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.

  • Jane Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stay original in orange as you stun in our one of a kind Jane dress! She features a vibrant orange hue, a high round neckline with racer bust, padded cups, a keyhole at the bust, princess seams and narrow cross straps that lead to an open back design. Her slim fit bodice features a narrow waistband accent and leads to a floor length silhouette that has flared godet details. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6217

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Geneva High Class Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Express your high standards with our stylish Geneva black sequin dress. She exceeds expectations with a high round neckline, narrow shoulder straps that cross at the back, an elegant low back leading to a hidden back zipper closure, light padding at the bust, and a sweeping flared floor length skirt. Geneva's sheer mesh fabric with a geometric sequin pattern pops against a contrasting nude lining. She offers a slim fit and a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6220

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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  • Ciara Formal Beaded And Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Elevate your formal wear with our glitzy Ciara navy dress! She features a plunging V neckline dress with wide shoulder straps and lifting padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to a fluttering floor length silhouette accented with sheer panels at the hem. Her all over iridescent sequins are set in a baroque pattern and reflect navy hues.  She is composed of a lined pewter gray mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6228

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $169.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cecilia Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle and shine in shimmering sequins! Cecilia features a deep navy blue hue, a partially lined bodice, a high round neckline with beaded trim detailing, a sweetheart bust lining and a floor length mermaid silhouette. Her skirt is partially unlined to create a dramatically flared effect. Her all over mesh fabric is adorned with sparkling sequins and beaded detailing throughout. She offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6205

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Clarisse Well Refined Lace Back Dress
    Special Occasion

    You've got great refined taste! Our Clarisse black lace back dress is absolutely a simple beauty. She has a deep V neckline, adjustable shoulder straps that lead to a sheer lace back with a waist cut out, an exposed back zipper closure, a high waist seam, and a floor-length skirt with a leg slit that flares at the hem. Clarisse is composed of an unlined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6213

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Arianna Formal Scalloped Lace Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    We've got so much love for glamour, shine on in our twinkling Arianna dress! She features an all over bronze hue, a V neckline with a scalloped lace trim, narrow adjustable straps that lead to a cross back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a form hugging floor length silhouette to sweep them off their feet! Arianna is composed of a lined scalloped lace fabric adorned with glitter accents. Dress offers a moderate stretch. Glitter will transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6231

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cameron Formal Twist Knot Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create a captivating entrance in our Cameron black dress! She features a plunging V neckline with a knotted bodice, fitted long sleeves and a daring high slit to show off your glowing gams! She is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a body hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6215

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Thalia Formal High Slit Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle as you bring mega-watt shine to the evening in our Thalia dress! She features an all over gray hue, a V neckline, narrow shoulder straps and a head turning lattice back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with twinkling sequins set in a baroque and honeycomb inspired print. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6214

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nyla Formal High Slit Bandage Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Showcase curves in our diva-worthy Nyla dress to make an alluring impression! She features a royal blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline, shoulder strap accents, shoulder straps, padded cups and princess seams. Her bodice features an unlined mesh accent at the waist and leads to a curve hugging bandage detailed mermaid silhouette with a high slit accent. Dress is composed of a lined ponte-like fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6194

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kassidy Formal Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Mesmerize and capture their attention in our enchanting Kassidy dress! She features an all over rich royal blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and adjustable narrow straps that lead to a cross back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit that reveals a satin-like lining. Dress is composed a lined textured chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6201

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $26.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kai Formal Sleeveless Crepe Dress
    Special Occasion

    Enter the room and charm in our timelessly elegant Kai dress! She features a classic black hue, a V neckline, princess seams and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice features a narrow waistband accent, unlined mesh insets and a floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams and a high side slit. 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 5'7" 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: 05002-6200

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jemma Formal Heat Stone Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Turn up the heat in our dazzling Jemma dress! She features an all over natural hue, a V neckline with tank-like straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length mermaid silhouette that brings plenty of flair! Jemma is composed of semi-sheer mesh fabric adorned with gleaming heat stones throughout. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a partial skirt lining and hidden back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6192

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emberly Formal High Slit Strapless Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a graceful and poised entrance in our alluring Emberley dress! She features an over emerald green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a partial mini skirt lining and includes a back zipper closure. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6203

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Freya Formal Strapless Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep your look sassy and sophisticated in our stunning Freya dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a strapless neckline, a scoop neck bust, built in boning for structure and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating slim fit silhouette. She is composed a lined mesh fabric adorned with dazzling sequins! Freya offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch and includes back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6184

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Claudia Formal Ruffle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate romance in ruffles! Claudia features an all over emerald green hue, a sleeveless bodice with scalloped trim, a high round neckline, padded cups, princess seams. Her open back design features narrow adjustable straps and a ruffle accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a flared hem. She is composed of a crepe 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: 05002-6202

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $26.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Charice Flared Geometric Sequin Dress
    Special Occasion

    Our Charice rose gold sequin dress is fabulously flared for the perfect slimming silhouette! She features a plunging neckline with a V wire for structure, adjustable shoulder straps, a V back with an exposed zipper closure, a high waist seam, and a floor-length skirt that flares slightly at the hem, and has a high leg slit for that sexy bombshell look! Charice is a true stunner with all over sequins in a geometric pattern. She includes a full, soft knit lining and has minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6193

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Bella Formal Sleeveless Trumpet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a twirl worthy entrance in our sophisticated Bella dress! She features an all over black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a wired V neckline with wide tank-like straps, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features an unlined mesh fabric complemented with strap accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette with a trumpet 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 with fish hook clasp.

    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: 05002-6199

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Amelie Formal Chiffon And Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Embrace a laced look in our alluring Amelie dress! She features an all over black hue, a lined floral lace bodice, a V neckline with padded cups, adjustable narrow straps, princess seams and a partially open back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a semi sheer floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Amelie has a built in lace bodysuit lining with a cheeky bottom and snap button closure. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6198

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Amanda Formal Bandage Illusion Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring your curves front and center in our captivating Amanda dress! She features an all over black hue, a partially unlined mesh bodice, a round neckline with single button closure at the nape of the neck, padded cups, ottoman banded accents that create a sweetheart bust and an unlined triangle shaped inset. Her back features a keyhole and matching triangle inset. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette featuring a bandage design. Dress is composed of a ponte-like fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6196

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Erica Formal One Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Grace them with your presence in our captivating Erica dress! She features an all over hunter green hue, a one shoulder neckline, an asymmetrical shoulder strap, princess seams and waist cut outs. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length wrap asymmetrical silhouette. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6206

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cheyenne Formal Strapless Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Lead the room in stunning satin as you capture hearts in our Cheyenne dress! She features an all over blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline with a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning for structure and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatically flared floor length silhouette with vertical seams to create an hour glass illusion. She is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6204

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $32.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Keisha Formal Scalloped Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Grace them with lace as you stun in our Keisha red dress! She features an elastic off the shoulder neckline with a V neck bust, unlined short sleeves and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a form hugging mermaid silhouette that brings plenty of flare! She is composed of a lined floral scalloped lace 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: 05002-6191

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Selene Formal Scalloped Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Stay sophisticated in lace as you wow in our charming Selene dress! She features an all over red hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with a scalloped lace trim, padded cups and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a form fitting floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined scalloped lace 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: 05002-6188

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Clarissa Formal Bandage Lattice Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Wrap yourself in our figure flattering Clarissa dress! She features an all over bold red hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with wide shoulder straps, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features a multi strap lattice back that is complemented with a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to an hourglass-like floor length silhouette accented with bandage details to highlight curves! Dress is composed of a lined textured ponte 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: 05002-6185

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free