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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Nadine Glitz And Pearls Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour as you shine like the rare beauty you are in our Nadine dress! She features a round neckline, a plunging scoop back to reveal a hint of skin, long sleeves and a curve hugging mini length silhouette. She stands out with a glittered diamond stitch design and pearls accents throughout.
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: 05001-0013
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Taryn Tulle Taffeta Party Dress
Special Occasion
Pretty, polished, and primed to party, our Taryn dress will be a hit on your next night out! She features adjustable spaghetti straps leading to an X back, a lightly padded, seamed V bodice with back zip, and an A-line skirt with pockets and volume-building tulle underlay. Taryn is fully lined and made from a shiny taffeta material with moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0061
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Laura Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress
Make flirty moves in our pretty Laura off the shoulder dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with short sleeves, a sweetheart neckline with padded cups, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, a high waist, and a flowy, full party skirt that is totally twirl-worthy. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a foiled lining, and includes a knit lining with a tulle hem for added flare.
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: 05001-0019
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $35.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Hayley Lace Taffeta Dress
Special OccasionGet the ball gown glamour without the weighted skirts in our beautiful Hayley black dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a V wire front, a lace bodice with a contrast lining, and an exposed back zipper closure. A high waist seam highlights your figure and leads to a short taffeta skirt with a tulle and knit lining. Hayley offers minimal stretch.
Model is 5'6" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 36 hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3910
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Gracelyn Formal Two Piece Lace Dress
Special OccasionMake an unforgettable impression in our swoon-worthy Gracelyn navy blue dress! Her unique two piece design features a partially lined floral lace crop top with a mock neck, unlined long sleeves and an open back with multiple-button closure. Her matching skirt features a high waist fit and an elongating velvet floor length silhouette. Gracelyn offers a form hugging fit with a slight 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: 05006-0478
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rosie Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special OccasionDazzle under the stars as you light up the night! Rosie features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with mini bar accent and adjustable narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with rose gold hued sequins that offers a form hugging fit with a slight 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: 15002-0136
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Delena Formal Chiffon Tendril Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in our charming Delena dress! She features an all over emerald green hue, a halter neckline with wide neck tie straps, a plunging V neck bust and an open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with dreamy tendril accents and a high slit. She includes a built in bodysuit lining with a thong bottom and snap button closure. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon 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: 05002-6763
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Victoria Two Piece Lace Dress
Special OccasionIt takes two to make a stunning impression! Victoria features a lined black bodice with a one shoulder neckline, a fitted unlined lace long sleeve, padded cups and a scalloped lace trim. Her matching mint hued ball gown skirt features a high rise waist, a mesh overlay and a petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1XSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15006-0000
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Ava Formal Glitter Tendril Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and sparkle under the spotlight as you make a glam entrance in our enchanting Ava light blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her bodice is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with shimmering sequins and leads to a lovely ribbon belt with gemstone accents. Her sweeping floor length features a tendril skirt with glittering accents throughout! Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 36" bust, 33" waist and 46" hips. She is wearing a 1XSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15004-0009
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $144.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Missy Tendril Ball Gown
Special OccasionCharm and radiate love in our dreamy Missy dress! She features a sleeveless partially sheer black hued bodice with round neckline, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups, an sheer mesh inset at the waist and a bohemian-inspired applique design. Her back features neck ties and small keyhole. Missy really brings the romance with her blush pink glittery tendril accented ball gown. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and knit fabric. Offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15005-0001
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Maddison Sleeveless Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionRadiate elegance and grace as you draw them in to your beauty with our Maddison mauve dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline with large fold over accent and a relaxed fit bodice that flows to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a crepe fabric that highlights curves while providing a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist and 52" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0130
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Helena Formal Sleeveless Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionKeep it simply gorgeous in the effortlessly charming Helena dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wrap V neckline and adjustable narrow straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a flowing partially sheer floor length silhouette that is accented with a tie waist belt. She features a gorgeous floral print. Dress is composed of an airy chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes an additional mini skirt length knit lining and back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0098
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Galilea Formal High Slit Dress
Special OccasionRaise the bar in our sophisticated Galilea black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and floor length silhouette with double high slits. She is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with plenty of stretch.
Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1XSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0102
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Kathy Formal Off The Shoulder Bandage Dress
Special OccasionMake an entrance that will wow them all in the captivating Kathy dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with off the shoulder strap accents, wide shoulder straps, a sweetheart bust and an inverted triangle mesh inset. Her relaxed bodice leads to a curve flattering floor length silhouette that creates an hourglass illusion. Her back features a matching mesh inset on the lower back that leads to a zipper closure. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1XSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0139
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Marina One Shoulder Velvet Dress
Special OccasionCreate a head turning moment in our glamorous Marina dress! She features a one shoulder neckline, a long sleeve with ruched detailing at the shoulder and a daring asymmetrical keyhole at the bust. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0124
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Layla Formal Lace Dress
Special OccasionBring elegance and grace in our head turning Layla dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, unlined short sleeves and a lined scalloped lace bodice. Her relaxed fit waist leads to an elongating curve flattering floor length silhouette that creates a wowing hourglass illusion. Her silhouette is accented with an unlined scalloped lace train to make a dramatic exit! Dress is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0116
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Denise Formal Plunging Ruched Dress
Special OccasionSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0147
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Annamarie Floral Tulle Dress
Special OccasionRadiate a sweet look in florals as you stun in our Annamarie dress! She features a burgundy hue, a high round neckline, a partially lined bodice, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups, a sheer mesh overlay adorned with floral appliques and an unlined mesh waist band. Her back features a plunging V back with neck ties. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to voluminous tulle ball gown silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and knit fabrics that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15005-0000
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $144.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Guinevere Formal Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate in lace as you stun in our charming Guinevere dress! She features a high round neckline, padded cups, an unlined center mesh inset and all over floral lace fabric. Her waist features a pretty tie waist ribbon for a stylish touch! Her ball gown silhouette bring plenty of flair with a shimmering glitter accent! Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1X
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15004-0010
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $144.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Vera Satin Lace Up Formal Dress
Special OccasionHave all eyes drawn on you from the moment you enter the room in our green Vera dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, double straps leading to a lattice back detail and a lower back zipper closure.Her slim fit bodice leads to slim fit floor length skirt that is accented with a center high slit. She is composed of smooth stretchy satin fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0148
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Kaitlyn Formal High Slit Dress
Special OccasionMake them all take a second look in our gorgeous Kaitlyn black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, supportive shoulder straps and a flattering ruched empire waist. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass illusion and a high side slit. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with ruched detailing and a mini skirt length knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0090
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Nova High Slit Sequin Dress
Special OccasionSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0106
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Elisabeth Pleated Tulle Formal Dress
Special OccasionDress yourself as the princess you are with our breath-taking Elisabeth dress! She is a floor length evening gown with a plunging V neckline and thin adjustable straps that create an X back. Her wide empire waist leads to a floor length skirt that dances around your ankles. She is composed of a pleated tulle fabric with a sheer appearance and a thin knit lining that features a two front slits. Elisabeth offers a moderate stretch and includes a hidden zipper.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0105
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Harmony Sparkling Sequin Dress
Special OccasionShine from all your best angles in our shimmering Harmony dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, supportive tank-like straps and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating mermaid silhouette with a twirl worthy train. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adored with glowing sequins.
Model is 5'9" with a 44" bust, 37" waist and 47" hips. She is wearing a size 1XSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0096
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $45.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off