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.

  • Julie Strapless Sweetheart Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make an enchanting entrance in the ever-captivating Julie navy dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline with an an unlined mesh inset, a silicone no slip-strip, padded cups and built in boning. Her bodice is adorned with a floral applique detail and sparkling heat stones. Her floor length silhouette brings all the drama! Dress is composed of a lined mesh 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 small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0514

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rose Formal Lace And Pearl Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Captivate and feel cherished like the rare beauty you are in our Rose dress! She features gray hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps adored with gorgeous pearl accents. Her lined bodice is composed of floral lace that leads to a dreamy floor length tulle silhouette. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes full knit lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size three

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0499

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rosalie Beautifully Beaded Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Beauty takes the form of our mauve Rosalie ball gown! Make your royal arrival with a corset bodice complete with a sweetheart neckline, a silicone no slip strip, boning for added structure, a padded bust, a lace up back with satin ribbon, and an intricately beaded applique with a sheer mesh lining. Bodice leads to a gorgeous A-line skirt with a pink sheen and tulle overlay. Dress 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: 05004-0512

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $74.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brie Floral Sweetheart Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Captivate the room as you radiate elegance in our Brie formal dress! Her black hued bodice features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, built in boning and narrow straps. Her bodice features unlined mesh waist insets complemented with floral appliques and dazzling heat stones! Her natural hued floor length ball gown silhouette is composed of a lined mesh fabric. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a full knit lining, petticoat and hidden back zipper.

    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: 05004-0513

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Annabelle Heat Stone Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Shimmer and shine in our breathtaking Annabelle burgundy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and built in boning for support. The back features a lace up back and leads to a lower zipper closure. Her bodice features a floral lace design with sparkling heat stones and leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit 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: 05004-0509

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ari Bohemian Floral Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion

    Keep it sweet and charming as you capture their heart in our Ari dress! She features a combination white with blue color, a straight strapless neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and built in boning for support. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and petticoat. Her all over bohemian-inspired print features floral, medallion and paisley designs. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers 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: 05004-0508

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nadia Satin Ball Gown Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Reflect sophistication as you glow with confidence in our glamorous Nadia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and wide tank-like shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleating detailing. She is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a partial lining, petticoat and back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0550

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emmy Formal Beaded Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Enchant and captivate as you make an unforgettable entrance in our dreamy Emmy mint dress! She features a gold bodice with a round neckline, a sweetheart bust and padded cups. Her bodice features a gorgeous a floral beaded design complemented with heat stones. Her back features multi fish hook closure at the nape of the neck and a multi vertical strap detail. Her voluminous mint ball gown skirt is complemented with hidden side pockets and a 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: 05004-0498

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Renee Strapless Sweetheart Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in sophistication as you draw all eyes on you in our dreamy Renee dress! She features a charming mauve hue, a strapless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette with pleated seams and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes knit lining, petticoat and a back zipper closure. Includes removable adjustable straps.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0501

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $124.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marjorie Charming Florals Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Transport yourself to beauty garden as you charm in florals! Marjorie features a combination black with red hue, a sleeveless lined floral lace bodice, a V neckline with padded cups, satin-like adjustable narrow straps and a partially open back with a scalloped lace trim. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous red hued ball gown skirt accented with pleating details, hidden side pockets and a wide banded hem. Her skirt is composed of a textured satin-like fabric adorned with a gorgeous floral print. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure, knit lining and petticoat. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0475

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sadie Lace Up Glitter Ball Gown
    Special Occasion

    Create a moment you'll never forget as you dazzle under the stars in our breathtaking Sadie white ball gown! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and supportive tank-like straps. Her back features a pretty lace up detail to get that custom fit! Her slim fit bodice features a ruched overlay at the waist and leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette. Her all over flocked glitter design adds plenty of sparkle! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging 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: 05004-0497

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $179.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Bridget Formal Beaded Tulle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Channel your inner princess as you make an entrance fit for a royal in our dazzling Bridget dress! She features an all over light blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and adjustable narrow straps. Her bodice features a gorgeous beaded detailing set in a baroque inspired design and an empire waist accent that flows into an airy floor length tulle silhouette. Includes a back zipper detail with a subtle ruched detailing. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'8" with a 31.5" bust, 24.5" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0496

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alexandra Formal Tulle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create a twirl worthy moment in our graceful Alexandra dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a racer bust, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features a lower back keyhole design that leads to lower back zipper closure. Her lined bodice features a lovely baroque inspired print composed of a mini beaded detail and a glittered outline. Her floor length multi-tiered tulle is complemented with a wide banded hem. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0495

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Elle Formal Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Enchant and captivate as you radiate elegance in our Elle dress! She features an all over rich navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her open back features wide vertical straps that are accented with a large pretty bow! Her slim fit bodice features a wide waistband detail that leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette with pleated detailing, hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined luxe satin fabric that 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: 05004-0487

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sariah Strapless Rose Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Look as gorgeous as a fresh bouquet of roses in our charming Sariah dress! She features a black hued bodice with a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her slim fit bodice leads to a satin red rose print ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets, a petticoat and pleating details. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05004-0493

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Magdalena Satin Floral Gown
    Special Occasion

    Magdalena is a garden party queen. She is full of elegance with slim-fitting bodice, a straight neckline, a padded bust, double shoulder straps that cross at the back, a hidden back zipper closure, and a high waist seam with pleating. Bodice leads to a dramatic ball gown skirt with a layer of tulle and a silk lining. Magdalena is composed of a mauve, floral silk fabric with no 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: 05004-0492

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $179.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Francesca Formal Sweetheart Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the charm and elegance in our memorable Francesa dress! She features an all over rich burgundy hue, a sweetheart neckline, wide shoulder straps, padded cups and flattering princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to sweeping double lined floor length silhouette accented with pleating details, hidden side pockets and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0486

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marie Strapless Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Make your night a regal affair as you radiate a look fit for a Queen in our timelessly gorgeous Marie dress! She features a black hued bodice with a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her slim fit bodice leads to a light blue hued satin ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets, a petticoat and pleating details. Dress offers a relaxed fit with 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: 05004-0457

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Megan Taffeta Off The Shoulder Ball Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Arrive to your next event as the bell of the ball in our enthralling Megan dress! She features and off the shoulder neckline, a fold over cold shoulder accent that creates a sweetheart neckline and princess seams. Her bodice leads to a lightly pleated ball gown skirt that is accented with side pockets and a high off center slit. She is composed of a taffeta fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a partial skirt length knit lining. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp. 

    Model is 5'7 with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0462

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $26.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • 50% Off
  • Aubree Ravishing Satin Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Stun as a lady in red in our charming Aubree dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wired V neckline with flattering princess seams, padded cups and wide shoulder straps. Her bodice leads to a lightly pleated voluminous multi-layered skirt with trendy side pockets and a wide banded hemline. Her multi-layered skirt is composed of a satin fabric and a dramatic petticoat. She offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes back zipper closure. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32" 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: 05004-0436

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.94 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Christine Off The Shoulder Ball Gown
    Special Occasion

    Bring the glamour in our graceful Christine burgundy dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a wrap sweetheart bust with padded cups, a no slip strip and built in boning for structure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping ball gown skirt with side pockets and a high side slit to show off a little hint of skin. She is composed of smooth scuba knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a side zipper closure and a partial skirt lining.

    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: 05004-0435

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lucia Off The Shoulder Taffeta Ballgown
    Special Occasion

    There's nothing more alluring than a lady in red, enchant in our elegant Lucia ball gown! She features an off the shoulder neckline paired with cold shoulder straps, a sweetheart front and flattering princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a fluttering ball gown skirt with light pleated details, hidden side pockets and a cute tie waist accent that creates the perfect bow at the back. She is composed of a smooth a taffeta fabric that offers a form fit with little to no stretch. She includes a back zipper closure and a stretchy mini skirt length lining. 

    Model is 5’9.5 with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0390

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Veda Embroidered Elegance Ball Gown

    Special Occasion 

    Bring sophistication to your evening with the timelessly elegant Veda ball gown! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, and adjustable narrow straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a flared ball gown silhouette to bring the drama! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with light blue glitter accents set in a baroque-inspired print. The dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

    Fit & Features

    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Plunge v-neckline, padded cups, no bra required
    • A-line floor-length silhouette
    • Zipper closure
    • Glitter baroque pattern
    • Mesh-lined fabric, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0372

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Mckenna Tulle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make their hearts flutter as you make a dreamy entrance in our ethereal McKenna dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, narrow satin straps, a V neckline, padded cups and a wrapped bodice with a lightly pleated accent. Her bodice leads to a voluminous multi-tiered tulle skirt with a wide banded hemline  and a mini skirt length knit lining. She offers a relaxed fit with a minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    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: 05004-0382

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $47.44 $126.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance