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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Sophie Formal Open Back Dress
Special OccasionGet 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
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Natalia Formal High Slit Dress
Special OccasionRaise 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
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Katherine Formal Illusion Lace Dress
Special OccasionCreate 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
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Jillian Formal Cut Out Dress
Special OccasionTake 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
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Giselle Formal Heat Stone Dress
Special OccasionBrighten 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
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Erin Formal Sequin Halter Dress
Special OccasionKeep 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
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Aria Formal Satin Ruched Dress
Special OccasionMake 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
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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
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Macy Formal Velvet Dress
Special OccasionSlip 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
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Rhonda Formal Plunging Halter Dress
Special OccasionTake 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
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Julieanne Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special OccasionRadiate 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
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Taylor Formal High Slit Dress
Special OccasionBring 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
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Rosealina Formal Metallic Double Slit Dress
Special OccasionGlimmer 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 smallSpecial 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
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Nora Formal Satin Dress
Special OccasionMake 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
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Nina Formal One Shoulder Lace Dress
Special OccasionMake them marvel as capture a timeless look in our elegant Nina black dress! She features a one shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, princess seams and a narrow waistband accent. Her slim fir bodice leads to a floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a black hued scalloped lace fabric lined with a nude hued smooth knit lining to create a flattering two tone effect. Dress 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: 05002-6107
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $26.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kianna Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special OccasionCreate a head turning moment in our glimmering Kianna dress! She features a combination gold with black hue, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents and a plunging wired sweetheart bust with a wired V inset. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette that showcases curves in all the right places. The all over sequins are set in a glam scroll print design.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6116
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Katrina Formal Lace And Satin Dress
Special OccasionStun in timelessly elegant satin! Katrina features an all over charming pink hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, narrow straps, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features an unlined floral lace back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with a high front slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6113
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kyleigh Formal Open Back Glitter Dress
Special OccasionMake them see stars in our glittering Kyleigh black dress! She features a boat neckline, fitted long sleeves and a show stopping open back with a wowing lattice back. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that showcases curves in all the right places! She is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Glitter may transferSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6104
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Irene Formal Studded Jewel Dress
Special OccasionStun and shine in our leading lady worthy Irene dress! She features an all over black hue, an off the shoulder neckline with fold over accents, a built in no slip strip and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a studded rhinestone embellished waist trim that leads to curve hugging floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6096
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Deena Heat Wave Mesh Dress
Special OccasionDeena brings the heat year round! She is a long, black elegant dress with a V neckline, and has adjustable shoulder straps that cross at the back, a low scoop back with an exposed zipper closure, a back leg slit for easy movements, and all over heat stones that helps visually create curves. Deena has a short skirt lining and is composed of a sheer mesh fabric.
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: 05002-6108
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Athena Formal Asymmetrical Pearl Dress
Special OccasionShowcase your one of a kind beauty in our gorgeous Athena black dress! She features a plunging V neckline, long sleeves, and double row fish hook clasp cuffs with rhinestone and pearl cuffs. Her bodice features a relaxed fit accented with a ruched detailing and leads to an asymmetrical silhouette to show off your glowing gams! She is composed of a extremely smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a partial skirt lining.
*Also available in Plus.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6114
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alyssa Formal Open Back Dress
Special OccasionMake a head turning impression in our Alyssa red dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with lifting padded cups, narrow straps and an empire waist accent. Her open back features a sexy lattice back detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to a form hugging mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of lightweight woven fabric that offers minimal stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6115
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alessandra Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
Special OccasionGo gaga for glitter in our glam Alessandra dress! She features an all over black hue, a mock neck, fitted long sleeves, princess seams and a narrow waistband accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with high side slits to show off your glowing gams! She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Bodysuit-like lining included with snap button closure and full bottom. Includes a smooth knit lining and a back zipper closure. Glitter will transfer.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6097
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Heidi Formal Lattice Dress
Special Occasion
Allure them in the chic Heidi dress to make a head-turning impression at your next special event. The formal dress features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline, a built-in padded bust for comfortable support, and dual spaghetti straps. The straps lead to a bold open back to show off a hint of skin and sleek lattice straps that let you adjust the fit. The bodice of the dress leads to a floor-length mermaid silhouette that is complemented with vertical seams to streamline your shape. Complete your outfit with rhinestone earrings and strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, dual spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, adhesive bra recommended
- Open back, lattice design with tie closure
- Empire waist, vertical seams
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Luxe satin-lined fabric
- Moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0162
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free