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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Marian Formal Velvet Gown
Special Occasion
Tell a sultry story in our Marian Gown. She has a V neckline, and bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a low back with a ruched bottom detail. Her bodice is fitted and has a padded cup area. Bodice leads to a floor sweeping hem that has a slight train. Dress is composed of a luxurious velvet style material that offers moderate stretch and is fully lined.
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: 05002-0219
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Aleah High Slit Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Our darling Aleah offers a smooth and seamless silhouette that'll have you look polish and sophisticated!
Fits & Features
- V Wire Neckline
- Long Fitted Sleeves
- Slim Fit Bodice
- Floor Length Silhouette And Thigh-High Slit
- Fully Lined, Smooth Velvet-Like Composition
- Curve-Hugging Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0156
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Everleigh Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the shine to your evening with our enchanting Everleigh dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neck with hook and eye closure at the nape of the neck and a racer bust Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric with a glitzy sequin scroll print throughout. Dress offers a minimal stretch and includes a back zipper closure.
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: 05002-0154
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $27.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jenisa Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe in our Jenisa dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, off the shoulder strap accents, padded cups and criss cross strap accents across the bust. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a 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: 05002-0218
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jacinda Lace Cutout Waist Gown
Special Occasion
Show a hint of skin in our elegant lace Jacinda gown! She has a curve-flattering cut and features adjustable cross-back spaghetti straps anchored by a V-neck bodice with scallop trim, a cutout panel at front waist, and a long, slim-line skirt. Jacinda is fully lined, slips on, and is made from lace mesh and woven materials with a hint of 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: 05002-0243
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Violette Satin Sash Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Stride out in our Violette gown. With a stunning form fitting silhouette, a deep v neckline, and tank straps that lead to a square back with a zipper closure. Her bodice showcases an X sash design at the waist, her hem sweeps the floor and she features a high thigh slit down the center. She is composed of a satin material that offers moderate stretch. Stunning!
Model is 5'8" 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: 05002-0215
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Zinga Metallic Knit Gown
Special Occasion
Simple yet stunning is the Zinga gown. She features double spaghetti shoulder straps, a surplice front, a hidden back zipper closure, and a sensual leg slit. Ruching sits at the sides, while the dress has an overall slim fit. Zinga is partially lined and is made of a metallic knit material with a touch of 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: 05002-0184
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alycia Velvet Lace-Up Gown
Special Occasion
Steal the show with the glamorous Alycia gown. She features a lightly padded chest, a square neckline, adjustable shoulder straps that lead to a back lace-up and tie closure, a leg slit and a floor-length design. Alycia is partially lined, has a little bit of stretch and is made from a classic velvet fabric.
Model is 5'8" 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: 05002-0209
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Priscilla Satin Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our gorgeous Priscilla lace back satin dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, double spaghetti straps that cross at the back with a zipper closure, a V neckline with a padded bust, a high waist seam, and a flowy floor length overlapping skirt with a thigh high slit. The dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric that offers little to no 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: 05002-0192
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kat Formal Satin Gown
Special Occasion
Make satin dreams come true in our Kat! She has a deep v neckline, tank style straps, and padded cups. Her bodice is fitted and has a banded waistline. She is fully lined and has a hidden zipper closure at low back. Her skirt has a luxurious flow to it thanks to the underlying layers. an features a high side slit. She includes pockets, and is composed of a satin like material that offers no 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: 05002-0194
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Teagan Sequin Gown
Special Occasion
Make our glittering dreams come true in the beautiful Teagan sequin gown! Her fit is curve hugging in all the right ways, she has a V neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and lead to a low back line. Her hem sweeps the floor in a dreamy way. She is composed of a knit sequin fabric that offers moderate stretch. Showcase that hourglass shape in this showstopper!
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: 05002-6409
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Beatrix Satin Gown
Special Occasion
Step out in satin with our beautiful Beatrix. She features a slanted neckline and one long sleeve that puffs at the wrist. She has a form fitting silhouette and showcases a high thigh slit. Her bodice meets skirt with a horizontal seam at the waist, and has zipper closure at the back. She is composed of a satin-like 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: 05002-0102
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Leilani Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Make an entrance they'll never forget in our breathtaking Leilani dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a cowl neck with pleated detailing, adjustable spaghetti straps and a slim fit bodice that leads to a sweeping floor length accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05002-0181
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Trish Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate them all in our head-turning Trish dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with off the shoulder straps and padded cups. Her slim fit waist sits high and leads to a voluminous A-line silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleated detailing. Dress is composed of a luxe satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight 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: 05002-0223
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cordelia Velvet Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Parade pure elegance. Our Cordelia evening gown features a v neckline, a fitted bodice with cut out detailing at the waist, and spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up detail down the back. Cordelia offers a fitted silhouette and a floor length hem. She is composed of a velvet material that offers slight 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: 05002-0242
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Bethany Formal Satin Rhinestone Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe to the night in our charming Bethany dress! She features a a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip silicone strip for secure fit, padded cups and vertical princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a party length skirt accented with pleats and side pockets adorned with a sparkling gemstone accent. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a knit lining and petticoat.
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: 05001-0095
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Layla Metallic Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and shine in our Layla dress. This dress features spaghetti straps, padded cups with a V-wire front, a back zipper closure, and allover dual-tone metallic fabric. It's fully lined and has no stretch.
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: 05001-0159
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ember Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it classy my lady! Featuring our Ember Satin Party Dress! She has a sweetheart neckline with off shoulder mini sleeves, and padded inserts. Her bodice is fitted and is structured with wiring on the sides, and a hidden zipper in the back. A line skirt meets high waist to a banded waist line. With multiple layers, including partial tulle at the trim of the inner lining, skirt has a modern ball gown vibe. She has deep pockets and her hem meets above the knee. We are obsessed with the beautiful print, and color scheme that compliments all skin tones!
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0148
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rashida Lattice Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Catch the light when you take our dazzling Rashida mini for a twirl! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, lightly padded cups, a double-row of spaghetti straps, a lace-up back design, and a skater silhouette. The short dress is composed of a lined glitter woven fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Style the mini dress with rhinestone heels.
Fits & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, lightly padded cups
- Lattice-tie back
- Lower back hook and eye closure with zipper
- Swingy, A-line skater skirt
- Glitter knit material, fully lined
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0083
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jianne Formal Taffeta Party Dress
Special OccasionBring the charm in our timelessly gorgeous Jianne party dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built in gel no slip, padded cups for support and vertical princess seams to accentuate curves. Her back features a lace up back design to easily customize fit. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatically flared party length silhouette adorned with a flirty rose print throughout and is complemented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal 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: 05001-0117
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $44.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Anabelle Satin Strappy Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Charm them all with your stunning looks in our beyond beautiful Anabelle dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a racer back and a hidden zipper and hook and eye closure, a V neckline with a padded bust, and criss cross cut outs with mesh insets along the sides. Her high waist leads to a flared party length silhouette with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a combination smooth knit fabric and satin-like fabric with a full lining with a tulle hem for a flared look.
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: 05001-0094
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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River Formal Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Reign in the night in our head turning River dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, vertical princess seams and spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared party length skirt accented with side pockets adorned with dazzling gemstones. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a slight stretch. Includes a petticoat and back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0092
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sandy Halter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Stun and make flirty moves in our adorable Sandy halter formal dress! She features a sleeveless halter V neckline with spaghetti straps that tie at the neck, a wrap front structured padded bust, and a square back with a hidden zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam leads to a flowy skirt with an overlap front detail. The dress is composed of a smooth charmeuse fabric and includes a lightweight skirt lining.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0108
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brynn Formal Sleeveless Knot Dress
Special Occasion
Create a look that they will never forget in our breathtaking Brynn dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups for support, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back and a twisted knot accent at the center of the bodice. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging midi length silhouette with an asymmetrical high slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin-like fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0163
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale