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.

  • Corina Formal Off The Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make it a moment to remember in the ever so glamorous Corina dress! She features a rich emerald green color, an off the shoulder neckline with fold over accents and ruching detailing along the left seam. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a dramatic train to grace each step. Dress is composed of a lined extremely smooth kit 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: 05002-6487

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Carly Formal Illusion Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Allure in the ever stunning Carly illusion dress! She features a hunter green color, a high round neckline, padded cups, narrow straps and unlined illusion stripes. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a flaring mermaid silhouette with unlined illusion stripes and a dramatic flared hem. Dress is composed of a lined crepe 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: 05002-6483

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cynthia Formal Chiffon Sweetheart Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stunning is what you'll be the moment you put on our Cynthia dress! She features a mauve hue, a sweetheart neckline, a no slip strip, padded cups, adjustable shoulder straps and a floral lace accent on the back of the bodice. Her slim fit waist leads to a sweeping A-Line silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined slightly sheer chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05002-6480

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Step out in our shimmering Cadence dress to shine from your best angles! She features a light blue color, a V neckline with a scalloped lace trim, padded cups and a single button closure at the nape of the neck. Her back features a sheer lace panel and an open back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. Dress is composed of a lined lace fabric adorned with glitter accents while offering a curve hugging fit with a slight stretch.

    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: 05002-6501

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brielle Formal Taffeta Sweetheart Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take their breath away in our alluring Brielle copper dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, built in boning for structure and pleating accents at the center that create a fan-like design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that brings plenty of flare! Dress is composed of a lined taffeta fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and petticoat.

    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: 05002-6500

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Bonnie Formal Taffeta High Low Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create an entrance they'll never forget in our glam Bonnie dress! She features an emerald hue, a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, built in boning for structure and pleated accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous high low hem with hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined taffeta fabric that offers a relaxed 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: 05002-6496

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alice Formal Metallic Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Leave an impression that they will never forget in the twirl worthy Alice burgundy dress! She features a sleeveless gold bodice, a scoop neckline and adjustable narrow criss cross straps. Her bodice features a gorgeous metallic design adorned with glittering sequins that leads to a burgundy hued floor length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and a high side slit. Her open back features a wowing lattice back. Dress is composed of a combination textured satin and knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes knit lining and back zipper closure.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6502

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Shelly Formal Sleeveless Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Fall back on classic lace to make the perfect impression! Shelly features a plunging V neckline, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a fluttering floor length silhouette with a trumpet hem and a high center slit. Dress is composed of a lined lace fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6486

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Marlowe Formal Long Pleated Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate beauty and grace in our alluring Marlowe dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, princess seams, and narrow adjustable straps that lead to a cross-back design. Her slim-fit bodice features a narrow waistband accent that leads to a floor-length silhouette with pleated accents and hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, princess seams
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design 
    • Pleats, hidden side pockets
    • A-line silhouette
    • Crepe fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6510

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Set off sparks in our head turning Samara dress! She features a classic black hue, a V neckline, fitted long sleeves and princess seams. Her back features an open design with a bar strap accent and a knotted detail at the lower back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6466

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Roseanna Formal High Slit Leopard Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Roseanna is the very definition of fierce with her bold leopard print! She features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline with padded cups, narrow straps that lead to a lattice back and built in boning that rests on the lower back. Her relaxed fit bodice is accented with an empire detail that leads to an A-Line silhouette complemented with side pockets and a high slit. Her all over satin fabric features a wildly inspired leopard print. Dress is fully lined and offers minimal stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6465

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $209.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rachel Formal Sequin Tassel Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle and gleam as you radiate in our Rachel sequin dress! She features an all over gold hue, a V neckline, unlined fitted long sleeves and a partially lined maxi length silhouette. Her all over mesh fabric features a geometric pattern adorned with dazzling sequins. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6448

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lauren Formal Halter Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Stunning and sophisticated is what Lauren brings to your evening! She features a royal blue color, a plunging halter neck, an unlined mesh inset, padded cups and a narrow waist band accent. Her floor length silhouette is accented with a sexy high slit that shows off glowing gams and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6444

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $55.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Shine bright like the diamond you are in our dazzling Liza navy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her waist features a sparkling infinity rhinestone design that leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette with vertical seams to create an hourglass illusion. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6441

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kiki Formal Floral Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bloom in gorgeous florals as you stun in our unique Kiki dress! She features a black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, an unlined mesh inset, unlined side mesh panels and an empire waist accent. Her curve hugging mermaid silhouette features a gorgeous floral print with black and white hues. Dress is composed of a combination satin, mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6443

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $154.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jessa Formal Bohemian Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Light up the night in glamorous glitter in our alluring Jessa ivory dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neckline and narrow straps. Her bohemian inspired print is composed of a gold glitter detail that adds plenty of shine from any angle! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6471

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $47.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Josie Formal Leopard Lattice Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a fierce impression as you command the room in our wildly inspired Josie formal dress! She features a trendy leopard print, a plunging V neckline and narrow straps. Her open back is complemented with a lattice design and a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice flows into a flattering maxi length skirt that is accented with two side slits. Dress is composed of a partially light weight woven fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6464

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jen Formal Floral Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Look as sweet as a gorgeous bouquet of flowers in our charming Jen dress! She features a lovely mint color, a high round neck with racer bust, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to a lattice back. Her slim fit bodice flows into a stylish A-Line silhouette accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Her all over multi hued floral print features pink and purple hues with green foliage. Dress is composed of a lined satin dress that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. includes a hidden 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: 05002-6447

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $174.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hayden Glitter Goddess Tendril Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make them all stop and stare in the awe of your ethereal beauty as you glow in our Hayden dress! She features a soft natural color, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups, narrow straps and unlined mesh panels on the sides. Her bodice features a dreamy glitter swirl pattern and a double row mini rhinestone belt trim. Her twirl worthy floor length silhouette features a tendril detail throughout and includes a voluminous petticoat. Garment is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Dress is lined and 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: 05002-6472

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $144.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Francesca Formal Beaded Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make it a magical moment in our captivating Francesca black dress! She features a high round neckline with racer bust, small keyhole and padded cups. Her bodice features a beaded design set in dazzling geometric pattern. Her slim fit bodice leads to a navy hued floor length silhouette that brings elegance to the evening. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6454

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $199.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Farrah High Low Taffeta Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glam in our Farrah dress! She features an alluring red hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline and adjustable narrow straps that lead to a crossback design. Her waist features an empire accent, hidden side pockets and leads to a lightly pleated high-low silhouette to bring the drama. Dress is composed of a taffeta fabric and includes a lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6440

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Anna Formal Pearl Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Mark your memorable night is classically chic pearls, as you make them marvel in our luxe Anna dress! She features a flattering black hue, a sleeveless bodice with boat neckline, princess seams and a flared mermaid silhouette that showcases curves in all the right places! Her bold open back is complemented with a lovely pearl with sequin trim for a flash of sparkle! Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a side 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: 05002-6468

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ashlynn Formal Halter Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Step out in elegance as you radiate your one of a kind beauty in our Ashlynn dress! She features a black hued halter neck with racer bust, neck ties, padded cups, princess seams and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her bodice leads to dreamy mermaid silhouette accented with pleats and a petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes smooth knit lining and a hidden back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6445

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Analia Formal Satin Trumpet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Strike a stunning pose in satin! Analia reflects confidence with her sweetheart neckline, built in no slip strip, padded cups, princess seams and a double row of narrow straps. Her back features a multi-strap caged design that leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a commanding trumpet silhouette with a flared hem. She is composed of a black hued textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat and thin knit lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6461

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance