Formal Dresses

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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.

  • Juliet Off The Shoulder Tulle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Live out your perfect fairy tale ending as you captivate in our Juliet dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline accented with cold shoulder straps, a wired sweetheart front and lightly padded cups to naturally lift. Her bodice features a twinkling glitter detail accented with a floral lace design over a mesh fabric and flattering princess seams. Her bodice leads to a voluminous multi layered tulle skirt that will have you feeling like royalty! Her features include a mesh overlay, thin knit lining and petticoat. Dress includes back zipper closure.  

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0369

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.94 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Grace Pleated Crepe Ball Gown
    Special Occasion

    Reveal the goddess that you are in our ethereal and elegant Grace ball gown! She features an all over black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a V back and a eye catching sheer mesh inset. Her bodice features flattering princess seams throughout to provide structure, and lead to an empire waist detail. Her waist leads to a playfully pleated ball gown skirt with hidden side pockets and a wide banded hemline. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a natural fit with moderate stretch. Includes knit lining and 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: 05004-0360

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mira Glitter Glow Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Glow like the gorgeous bella you are in our radiating Mira dress! She features a silver hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an enchanting ball gown silhouette that is accented with a petticoat for extra drama! She is composed of lined mesh fabric adored with sparkling glitter accents throughout. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. Glitter may transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0000

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $146.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Josephine Formal Jewel Ball Gown
    Special Occasion 

    Shine like the rare gem you are in our one of a kind Josephine dress! She features an all over beige hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline with a silicone no-slip strip, padded cups, built in boning and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette with hidden side pockets adorned with sparkling gemstone details. She is composed of a textured satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Dress is lined and includes a back zipper closure and petticoat.

     Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0441

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Evie Formal Sleeveless Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the elegance your evening in our enchanting Evie dress! She features a rich purple hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with pleated accents, padded cups and adjustable narrow cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length wrap skirt accented with 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.

    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: 05002-6793

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Evelina Plunging Formal Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Take a plunge into the evening with sultry elegance. Our emerald green Evelina dress features a wrap bodice with a plunging neckline, narrow shoulder straps that cross at the back, a low scoop back, and a fitted silhouette that slightly flares at the hem. Evelina is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight 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: 05002-6797

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Layci Formal High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create a memorable impression in our breathtaking Layci dress! She features a straight off-the-shoulder neckline with a fold-over accent and princess seams. Her slim-fit bodice leads to an elongating floor-length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit to showcase your glam heels! The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, fold-over design
    • Slim-fit bodice, princess seams 
    • Form-hugging silhouette
    • Floor-length hem, high-cut slit
    • Crepe fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6795

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Zuri Formal Lace Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create major appeal in lace! Zuri features a rich burgundy hue, a sleeveless floral lace bodice, a plunging sweetheart neckline and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 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: 05002-6791

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Juliet Formal High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion

    Radiate effortless elegance in our sophisticated satin Juliet gown! She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V-neck seamed bodice with light padding at bust, a high-seam waist, and a long, gently pleated A-line skirt with pockets at either hip and a dramatic center front slit. Juliet is fully lined and made from a smooth, shiny satin-like woven fabric with a touch of stretch. Pair this beautiful dress with a shimmering rhinestone necklace for a glamorous look.

    Shop Juliet In More Colors: Juliet Formal High Slit Dress 2

    Fit & Features

    • Lined satin-like woven fabric, slight stretch
    • V-neckline with padded cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Fitted high waist, hidden side pockets
    • Elongated floor-length silhouette with high side slit
    • A-line fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3332

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Tati Formal Satin Wrap Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Wrap yourself in elegance as you make your entrance in our captivating Tati dress! She features a rich burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wrap V neckline, narrow shoulder straps and a floor length silhouette with a wowing high side slit. Dress is composed of stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate 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: 05002-6750

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Viv Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in our head turning Viv burgundy dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeves and a bold open back to show off plenty of skin! Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate 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: 05002-6718

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rose Formal Rhinestone Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep it pretty in pink as you bring the glam in our charming Rose dress! She features a gorgeous pink hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and wide rhinestone embellished shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that showcases every curve. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers 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: 05002-6778

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Maureen Formal One Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Draw all eyes on you the moment you enter the room in our wowing Maureen black dress! She features a one shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve, a ruched side seam and an asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric that is complemented with a beige hued lining to create a flattering two-tone effect. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate 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: 05002-6774

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jacqueline Formal Open Back Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a radiating entrance in our ravishing Jacqueline dress! She features a rich burgundy hue, a plunging V neckline, wide shoulder straps and princess seams. Her back features an open design and a closure at the nape of the neck. Her slim fit bodice leads a back zipper closure and a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6715

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Fleur Floral Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion

    Keep the romantic florals going in our navy blue Fleur chiffon dress. She features a plunging V neckline, a plunging V back that leads to a hidden zipper closure, a high waist seam with a tie back belt, and a wrap bodice. Long, floor-length skirt offers a flowy fit and includes a short skirt lining. Dress is composed of a semi-sheer floral chiffon fabric with 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: 05002-6767

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hailey Satin A-Line Formal Dress
    Captivate them all and be a complete stunner in our luxe satin Hailey dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a deep V neckline, and double spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up back detail. Her high waist seam leads to a flowing A-line floor length skirt with side pocket detailing. The navy blue dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric with a beautiful sheen.

    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: 05002-6737

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Evangeline Formal Glitter Knot Dress
    Special Occasion

    Take the plunge in the spotlight as you make a glam entrance in our elegant Evangeline dress! She features a plunging V neckline with a knotted bodice, fitted long sleeves and a floor length A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.

    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: 05002-6732

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Delaney Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Set off the night in sparkles! Delaney features a V neckline, princess seams, narrow adjustable straps, and a hidden back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette to make a grand entrance in. Her all over dazzling sequins are set in a baroque-inspired design. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a minimal stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6775

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Clara Formal Glitter Knot Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in gleaming glitter as you create a twirl worthy moment in our Clara dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline and narrow straps that lead to a bold open back with a ruffled accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that showcases curves in all the right places. She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.

    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: 05002-6759

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $30.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Denise Formal Plunging Ruched Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge as you make a stunning statement in the captivating Denise dress! She features a chic black color, a plunging V neckline and fitted long sleeves. Her lined bodice features ruching detailing that runs along the center and leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with a high center slit. Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. includes mini skirt length knit lining.

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6721

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Blair One Shoulder Cut Out Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stand out in our statement making Blair dress! She features a chic black hue, a one shoulder neckline, a sexy waist cut out to create a cropped illusion and a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit and ruching. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit 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: 05002-6749

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Aubrie Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Reflect beauty and elegance in our breath taking Aubrie black dress! She features a V neckline, cap sleeves and a sexy open back with a single button closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette with flared hem. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate 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: 05002-6725

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Angeline Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an entrance for the ages in our captivating Angeline dress! She features a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip and off the shoulder strap accents. The slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with an asymmetrical high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6735

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Leanna My Sunshine Floral Dress
    Special Occasion

    Leanna simply radiates and you'll be the light at your next special occasion! She features a plunging neckline, adjustable narrow straps that create an X back, pleating in the bodice, and a high waist band. Skirt has a flowy, A-line silhouette for an ethereal and romantic look. Leanna has a knit short skirt lining and is comopsed of a semi-sheer floral chiffon fabric with no stretch. She includes an exposed 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: 05002-6769

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free