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.

  • Mia Formal High Slit Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Step out in pretty florals as you make a gorgeous impression in our Mia white dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a ruffled pop over accent, a V- shaped bust, adjustable narrow straps that lead to a criss-cross design. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Her pretty floral print features a blue hue. Dress is composed of a lined slightly sheer chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6541

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Jolee Lace Inset Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Elegant is an understatement. Our gorgeous Jolee black formal dress features a V neckline, wide shoulder straps, princess seams and unlined lace waist accents. Her back wows with a matching unlined floral lace panel. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with flared hem. Jolee is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a thin knit lining and 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: 05002-6528

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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  • Jennifer Formal Illusion Stripe Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create the perfect illusion in the one of a kind Jennifer formal dress! She features a sleek black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features a sheer mesh panel and zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette with sheer illusion stripes. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and knit fabrics 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: 05002-6529

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Josephina Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glamour to your evening with our shimmering Josephine navy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and narrow cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adored with an embroidered floral design and glitter accents. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Glitter may transfer.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6527

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jayla Formal Embroidered Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine and dazzle as light up the night in our glowing Jayla dress! She features a combination taupe with gold hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a racer bust, padded cups, a small keyhole and a two row fish hook clasp closure at the nape of the neck. Her partially unlined bodice features a sheer mesh fabirc adored with a embroidered floral design and gold hued heat stones. Her waist leads to an elongating floor length silhouette composed of a chiffon fabric. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes knit lining and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6520

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Janine Floral Chiffon High Low Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Look as beautiful and delicate as a rose in our lovely Zara dress! She features a floral print on an ivory background, a plunging wrap V neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length, high-low, wrap-like skirt. Dress is composed of a partially lined chiffon fabric. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper.

    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: 05002-6522

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Emerson Formal Lattice Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Lace yourself with elegance as you stun in our Emerson ivory dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a plunging wired V neck bust and shoulder strap accents. Her back features a sexy lattice back to easily adjust fit. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass illusion and a flared hem. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    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: 05002-6532

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cleo Formal Lace Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the magic with you as you enchant in our lovely Cleo dress! She features a dreamy light blue color, a partially lined floral lace bodice with a high round neckline, a sweetheart bust, lined padded cups and cap sleeves. Her back features a single button closure at the nape of the neck and a large keyhole. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined floral lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a hidden 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: 05002-6544

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $174.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Daniela Formal Glitter Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle the night with glamour as you make an entrance in our Daniela black dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups and a no slip strip. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a flared hem. She is composed of a lined lace fabric complemented with piping accents, glitter, and a flared hemline with godets. Dress offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05002-6531

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Candice One Shoulder Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Live out a night to remember in our mesmerizing Candice dress! She features a deep navy blue color, a one shoulder neckline, a wide tank-like shoulder strap and princess seams. Her back features an intricate unlined floral lace accent to make a head turning exit! Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a side zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6524

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aniyah Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in the ever-so daring Greta blue dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups and shoulder strap accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to an curve hugging elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with vertical seams. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers 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: 05002-6538

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alina Formal Sleeveless Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in the ever radiating Alina dress! She ushers romance with her burgundy hue, sleeveless bodice, plunging wrap V neckline and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice features a cinching tie waist belt and flows into a floor length silhouette. Her all over chiffon fabric offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining and back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'8" with a 32.5" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6530

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lizzie Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shimmer through the night in sequins! Lizzie brings the elegance with her off the shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeves and curve hugging floor length mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a white hued mesh fabric with a shimmering sequin scroll print pattern and a beige hued partial skirt lining to create a flattering two-tone effect. Dress offers a moderate stretch and includes 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: 05002-6519

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Meg Formal Sequin Halter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stun in sequins as you make your way in our wowing Meg dress! She features a white hue, a plunging V neckline with a halter neck tie and a bold open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Meg features a dazzling sequin scroll print pattern that is complemented with a beige hued partial skirt lining for a flattering two-tone effect. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05002-6518

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Zariyah Formal Heat Stone Cut Out Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glamour to your evening in our Queen-worthy Zariyah dress! She features a chic black hue, a high round neckline with racer bust and padded cups. Her bodice is adorned with sparkling heat stones with gemstones and sexy waist cut outs for a pop of skin! Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating 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 5'7" 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: 05002-6477

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $46.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Melina Formal Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion

    The stars in the night sky are nothing compared to this beauty. Melina features a sleeveless, semi-sheer bodice with a high round neckline, padded cups,  narrow shoulder straps, a sweetheart lining, a large back keyhole cut out with an exposed zip up closure, and silver heat stones. Skirt is composed of a crepe fabric with a high waist seam, and offers a fit and flare silhouette with a high leg slit. 

    Model is 5'9 with a 32" bust, 23" waist, and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6506

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $72.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lana Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle under the spotlight as you make a glitzy entrance in the mesmerizing Lana formal dress! She features a classic black color, an off the shoulder neckline with a fold over accent and an elongating floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. Glitter may transfer.

    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: 05002-6497

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Keltie Formal Sequin And Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep your look timelessly flawless in our alluring Keltie navy blue dress! She features a high round neckline with racer bust, padded cups and a eye catching open lower back accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elegant floor length silhouette that showcases curves from any angle! She is composed of a lined floral lace fabric adorned with sparkling sequins to dazzle through the night! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6463

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Julissa Formal Sleeveless Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sweep them off their feet in the breathtaking Julissa pink dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wired V neckline, narrow adjustable straps and a pleated fan design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a slightly sheer lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6493

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jocelyn Formal Open Back Pearl Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Go for the extra touch of luxe with pearls! Jocelyn features a chic black hue, a high round neckline with a pearl embellished trim, padded cups, princess seams and an open back with tie strap detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass-like effect. Dress is composed of 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: 05002-6485

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jessica Floral Sequin Formal Dress
    Special Occasion

    Our Jessica dress is pure perfection! She comes in a floral pattern throughout. She also includes a deep wired V neckline, wide shoulder straps, a trumpet silhouette and a back zipper closure. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

     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: 05002-6481

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Elise Strapless Sequin Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Gorgeous is an understatement! Our Elise dress take elegance to another level. She comes in black and features a beautiful rose gold sequin scroll design on the front torso and along the length of the dress on the back. She has a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded cups and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette. Her lined crepe fabric offers moderate stretch. Includes a side zipper closure.

    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: 05002-6515

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Elsa Formal Iridescent Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the magic with you as you cast an enchanting impression in our dazzling Elsa dress! She features a plunging V neckline, tank-like straps, padded cups and an unlined mesh insets on each side. Her relaxed fit bodice flows into a dreamy trumpet silhouette with plenty of flare and is accented with tulle godets. She illuminates the room with iridescent sequins set in a baroque inspired pattern that reflect flickers of purple and pink. Dress is composed of a combination tulle and natural hued lined mesh fabric that offers minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure

    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: 05002-6504

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Corine Formal Taffeta Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in our Tess black dress to showcase curves! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups tank-like straps and a bold open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length mermaid silhouette accented with vertical seams. Dress is composed of a taffeta fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a petticoat and 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: 05002-6490

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance