Formal Dresses

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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.

  • Lexi Embroidered Satin Strapless Dress

    Special Occasion

    Conjure a little fairy tale magic in a dress truly fit for a princess! Our Lexi mini is made from a smooth satin and features intricate multi-color floral embroidery dotted with tiny iridescent beads from bust through waist. Lexi has a strapless bodice with lattice tie back, a padded bust, and flexible boning at sides. Her A-line skirt features a back zip, pockets at either hip, inverted pleats, and a tulle-trimmed underlay for added volume. Lexi is lined, has a more structured silhouette, and is made from woven materials with minimal 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: 05001-0100

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.97 $189.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sherry Strapless Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Step out in our darling Sherry! She showcases a strapless sweetheart neckline with a padded cup area, and wiring down the sides and center vertically leading down to the skirt. Sides of the bodice have criss-cross cutouts with a mesh underlay, and back has a hidden zipper. Her bodice meets skirt high waist, has pockets and puffs out in a flattering way with the help of the two layers beneath, one satin and one fishnet mesh. Sherry is composed of a satin like material that has a stunning sheen to it. Offers 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: 05001-0099

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sequined Bombshell Halter Mini Dress

    Dress to impress in this glitzy mini dress. This dress features a halter styling with a cowl neckline. It features a fitted waist, a leg slit, allover sequin embellishment and moderate stretch for the perfect fit.

    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: 05001-0086

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Frankie Tulle Dress

    Special Occasion

    Be a modern belle of the ball with the Frankie Tulle Dress. This dress is simple yet sophisticated with a lightly padded bodice and double crossover shoulder straps. Designed with two beaded side seam pockets, this dress has a hidden back zipper closure and hidden tulle for a royal, voluminous look. Dress offers a fit and flare fit with zero stretch. 

    Model is 5'8" 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: 05001-0106

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Tanya Pearl-Trim Velvet Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Showcase that beautiful back in our simply stunning velvet Tanya dress! She features a round neckline, long sleeves, a seamed bodice, a dramatic open back with rows of pearls and clear rhinestones snaking the periphery, and a slim pencil skirt. Tanya has a bodycon construction and is made from a tactile velvet 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: 05001-0137

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Theodora Formal Two Piece Dress

    Special Occasion

    Show a little in our Theodora! She is a two piece dress that is sexy with a modern twist! Top has a high neckline, long sleeves and a partial lining. The back has a button closure and a keyhole cut out. It is composed of a mesh material that offers moderate stretch and is sheer with heatstone embellishments that have a silver tone and a reflective finish. Skirt has an underwear style lining, a high waist line and a weighted hem that sweeps the floor. Skirt has pockets, as well as an extremly high slit at the side. She is composed of a taffeta material that offers 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: 05006-0020

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $47.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Taylar Satin Gown
    Step up in the gorgeous Taylar gown. This is a beautiful, floor-length dress with spaghetti straps, a plunging neckline, a gathered waist line and two leg slits for a touch of sex appeal. She's composed of a satin fabric with no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0062

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Whitney Glitter Knit Gown

    Special Occasion

    Show them how poised you are in our Whitney gown. This dress features a scoop neckline, an open back with crossover straps, fitted sleeves and flows elegantly to the floor. It's made of a glittered knit fabric and is fully lined with plenty of stretch.

    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: 05002-0008

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Polly Off The Shoulder Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a grand entrance in our stunningly chic Polly off the shoulder formal dress! She features an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline with short sleeves, a plunging V front mesh inset, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam leads to a floor length skirt with a high front slit, pleated details, a short knit skirt lining, and a banded hem for additional structure. The dress is composed of a taffeta fabric with a gorgeous sheen.

    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: 05002-0111

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lorena Off The Shoulder Gown

    Special Occasion

    Make an elegant entrance in our lovely Lorena gown.

    Fits & Features

    • Off Shoulder Neckline I Double Fold-Over With V Design 
    • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Floor Length, Slim-Line Skirt With Thigh-High Slit & Fluted Hem
    • Fully Lined, Woven Crepe Fabric
    • Bodycon Fit I 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: 05002-0066

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kehlani Taffeta A-Line Dress

    There's something oh-so-glamorous about the Kehlani dress. This classic dress features a fully lined, scalloped lace bodice with a plunging neckline and A-line waist. It also includes a long taffeta skirt that falls elegantly. Pair with your most alluring drop earrings and encrusted clutch for a glitzy evening look.

    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: 05002-6762

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Eva Off The Shoulder Mermaid Dress

    Make it an entrance to remember in our stunningly chic Eva mermaid dress. She features an off the shoulder neckline with long fitted sleeves, a wrap front V neckline, a high waist seam, ruched side detailing, and a fitted and flowy mermaid silhouette with a thigh high front slit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers 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: 05002-6660

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Katerina Crepe Wrap Gown
    Special Occasion

    Streamlined yet subtly sultry, our Katerina gown is made for evenings out—when all eyes will be on you! She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a seamed V neck bodice with slim banded waist, and a straight, wrap-effect skirt with front slit. Katerina slips on and is made from a woven crepe material with moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0091

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ines Strapless Sequin Slit Gown

    Special Occasion

    Hit the high-style notes on your next night out in our stunning Ines gown. She features all-over patterned sequin embellishment a top a mesh overlay, a seamed, strapless bodice with back zip and lightly padded bust, a high-seam waist, and a long, column-like skirt with thigh-high slit. Ines has a curve-contouring silhouette, 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: 05002-0083

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $27.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Paloma Cowl Back Sequin Gown

    Special Occasion

    Radiate old-school glamour in our stunning sequined Paolma gown! She features a seamed, tank-style deep V bodice, a dramatic draped cowl back, a side zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a long, straight slim skirt. Paloma is cut for a bodycon fit from bust through thigh and fully lined. She's made from woven mesh and smooth 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: 05002-0110

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Blake Lace Back Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Captivate them all with our gorgeous Blake lace back satin dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that cross and lead to a sheer lace back with a zipper and hook and eye closure, a V neckline with a padded bust, and flattering princess seams. Her high waist leads to a flowy floor-length skirt with an A-line silhouette and a sultry thigh-high front slit. The dress is composed of a smooth satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete your stunning look with a chic pair of new earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back design
    • Sheer lace back with a zipper and hook and eye closure
    • V neckline with a padded bust
    • Floor-length skirt with a high front slit
    • A-line silhouette
    • Satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0136

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $37.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ellie Formal Satin High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion 

    From the moment you enter the room, Ellie captivates and charms. She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with neck tie straps, vertical princess seams at the bust and a partially open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit to show off a hint of skin and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower 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: 05002-0139

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $38.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mabel Velvet Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Introducing our stunning Mabel gown! She features a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and lead to a low back as well as a zipper closure. Her bodice is fitted and features inset mesh details. Her hem is long and almost floor length and she is composed of a velvet like material that offers moderate stretch and a form fit.

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0088

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Madonna Satin Evening Gown

    Special Occasion

    Introducing our Madonna Gown! She is designed with a pleated straight neckline with a drape overlay, off the shoulder sleeves, and a fitted bodice. Her cups are padded, and she features a vertical princess seam that creates a flattering fit. Slanted vertical seams at the waist line create a form fitting silhouette, and her hem is floor length, and features a side slit design that hits high thigh. She is composed of a satin like material that offers moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0141

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $26.97 $72.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Celeste Deep V Sequined Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a sultry statement when you say it with sequins in our Celeste dress! She features all-over sequin embellishment, long sleeves, a bodice with deep Vs at front and rear, a back zip, hook-and-eye closure, and a midi-length, wrap-style skirt. Celeste is fully lined and made from a poly material 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: 05001-4062

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Marisa Metallic Shimmer Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Lend your going-out look a little sparkle when you don our dazzling Marisa dress! She features all-over glitter embellishment, a deep V front and back linked by short skinny straps, a seamed bodice with lightly padded bust, a back zip atop an A-line, inverted-pleat skirt with pockets at either hip. Skirt has a tulle-trimmed petticoat-style underlay for added volume. Marisa is made from a woven Lurex blend that changes color in the light and offers minimal 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: 05001-0102

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Satin Floral Print Cocktail Dress
    Special Occasion

    Spring into satin this season, with this beautiful dress. Featuring a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and lead back to a lace racer back that zips closed. Bodice of dress has built in cups, and a vertical stitching that compliments upper body. Bodice meets skirt at a mid banded mwaist line, and flares out into a skater style. She has pockets and I think we can all agree that pockets in dresses are the best! The back of the dress has a keyhole cut out at the lower back as well as a second zipper at the skirt. Dress is composed of a satin like material that offers no stretch, and is lined with a smooth inner material and includes a tulle skirt underneath for a little extra fluff!

    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: 05001-0149

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Gemma Strapless Bow Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the elegance and charm in our classically lovely Gemma dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, vertical princess seams, built in boning for support and unlined mesh panels on the side with a triple-row bow accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flared party length silhouette with a double tiered hem and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a combination smooth knit fabric and satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure with fish and hook clasp closure and voluminous petticoat.  

    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: 05001-0111

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Florence Heat Stone Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Show some class in our Florence! She has a v neckline, tank straps, and a form fit. Her hem hits below the knee and has a small slit at the side. She is composed of a knit material with a mesh overlay that is adorned with reflective heat stones. She offers moderate stretch, and a full lining. Pair with your favoirte black heels to complete the look! 

    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: 05001-4121

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free