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.

  • Plus Lilianna Formal Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion

    Make a luxurious impression as you stun in elegant velvet! Lilianna features an off the shoulder neckline and a draping popover detail. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating curve flattering silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0122

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Lucy Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an elegant entrance in the ever enchanting Lucy dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with strap accents, a wired sweetheart bust, a built in no slip strip and supportive padded cups. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with  hidden side pockets and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined scuba knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes an additional mini skirt length knit lining.

    Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist and 52" hips. She is wearing a 1X

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15004-0007

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Joselyn Formal Halter Dress

    Slip into classic black to make a timelessly chic impression! Joselyn features a halter neck, a V neck bust, supportive padded cups and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with vertical seams to streamline and create an hourglass effect. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0081

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Kyla Formal Bandage Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an unforgettable entrance in our wowing Kyla dress! She features a rich burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, wide overlapping pleated accents that drape the bodice and supportive shoulder straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined scuba fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes an exposed back gold zipper closure with ruched detailing.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0091

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Plus Kacey Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Mesmerize as you make a magical entrance in our dazzling Kacey dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline, a  partially sheer bodice, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups and a keyhole at the back. Her bodice is adorned with shimmering heat stones throughout! Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and 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 1X

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0141

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $33.97 $72.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Gabrielle Formal High Slit Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Make a memorable impression in sophisticated satin! Gabrielle features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with racer bust and princess seams. Her back features an open lower back design that leads to a lower zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a fluttering double lined floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 50" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0087

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Plus Kira Formal Velvet Sweetheart Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Own the night in luxe velvet as you wow and captivate in our Kira dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust, short sleeves and built in boning for support. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve flattering floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy velvet fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0110

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Carmen Glitter Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Brighten up the midnight sky as you shimmer in the radiating Carmen dress! She features a deep navy blue color, a partially lined mesh bodice, a halter neck with neck ties, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups and a back keyhole. Her bodice is adorned with a glitter detail set in a baroque-inspired print and a sheer unlined mesh waist band. Her voluminous ball gown silhouette is adorned with glitter accents and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

     Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a size 14.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15004-0008

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $144.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Roseanna Formal Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine from within as you make your entrance in our enchanting Roseanna! She features a chic black color, a plunging V neckline, adjustable bra-like straps to offer support and an elongating floor length silhouette with a flared hem. She is composed of lined mesh fabric adorned with a wowing baroque-inspired glitter design. Dress offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate fit. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0089

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Iris One Shoulder Draped Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion

    Drape yourself in luxe velvet to channel timeless glam for your evening! Iris features a stunning one shoulder neckline with a draped shoulder strap, a sweetheart bust with a padded cup. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit to show off a hint of leg. She is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0119

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Zaria Formal Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion

    Glow in radiance as you captivate in our dazzling Zaria dress! She features a high round neckline, long sleeves and a relaxed fit bodice that leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Her back features a plunging U-shape to add a unique touch! Dress is composed of a stretchy glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Glitter will transfer. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0111

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Selene Formal Ruched Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Channel Hollywood glam as you make a breathtaking entrance in our Selene dress! She features a V neckline, long sleeves, princess seams and a ruched detailing along the left side. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate 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: 15002-0146

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Plus Chiffon Beauty Maxi Dress
    Showcase your beauty in this gorgeous flowy chiffon maxi! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a sheer lace back with an exposed gold zipper followed by a back cut out, a high waist seam, and a flowy long skirt. The mauve dress is composed of a sheer chiffon fabric with a full knit lining.

    Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist and 52" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15101-0084

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Athena Formal Asymmetrical Pearl Dress
    Special Occasion

    You're a true one of a kind, make that known in our breathtaking Athena dress! She features a chic black hue, a plunging V neckline, long sleeves with pearl embellished cuffs, ruching along the seam, a daring high slit and an asymmetrical silhouette. Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a curve flattering fit that offers plenty of stretch. Includes a mini skit length knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0145

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Aurora Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Elevate your evening look in a dress fit for a Queen like you! Aurora features a gorgeous plum hue, an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with overlapping pleated details and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with horizontal seams and a side high slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with plenty of stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.

    Model is  5'11 with a 36"bust, 34" waist and 43" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0092

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Plus Corinne Sparkle Lurex Dress
    Special Occasion

    Catch everyone's attention  in our whimsical Corinne mesh dress! She features a wrap bodice with flattering empire waist, pleating around the bust, a deep V neckline, adjustable shoulder straps, a square back with an exposed zipper closure, and a flowy, floor-length skirt with a side leg slit. Corrine includes a full knit lining and is composed of a mesh fabric with metallic threading for a shimmer effect. She offers a slim fit and a slight stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0079

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $34.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Plus Heather Wrap Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Wrap yourself in classic elegance as you impress in our gorgeous Heather dress! She features a wrap V neckline, long sleeves and a cinching tie waist belt with loops. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette to create a twirl worthy moment! She is composed of smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with plenty of stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0115

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Estella Stargazer Lily Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make the night extra magical when you walk in with stars in your eyes and stargazer lilies on your gown! Our beautiful Estella features a sweetheart off the shoulder neckline that creates wide strap sleeves, a fitted yet stretchy bodice with a high waistline, a padded bust for extra support and a floral taffeta skirt with pockets. Skirt includes a short skirt lining and a back zipper.

    Model is 5'9 with a 44" bust, 35" waist and 47" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15004-0001

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.94 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Penelope Glitter Formal High Low Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Lead the room with a bit of magic in our glamorous Penelope dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, short sleeves and a relaxed fit bodice that leads to a flirty high low skirt that brings the best of both worlds! She is composed of a rich navy glitter knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric. Glitter will transfer. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0126

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Plus Zariah Formal Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion

    Embrace elegance as you make it a moment to remember in always trendy velvet! Zariah features a deep navy blue hue, a plunging V neck with tank-like straps for support and structuring princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve flattering floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass-like illusion. Dress is composed of a lined luxe velvet fabric that offers plenty of stretch! Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0074

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Juliet Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
    Special Occasion

    Say it with sequins as you shine on in our Juliet dress! She features an all over burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, narrow adjustable straps and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a dreamy floor length silhouette accented with double high slits and light pleating. Anika is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with gleaming sequins set in a scroll print. Dress offers a relaxed fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and partial skirt lining. 

    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: 15004-0006

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Charlotte Formal Satin Dress

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0071

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Karla Formal Wrap Dress
    Special Occasion

    Wrap yourself in elegance as you grace them with your presence in our Karla dress! She features a plunging wrap V neckline, wide shoulder straps, ruching detailing and a floor length wrap silhouette that is accented with a high slit. Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0132

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Everly Sweetheart Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion

    Wrap yourself in gorgeous lace to show off your affinity for striking an elegant look! Our Everly dress features a sleeveless bodice and mock neck with a delicate lace trim. Her bodice features an all over gorgeous crochet lace detail, unlined inset and partial flirty sweetheart lining with heavily padded cups to enhance and lift your curves. Her waist leads to an ethereal floor length chiffon skirt that flows beautifully with each step you take. She features a natural fit offering moderate stretch. Dress is fully lined and has back zipper closure. 

    Model is 5'11 with a 36" bust, 34" waist and 43" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0030

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.87 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance