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 Leanna Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion

    Stun and sparkle like the twinkling night sky in our mesmerizing Leanna black dress! She features a V neckline with supportive tank-like shoulder straps and a floor length mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. She dazzles with a heat stone adorned bodice to shine from your best angles! She is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve loving fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0075

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Shine on through the evening in our enchanting Nicki burgundy dress! She showcases curves while featuring a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with a lace trim, supportive padded cups and princess seams. Her back features an eye catching keyhole with a fish hook clasp closure and complemented with a lower back zipper closure. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a flowing mermaid silhouette to bring the drama. She is composed of a burgundy hued lined scalloped lace fabric adorned with gleaming glitter details. Dress offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0069

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Selena Taffeta High Low Dress
    Special Occasion

    Look your best for those all too important moments in our Selena dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline paired with bra friendly shoulder straps and flattering princess seams that lead to an empire waist. Her bodice leads to a flaring multi-tiered high low skirt that brings plenty of the drama! Her multi-tiered skirt features a thin knit lining and petticoat. She offers a relaxed fit with plenty of stretch to embrace curves! Includes back zipper closure with fish hook hardware. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0049

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.94 $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 a timelessly chic black hue, 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: 15002-0077

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Plus Sandra Glitter Ruffle Dress
    Special Occasion

    Bring the sparkle as shine in the glam Sandra dress! She features a plunging V neckline, supportive tank-like straps and a relaxed fit bodice. Her narrow waist band accent leads to a dramatic mermaid silhouette accented with a high center slit and a ruffled hemline. Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.

    Model is 5'9" with a 44" bust, 37" waist and 47" hips. She is wearing a size 1X

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0125

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Ombre Sequin Dress
    Who needs those flashing lights when you're already lit in this sequin party dress? This fun piece has a deep  V neckline, long fitted sleeves and a curve hugging fit. Dress is composed of a sequin fabric that offers a slight stretch and a gorgeous, attention-grabbing ombre design. 

    Model is 5'9 with a 38" bust, 38" waist and 44" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15101-0032

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Plus Stella Formal Ruched Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Get ruched and ready to make a breathtaking impression in our Stella dress! She features an all over hue, an off the shoulder neckline, ruched long sleeves and ruching along the sides to create a cascading-like effect that leads to a floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a burgundy hued lined smooth knit 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: 15002-0097

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Shana Formal Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Dazzle them all as you leave an unforgettable impression in our Shana dress! She features a V neckline paired with bra-friendly shoulder straps and padded cups for a flattering lift. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to flowing floor length mermaid silhouette accented with mesh panels. Dress is composed of a pewter gray mesh fabric and adorned with iridescent sequins that reflect a sparkling navy hue! Garment offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and a back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0070

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $169.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Charlene Formal Satin Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in stunning lace as you make a head turning entrance in our lovely Charlene dress! She features a navy blue color, a plunging V neckline complemented with an unlined floral lace inset and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an a sweeping A-line silhouette that is accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch. Lined with a smooth knit fabric and includes a 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: 15002-0093

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $40.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Elin Satin Evening Dress
    Special Occasion

    Sashay your way through the evening in sultry satin as you channel your inner siren in our Elin evening dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, plunging V neckline paired with narrow adjustable straps leading to a sexy cross back design and flattering princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging  floor length skirt with a sexy high slit that shows off plenty of skin as you strike a pose! She is composed of an incredibly smooth stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Dress includes hidden back zipper closure for a seamless look! 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0109

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Toast off the night in our gorgeous Addie dress! She features an all over hunter green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, wide shoulder straps and structuring princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Addie is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0088

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $92.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Monica Formal Wrap Ruched Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a captivating entrance in our lovely Monica dress! She features a mauve hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a fold over accent and an asymmetrical floor length silhouette with a ruched side seam. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit. The back features a ruched detailing and full zipper closure.

    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: 15002-0149

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $23.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Eve Double Slit Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the drama as you raise the stakes in our bold Eve dress! She features a halter neck with square bust, tank-like straps that lead to a sexy lattice back and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with two high side slits to show of plenty of leg. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin-like fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Model is 5'9" with a 44" bust, 37" waist and 47" hips. She is wearing a size 1X

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0095

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $38.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Plus Adelina Formal Halter Crepe Dress
    Special Occasion

    Create a head turning look as you sashay into the room in our bold Adelina dress! She features a chic black hue, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a halter neck and structuring princess seams. 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 crepe fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0084

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Plus London Heat Stone Mini Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glam as you light up the evening in our illuminating London dress! She features a plunging V neckline, cap sleeves and sparkling heat stones with gemstone accents throughout! Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin-like fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'8" with a 42" bust, 35" waist and 45" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0032

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Cassie Velvet Wrap Dress
    Special Occasion

    Get wrapped up in the heat of the moment! Our short and classy Cassie dress is perfect for your homecoming night with a wrap-like body, a daring V neckline and long sleeves. She has a wide waistband that accentuates your curves and a mini length skirt. Cassie is composed of a soft velvet knit that offers a moderate stretch and has a vertical stripe pattern created by dazzling heat stones. She includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0000

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Cami Formal Heat Stone Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle and shine in our glitzy Cami dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, unlined fitted long sleeves, ruched side seams and a midi length silhouette. She brings the sparkle with her all over heat stone accents! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0038

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Plus Steph Sequin Party Dress
    Special Occasion

    Make it a night to remember in this fun party dress! Steph is composed of all over sequin fabric and features a sleeveless bodice with a plunging V neckline and small mesh inset, an A-line silhouette, a tulle petticoat for added flare, pockets and a back zipper. 

    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: 15001-0009

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.94 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Beth Formal Lace Dress
    Special Occasion

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0067

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Emmeline Crepe Scalloped Dress
    Special Occasion

    Dazzle as bright as a romantic night spent under the stars in our alluring Emmeline dress! She features elegant cap sleeves, a V neckline framed with a scalloped trim design and a gleaming array of heat stones that reflect plenty of glamour! Her empire waist is detailed with a heat stone accent that leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a curve enhancing fit with a moderate stretch. Dress includes fish hook clasp and back zipper closure. 

    Model is 5'9 with a 38" bust, 38" waist and 44" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0028

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.94 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Marissa Crepe Trumpet Dress
    Special Occasion

    Show a little shoulder with our daring Marissa dress! She is a beautiful floor length gown with an off the shoulder neckline that creates the effect of short strap sleeves. Her curve hugging fabric is composed of a crepe knit that offers moderate stretch to accentuate your hourglass figure. She also features sheer lace godet accents to add some WOW factor and show off your heels!

    Model is 5'11 with a 47" bust, 40.5" waist and 57.5" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0003

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.94 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Teresa Formal Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Sparkle and radiate as you dazzle them all in our Teresa black dress! She features an all over black hue, a high round neckline with racer bust, narrow straps that lead to a chic criss-cross back design and supportive padded cups. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a graceful floor length silhouette to create a twirl-worthy moment! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with gleaming black sequins set in a geometric pattern. Dress offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0066

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Evanna Evening Dress
    Special Occasion

    Create the most blissful evening with our glamorous Evanna copper dress! This show stopper of a gown features an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with padded cups for added support and a fit and flare silhouette with a high side slit. Her full sequin body helps to highlight your curves in all the right ways while her moderately stretchy fabric allows for flexibility and comfort. She also includes a hidden back zipper.

    Model is 5'11 with a 42" bust, 35" waist and 49" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0010

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Katlyn Strapless Crepe Dress
    Special Occasion

    Katlyn is a vivacious lady in red that makes your bold personality shine through! She has a strapless neckline flexible wire around the bust, a high waist seam, an exposed back zipper, and a high leg slit. Katlyn is compsoed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 

    Model is 5'7 with a 42" bust, 36" waist and 46" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0064

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance