Formal Dresses
Windsor's formal dresses are redefining elegance for 2025. Think illusion panels that sculpt and contour, printed mesh gowns with bold florals or swirls, and slinky jersey knits that drape like liquid luxe. Daring cutouts bring a sleek edge to eveningwear, while cascading ruffles add movement and modern drama. These trendy gowns prove that formal doesn’t have to mean predictable—they’re made for weddings, galas, and every post-worthy moment in between. Discover styles that are chic, camera-ready, and designed to make you unforgettable.
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Formal Dresses That Make Every Moment Feel Major
Windsor’s formal dresses are designed for those unforgettable nights when your look has to be flawless. From sweeping formal gowns to sleek short silhouettes, this collection delivers drama, polish, and trend-right details that set the tone for any occasion. Think structured corset bodices, adjustable straps, lace-up backs, and high slits that blend comfort with high-impact style.
- Heading to a big event? Explore Winter formal dresses in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin, and crepe that feel rich and elegant.
- For December celebrations, our formal holiday dresses sparkle with sequins, rhinestones, and glitter mesh, while bold jewel tones and classic black create timeless appeal.
- Looking to ring in the New Year? Formal NYE dresses with metallic finishes and statement cutouts are made to shine under the lights.
If you’re planning a gala, wedding, or milestone party, Windsor offers a range of formal party dresses in both fitted and flowy silhouettes to match your vibe. Go for a strapless satin gown with a sweetheart neckline for timeless elegance, or choose an asymmetrical hemline or bow-back detail for a fresh twist that feels modern and fun.
No matter where the night takes you, Windsor’s formal dresses give you options that feel special, stylish, and photo-ready. Shop Windsor’s formal dresses near you, online, in-app, or at one of 350+ stores nationwide, and find the look that will make your night unforgettable.
Tips for Choosing the Best Formal Dress for Your Body Type
- Hourglass: Slay those curves with a fitted corset bodice and flowing skirt.
- Pear‑Shaped: Balance out your look with a structured top and full skirt.
- Rectangle: Create curves with a cinched waist and flared hem.
- Apple‑Shaped: Draw eyes upward with a V‑neckline and empire waist.
For more styling inspo, hit up our blog guides like “The Ultimate Gala Dresses Guide” or “Sexy Formal Dresses – Create an Eye‑Catching Look” and get ready to own every moment.
What’s the Difference Between a Formal and a Semi-Formal Dress?
Formal and semi-formal dresses differ based on event dress codes and styling. Formal attire, often called black-tie, features glamorous floor-length gowns with luxe details like rhinestones, lace, and beading—perfect for galas, weddings, and proms. Popular silhouettes include mermaid, ball gown, and A-line styles.
Semi-formal dresses offer more variety in length and design, making them ideal for homecoming, weddings, and cocktail parties. These styles range from midi to short lengths.
The venue and occasion can also guide your choice—an upscale wedding may call for a floor-length gown, while an outdoor event might be perfect for a sleek midi dress with a stylish neckline.
Are Formal Dresses Always Long?
Not always! While long gowns are classic for formal events, modern formal attire includes various lengths and styles. Windsor’s collection of women’s formalwear features short, midi, and long dresses. Explore dramatic mermaid and column silhouettes for timeless elegance, or opt for trendy alternatives like high-low hemlines and two-piece designs for a fresh take on formal fashion.
Find your perfect formal dress at Windsor any time of year, available online, in-app, and in over 350 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Shop now for trend-driven styles that make you shine and every event unforgettable!
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Ailani Lace-Up Beaded Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Playful yet polished, the Ailani beaded mesh skater dress lights up the room with every step, while a lace-up back adds an unexpected twist to its flirty silhouette and mini-length hem!
Fit & Features
- Beaded mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Lace-up back detail for an adjustable fit, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Skater silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, dances, birthdays, shower celebrations, date nights, parties, dressy brunches, afternoon tea
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000014
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $129.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alexandra Rhinestone Embroidered Tulle Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Create an enchanting look perfect for prom, galas, or any upcoming soirees in the gorgeous Alexandra ball gown made to make you feel like a glamorous queen! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in lined and padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a sheer corset-designed bodice with flexible boning to provide structure, and stunning floral embroidery at the bodice with mini rhinestone embellishments for a hint of sparkle. Her fitted high waist flows out to a floor-sweeping ball gown skirt with an A-line silhouette and features layers of tulle in the lining to elevate the drama. The dress is composed of an airy sheer tulle fabric with a partial knit lining. Complete your regal look with cascading rhinestone fringe earrings and an embellished clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, lined and padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Sheer corset-designed bodice, flexible boning
- Floral embroidery at the bodice, mini rhinestone embellishments
- Fitted high waist, floor-length ball gown skirt, A-line silhouette, layers of tulle
- Sheer tulle fabric, partial knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0180
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $179.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Layla Floral Cold Shoulder Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Beautifully constructed from a stretch mesh that scuplts and shapes. The Layla floral formal dress offers an elegant cold shoulder neckline, high front slit for effortless movement, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette that turns heads.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh fabric, lined
- Cold shoulder neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, shower celebrations, vacation, date night, dinner parties, milestone celebrations, birthdays
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000108
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Tina Formal Satin Knot Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate your evening in our captivating Tina satin dress! Pair her with sleek stilettos and dazzling rhinestones to make an unforgettable entrance!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Center Knot Accent
- Spaghetti Straps
- Ruched Side Seam | High Side Slit
- Lined Satin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0812
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maribelle Formal V-Neck Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
So stunning and sultry, the Maribell formal long dress is designed to draw all the attention onto you! Perfect for school dances, wedding guests, and formal spring events. She features a sleeveless surplice V-neckline, padded bust, and spaghetti straps that shape the lace-up back, a side ruched seam to accentuate your curves along her mermaid silhouette with a skin-baring high-front slit, and floor-length hem. The formal maxi dress is composed of a shiny smooth knit fabric with a sewn-in lining and plenty of stretch. Complete the look and style the maxi long dress with a glitter clutch and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless surplice V-neckline, padded bust
- Spaghetti straps, lace-up back, zipper closure
- Side ruched seam, mermaid silhouette
- High-front slit, floor-length hem
- Shiny smooth knit fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6967
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Braelynn Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionRazzle and dazzle as you dive into glam sequins! Our Braelynn dress features a plunging V neckline with light pleating detail and fitted long sleeves. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit to bring the drama! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric complemented with burgundy hued sequins for non stop shine! Dress offers a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure.
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: 05002-6031
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $37.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gabriella Floral Embroidered Tie Back Formal Dress
Special Occasion
For those moments when only unforgettable will do, the Gabriella formal dress is a vision in floral embroidered mesh, made to glide with you. Its curve-hugging silhouette, high front slit, and delicate tie-back detail bring soft drama with every step.
Fit & Features
- Floral embroidered, mesh fabric, stretch knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Tie-back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Curve-hugging, floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, galas, black tie events, bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, fancy date nights, birthday dinners, milestone events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000183
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK, NAVY
Available Size: L, XL
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Cara Formal Sequin And Pearl Dress
Special Occasion
Shine like the rare pearl you are in our glamorous Cara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She dazzles with her twinkling sequins and pearl accents throughout. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that 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 small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0251
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Olivia Formal Off The Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sophisticated and glam with a formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room. Olivia features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a pleated overlay, a sheer mesh V-shaped insert, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline with a pleated overlay
- Sheer mesh V-shaped insert
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1137
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Willa Flocked Velvet Party Dress
Special Occasion
Create an enchanting vibe in the flowy Willa flocked velvet party dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a lace-up back design for a customized fit, a high waistband, and a short party skirt with a chic fit and flare silhouette. The lined mesh fabric showcases an all-over floral flocked velvet design. Complete the look with block heels and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Lace-up back design, tie closure, zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waistband, short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, floral flocked velvet design, full knit lining
- Flowy fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0989
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Erica Satin High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A moment of pure polish—The Erica dress moves with effortless allure, thanks to its lustrous satin, curve-skimming silhouette, and sultry front wrap slit. Designed for unforgettable entrances and every RSVP that calls for dressing to impress.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Square neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front wrap slit
- Curve-hugging silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, big birthday events, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, fancy date nights, red carpet occasions, anniversaries, formal soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000045
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Hallie Formal High Slit Corset Dress
Special Occasion
Make a daring impression with a formal dress that wows from all angles! The dress features a sleeveless square neckline, a trendy corset bodice with flexible boning, and sexy dual cutouts at the waist. The slim-fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging A-line silhouette with a high side slit. Hallie is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone sphere clutch and a faux fur wrap.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, silicone non-slip strip
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Dual cutouts at the waist
- A-Line silhouette
- High side slit
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1891
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Paige Formal Off-The-Shoulder Scalloped Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Enchant in our captivating Paige dress that brings elegance and grace to your special events! Perfect for the bride-to-be's Bridal Shower, Paige's scalloped lace fabric brings the charm. Paige features an off-the-shoulder neckline with scalloped lace trim, sheer short sleeves, a ribbon tie-waist belt, and a midi-length silhouette. Complete look with radiating rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline with lace trim
- Sheer short sleeves
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Tie-waist ribbon belt
- Midi-length silhouette
- Floral lace pattern
- Relaxed fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0441
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Emely Sequin Mesh Double X-Back Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You're in for a ravishing night in the Emely sequin mesh formal midi dress for your next evening soiree! She features built-in bust support, a V-neckline, and a figure-flattering bodycon silhouette on the slit midi hem. Keep all eyes on you as you walk away thanks to the open, strappy back design. Complete your look in this midi dress with chic heels and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in bust support, V-neckline
- Bodycon fit, slit midi hem
- Open, strappy back design
- Zipper closer
- Sequin mesh lined-fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0753
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ella Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Create a picture-perfect fairytale look in the stunning Ella sequin bodycon dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a wrap-front design, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a short, form-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and all-over blue sequins with a pretty iridescent hue embroidered in a vintage-inspired scroll pattern. Style this dress with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wrap-front, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-back design, zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0714
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tania Floral Lace-Up Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Tania formal dress is gorgeously cut from a floral print mesh that flaunts your figure along the mermaid floor-length silhouette, made for dramatic entrances and exits thanks to the lace-up back!
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Cowl sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back detail
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, black tie galas, dinner parties, date night, vacation, birthdays, formal milestone celebrations, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000026
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PURPLE
Available Size: XS, S, M
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Zahra Simply Wrapped Dress
Special OccasionAll it could take is something simple to to create sophistication. Zahra is simple with a sleek black silhouette that will flatter anyone. She has a deep V neckline that creates a wrapped bodice and a complementing V back. A gathered high waist seam flows into a floor length wrap skirt with a slight flare and side slit. Zahra is composed of a silk-like knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6604
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Angelina Sleeveless Wrap-Front Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The chic Angelina sleeveless midi dress is the perf option to look sleek and stylish for cocktail parties or semi-formal weddings. She features an on-trend cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, a high waist seam to elongate your silhouette, a wrap-front skirt with ruched detailing, and a mid-length, form-hugging fit. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
- Strapless bra recommended
- High waist seam, wrap-front skirt, ruching
- Form-fitting, midi-hem
- Sleek satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0732
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ciela Sequin Scroll X-Back Skater Party Dress
Special Occasion
Rhine and stun in the Ciela party prom dress ready to twirl the night away! She features adjustable spaghetti straps that form the double X-back design, a V-neckline with built-in bust support, and a delicate sequin scroll pattern that shimmers under the dance floor lights. Her skater silhouette fits and flatters every body type. Complete your dazzling prom look with stiletto heels and a sparkly collar necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-neckline, built-in bust support, no bra required
- Double X-back design, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Sequin scroll pattern
- Skater silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0752
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Trina Floral Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Float through the soirée like a total dream in the Trina floral formal dress! With soft ruching, a strapless neckline, and a sculpted mermaid silhouette, this gown was made for golden hour glam and picture-perfect moments.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Flexible boning inserts
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams, mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, summer galas, garden parties, date nights, fancy celebration parties, formal soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000095
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK
Available Size: XS, S
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Katya Formal Satin Ruched Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Stun with a satin dress that makes a head-turning impression from the moment you enter the room! Katya features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a ruched side seam with drawstring, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete look with rhinestone heels and statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruching with drawstring
- Mini-length silhouette
- Lined satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0615
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lola Off The Shoulder Lace Dress
Special OccasionFall back on classic lace to make an alluring impression! Our Lola formal dress features a off the shoulder neckline with scalloped lace trim, short unlined sleeves and an all over lace bodice. Her bodice is lined in the front with beige hued knit lining to create a subtle two tone effect and is unlined on the back to show a hint of skin. Her bodice leads to a form hugging mermaid silhouette to enhance curves and features a lovely lace contrast at the back. She is composed of a crepe and lace 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 small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5787
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Acacia Iridescent Sequin Lace-Up Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate your stunning beauty in the Acacia formal dress perfect for prom or red-carpet events! It features a head-turning open back with a lace-up design and a mermaid silhouette that effortlessly flaunts your curves while the floor-length hem ensures a dramatic allure.
All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, minimal stretch
- Iridescent sequin embroidery, abstract swirl pattern
- V-neckline with padded bust
- Spaghetti straps, open back, cross-back lace-up design with tie closure
- Lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, red-carpet events, formal celebrations, milestone events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8086
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Priscilla Satin Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our gorgeous Priscilla lace back satin dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, double spaghetti straps that cross at the back with a zipper closure, a V neckline with a padded bust, a high waist seam, and a flowy floor length overlapping skirt with a thigh high slit. The dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric that offers little to no stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0192
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free