Formal Dresses
Windsor’s fall formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up in 2026. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Formal Dresses for Fall & Winter’s Biggest Moments
Windsor’s formal dresses bring elevated style to weddings, galas, military balls, homecoming, black-tie events, and other moments worth dressing up for. Discover elegant dresses in timeless black, romantic wine, rich jewel tones, metallic hues, and soft neutrals, with silhouettes ranging from classic A-lines and columns to fitted bodycons and mermaid gowns. New styles arrive every week with appliqués, draping, hardware, ties, and adjustable details that help you find a look that feels polished, current, and confidently yours.
Find a Formal Look That Fits the Occasion
The right dress starts with the event. Long formal dresses bring classic elegance to black-tie weddings, galas, military balls, and upscale evening celebrations, while polished midis and select short formal dresses can suit events with a less traditional dress code. For dressy occasions that call for something elevated without a full-length gown, explore formal cocktail dresses for another way to match your look to the invitation.
How Should I Dress for a Black-Tie or Formal Wedding?
Start by checking the invitation for the exact dress code. Black-tie events traditionally call for an elevated evening look, making floor-length gowns and refined silhouettes strong choices. Consider a column, A-line, or mermaid gown, then use color and details to make it your own. Black and navy offer timeless sophistication, while shades of red, green, purple, or gold can bring more personality to the occasion. Draping, appliqués, and polished necklines add another layer of interest without losing the formal feel.
What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Dress and a Formal Dress?
The biggest differences are usually the dress code, overall level of polish, and length. Cocktail dresses commonly fall around the knee or midi length and work well for semi-formal parties, receptions, and dressy dinners. Formal dresses tend to feature longer hemlines, more structured silhouettes, or elevated details suited to galas, formal weddings, and black-tie occasions. If the invitation has you second-guessing your choice, The Windsor Edit’s guide to cocktail dresses vs. formal dresses breaks down the differences with styling examples.
Can Formal Dresses Be Short?
Sometimes—the invitation and venue should guide your choice. Short formal dresses with structured silhouettes, elevated fabrics, appliqués, or polished details can work for certain dressy events, but traditional black-tie occasions generally call for an ankle-length or floor-length gown. When the dress code feels somewhere between cocktail and formal, consider the event time, setting, and host guidance before choosing your hemline.
Which Formal Dress Fabrics Work Best for Fall and Winter?
Fabric can change both the look and feel of your dress. Richer, more substantial materials create a seasonally polished effect for cooler-weather occasions, while fluid fabrics add movement to long gowns and draped silhouettes. Your event setting, desired structure, and comfort preferences can all help narrow the choice. For a deeper look at how materials affect your outfit, explore Windsor’s guide to formal dress fabrics.
How Do I Find a Formal Dress That Feels Secure and Comfortable?
Look for design details that let you personalize the fit instead of spending the evening adjusting your dress. Lace-up backs can help fine-tune the bodice, corset construction adds structure, wrap designs offer flexibility, and adjustable or removable straps can change how a neckline fits and feels. Halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, plunge, scoop, and square necklines also give you options depending on the coverage and support you prefer.
What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?
Winter is your moment to lean into deeper color, shine, and elevated details. Explore Windsor's 2026 winter formal dresses in shades like plum, hunter green, chocolate, ruby, and copper, or make the night feel extra special with rose gold and other metallic finishes. Prefer a lighter palette? White and ivory can create a striking winter look, especially with appliqués, draping, or dimensional details. Finish with a silhouette you feel confident in, from fitted columns and mermaid gowns to flowing A-lines.
Make Your Formal Moment Your Own
Whether you’re shopping for special occasion dresses, an affordable bridal look, bridesmaid style, party gown, or military ball dress, Windsor gives you options that balance current trends with timeless silhouettes. New styles arrive every week online, in the Windsor app, and at more than 350 stores across North America, making it easier to find the dress that fits both your event and your personal style.
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Ashley Formal Satin Knot Dress
Special OccasionRadiate elegance as you captivate in our ever charming Ashley dress! She features a navy blue hue, a plunging V neckline with a knot accent and adjustable narrow straps that lead to a cross back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length mermaid silhouette with a high front slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin 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: 05002-6738
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Marietta Lace Fit & Flare Dress
Special OccasionAn elegant, blushing beauty takes form in our mauve Marietta fit and flare dress! She features a slim lace bodice with a scalloped V neckline, adjustable narrow shoulder straps, and a high banded waist leading to a floor-length crepe skirt with a back lace godet, and a beautifully flared hem. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate 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: 05002-6727
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adelynn Plunging Asymmetrical Formal Dress
Special OccasionTake the plunge as you make a statement in our bold Adelynn dress! She features a burgundy hue, a plunging V neck, a ruched side seam on the left and an asymmetrical high slit complemented with a mini skirt length lining. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
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: 05002-6720
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Leann Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Shine for those special moments in our twinkling Leann dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V-neckline, and narrow cross straps. Her slim-fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging floor-length silhouette accented with a ruched side seam and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch.Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Criss-cross back
- Ruching, high side slit, slim-fit silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Saturation of glitter varies and may transfer
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1536
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Viviana Formal Velvet Open Back Dress
Special OccasionMake a head turning entrance in our luxe Viviana dress! She features a rich burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, princess seams and narrow straps that lead to a cross back design with a bold open back. Her slim fit bodice leads into a flared floor length silhouette that is accented with vertical seams to create a flattering hour glass illusion. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8.5" 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: 05002-6662
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Selena Formal One Shoulder Ruched Dress
Special OccasionStun with a little shoulder action as you channel sophistication in our Selena dress! She features a classic black hue, a one shoulder neckline with a single shoulder strap and a ruched side detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to an asymmetrical hem to show off your fab heel game! Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6702
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sienna Formal One Shoulder Dress
Special OccasionElevate your look in our alluring Sienna black dress! She features a one shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve and a plunging V back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined smooth knit 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: 05002-6696
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Selene Formal Ruched Velvet Dress
Special OccasionChannel Hollywood glam as you make a breathtaking entrance in our Selene royal blue dress! She features a V neckline, long sleeves, princess seams and a ruched detailing along the left side. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet 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
*Also available in Plus
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6664
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Milana Formal Wrap Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in elegance as turn heads in our Milana dress! She features a red hue, a wrap V neckline, long fitted sleeves and a floor length silhouette with an asymmetrical high slit. Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6705
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nathalie Ruched Satin Dress
Special OccasionOur navy blue Nathalie dress shows off your figure the right way. She features an off the shoulder neckline with a cross front detail at the bust, an exposed back zipper closure, ruched details throughout, and a flattering fit-and-flare skirt that gives an hourglass silhouette. Nathalie is composed of a stretchy satin fabric.
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: 05002-6698
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mariana Formal Velvet High Slit Dress
Special OccasionStun and captivate with luxe velvet! Mariana features an all over rich burgundy hue, an off the shoulder neckline, a plunging wrap V bust, fitted long sleeves and a ruched detailing on one side. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a dramatic high slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6668
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kimora Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
Special OccasionMake an entrance that they will never forget in our breathtaking Kimora dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a wired V neck inset and fitted long sleeves. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette to grace each step. She is composed of a plum hued smooth knit fabric with a metallic-like sheen that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a thin knit lining and a hidden back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6663
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Irina Formal High Slit Velvet Dress
Special OccasionStrike a pose in luxe velvet as you make your alluring entrance in our Irina dress! She features a rich royal blue color, a plunging V neckline, fitted long sleeves and a cinching oversized tie waist belt. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6711
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kamila Formal Open Back Dress
Special OccasionMake a chic statement as you radiate elegance in our unforgettable Kamila black dress! She features a mock neck, fitted long sleeves, an asymmetrical keyhole at the bust and a plunging keyhole at the back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a tricot fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6666
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Celine Formal Wrap Satin Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in elegance as you make a head turning entrance in Celine dress! She features a black hued bodice with a scoop neckline, an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and narrow straps that cross at the back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a gold hued satin wrap skirt that is accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a combination satin and lined crepe fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back 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: 05002-6713
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $154.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Deanna Formal Sleeveless Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionBring the glamour in our unforgettable Deanna dress! She features a red hue, a sleeveless straight neckline, padded cups, a built in no slip strip, princess seams and a floor length mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. Her back features a lattice accent with small metal d-rings. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that 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: 05002-6676
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Camille Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
Special OccasionMake it a gleaming glitzy affair in our glowing Camille dress! She features an all over silver hue, an off the shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust, padded cups, princess seams and short sleeves. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with floral lace and glitter details. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp. Glitter will transfer.
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6672
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brooklyn Formal Glitter Dress
Special OccasionRadiate a glitzy glamorous look in our attention garnering Brooklyn dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a fold over accent and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette to grace the room with. She is composed of glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Glitter will transfer.
Gray, Sage and Rose: Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Hunter: Model is 5'9.5" with a 34" bust, 23.5" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Black: 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: 05002-6656
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alondra Formal Lace Halter Dress
Special OccasionRadiate elegance in the ever gorgeous Alondra black dress! She features a partially lined halter neck with lined padded cups, an embroidered baroque design, a small keyhole, adjustable narrow straps and dazzling heat stones. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6709
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Allison Satin Ruched Formal Dress
Special OccasionStun and make a grand entrance in our gorgeous Allison dress! She features a deep V neckline, long fitted sleeves, center front ruched detailing to provide a flattering hourglass effect, and an exposed back zipper closure. Her floor length skirt has a sexy front slit to show some leg. The burgundy dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric that offers moderate stretch and an overall curve hugging fit.
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: 05002-6695
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Addilyn Formal Asymmetrical Wrap Dress
Special OccasionCreate a head turning moment in our gorgeous Addilyn black dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, a fold over accent and a fitted long sleeve. Her relaxed fit bodice features a ruched detailing along the left seam and leads to an asymmetrical silhouette. Dress is composed of a black hued smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6692
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Bailey Strappy Formal Crepe Dress
Special OccasionOur Bailey dress is so full of finesse! She's got chic simplicity with a deep V neckline, padded cups, narrow shoulder straps that leads to a strappy V back, a hidden back zipper closure, a high side leg slit, and a slim fit throughout. Bailey is composed of a stretchy crepe fabric.
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: 05002-6681
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marianne Pleated Sweetheart Dress
Special OccasionOur Marianne dress brings sweet and sophisticated to your next social event. She features a strapless deep sweetheart neckline with boning detail, a straight back with exposed zipper closure, a wrap bodice with pleated details that flatter any body type, and a slim, floor-length skirt with a high side leg slit. Marianne is composed of a stretchy mauve crepe fabric.
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: 05002-6688
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Becca Formal High Slit Sequin Dress
Special OccasionKeep it glam in our wowing Becca dress! She features a rose gold color, an off the shoulder neckline with a built in no slip strip, fitted long sleeves and a floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins throughout! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a 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: 05002-6653
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free