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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Cassia Lace-Up Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Satin shine and soft ruching bring the detail into focus. This satin mini dress features a cowl neckline, wide straps, and a lace-up back detail for a polished finish from every angle. The side drape adds subtle movement while keeping the silhouette sleek.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
- Cowl neckline
- Wide straps
- Ruched bodice
- Side drape detail
- Lace-up back detail, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, birthday parties, date nights, cocktail soirees, Vegas, nights out
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000889
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: ROYAL
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Sienna Beaded Fringe Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The details do all the talking here. A close-cut mini silhouette is framed by an embellished bodice and rows of beaded fringe that bring dimension to the hem. The result feels polished, bold, and made to be noticed.
Fit & Features
- Ponte knit stretch fabrication, knit lining
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Embellished bodice with beaded detailing
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Beaded fringe trim, bodycon mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthdays, date nights, cocktail soirees, dressy celebrations, fashion-forward events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000890
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alexandria Sequin Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The sequins bring dimension from every angle. The Alexandria formal bodycon dress pairs all-over sequin embellishment with ruched detailing and a lace-up back for a textured, defined finish. The result feels polished, striking, and rich in detail.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabric
- Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining
- All-over sequin embellishment
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Front sash detail
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday parties, dressed-up date nights, bachelorettes, Vegas, vacations, resorts, and yacht dinner parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000891
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kiara Lace Up Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The damask sequin pattern gives this mini its standout finish. This bodycon dress pairs allover shine with a sleek V-neckline and a lace-up back for added dimension. The intricate embellishment keeps the look polished from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Damask sequin pattern, lined mesh fabric
- V-neckline with spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon fit
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, bachelorettes, Vegas, date nights, parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000900
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lorelei Lace Up Floral Velvet Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Lorelei mini dress is all about intricate texture and shine. Velvet florals layer with beading and sequins across the A-line silhouette for a dimensional finish that feels polished, not overdone. A lace-up back completes the embellished design.
Fit & Features
- Floral velvet mesh fabrication, smooth lining
- V-neckline with spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
- Beaded and sequin embellishments
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, big birthday events, weddings, semi-formal occasions, dressed-up date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000908
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Romina Floral Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Shine takes the lead with a floral sequin design that catches every angle. The Romina bodycon mini dress keeps the look sleek with a V-neckline, slim straps, and a lace-up open back. It brings the kind of high-impact detail that makes the outfit feel instantly done.
Fit & Features
- Knit fabric with lining, moderate stretch
- Floral sequin design
- V-neckline with padded bust
- Dual spaghetti straps
- Open back with lace-up detail, lower zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Where To Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, fancy date nights, bachelorette parties, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000899
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN, NAVY
Available Size: XXS, XS, S
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Ember Beaded Sequin Floral Lace Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Romance gets a high-shine finish in the Ember dress, where floral lace, beads, and sequins create an intricate, light-catching effect. A plunging V-wire neckline and fitted mini-length silhouette bring a sleek, glamorous edge to all that delicate detail.
Fit & Features
- Floral lace fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Beaded and sequin embellishments
- Sleeveless plunging wired V-neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, dressed-up dinners, bachelorette parties, Vegas getaways, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000905
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK, SAGE
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amaris Floral Flocked Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A fitted bodycon shape gives this mini dress its sultry, curve-skimming appeal. The cowl neckline softens the front while ruching and floral flocked texture build dimension throughout the silhouette. An open back pushes the look into a bolder, more daring direction.
Fit & Features
- Flocked floral pattern, lined mesh fabric
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Bodycon ruched mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, bachelorettes, Vegas, date nights, cocktail parties, birthdays
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000902
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Raina Heart Cutout Sequin Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
The Raina dress is defined by its heart cutout and high-shine embellishment. Beads and sequins cover the bodycon silhouette, while the sweetheart neckline frames the structured shape. The center hardware detail brings a distinct finishing touch.
Fit & Features
- Allover bead and sequin embellishment, lined knit fabric
- Sweetheart neckline with wide tank straps
- Heart-shaped center cutout
- Center hardware detail
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, bachelorettes, date nights, Vegas, nights on the town
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000904
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $99.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED, BLACK
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amiyah Rhinestone Mesh Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to shimmer with every step, the Amiyah mini dress pairs rhinestone and faux pearl-embellished mesh with a sculpted bodycon fit that feels sleek and undeniably glam. A halter neckline, structured boning, and a statement cutout bring just the right amount of drama.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining at the bust and skirt, high stretch
- All-over rhinestone, iridescent rhinestone, and faux pearl embellishments
- Sleeveless high halter neckline, back hook-eye closure
- Keyhole bust cutout, built-in padding
- Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, Vegas getaways, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000892
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $129.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NUDE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elina Lace Corset Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Sculpted romance meets sleek sophistication in the Elina formal dress, pairing a lace corset bodice with a luminous satin mermaid silhouette. A square neckline, lace-up back, and softly ruched waist create a stunning finish made for weddings, galas, and dressed-up date nights.
Fit & Features
- Sheer lace bodice, nude-tone knit lining
- Thin adjustable tank straps
- Sleeveless square neckline, corset-style bodice, padded bust, flexible boning
- Side zipper with hook-eye closure, open lace-up back
- High waist seam, pleated overlay
- Floor-length stretch satin mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black-tie parties, formal date nights, dressed-up dinners, galas, and chic soirees.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-001763
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Estelle Lace-Up Mesh Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Let the sculpted shape set the direction and keep the accessories refined. This mesh mermaid formal dress pairs a structured bodice with soft waist draping and a lace-up back for a polished foundation. Style it with sleek heels and minimal jewelry to keep the silhouette in focus.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabrication, knit lining
- Square neckline with adjustable straps
- Structured bodice with boning
- Draped waist detailing
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Fitted mermaid silhouette with floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, black tie events, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways, yacht dinner parties, date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-001764
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brenley Floral Sequin Corset Ruffle Dress
Special Occasion
Florals with a little sparkle know how to make an entrance. This A-line mini dress pairs sequin embroidery with a structured corset bodice and tiered ruffles for a look that feels polished, playful, and just dressed-up enough. The lace-up back adds one more pretty detail to finish it off.
Fit & Features
- Floral sequin embroidered fabrication
- Pleated cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Structured corset bodice with boning
- Tiered ruffle A-line mini skirt
- Lace-up back
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, big birthday events, formal occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000920
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Corrine Tropical Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Tropical print gets a sleek formal refresh with this fitted statement style. The Corrine mermaid formal dress features a rhinestone mesh overlay, a halter neckline, and a hardware strap detail for a bold, trend-forward finish. The cross-back tie design keeps the look striking from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Halter neckline with hardware strap detail, padded bra cups
- Cross-back tie design, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Tropical print mesh with rhinestone embellishments
- Fitted mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Destination wedding, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways, birthday dinners, cocktail parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-001766
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $76.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WHITE, PRINT
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Madisson Satin Corset Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Polished with a little allure, the Madisson satin midi is made for the entrance that feels effortless but unforgettable. A strapless corset bodice shapes the look, while a pleated waist drape and center back hem slit bring just the right amount of movement to the bodycon silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
- Strapless corset bodice, flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated waist drape
- Bodycon midi silhouette
- Center back hem slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridal celebrations, bridesmaids, engagement parties and photoshoots, cocktail soirees, birthday dinners, honeymoons, vacations, resort getaways, formal events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000921
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WHITE, NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Della Lace-Up Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The sequin finish gives this dress its polished party-ready shine. This sequin mini dress pairs a fitted silhouette with a lace-up back detail for a standout look that feels sleek from front to back. The tie-back closure adds a clean, adjustable-looking finish.
Fit & Features
- Sequin embellishment, lined mesh fabric
- Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bra cups
- Fitted bodycon silhouette
- Lace-up back detail, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, bachelorettes, date nights, semi-formal events, Vegas, girls night, cocktail parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000917
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: DENIM
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
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Taryn Sequin Mesh Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The sequin mini trend gets a sleek update with this fitted silhouette. This sequin mesh mini dress brings together a cowl neckline, wide tank-style straps, and an open back for a polished look with standout shine. The bodycon shape keeps the styling bold and streamlined.
Fit & Features
- Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide tank-style straps
- Open back design with clasp closure, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, nights out, date nights, semi-formal events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000916
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Livia Floral Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Floral sequins make every detail count. This bodycon mini dress pairs a sweetheart neckline with a lace-up back for a close, polished shape. The shimmering pattern gives the look a dimensional finish from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Floral sequin embellishment
- Lined mesh fabric with high stretch
- Sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
- Adjustable lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon fit with mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, big birthday events, Vegas, date nights, bachelorettes, cocktail parties, vacations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000913
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kaia Off-Shoulder Corset Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Corset structure brings the standout detail into focus. This corset mini dress features off-shoulder straps, a sweetheart neckline, and boning for a shaped look with a polished finish. The ruched front detail and lace-up back add dimension from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, off-shoulder straps, padded bra cups
- Corset bodice with boning
- Ruched front detail
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Lace-up back detail, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Hoco, birthday parties, Vegas, date nights, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways, GNO, fashion-forward events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000909
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY, PURPLE
Available Size: XXS, XS, S
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nyla Sequin V-Neck Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Statement sparkle takes on a shimmering feel in the Nyla sequin dress. The V-neckline and wide straps frame the fitted bodycon silhouette, while the lace-up open back looks like a trend-forward finish.
Fit & Features
- Allover sequin embellishment, lined mesh fabric
- V-neckline with wide tank straps
- Lace-up open back
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday parties, bachelorettes, Vegas, date nights, cocktail parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000910
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nina Sequin Mesh Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dressed-up plans get a sleek dose of shimmer with the Nina dress. This sequin mesh mini dress pairs a cowl neckline with a bodycon silhouette and padded bra cups for a polished occasion-ready look. The knit lining, back clasp closure, and zipper closure help keep the finish clean and secure.
Fit & Features
- Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining
- Cowl neckline
- Padded bra cups
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Back clasp and zipper with hook-eye closure
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, GNO, bachelorettes, fashion-forward events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000918
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MAUVE
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
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Ava Tropical Beaded Mesh Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Ava beaded mesh detail gives this mini its standout finish. This beaded mesh mini dress pairs a strapless neckline with a twisted bust detail and tropical motif for a statement look with texture and shine. The bodycon silhouette keeps the embellished design sleek and defined.
Fit & Features
- Tropical motif design, beaded embellishments
- Lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch
- Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bra cups
- Twisted bust detail
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways, birthday parties, date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000933
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, PRINT
Available Size: XS, S, M
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Camilla Satin Bow Back Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A dressy plan deserves a silhouette that knows exactly what it’s doing. The Camilla strapless midi dress pairs a sweetheart bust with soft ruching and a fitted mermaid shape for a polished, curve-skimming look. The bow-back detail gives the finish just enough charm.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabric
- Strapless satin sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Twist-front bust detail
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Ruched fitted bodice
- Open back with bow tie detail
- Midi-length hem with mermaid-style silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, cocktail soirees, formal celebrations, fashion-forward events, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways, date nights, dinner parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000929
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE, NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Kenzie Celestial Rhinestone Mesh Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Written in the stars and designed for the spotlight. This strapless mesh bodycon dress shimmers with celestial rhinestone embellishments, creating a figure-skimming look made for unforgettable entrances.
Fit & Features
- Rhinestone-embellished lined mesh fabrication
- Strapless straight neckline, padded bra cups, non-slip grip lining
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Celestial sun moon and star motifs
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, date nights, bachelorettes, Vegas, nights on the town
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000935
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free