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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Alisha High Slit Ball Gown
Special OccasionShine 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
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Mary-Kate Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionLive 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
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Iya Beaded High Slit Dress
Special OccasionIya sparkles like the night sky! She features a sleeveless bodice with a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps that lead to a racer back and a hidden zip up closure, a sheer back paired with a lined front, and intricate beading that ends at a sheer waist panel. Floor-length skirt has a slim fit with a slight flare at the hem, a high front leg slit, and a contrast interior lining.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0448
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tia Formal Open Back Dress
Special OccasionElevate your evening look in our sophisticated Tia black dress! She features a V neckline with unlined mesh inset, padded cups, cap sleeves, a contrasting nude hued mesh lining and floral appliques throughout. Her back is sheer and features a lower back keyhole. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating double lined floor length silhouette. Dress is composed a combination smooth knit and mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a hidden lower back zipper closure with ruched detail.
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: 05005-0449
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $224.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Harper Formal Satin Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Enchant in our Harper dress as you make a captivating entrance that will make you feel like you're living out a dreamy evening! Our Harper dress features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with a racer bust, built-in boning, padded cups, and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets, pleating detailing, and a petticoat. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure. Complete your formal outfit with glitter heels and rhinestone bobby pins to adorn tresses with.Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline with racer bust
- Built-in boning and padded cups
- Princess seams
- Hidden side pockets
- Ball gown silhouette
- Lined satin fabric
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0441
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $239.50
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Aurelia Formal Satin Lattice Dress
Special OccasionSashay into the room with confidence as you captivate in our Aurelia dress! She features a rich red color, a scoop neckline, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to lattice back. Her empire waist accent leads to a floor length silhouette accented with a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0438
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $78.97 $209.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Everleigh Radiating Gemstone Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionRadiate like the Queen you are in our breath taking Everleigh silver dress! She glows with her partially lined high round neckline adorned with a gemstone trim, padded cups and a sheer back panel that leads to a small lower back keyhole. Her slim fit bodice leads to a twirl-worthy mermaid silhouette complemented with godets. Her all over gemstones shine like a diamond are complemented with mini floral shaped sequins. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden 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: 05005-0431
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $129.97 $349.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jasmine Embellished Satin Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionOur Jasmine dress is lovely dream true that is fitting for your fairytale ending! She features a lovely blush pink color, a halter neck with rhinestone embellished criss crossing straps, padded cups and flattering princess seams. Her back features an open design and leads to a long dramatic train to make a princess-worthy entrance! Her relaxed fit bodice leads to sweeping mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a side zipper closure.
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: 05005-0434
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $289.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Amina Formal High Slit Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionFlatter and shine in the ever so charming Amina dress! She features a navy blue color, a plunging V neckline with a unlined mesh inset, wide tank-like straps and lined padded cups. Her bodice is partially lined with piping accents, floral appliques and sparkling heat stones. Her open back reveals a bar strap accent with a triple-row fish hook closure and leads to a hidden lower back zipper. Her elongating floor length silhouette is accented with a high side slit to reveal glam heels! Dress is composed of a mesh and lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0436
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.97 $209.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kari Strapless Beaded Tulle Dress
Special OccasionRadiate and glow from within as you dazzle in our dreamy Kari dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a non slip strip, padded cups for support and a slim fit bodice that leads to a trumpet silhouette with sheer tulle panels. Her all over beaded design features aquamarine sequins, pearl accents and large gemstones. Dress is composed of a beige hued 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 three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0432
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.97 $299.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Beatrice Formal High Slit Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionDazzle like a dream in the head turning Beatrice dress! She features a partially lined bodice with a plunging V neckline with scalloped lace trim, lined cups, tank-like straps and a matching plunging back. Her bodice is adorned with sparkling heat stones set in a baroque-inspired design and leads to a flowy blush pink chiffon maxi silhouette with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, knit and chiffon fabrics 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 three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0428
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.97 $299.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shauna Beaded Tulle Ball Gown
Special OccasionTwirl under the stars as you glow in our breathtaking Shauna dress! She features a dreamy light blue color, a high round neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and a sheer partially lined bodice. Her bodice is adorned with gleaming rhinestones and gemstones for plenty of shine. Her voluminous ball gown silhouette features a sheer tulle overly and a petticoat. Dress is composed of combination mesh, tulle and smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0430
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.97 $299.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Marianne Tulle Glitter Ball Gown
Special OccasionLayer yourself in our dreamy Marianne burgundy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, wide overlapping pleated straps across the bodice and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatically layered tulle ball gown silhouette with wide banded hem and glitter accents throughout. Dress is composed of lined tulle fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05005-0013
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $131.97 $249.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maryanne Beaded Tulle Ball Gown
Special OccasionMake an everlasting impression as you radiate beauty in our charming Maryanne pink dress! She features a partially lined bodice, a V neckline with plunging mesh inset, lined padded cups, tank-like straps and a plunging back. Her bodice is adorned with sparkling heat stones and a gold hued baroque-inspired applique design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette that is a accented with sparkling heat stones and complemented with a dramatic train. She is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0465
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $259.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Madeline Formal Beaded Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionRadiate a gorgeous look in our captivating Madeline dress! She features a charcoal color, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, sheer narrow straps, a sweetheart bust and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette and godet accents at the hem. The all over beaded design is complemented with sequins for a sparkling look! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0427
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ryleigh Floral Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionRomance in florals as you create a beautiful moment in our Ryleigh dress! She features a royal blue color, a square neckline with a racer bust, padded cups and narrow straps. Her bodice features a gorgeous gold hued floral applique design with twinkling heat stones and leads to a voluminous ball gown skirt accented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat, knit lining and back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0425
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $93.97 $269.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Francine Formal Beaded Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionBring the luxe in our breathtaking Francine gray dress! She features a V neckline, padded cups, sheer cold shoulder straps and tank-like straps. Her slim fit bodice is adorned with a Gatsby-inspired beaded design with shimmering sequins and leads to a sweeping floor length floor length silhouette with godet panels. Dress is composed of a sheer lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0426
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Elliana Metallic Marvel Formal Dress
Special OccasionMake a marvelous entrance in our dazzling Elliana plum dress! She features a partially unlined sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline, a sweetheart lining, padded cups and a metallic gold floral applique design adorned with clear rhinestones. Her back is unlined with a matching applique pattern. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length flared silhouette accented with vertical seams to create a body-con like effect. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and crepe fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0392
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $10.00 $279.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dahlia Sweetheart Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionSave the last dance in style, as you sway under the stars in our dreamy Dahlia dress! She features a vibrant color, a sweetheart neckline with a built in no slip strip, supportive padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit waist features hidden side pockets, pleating details and a voluminous ball gown skirt. Dahlia is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes knit lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0381
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $126.97 $239.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jeanette Formal Velvet Applique Dress
Special OccasionDraw all eyes on you in our timelessly captivating Jeanette black dress! She features a sleeveless golden hued bodice with a high round neckline, a small keyhole, padded cups and a gorgeous baroque patterned applique lace with twinkling rhinestone accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to a form flattering floor length black velvet silhouette that creates an hour glass illusion. Dress offers a moderate stretch and includes a hidden back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0396
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.94 $239.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cora Formal Tulle Ball Gown
Special OccasionMake your night a dream come true as you twirl the night away in our enchanting Cora dress! She features a combination black with natural hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a built in no slip strip, a sweetheart bust with an unlined V-shaped mesh inset, padded cups, shoulder strap accents and princess seams. Her waist features mesh insets adorned with floral applique details and twinkling rhinestones. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous tulle ball gown silhouette. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0555
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Melody Formal Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionCreate an enchanting evening as you twinkle under the stars in our charming Melody dress! She features an all over blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and adjustable narrow straps. Her back features a partially open design with narrow tie straps that create a bar back accent. Her slim fit bodice is accented with an empire waist detail that leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets, pleats and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0554
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jeanette Starry Night Ball Gown
Special OccasionLight up the night like a twinkling star under an enchanted sky! Jeanette features a black hue, a halter neck with a racer bust and an open back. The slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with a petticoat to bring the drama! Her all over tulle fabric is adorned with speckles of shimmering dotted sequin accents throughout! Dress is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0553
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shelby Floral Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionShine under the stars in our enchanting Shelby dress! She features a navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatic ball gown silhouette that is accented with pleating details and hidden side pockets. She is composed of a satin fabric that features a charming pink hued floral print pattern and green foliage. Dress is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Garment is fully lined and includes a petticoat.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0551
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance