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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Plus Sivan Glam Sequin Dress
Special OccasionShimmer and glow as you radiate your one of a kind beauty in our dazzling Sivan dress! She features a round neckline, cap sleeves and princess seams. Her back features a gorgeous cascading cowl neck detail. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins throughout. She offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a side zipper closure and full knit 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: 15002-0072
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Nima Floral Sequin Dress
Special OccasionDazzle in florals as you make an entrance in our stunning Nima dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and supportive tank-like straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve flattering floor length silhouette to grace each step! Her all over sequin floral print dazzle and shines! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
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: 15002-0094
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Plus Evelyn Formal Wrap Satin Dress
Special OccasionMake your evening a regal affair in sophisticated satin! Evelyn features an all over navy blue hue, a wrap V neckline with ruched detailing, supportive tank-like straps and a floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with plenty of stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0076
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Elysse Steal The Show Sequin Dress
Special OccasionSlay in sequins as you bring the glitz in our Elysse dress! She features a high round neckline, fitted long sleeves and a fun mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with dazzling sequins set in a geometric pattern. Dress offers a curve flattering fit with plenty of stretch. 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: 15001-0035
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Kaleigh Off Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Keep a classy profile in our floor length Kaleigh dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with ruched detailing on one shoulder and ruched detailing along the sides to create a gracefully cascading effecting leading to a sexy high slit. She is double lined with a soft to the touch knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit that provides plenty of stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0100
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Kenia Formal Velvet Midi Dress
Special OccasionElevate your evening look with in luxe velvet as you make your entrance in our lovely Kenia dress! She features a black hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a wrap V neck bust, long sleeves and a midi length silhouette with a side slit. She is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0037
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Dianna Evening Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate your style with our timelessly elegant Dianna dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a wrap V neck bust, long sleeves and subtle ruched detailing along the side. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette that is accented with an asymmetrical high slit. Dress is composed of a partially lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
*Web exclusive - online returns only*
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0045
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.87 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Kaydence Scalloped Lace Dress
Special OccasionPlay the night on the right note as you charm in our Kaydence dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline adorned with a scalloped lace trim, long unlined sleeves and a relaxed fit bodice. Her bodice leads to a cute satin tie waist belt that flows into a fluttering mermaid skirt complimented with front vertical seams. Her all over scalloped mesh lace is paired with a thin knit lining for a subtle two tone effect. She offers a curve flattering fit with plenty of stretch. Dress includes back zipper closure.
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: 15002-0054
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.94 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Roxy Sweetheart Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it classy for your next formal event! Our Roxy floor length dress features an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline that creates short sleeves, light pleating along the bodice to create a flattering hourglass silhouette and a large front slit to provide a tease of leg leading to a trumpet skirt. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a luxurious feel and offers plenty of stretch.
*Web exclusive - online returns only*
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: 15002-0001
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Radiant In Rhinestones Mini Dress
Cause a little commotion in this playful mini dress! It features a wrap bodice with a ruffle trim, a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps, and a wrap skirt with a subtle asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3351
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $10.00 $31.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ready And Ruffled Midi Dress
She's ready to work it. Cause a commotion in this midi dress!
Fits & Features
- Elastic Off Shoulder Neckline
- Ruffled Popover Detail
- Form Hugging Silhouette
- Midi Length Ruffled Trumpet Hemline
- Fully Lined & Composed Of Crepe Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8114
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $5.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sophisticated Beauty Formal Cover Up
Special OccasionPair your dream dress with the perfect cover up to fully accessorize your look! This must have cover up features an all over navy blue, a drape open front and quarter length sleeves. Cover up is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32 bust, 24 waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05008-0209
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lottie Formal Lace Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionBring the luxe in lace! Lottie features a burgundy hue and a trendy two piece design. Her crop top features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and narrow straps. Her back features an unlined floral lace panel and an open lower back with bar strap accent. Her matching skirt features a high rise waist and a high side slit. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Garment is composed of a lined lace fabric and includes back zipper closures.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0521
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Liz Formal Floral Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in florals! Liz features a royal blue crop top with an off the shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust, padded cups and short sleeves. Her matching satin skirt features a high rise waist, hidden side pockets and a pink hued floral print. Top is composed of a form hugging fit crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Skirt includes a petticoat and offers a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0520
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Amirah Lace Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionGrace them all in lace as you make a captivating entrance in our Amirah two piece black dress! She features a cropped lace top with a plunging V neckline, narrow shoulder straps and leads to an unlined floral lace panel. The matching skirt features a high rise waist, a ruched side seam and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination lace and smooth knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0513
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mel Lace Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionStun in lace as you make a gorgeous entrance in our Mel dress! She features a charming pink hue and trendy two design. Her floral lace crop top features an off the shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust, shoulder strap accents and glitter throughout. Her matching trumpet skirt features a high rise waist, vertical seams to create an hourglass illusion, a pretty floral print and a petticoat. Skirt is composed of a lined textured satin fabric. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0519
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Allie Formal Floral Lace Dress
Special OccasionSweep them off their feet in our romantic Allie dress! She features a partially lined bodice, a boat neckline, a sweetheart bust lining, unlined cap sleeves and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. She's truly one of a kind with her sheer detachable skirt that easily ties with a satin ribbon. Dress is composed of a lined ivory hued floral lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0514
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $76.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ophelia Formal Sequin Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionThe sequins say it all when it comes to our Ophelia burgundy dress! She features a sequin embellished crop top with a halter neck, racer bust and padded cups. Her matching stretchy twill knit skirt features a high rise waist and a flared mermaid silhouette. Top is composed of lined mesh fabric. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt knit lining and back zipper closures.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0511
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Roxanne Formal Two Piece Lattice Dress
Special OccasionElevate your look with our luxe Roxanne two piece dress! She features a sleeveless crop top with a wired V neckline, padded cups, princess seams, adjustable narrow straps and a lattice back. Her matching skirt features a high rise waist, hidden side pockets and a voluminous petticoat. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed 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: 05006-0510
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Aliyah Formal Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionCreate a stunning moment in our unforgettable Aliyah dress! She features a burgundy hue and a two piece design. Her top features a partially lined lace bodice, high round neckline, padded cups and a lower back keyhole with a bar accent. Her matching skirt features a high rise waist and a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, lace and smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0507
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Aline Formal Floral Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionMake it a lace-filled affair in our lovely Aline two piece dress! She features a lace crop top with an off the shoulder neckline, fitted unlined long sleeves, padded cups, a no slip strip and a cropped scalloped lace hem. The matching skirt features a high rise waist, a blue printed floral print, pleating details and a voluminous petticoat. Dress is composed of a combination lace, lightweight woven fabric and a smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0504
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Lena Floral Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionCreate a romantic look in gorgeous florals! Lena features a combination red with black hue and a two piece design. Her floral lace crop top features a high round neckline with a double button closure at the nape of the neck, a sweetheart neck bust, padded cups and dazzling sequins throughout. Her matching skirt features a high waist, vertical seams, a flared mermaid silhouette and a floral print pattern. Her multi-tiered skirt is composed of a textured satin-like fabric and accented with a voluminous petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch and includes zipper closures.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0506
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $134.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emmie Formal Sequin Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionStun in sequins as you light up the evening in our Emmie dress! She features a glam gold hue and a trendsetting two piece design. Her top features a sequin bodice, a wide round neckline, cap sleeves and a back zipper closure. Her matching taffeta skirt features a high waist, vertical seams, a dramatic mermaid silhouette and a voluminous petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0502
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Meredith Polka Dot Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionMeredith stands out and knows how to have fun while keeping things sophisticated and classy! Her solid black crop top has an off the shoulder neckline with narrow shoulder straps, a padded bust, an exposed back silver zipper, and is composed of a smooth, double knit material with little to no stretch. Her matching trumpet skirt has a high rise fit, a hidden back zipper closure, and a flared hem that helps create an hourglass silhouette. Ivory skirt has contrasting black polka dots all over and is composed of a thick, woven silk fabric with no stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0499
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance