure. She is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch and her look finishes with a flattering high thigh side slit.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0202
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elodie Sequin Formal Gown
Special Occasion
Take your special occasion to the next level with our lovely Elodie gown. She has a modest v neckline and spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up detail at the back with a zip up closure. She has padded cups, and a fitted bodice that leads to a floor length hem. Dress is fully lined with a knit material that offers moderate stretch and overlay is composed of a mesh material that showcases a floral sequin design.
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: 05002-0189
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free