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.

  • Ruby Formal Caged Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Wrap yourself in sultry satin as you impress in our alluring Ruby formal burgundy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline and narrow straps that lead to a caged back detail with a fish hook clasp closure at the center. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6157

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Bring the sparkle with you as you enchant in our gleaming Natalie dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a scoop neckline, padded cups, princess seams and narrow straps with rhinestone embellishments. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flowing mermaid silhouette accented with vertical seams to create a bodycon-like hourglass effect. Dress 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: 05002-6174

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Julieann Formal High Slit Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make double the appeal in our sophisticated Julieann dress! She features an all over emerald green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with padded cups, princess seams and adjustable narrow straps. Her empire waist accent leads to a flowing floor length silhouette that is accented with two high side slits to show off your glowing gams! She includes a built in contrast lining with a full bottom and snap button closure. She is composed of a textured satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05002-6175

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Belinda Formal Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in luxe velvet as you making a sophisticated entrance in our unforgettable Belinda dress! She features an all over black hue, a plunging wired V neckline, fitted long sleeves and an asymmetrical silhouette accented with a daring high slit. Belinda is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve 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: 05002-6179

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Grace them in lace as you charm in our Avalynn dress! She features an all over rust hue, an off the shoulder neckline with a fold over detail and an elongating mermaid silhouette with a gorgeous train. Dress is composed of lined floral lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6173

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Britney Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create a head turning moment as you stun in our Britney dress! She features an all over teal hue, a boat neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her open back features a plunging V shape and is complemented with godet seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. She 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: 05002-6177

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aurora Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Elevate your evening look in a dress fit for a Queen like you! Aurora features a gorgeous plum hue, an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with overlapping pleated details and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with horizontal seams and a side high slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0124

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Make a grand entrance as you brighten the evening in our glam Angelina dress! She features an all over black hue, an unlined bodice with a round neckline and a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with heat stones set in a vertical design to streamline  silhouette. Her all over pearl and heat stone accents are set in gorgeous geometric design. Dress is composed of sheer mesh fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a partial mini skirt length lining and back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6176

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Adelyn Strappy Trumpet Dress
    Special Occasion

    Stay perfectly poised in our teal Adelyn dress as she flatters your curves in all the right places! Adelyn features a sleeveless bodice with a high round neckline, padded cups, multiple straps that cross at the back, an exposed back zipper closure, a high waist seam, and a flared trumpet skirt with vertical seams. Adelyn offers a slim fit and is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric. 

    Model is 5'6.5 with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6181

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alexis Formal Open Back Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a head turning impression in our daring Alexis dress! She features an all over gray hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and corded straps. Her back features an open design to show off a hint of skin. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that hugs curves. The all over lined luxe velvet fabric is adorned with sparkling glitter accents. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6171

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.94 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sophie Formal Open Back Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Get hearts racing in our jaw dropping Sophie hunter green dress! She features an all over rich hunter green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a racer bust, princess seams and a narrow waist band accent. Her back features a bold lower back keyhole and a zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass-like effect and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6139

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Natalia Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Raise the stakes in our head turning Natalia dress! She features an all over black hue, a high round neckline with racer bust, padded cups, princess seams and unlined mesh insets. Her open back features a ruched detailing and leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette accented with bodycon-like seams to create a flattering hourglass illusion and a high slit. Natalia is composed of a lined smooth scuba fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6125

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Katherine Formal Illusion Lace Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create an unforgettable look in sophisticated lace as you wow in our Katherine dress! She features an all over black hue, an unlined high round neckline, a plunging sweetheart bust inset and a plunging V shaped back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an a floor length silhouette that features an unlined mesh panel to create a lovely illusion effect. The all over floral fabric is complemented with a natural hued mesh lining to create a two tone effect. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.

    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: 05002-6141

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $30.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jillian Formal Cut Out Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge and make a bold, jaw-dropping impression in our fierce Jillian dress! She features a flattering black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with wide tank-like straps and sexy waist cut outs for a pop of skin! Her skim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower 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: 05002-6150

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Brighten the evening as you make a head turning entrance in our wowing Giselle black dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and a flared floor length silhouette. Her color block design features a black hue complemented with sheer mesh panels adorned with sparkling iridescent heat stones; that creates an hourglass illusion to enhance curves. Dress is composed of a combination double lined smooth knit fabric and mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6131

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Keep it stunning in sequins as you mesmerize in our sparkling Erin dress! She features a chic black hue, a halter neck with racer bust, padded cups and a small keyhole back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins set in a Gatsby-inspired design. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6127

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aria Formal Satin Ruched Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make your night one to remember in our mesmerizing Aria dress! She features an all over a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her narrow straps lead to a trendy open back that leads to a ruched lower back detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. Aria is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6134

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Althea Formal One Shoulder Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Slay your look with a little shoulder action in our Althea burgundy dress! She features an asymmetrical one shoulder neckline, a fold over accent and an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a side zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6148

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Macy Formal Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Slip into rich velvet to make a regal entrance in our Macy black dress!

    Fits & Features

    • V Neckline With Wide Shoulder Straps
    • Multi-Strap Back
    • Slim Fit Bodice I Floor-Length Silhouette Accented With High Slit
    • Lined Velvet Fabric 
    • Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
    • Back Zip Closure

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6130

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rhonda Formal Plunging Halter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in our daring Rhonda dress! She features a halter neck with neck ties, a matching open back and a narrow waistband accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with double high slits to showcase your heel game! She is composed of smooth knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes additional shorts lining. 

    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: 05002-6135

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Radiate and glow from the inside out in our charming Julieanne dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with built in no slip strip and a double row of spaghetti straps that leads to a cross back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. The all over lined mesh fabric is adorned with glitzy sequins set in a scroll print pattern. Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9.5" with a 34" bust, 23.5" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6126

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Taylor Formal High Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Bring the drama in our picture perfect Taylor dress! She features an all over hunter green hue, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her double row narrow straps leads to a trendy lattice back design. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6111

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rosealina Formal Metallic Double Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Glimmer and gleam in our diva-worthy Rosealina dress! She features an all over pink hue, a wrap V neckline with light ruched detailing, a narrow waist band accent and narrow straps that lead to a square back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette accented with side slits. Her all over pink hued mesh fabric is adorned with geometric sequin accents for plenty of sparkle! Dress offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and smooth knit lining. 

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6109

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $37.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nora Formal Satin Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a grand entrance as you take their breath away in our charming Nora purple dress! She features an all over rich purple hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with a wired V neck inset, wide shoulder straps and padded cups. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass illusion and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers 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: 05002-6102

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance