Formal Dresses
Windsor's formal dresses are redefining elegance for 2025. Think illusion panels that sculpt and contour, printed mesh gowns with bold florals or swirls, and slinky jersey knits that drape like liquid luxe. Daring cutouts bring a sleek edge to eveningwear, while cascading ruffles add movement and modern drama. These trendy gowns prove that formal doesn’t have to mean predictable—they’re made for weddings, galas, and every post-worthy moment in between. Discover styles that are chic, camera-ready, and designed to make you unforgettable.
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Formal Dresses That Make Every Moment Feel Major
Windsor’s formal dresses are designed for those unforgettable nights when your look has to be flawless. From sweeping formal gowns to sleek short silhouettes, this collection delivers drama, polish, and trend-right details that set the tone for any occasion. Think structured corset bodices, adjustable straps, lace-up backs, and high slits that blend comfort with high-impact style.
- Heading to a big event? Explore Winter formal dresses in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin, and crepe that feel rich and elegant.
- For December celebrations, our formal holiday dresses sparkle with sequins, rhinestones, and glitter mesh, while bold jewel tones and classic black create timeless appeal.
- Looking to ring in the New Year? Formal NYE dresses with metallic finishes and statement cutouts are made to shine under the lights.
If you’re planning a gala, wedding, or milestone party, Windsor offers a range of formal party dresses in both fitted and flowy silhouettes to match your vibe. Go for a strapless satin gown with a sweetheart neckline for timeless elegance, or choose an asymmetrical hemline or bow-back detail for a fresh twist that feels modern and fun.
No matter where the night takes you, Windsor’s formal dresses give you options that feel special, stylish, and photo-ready. Shop Windsor’s formal dresses near you, online, in-app, or at one of 350+ stores nationwide, and find the look that will make your night unforgettable.
Tips for Choosing the Best Formal Dress for Your Body Type
- Hourglass: Slay those curves with a fitted corset bodice and flowing skirt.
- Pear‑Shaped: Balance out your look with a structured top and full skirt.
- Rectangle: Create curves with a cinched waist and flared hem.
- Apple‑Shaped: Draw eyes upward with a V‑neckline and empire waist.
For more styling inspo, hit up our blog guides like “The Ultimate Gala Dresses Guide” or “Sexy Formal Dresses – Create an Eye‑Catching Look” and get ready to own every moment.
What’s the Difference Between a Formal and a Semi-Formal Dress?
Formal and semi-formal dresses differ based on event dress codes and styling. Formal attire, often called black-tie, features glamorous floor-length gowns with luxe details like rhinestones, lace, and beading—perfect for galas, weddings, and proms. Popular silhouettes include mermaid, ball gown, and A-line styles.
Semi-formal dresses offer more variety in length and design, making them ideal for homecoming, weddings, and cocktail parties. These styles range from midi to short lengths.
The venue and occasion can also guide your choice—an upscale wedding may call for a floor-length gown, while an outdoor event might be perfect for a sleek midi dress with a stylish neckline.
Are Formal Dresses Always Long?
Not always! While long gowns are classic for formal events, modern formal attire includes various lengths and styles. Windsor’s collection of women’s formalwear features short, midi, and long dresses. Explore dramatic mermaid and column silhouettes for timeless elegance, or opt for trendy alternatives like high-low hemlines and two-piece designs for a fresh take on formal fashion.
Find your perfect formal dress at Windsor any time of year, available online, in-app, and in over 350 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Shop now for trend-driven styles that make you shine and every event unforgettable!
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Morgan Lace-Up Slit Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Striking from every angle, the sultry Morgan formal midi dress is your RSVP-ready secret weapon. With a sculpting bodycon fit, statement lace-up back, and thigh-high front slit, it’s built for champagne toasts and double takes.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit stretchy fabric
- Halter neckline, spaghetti strap tie
- Lace-up open back
- Front slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, fancy brunches, date night, cocktail soirees, dinner parties, red carpet occasions, charity dinners, glam events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000413
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Bria Iridescent Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the night and radiate it-girl energy in the Bria iridescent sequin bodycon mini dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, an open back with a strappy cross-back design, a curve-hugging bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in varying stunning hues to create a gorgeous illusion. Complete your bold party look with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
- Open back, strappy cross-back design
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Sequin embroidery, iridescent sheen
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1395
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $62.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mckenna Velvet Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous and luxe, the Mckenna velvet heat stone mini dress is a chic choice for this season's parties. She features a sweetheart neckline with a draped cowl accent, long fitted sleeves, a high waist seam, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The smooth velvet fabric features all-over mini heat stones with a stunning iridescent shine. Style this dress with strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline, draped cowl design
- Bra-friendly
- Long fitted sleeves
- High waist seam
- Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Mini heat stone embellishments
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1181
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kasey Formal Sequin Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Kasey is a picture-perfect beauty! She brings the glitz to the prom in a sequin-knit long dress featuring a sleeveless, halter neckline, cross front and back straps, a cinched bust with built-in padding, and a cute keyhole cutout. Her form-fitting bodice hugs your curves on the sequin-knit-lined fabric that flows effortlessly into a floor-length hem with a sultry slit to show off some leg. Complete the look with a beaded clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, halter neckline, cross front and back straps
- Cinched bust, built-in padding, strapless bra friendly
- Back zipper closure, front slit
- Form-fitting bodice
- Floor-length hem
- Sequin-knit lined fabric
- Moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2329
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Yvette Floral Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Utterly sweet moments are to be had in the Yvette floral formal dress! Float like a dream in this mermaid dress designed with a ruched curve-hugging silhouette and graceful floor-length hem that exudes effortless elegance.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sweetheart cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Mermaid ruched silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, galas, formal celebrations, garden parties, dressy shower celebrations, date nights, vacations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000254
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BEIGE
Available Size: XS
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Danielle Lace A-Line Party Dress
Special Occasion
Made to catch all the attention, Danielle brings a romantic touch to your high school dance! She features a sleeveless, square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, a lace back design, an empire waistband, hidden side pockets, and a short, A-line silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a lustrous, non-stretch satin woven fabric with a knit lining. Complete your dressy look in glam rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lightly padded bust, bra optional
- Lace back design, zipper closure
- Empire waistband, hidden side pockets
- Short, A-line silhouette
- Non-stretch satin woven fabric, knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1125
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Renee Formal Sequin Long Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous sequins make the Renee formal dress stand out! Sparkle and stun at banquets, ceremonies, and school formal dances! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps, a mermaid silhouette, and a sultry high-cut front slit along her floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin pattern with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in rhinestone stiletto heels and a clutch!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, high-cut front slit, floor-length hem
- Sequin pattern, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2885
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nyra Formal Flocked Velvet A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
The elegant details on the Nyra formal dress make a divine impression at galas or black-tie weddings! She embodies beauty and grace in her off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline with non-slip grip lining, sheer short-sleeve cuffs, and a pleated bust with padding. Her flattering A-line silhouette effortlessly flares out from the waist down the floor-length hem showcasing a sultry high-cut slit. The formal long dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a flocked velvet pattern and a stretchy knit lining. Style with a bracelet and ring set to complete your chic look!
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Lightly padded and pleated bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line silhouette, high-cut slit, floor-length hem
- Sheer mesh fabric, flocked velvet pattern, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3125
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Deonne Iridescent Sequin Cross Back Dress
Special Occasion
Let your glow shine at prom through in our illuminating Deonne formal prom dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back design, a wrap-front with a deep V neckline, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist leads to a floor-length slim-fit silhouette and offers a curve-hugging style. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a nude knit lining and is adorned with iridescent sequins in a gorgeous Damask pattern. Complete your glamorous look with stunning statement earrings and a new pair of heels.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cross back design
- Wrap-front with a plunging V neckline
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist leads to a floor-length slim-fit silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric with a nude knit lining
- Damask iridescent sequin pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0629
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
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Emily Floral Cutout Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Looks like a fairytale, fits like a dream. The Emily floral formal dress brings soft romance with a mermaid silhouette and alluring cutout back that turns heads and makes your exit from the party one to remember!
Fit & Features
- Floral print, smooth knit fabric, bust knit lining
- Cowl sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Cutout back with strap and hook closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, engagement parties, milestone celebrations, black tie events, galas
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000154
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tanya Lace-Up Slit Mermaid Beaded Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Step into the spotlight in the stunning Tanya beaded mermaid formal dress! Designed with a striking lace-up back and high front slit for effortless movement.
This dazzling dress was made for the spotlight! Love the shimmer? Discover more sequin prom dresses or find a sophisticated look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Beaded and sequin embellishments
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Ruffled spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, galas, garden parties, weddings, and formal celebrations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9410
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emerson High Slit Rhinestone Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Create a red-carpet worthy look in the glam Emerson formal long dress! She features a strapless neckline with a slightly angled design, a fitted bodice with stylish ruching, a floor-length hem with an A-line silhouette, and a sultry, thigh-high front slit with a sheer mesh insert with sparkling rhinestone embellishments that will catch the light beautifully. Complete the look with rhinestone fringe earrings for your next fancy soiree.
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, angled design, flexible boning inserts
- Fitted bodice, ruching, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floor-length hem, A-line silhouette
- High front slit, sheer mesh insert, rhinestones
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3476
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Maia Formal One Shoulder Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in elegance as you enter the room in our charming Maia burgundy dress! She features a one shoulder neckline with a ruched detail, a fitted long sleeve and a curve hugging ruched silhouette that is accented with a high side slit to show off a hint of leg! Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6283
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alani Strappy Back Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and stunning, the Alani satin formal dress is a chic go-to! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, an alluring open back with a horizontal strap design, a high waist seam, ruching down the sides, and a fitted, floor-length silhouette with a thigh-high side slit. Style this dress with platform heels and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, horizontal strap design
- High waist seam, ruching down the side seams
- Floor-length hem, form-hugging fit, high side slit
- Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2629
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jelene Cold-Shoulder Mermaid Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A chic cold shoulder shapes the Jelene satin formal dress made to impress! Designed to accentuate your curves in a ruched mermaid silhouette with a floor-length hem for some drama.
Love this bold look? Discover more show-stopping red prom dresses or chic formal dresses for any occasion.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Cold-shoulder neckline, V-wired insert
- Short-sleeve cuffs, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
School dances, black-tie weddings, galas, award ceremonies, and formal parties, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, upscale milestone celebrations, birthdays, date night
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9670
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN, BURGUNDY, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Kensie V-Neck Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle into the night in the Kensie sequin formal dress for a show-stopping look at school dances or banquets. The formal dress is designed to hug your curves in a stunning mermaid silhouette that effortlessly flares into a floor-length hem. Pair with rhinestone earrings.
Rich, radiant, and effortlessly glamorous—this dress was made to stand out. Keep the regal energy going with our stunning purple prom dresses or embrace glam and elegance with formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sequin scroll embellished pattern
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-neckline with wired insert, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9254
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kinsley One-Shoulder High-Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and stunning, the Kinsley formal dress is perfect for any time you need to stylishly slay your look! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a supportive tank shoulder strap, a high waist seam, side ruched detailing, and a floor-length, slim silhouette with a sultry thigh-high side slit. Complete the outfit with sparkly rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Tank shoulder strap
- High side slit, ruching
- High waist seam
- Floor-length, slim silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric, knit lining
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1564
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Allie Stretch Satin Ruched Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Slay each step for your special night out in the gorgeous Allie formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up design for a customized fit, a square neckline, and a high waist seam to elongate your silhouette. Her floor-length skirt offers a curve-hugging mermaid fit and features ruched detailing on the back. The satin fabric offers plenty of stretch for comfortable wear. Pair this dress with stunning rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Spaghetti straps, open back with a lace-up design, tie closure
- High waist seam
- Ruched detailing on the back
- Floor-length, fitted mermaid silhouette
- Stretch satin fabric with a form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1016
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Patty Heat Stone Mesh Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The party doesn't start till you in the Patty mini dress walk in! She features sheer long sleeves, a sweetheart neck with cowl drape, a lightly padded bust, a sheer bodice with flexible boning, and side ruched seams along her bodycon silhouette. The formal dress is composed of all-over heat stones on partial mesh-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look in lace-up stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sheer long sleeves, sweetheart neck, cowl drape
- Lightly padded bust, bra optional
- Sheer bodice with flexible boning
- Side ruched seams, bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Partially lined mesh fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1115
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Vittoria Flutter Sleeve A-Line Chiffon Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Romantic and flowing, the Vittoria chiffon formal dress beautifully graces your curves in a flattering A-line silhouette with a high front slit perfect for showing off your heels of the night!
Fit & Features
- Burnout pattern, chiffon fabric, woven lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Flutter short sleeves
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-Line silhouette, high front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridesmaids, garden parties, glam functions, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000296
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Hadley Strapless Pleated Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Create a flirty and feminine look for your next formal dance in the gorgeous Hadley satin party dress! She features a strapless square neckline, a fitted bodice with structured boning detailing, a back zipper closure, a high waist, and a short party skirt with a flared-out hem and pleated details. Complete the outfit with rhinestone heels and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Strapless square neckline
- Fitted bodice, structured boning detailing
- Back zipper closure
- High waist, short party skirt
- Side pockets
- Flared-out silhouette, pleated details
- Satin fabric, inner knit lining, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0740
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jaide Lace-Up Corset Slit Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Drenched in light-catching sequins in a gorgeous pattern, the Jaide mermaid formal dress showcases a daring lace-up back and corset bodice for a figure-flattering look.
Fit & Features
- Sequin embellished pattern, mesh-lined fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Lace-up back design
- Corset bodice
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, big birthday events, charity balls, red-carpet functions, fancy parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9490
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elysse Steal The Show Sequin Dress
Our rose gold Elysse sequin dress steals the show with her glam party style! She features a wide neckline, long fitted sleeves, and a slim fit throughout. Rose gold sequins create an aesthetic diamond pattern all around. Elysse is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a full lining, and has minimal stretch.Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small
*Also available in PlusSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3969
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Andie Halter Open Back Slit Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Andie satin formal dress is where elegance becomes effortless. Designed with a head-turning open back design and high front slit, this floor-length dress boasts plenty of allure!
With a smooth, luminous finish, this dress was made to shine. Keep the luxe look going with breathtaking satin prom dresses or go for a sophisticated statement with our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Premium satin fabric
- Halter neckline with tie straps
- Open back design with cowl accent
- Form-hugging silhouette
- High front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Runs to true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, charity galas, garden parties, black-tie weddings, bridesmaids, formal celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000199
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE, RED
Available Size: XS, S, M, L