Formal Dresses
Windsor’s fall formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up in 2026. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
Now Trending
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Formal Dresses for Fall & Winter’s Biggest Moments
Windsor’s formal dresses bring elevated style to weddings, galas, military balls, homecoming, black-tie events, and other moments worth dressing up for. Discover elegant dresses in timeless black, romantic wine, rich jewel tones, metallic hues, and soft neutrals, with silhouettes ranging from classic A-lines and columns to fitted bodycons and mermaid gowns. New styles arrive every week with appliqués, draping, hardware, ties, and adjustable details that help you find a look that feels polished, current, and confidently yours.
Find a Formal Look That Fits the Occasion
The right dress starts with the event. Long formal dresses bring classic elegance to black-tie weddings, galas, military balls, and upscale evening celebrations, while polished midis and select short formal dresses can suit events with a less traditional dress code. For dressy occasions that call for something elevated without a full-length gown, explore formal cocktail dresses for another way to match your look to the invitation.
How Should I Dress for a Black-Tie or Formal Wedding?
Start by checking the invitation for the exact dress code. Black-tie events traditionally call for an elevated evening look, making floor-length gowns and refined silhouettes strong choices. Consider a column, A-line, or mermaid gown, then use color and details to make it your own. Black and navy offer timeless sophistication, while shades of red, green, purple, or gold can bring more personality to the occasion. Draping, appliqués, and polished necklines add another layer of interest without losing the formal feel.
What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Dress and a Formal Dress?
The biggest differences are usually the dress code, overall level of polish, and length. Cocktail dresses commonly fall around the knee or midi length and work well for semi-formal parties, receptions, and dressy dinners. Formal dresses tend to feature longer hemlines, more structured silhouettes, or elevated details suited to galas, formal weddings, and black-tie occasions. If the invitation has you second-guessing your choice, The Windsor Edit’s guide to cocktail dresses vs. formal dresses breaks down the differences with styling examples.
Can Formal Dresses Be Short?
Sometimes—the invitation and venue should guide your choice. Short formal dresses with structured silhouettes, elevated fabrics, appliqués, or polished details can work for certain dressy events, but traditional black-tie occasions generally call for an ankle-length or floor-length gown. When the dress code feels somewhere between cocktail and formal, consider the event time, setting, and host guidance before choosing your hemline.
Which Formal Dress Fabrics Work Best for Fall and Winter?
Fabric can change both the look and feel of your dress. Richer, more substantial materials create a seasonally polished effect for cooler-weather occasions, while fluid fabrics add movement to long gowns and draped silhouettes. Your event setting, desired structure, and comfort preferences can all help narrow the choice. For a deeper look at how materials affect your outfit, explore Windsor’s guide to formal dress fabrics.
How Do I Find a Formal Dress That Feels Secure and Comfortable?
Look for design details that let you personalize the fit instead of spending the evening adjusting your dress. Lace-up backs can help fine-tune the bodice, corset construction adds structure, wrap designs offer flexibility, and adjustable or removable straps can change how a neckline fits and feels. Halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, plunge, scoop, and square necklines also give you options depending on the coverage and support you prefer.
What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?
Winter is your moment to lean into deeper color, shine, and elevated details. Explore Windsor's 2026 winter formal dresses in shades like plum, hunter green, chocolate, ruby, and copper, or make the night feel extra special with rose gold and other metallic finishes. Prefer a lighter palette? White and ivory can create a striking winter look, especially with appliqués, draping, or dimensional details. Finish with a silhouette you feel confident in, from fitted columns and mermaid gowns to flowing A-lines.
Make Your Formal Moment Your Own
Whether you’re shopping for special occasion dresses, an affordable bridal look, bridesmaid style, party gown, or military ball dress, Windsor gives you options that balance current trends with timeless silhouettes. New styles arrive every week online, in the Windsor app, and at more than 350 stores across North America, making it easier to find the dress that fits both your event and your personal style.
-
Carolina Stretch Satin Dress
Special OccasionRendered in a rich, jewel-toned hue, our satin Carolina mini dress will make you shine.
Fits & Features
- Curve Hugging Cut
- Off Shoulder, V Neckline With Drape Detail
- Seamed Bodice With Back Zip
- Slim-Line Pencil Style Skirt I Side Ruching I High Slit
- Satin-Like Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4143
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Blakely Satin Gown
Special Occasion
Twirl around in our Blakely satin gown! She has a deep curved V neck, wide straps, and padded cup inserts. Her bodice is fitted and has seams that lead down vertically for a form fitting effect that is flattering. Her skirt is pleated and includes party pockets! Blakely is fully lined and includes a partial tulle trim on the lining for a little extra poof. Her hem meets above the knee, and she is composed of a satin like material that offers no 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: 05001-0058
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Carina Sequined Mesh Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make an indelible impression in our marvelous Carina mini! She features all-over floral beading-and-sequin embroidery atop a mesh overlay, an off-the-shoulder neckline, a back zip, a deep V illusion bodice, and a slim, curve-hugging skirt. Carina is fully lined and made from a woven mesh material with little to no stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0014
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Journee Metallic Party Dress
Special Occasion
Look like a champagne dream in Journee. She features a v neckline, twisted rope style straps, padded cup inserts, and a hidden zipper located at the center back. Her bodice has a relaxed fit that meets her skirt high waisted flowy skirt. Journee is fully lined and includes a tulle skirt beneath. She is composed of a beautiful shimmering crimped material that offers a relaxed fit with moderate stretch. Hand over the bubbly!
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0026
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Candy Darling Tulle Mini Dress
Special OccasionPretty as a picture and just as sweet? That'll be you, my dear, in this gorgeous baby pink tulle mini! Dress features spaghetti straps, a deep V bodice with back zip and gather detail at banded waist, and an A-line skirt with tactile patterned mesh overlay. Dress is lined and made from a mesh tulle material with little to no stretch.
Model is 5’9” with a 32” bust, 24.5 waist, and 35” hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0009
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Keely Party Dress
Special Occasion
Dance the night away in our Keely party dress! She has a form fitting bodice with a skater style skirt. She features a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps that cross in the back, and a hem that hits above the knee. She is composed of a glitter lace fabric that offers minimal stretch. She includes pockets and has a flowy fit.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size 5.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0046
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
All That Gleams Party Dress
Special Occasion
Its time to party! All that gleams party dress features a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable, a built in padded cup area. Her bodice folds over in a wrap fashion and meets the skirt high waist. The skirt of this dress is layered. Fully lined beneath with a partial tulle skirt, then with a second layer that is a soft knit fabric and the third layer is a mesh overlay. The back of of the dress has a hidden zipper. She is composed of multiple fabrics that offer minimal stretch but have a flowy feel. She is covered in sparkling accents! This is definitely a dress for the babe that loves to dance!
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: 05001-0054
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Chelsea Party Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in our Chelsea! She features a deep v neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a square back and hidden zipper, and a fitted bodice with padded inserts. Chelsea has a swirly floral inspired embroidery adorned in sequins. High waisted and banded, her bodice meets a chiffon-like skirt that flows and is easy to move around and dance in! She is fully lined and composed of fabric that offers no stretch yet a relaxed fit.
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: 05001-0057
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Beatrix Formal Satin Gown
Special Occasion
Step out in satin with our beautiful Beatrix. She features a square neckline, tank style straps and a form fitting silhouette. Her skirt flows with a floor sweeping silhouette, and features a sexy side slit. She is composed of a satin-like material that offers moderate stretch and offers a full lining.
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: 05002-0103
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Taylor Formal Off The Shoulder Lace Dress
Special Occasion
They'll be enchanted to meet you in our dreamy Taylor dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, off the shoulder strap accents, padded cups and an unlined mesh inset with a lattice detailing. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length mermaid silhouette that is accented with a high side slit that reveals a contrasting knit lining. She features an all over floral lace fabric adorned with glitter accents throughout. She is composed of a lined floral lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6770
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Rosalynne Sequin Gown
Special Occasion
Step out in our Rosalynne. She is a beautiful, floor-length, fully lined sequined gown, with a square neckline, a tank bodice with v back, and hidden zipper closure. She features a sexy high thigh slit at the leg and a flattering form fit. She is composed of a sequin knit fabric that offers minimal 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: 05002-0080
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Darby Sequin Cap Sleeve Gown
Special Occasion
Up your glam factor in an instant when you slip into our gorgeous Darby gown! She features all-over sequin embellishment, cap sleeves, a draped V-neck bodice with back zip and hook-and-eye closure, a high-waist seam, and a long, fluted-hem skirt with a high side slit. Darby is fully lined and cut to fit close to the body. She is 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: 05002-0120
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Simone Glitter Knit Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Radiate elegance in our vibrant, eye-catching Simone gown! Cut for a close fit, she features all-over glitter and textured embellishment, spaghetti straps leading to a V neck bodice with open, low-knot back, and a long skirt with godets and dramatic mermaid-style hem. Simone is lined and made from a lightweight knit material with moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0121
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Elora Sequin Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Show your classic beauty in our Elora! She is designed with a high neckline that is halter style, a slanted sleeveless bodice, and a form fitting silhouette. Her bodice is fitted all the way down to mid thigh where she flares out into a trumpet style hemline. She is composed of a knit material with a mesh sequin overlay that displays a damask detailed pattern. Zipper located mid back.
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: 05002-6636
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $55.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
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: 05002-0138
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $57.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Caressa Sequin Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Caressa! She features a v neckline, padded cups, and spaghetti straps that cross over at the back and lead to a lower back cut out and a zipper closure. She has a form fitting silhouette that leads to a mermaid floor length hem and a high thigh side slit. Caressa is composed of a lined knit material with a mesh overlay that is adorned in a geometric sequin pattern.
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: 05002-0084
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Gigi Formal Sequin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself with shimmering sequins in our glowing Gigi dress! She features a plunging V neckline, fitted long sleeves and wrapped mini length silhouette with a tie waist accent. Her dazzling sequins are set in a floral and leaf print. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
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: 05001-0164
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Mara Crepe One Shoulder Gown
Special Occasion
Turn heads from every angle in a homecoming dress like the sleekly stunning Mara gown. She features a dramatic single-shoulder seamed bodice with scalloped lace insets at the back and waist, a side zip, and a body-hugging slim skirt that pools gently at the hem. Mara is made from a crepe material with moderate stretch. Complete the look with a rhinestone clutch and a faux fur wrap.Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Scalloped lace inserts
- Sheer back
- A-line silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6731
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Everly Lace Front Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Create a classically beautiful look in our stunning Everly dress! She features a sheer lace mock neckline, long sheer fitted lace sleeves, a front and back cut out above the the bust, a sweetheart neckline with padded cups, flattering vertical seams that run down the bust, and a square back with a zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam leads to a form hugging, fitted mid-length skirt with a front slit and side sheer lace detail. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0053
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Josefina Wrap Party Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a satin beauty. Our Josefina is an adorable party dress that features a V neckline, double spaghetti straps, and a wrap designed bodice. Her bodice meets skirt mid waist with a flow that makes it easy to move around in. She is composed of a satin like material and is lined.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size 5.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0071
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Lizza Formal Satin Rhinestone Dress
Special Occasion
Make an entrance they will never forget in our enchanting Lizza dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a tie waist belt adorned with multi-faceted gemstones for plenty of shine! Her waist leads to an above the knee length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0063
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Frida Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Babe we love you in satin! Our Frida cocktail dress is sweet and seductive. She showcases a straight neckline with skinny spaghetti straps that cross in the back and cross again, giving you the ability to tighten her up. Her fitted bodice has inserted padded cups and a banded waist. Her skirt meets bodice at high waist and offers a flow that makes it easy to move around in, and has a lower back zipper closure. Her satin like material has a beautiful sheen, and offers no stretch. Dress is fully lined and includes pockets!
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0082
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Penny Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Welcoming our new love—Penny! She features a modest v neckline, double spaghetti straps that lead to triangular strap detailing, and a square back with a zipper closure. Penny's bodice includes padded cup inserts and meets a skater-style skirt mid waist. Penny is fully lined and includes a tulle layer beneath that adds a little bit of volume to your look! The overlay of this beautiful dress is meticulously detailed with sequins and embroidered knot stitching. The pattern of her sequins changes at the trim and the back into a swirl and leaf design. Penny is composed of a soft knit material.
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: 05001-0025
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $96.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Susan Formal Sleeveless Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sleek and sophisticated in our timelessly elegant Susan dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, pleating accents along the bust, an empire waist accent and trendy side pockets. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit and a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0027
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale