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.

  • Alessandra Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Go 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
  • 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
  • Roseanne Formal Chiffon Rosette Dress
    Special Occasion 

    You're a one of a kind type of beauty, radiate that confidence in our Roseanne burgundy dress! She features a high round neckline with a racer bust, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features a two button closure at the nape of the neck, an open back with unlined scalloped lace trim and a row of rosette accents with a sheer chiffon train. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a burgundy hued chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6065

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Paris Formal Floral Embroidered Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Elevate your glam in our luxe Paris dress! She features an all over gold hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with floral embroidered details throughout. Dress 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: 05002-6080

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Leyla Formal Crepe Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Keep your look simply elegant as you radiate your natural beauty in our Leyla gray dress! She features an all over gray hue, a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline with wide tank-like straps, and flattering underbust seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length mermaid silhouette that is accented with vertical seams to create a body-con like effect. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers 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: 05002-6069

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $25.94 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kaori Floral Sequins Formal Dress
    Special Occasion

    Dazzle through the night in our elegant Kaori black sequin floral dress! She features a deep V neckline, double narrow shoulder straps, a plunging back with lace up straps, an exposed back zipper closure, a high leg slit, and a rose gold floral sequin design. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers minimal stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6073

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Chanel Formal Pleated Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Take the plunge in pretty pleats as you wow in our Chanel dress! She features an all over emerald green hue, a deep V neckline with wide tank-like straps, mini lattice strap accents on each side, an open back and a flowing floor length silhouette. Her all over pleated detailing truly makes her a one of a kind! Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden lower back zipper closure with fish hook clasp.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6084

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.94 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Deanne Formal Heat Stone Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a night full of glitz and glam in our must have Deanne dress! She features a partially lined bodice, a high round neckline, a sweetheart bust lining, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features a smocked detailing for a custom-like fit. Her bodice is adorned with clear heat stones and navy blue beaded accents to bring plenty of shine! Her empire waist features a pleated detailing and leads to a floor length chiffon silhouette. Dress is composed of a navy blue hued lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6066

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.94 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Roselyn Satin Sweetheart High-Low Dress
    Special Occasion

    Our pink Roselyn high-low dress will be a sweet sensation at your next event! She features a sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, draped shoulder straps, an exposed back zipper closure, a fitted bodice, and a high waist seam leading to a dramatic high-low skirt with convenient side pockets. Roselyn is composed of a double-layered satin fabric with no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6083

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Tiana Velvet Dream Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Because you're what dreams are made of, gorgeous! This stunning velvet dress features a seductive, plunging neckline, thin shoulder straps that cross at the back, and an empire waist that leads to a floor length skirt with two enticing waist-high slits. Tiana is perfect for your next formal event or as a stunning fall bridesmaid dress!

    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: 05002-6076

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jolene Formal Glitter Velvet Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Strike a sultry impression in our mesmerizing Jolene dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, a mermaid silhouette, and composed of a velvet glitter fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a faux fur wrap. 

    Fits & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Lined velvet glitter fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
    • Runs true to size

     

    The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6093

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Monica Sequin Scroll Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Shine your best in sequins as you radiate in our Monica dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a sweetheart bust, a built in no slip strip and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette to make an enchanting entrance! She is composed of a lined nude hued mesh fabric adorned with gleaming black sequins set in a scroll print pattern. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

    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: 05002-6055

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cheyanne Formal Multi Strap Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a scene in our bold burgundy Cheyanne dress! She features an all over burgundy hue, a plunging V neckline, wide straps that lead to a cross back design. Her back features an open back with wide multi strap accents. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. Dress is composed of a lined crepe 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: 05002-6053

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Celeste Sparkling Siren Evening Dress
    Special Occasion

    Lure in the crowd with this Siren-Worthy evening dress! Celeste has a flattering, fitted bodice that features a V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a short lace down back. The floor length dress has a daring, center slit and features a sparkling, all over sequin detail. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with slight stretch.

    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: 05002-6056

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brooklynn Formal Lattice Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Strike a pose in our captivating Brooklynn navy blue dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with racer bust, a double row of narrow straps and princess seams. Her back features a gorgeous lattice detail complemented with a zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a form hugging floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams to enhance curves. Dress is composed of a lined navy blue hued crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6060

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Saylor Formal Metallic Lurex Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Mesmerize in metallics as you make your entrance in our Saylor bronze dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with a plunging ladder front inset and narrow straps leading to a cross back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length skirt that is accented with a high center slit. Saylor is composed of a lined bronze hued metallic glitter lurex fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer. 

    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: 05002-6022

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Amari Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle and shine dazzling sequins! Amari features a sleeveless bodice, an all over lavender hue, a square neckline with racer bust and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a gray hued mesh fabric adorned with lavender hued sequins. Dress offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and lining.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6027

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Braelynn Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion

    Razzle and dazzle as you dive into glam sequins! Our Braelynn dress features a plunging V neckline with light pleating detail and fitted long sleeves. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit to bring the drama! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric complemented with burgundy hued sequins for non stop shine! Dress offers a moderate stretch and 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: 05002-6031

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $37.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Glam it up in sophisticated sequins as you own the night in our emerald green Alexandria dress! She features a high round neckline, fitted long sleeves and an all over emerald green hued sequin detailing set in a chic scroll print pattern. Alexandria is composed of a sheer mesh fabric lined with a lining to create a flattering two-tone effect. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch and includes a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6025

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $56.97 $124.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Reagan Formal Sweetheart Mermaid Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Reign the night in our made for royalty Reagan dress! She features an all over royal blue hue, a sleeveless, a sweetheart neckline with a built in no slip strip, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a fluttering mermaid silhouette accented with a ruffled double layered hemline. Dress is composed of a royal blue hued crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'7" 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: 05002-6013

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $36.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ryleigh Formal High Slit Lurex Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make an alluring appeal in our twinkling Ryleigh dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to a bold open back that is accented with wide straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with high side slit to show off your heel game! Dress is composed of a rich plum hued lined lurex knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

     Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6010

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Leah Formal Satin Ruffle Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Raise a commotion in ruffles as you charm in our mesmerizing Leah dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with narrow adjustable straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a flaring high low hemline with a flirty ruffle trim. Dress is composed of a emerald green hued stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit to highlight curves. Garment is lined with a smooth knit fabric and includes 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: 05002-5977

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Liza Formal Ruffle Glitter Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Leave a hint of magic behind when you leave the room as you radiate in our navy blue Liza dress! She features a round neckline, fitted long sleeves and an elongating sweeping floor length skirt that brings plenty of glamour! Her bold open back features a dazzling bow accent that leads to a fluttering ruffle accent. Dress is composed of a rich navy blue hued glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.

    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: 05002-5975

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $46.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Janelle Glitter Bow Back Formal Dress
    Special Occasion

    Create your own fairytale tonight in our gorgeous Janelle dress! She is a natural tone, floor length formal dress that features a high round neckline, a sleeveless bodice, and a stunning plunging cowl back with a large bow detail. Her soft, glitter adorned, knit fabric features a form hugging fit with plenty of stretch. Glitter may transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6017

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $38.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free