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.
Now Trending
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.
-
Laurie Lace And Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionGo for a glam entrance in our unforgettable Laurie dress! She features a navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and a lined bodice composed of a floral lace fabric. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette that is complemented with pleating details and hidden side pockets.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0548
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Nicola Formal Tulle Ball Gown
Special OccasionCreate an enchanted moment in our captivating Nicola dress! She features an all over rich burgundy hue, a strapless neckline with a square bust, a built in no slip strip for secure fit, padded cups and built in boning for structure. Her lined mesh bodice features a silver hued baroque inspired design and adorned with beaded accents. Her dramatic tulle silhouette features a thin knit lining and a voluminous petticoat. Nicola offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0546
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Carmen Glitter Ball Gown
Special OccasionBrighten up the midnight sky as you shimmer in the radiating Carmen dress! She features a deep navy blue color, a partially lined mesh bodice, a halter neck with neck ties, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups and a back keyhole. Her bodice is adorned with a glitter detail set in a baroque-inspired print and a sheer unlined mesh waist band. Her voluminous ball gown silhouette is adorned with glitter accents and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Available in Plus.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0545
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $144.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Mina Satin And Lace Ball Gown
Special OccasionKeep it classy in lace, doll! Mina features a black hued sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning for support and overlapping pleated accents. Her back features a pretty lace inset complemented with piping contrast and a large bow accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and petticoat. Dress is composed of a combination textured satin and lace 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 small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0542
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $124.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Ava Formal Glitter Tendril Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and sparkle under the spotlight as you make a glam entrance in our enchanting Ava light blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her bodice is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with shimmering sequins and leads to a lovely ribbon belt with gemstone accents. Her sweeping floor length features a tendril skirt with glittering accents throughout! Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and smooth 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. ,,*Also available in Plus.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0540
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $144.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Griselda Glitter Mesh Tendril Gown
Special OccasionSparkle all night in this unforgettable gown! It features a dreamy navy blue color, a halter neck with a plunging V neck bust, an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps and a lattice back. Her waist features a dainty multi row rhinestone belt that leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette with an ombre hem and an all over glittering tendril detail. She is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure and knit lining.
Model is 5'8" with a 33" 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: 05004-0539
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Missy Tendril Ball Gown
Special OccasionCharm and radiate love in our dreamy Missy dress! She features a sleeveless partially sheer black hued bodice with round neckline, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups, an sheer mesh inset at the waist and a bohemian-inspired applique design. Her back features neck ties and small keyhole. Missy really brings the romance with her blush pink glittery tendril accented ball gown. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and knit fabric.
*Also available in Plus.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0537
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Penny Ombre Glitter Tendril Ball Gown
Special OccasionMake a head turning impression in our enchanting Penny brown dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, built in boning, a no slip strip and ruching details. Her waist features a cinching tie waist belt that leads to a sweeping ball gown silhouette with fluttering tendril details. Her skirt features a gorgeous ombre effect that is complemented with glitter accents throughout! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0536
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Emma Glitter And Rhinestone Ball Gown
Special OccasionGlow from within as you dazzle in our fairy-tale worthy Emma light gold dress! She features a deep V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, unlined mesh side panels and tank-like straps. Her waist is adorned with a triple row rhinestone belt accent to bring the shine and leads to a floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with a gorgeous geometric glitter detail that makes Emma a true one of a kind! Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure and petticoat.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0530
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Perrianne Beaded Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionMake an impression they'll never forget in our Perrianne royal blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and tank like straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with gemstone embellished side pockets and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and 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: 05004-0533
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Trina Charming Satin Lace Gown
Special OccasionAnyone will be quite charmed to meet you in our Trina navy blue gown! She features a fitted lace bodice with a plunging sweetheart neckline, a padded bust, a hidden back zipper closure, lattice straps on the sides, and a contrasting nude mesh inset. A high waist seam leads to an A-line satin gown complete with convenient side pockets! Dress is composed of a combination mesh, smooth knit and satin-like 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 small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0531
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Kia Magical Evening Glitter Gown
Special OccasionHave the most magical evening in our Kia dress! This ivory beauty looks straight out of a fairy tale with a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, built in boning, wide lattice straps on the sides to show a bit of skin, and a hidden back zipper closure. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-length skirt that will make you feel like a princess! Kia is composed of an ivory satin and tulle fabric with a baby blue, glitter fern pattern throughout. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat and knit lining.
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: 05004-0528
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Catalina Strapless Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionStay stunning in satin as you make your grand entrance in our charming Catalina red dress! She features a strapless straight neckline, a built in no slip strip and a fold over accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets, pleating details and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a minimal stretch. Includes a back 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: 05004-0517
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Kara Formal Rhinestone Ball Gown
Special OccasionShine from the inside out in our ever captivating Kara navy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with an unlined mesh inset and sheer mesh insets on the waist that are adorned with dazzling rhinestones. Her back features a trendy keyhole and is complemented with a triple row fish hook clasp closure. Her slim fit waist leads to elongating ball gown silhouette with a sheer tulle overlay. Kara is composed of a combination mesh 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: 05004-0529
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Sonia Lace Mesh Tendril Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and sparkle under the spotlight as you make a glam entrance in our enchanting Sonia emerald dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a halter neckline, and padded cups. Her bodice is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with shimmering gemstones in a cutout infinity design. Her sweeping floor length skirt features a tendril mesh design. Dress is composed of a combination lace, mesh, tulle and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8 with a 33" 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: 05004-0543
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $144.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Demi Floral Lace Up Ball Gown
Special OccasionKeep it stunning in florals as you make your entrance in our dreamy Demi natural ball gown! She features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a silicone no-slip strip and a contrasting black floral applique design complemented with iridescent heat stones! Her back calls for a second look with a lattice ribbon lace up detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous tulle ball gown silhouette with petticoat and knit lining. Dress 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 small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0527
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Cindy Embellished Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionOur classic Cindy ball gown will make sure you meet your prince before midnight! Cindy is a classic fairytale beauty with a square neckline, padded cups, double shoulder straps that cross at the back, a plunging back with a hidden zip up closure, and a high waist seam leading to a sweeping A-line skirt. Cindy has side pockets with gemstone embellishments. She is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'7 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: 05004-0524
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Alessia Floral Applique Ball Gown
Special OccasionChannel a romantic look in our charming Alessia dress! She features a rich burgundy color, a plunging halter neck with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and a double row hook closure at the nape of the neck. Her bodice is adorned with a lovely floral applique design accented with dazzling heat stones. Her back features an open design with bar strap accents and a lower back zipper closure. She brings the drama with her floor length silhouette and voluminous petticoat. 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 small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0523
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Alayah Floral Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionStun like one in a million as you charm in florals! Alayah features a strapless neckline, a sweetheart bust, a no-slip silicone strip, padded cups and built in boning for structure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleating detailing. She is composed of a white hued textured satin fabric adorned with romantic red roses and green foliage. Her multi layered skirt features a smooth knit lining and petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0516
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Caitlyn Formal Halter Ball Gown
Special OccasionStep into the spotlight as you make an unforgettable entrance in the ever gorgeous Caitlyn dress! She features a black hued halter neck with racer bust, neck ties, padded cups, princess seams and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her bodice leads to a vibrant teal ball gown silhouette accented with pleats, hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes smooth knit lining and a 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: 05004-0522
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Angelie Embellished Satin Gown
Special OccasionGet all dressed up for the evening in our Angelie black satin gown! She features a fitted bodice with a deep sweetheart neckline, padded cups, a sheer mesh inset between the bust for some added coverage on the front, while sheer mesh insets on the side show a little extra skin! Bodice is complete with a flattering empire waist seam, spaghetti straps, and an exposed back zipper closure. Angelie's floor-length A-line skirt comes with convenient side pockets that are embellished with rhinestones and pearls. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal strech.
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: 05004-0521
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Roseynn Satin Sweetheart Ball Gown
Special OccasionStun in the ever breathtaking Roselynn dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a silicone no slip strip, built in boning for structure, padded cups, sheer mesh insets on the waist adorned with floral appliques and dazzling heat stones! Her slim fit waist leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleat details. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8.5" 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: 05004-0515
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $189.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Adaline Strapless Floral Ball Gown
Special OccasionCharm in a floral frenzy in the sweetly inspired Adaline dress! She features a dreamy light blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a pleated ball gown silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets. She is composed of a satin fabric that features a combination pink and blue hued floral print design. Dress offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0500
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $44.97 $124.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Marion Mesmerizing Mesh Gown
Special OccasionMarion is truly a stunning vision that will mesmerize an audience! Captivate with a plunging sweetheart neckline with a nude inset for added coverage, adjustable shoulder straps, a padded bust, a deep V back with a hidden zipper closure, a fitted bodice with a high waist seam, and a sweeping A-line gown with a mesh overlay. Marion is composed of a smooth fabric embellished with burgundy stones. Dress is lined and offers a form hugging 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: 05004-0511
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance