Formal Dresses

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Shop Black Formal Dresses

Discover Blue Formal Dresses

Explore White Formal Dresses

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.

  • Alisa Floral Two Piece Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sweep them away in florals as you wow in our Alisa dress! She features a two piece design adorned with floral appliques and heat stone detailing to make a gorgeous impression! The crop top features a partially lined bodice, a high round neckline, a sweetheart bust, padded cups and a small keyhole. The matching skirt features high rise waist with a heat stone detailed waist and a multi-tiered ball gown tulle skirt. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a knit lining and voluminous petticoat. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0498

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $169.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Roxanna Formal Lattice Two Piece Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Lace up in our one of a kind Roxanna two piece red dress! She features a crop top with a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams, tank-like straps and a mini lattice back to adjust top as needed. Her matching skirt features a high rise fit, vertical seams that create an hourglass-like illusion and a flaring mermaid silhouette. Roxanna is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0493

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Tamara Formal Metallic Two Piece Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Mesmerize in metallics as you radiate in our Tamara black dress! She features a sleeveless crop top with a square neckline, racer bust, adjustable narrow straps and a back zipper closure. Her bodice features a black hued mesh fabric adorned with silver hued metallic sequin accents set in a baroque pattern. Her matching skirt features a high rise waist and an elongating floor length. Skirt is composed of a lined tulle fabric that includes a back zipper closure. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0487

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mariah Glitter Two Piece Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate glamour darling, in our diva-approved Mariah two piece navy dress! She features a crop top with a boat neckline, padded cups and wide shoulder straps. Her matching skirt features a high rise waist and a flared silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes back zipper closures.

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0505

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mandy Formal Two Piece Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring some lace appeal to your evening as you stun in our one of a kind Mandy two piece dress! She features a sleeveless crop top with plunging V neckline, princess seams, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to unlined floral lace back with lower back strap accent. Her matching double lined skirt features a high rise waist, vertical seams, a high side slit and a zipper closure. Mandy is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight 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: 05006-0494

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Reina Stunning Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Simply elegant, that is what Reina brings to your special evening! She wows with a plunging V neckline, supportive tank-like straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to voluminous ball gown silhouette complemented with hidden side pockets, pleats and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 30" bust, 22" waist and 33" hips. She is wearing a size 2.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0474

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $108.97 $239.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Riley Formal Beaded Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance and beauty as you shine in our Riley silver dress! She features a partially lined bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, narrow embellished straps and narrow straps at the back. Bodice features a lovely beaded detailing and complemented with gemstones. Grace each step with her floor length chiffon silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0473

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $239.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emeline Beaded Mesh & Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion

    Wow the crowd when you make a grand entrance in our gorgeous ivory Emeline dress! All eyes will be locked on her nude, unlined mesh bodice with intricate embroidery and beading. She has a deep V neckline with a sheer mesh inset, padded cups, and a stunning plunging back that leads to a hidden zip up closure. Her sexy sheer bodice is complemented with a flowy, floor-length chiffon skirt with a high leg slit. 

    Model is 5'7 with a 34" bust, a 24" waist, and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0472

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $99.97 $249.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emelia Formal Trumpet Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in elegance lace as you make your entrance for your next event! Emelia features a navy blue color, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, unlined side mesh panels and floral appliques throughout with heat stones. Her floor length silhouette features a lined floral lace fabric that leads to a flared trumpet hem. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. includes a hidden back zipper closure.
     

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0471

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $269.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Dina Formal Metallic Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make it a metallic moment as you twirl the night away in our dazzling Dina black dress! She features a high round neckline with a double hook fasten at the nape of the neck, padded cups and a bold open back with a triple row fish hook clasp closure. Her bodice features a gold hued metallic floral applique accent and twinkling heat stones. Her floor length skirt features a curve hugging fit with vertical seams and a flared hem. Dress offers a moderate stretch. Includes a hidden lower back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0470

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $259.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jan Formal Strapless Bow Dress
    Special Occasion

    All you need is the perfect bow to bring your look together! Jan features a navy blue color, a strapless sweetheart neckline, a no slip strip, built in boning for support, ruching along the left seam and a curve hugging floor length mermaid silhouette. Her back features a statement making large bow accent to add an extra feminine touch! Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" 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: 05005-0469

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $239.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Annemarie Formal Sleeveless Metallic Dress
    Special Occasion

    Go for a glow-worthy look in our enchanting Annemarie dress! She features a navy blue color, a sheer partially lined bodice, a high round neckline, lined padded cups, floral appliques throughout and dazzling heat stones. Her back is sheer and unlined to show off a hint of skin. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a flared hem. Dress offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.
     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0468

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $259.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Carrie Two Piece Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the heat in our fiercely bold Carrie two piece dress! Her crop top features a square neckline with halter neck tie straps, a racer bust, an open back with a multi strap accents and an all over heat stone with rhinestone embellishments. Her matching skirt features a high rise waist, a back slit accent, a mermaid silhouette with a high slit accent and a built in cheeky bottom lining. Dress is composed of a partially lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Skirt includes a side zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0484

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $37.44 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Harlee Formal Satin Two Piece Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in satin as you make a grand entrance in our romantic Harlee two piece dress! She features a strapless crop top with a sweetheart bust, padded cups, princess seams and built in boning for structure. Her matching skirt features a high waist fit and a flared mermaid silhouette with a wide banded hemline. Dress is composed of a burgundy hued lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Both pieces include back zipper closures. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0483

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $26.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Amalia Floral Two Piece Gown
    Special Occasion

    Make an unforgettable debut in our gorgeous Amalia floral two piece dress! She features a sleeveless lace crop top with a mock neck that ties at the back, a back zipper closure, and a lined and padded bust. Her floral skirt has a high waist with a hidden back zipper closure, side pockets, and a dramatic A-line cut so you can feel like a queen on your special day. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0458

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aaliyah Formal Sequin Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Aaliyah is truly one a million with her sparkling sequins! She features a sleeveless bodice, a halter neck with a racer bust, narrow straps that lead to a lattice back design and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins throughout set in a baroque-inspired print. Offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0477

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $269.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Colette Formal Beaded Sleeveless Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep your look beaded and beautiful as you impress in our Colette black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with godets and a petticoat. Her all over beaded detailing is set in a baroque-inspired design. Dress is composed of lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05005-0466

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $299.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sara Formal Beaded Perfection Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Flaunt your flawless beauty in our captivating Sara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and criss crossing straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with plenty of flare and tulle panels to create a twirl worthy moment! Her all over beaded detailing is set in a baroque inspired design. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a side zipper closure.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0464

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $99.97 $299.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mila Metallic One Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate a more elegant look in our luxe Mila black dress! She features a one shoulder neckline, a tank-like strap, padded cups for support. Her partially lined bodice features a gold metallic applique design and sparkling heat stones that adorn the left seam. Her floor length silhouette elongates to a flared hem. Dress is composed of a double lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0462

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $289.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Maddie Formal Embellished Halter Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make your evening a magical one in our enchanting Maddie! She features a plunging halter neck with an unlined mesh inset, a double row hook closure at the nape of the neck, padded cups, wide straps and a bold open back. Her bodice features a floral applique design and sparkling heat stones. Her voluminous ball gown silhouette is accented with hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with 30" bust, 22" waist and 33" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0457

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $209.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jules Formal Beaded Halter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep it beautifully beaded in our charming Jules navy dress! She features a plunging halter neck, padded cups and sexy waist cut outs. She features a plunging open back that leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a flared hem. She is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that is adorned with multifaceted beads throughout. Dress offers a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0461

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $279.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Joanne Floral Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Own the night in luxe satin as you bloom in our charming Joanne black dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a no slip strip, built in boning and a corset back with lattice ties. Her bodice is adorned with a floral applique design complemented with sparkling heat stones that leads to a dramatic ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes petticoat and hidden lower back zipper closure. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" 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: 05005-0458

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $229.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alisha High Slit Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Shine and radiate your glowing beauty from the inside out in our Alisha yellow dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a partially lined bodice with lined cups and tank-like straps. Her bodice is embellished with rhinestones and gemstones to dazzle! Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" 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: 05005-0455

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $81.97 $219.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mary-Kate Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Live out your dreams in our whimsical Mary-Kate dress to make a twirl worthy statement! She features a vibrant red hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with padded cups, princess seams and narrow shoulder straps. Her empire waist leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Royal: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 2.

    Red: Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size 2.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0452

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $93.97 $249.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free