Formal Dresses
Windsor's formal dresses are redefining elegance for 2025. Think illusion panels that sculpt and contour, printed mesh gowns with bold florals or swirls, and slinky jersey knits that drape like liquid luxe. Daring cutouts bring a sleek edge to eveningwear, while cascading ruffles add movement and modern drama. These trendy gowns prove that formal doesn’t have to mean predictable—they’re made for weddings, galas, and every post-worthy moment in between. Discover styles that are chic, camera-ready, and designed to make you unforgettable.
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Formal Dresses That Make Every Moment Feel Major
Windsor’s formal dresses are designed for those unforgettable nights when your look has to be flawless. From sweeping formal gowns to sleek short silhouettes, this collection delivers drama, polish, and trend-right details that set the tone for any occasion. Think structured corset bodices, adjustable straps, lace-up backs, and high slits that blend comfort with high-impact style.
- Heading to a big event? Explore Winter formal dresses in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin, and crepe that feel rich and elegant.
- For December celebrations, our formal holiday dresses sparkle with sequins, rhinestones, and glitter mesh, while bold jewel tones and classic black create timeless appeal.
- Looking to ring in the New Year? Formal NYE dresses with metallic finishes and statement cutouts are made to shine under the lights.
If you’re planning a gala, wedding, or milestone party, Windsor offers a range of formal party dresses in both fitted and flowy silhouettes to match your vibe. Go for a strapless satin gown with a sweetheart neckline for timeless elegance, or choose an asymmetrical hemline or bow-back detail for a fresh twist that feels modern and fun.
No matter where the night takes you, Windsor’s formal dresses give you options that feel special, stylish, and photo-ready. Shop Windsor’s formal dresses near you, online, in-app, or at one of 350+ stores nationwide, and find the look that will make your night unforgettable.
Tips for Choosing the Best Formal Dress for Your Body Type
- Hourglass: Slay those curves with a fitted corset bodice and flowing skirt.
- Pear‑Shaped: Balance out your look with a structured top and full skirt.
- Rectangle: Create curves with a cinched waist and flared hem.
- Apple‑Shaped: Draw eyes upward with a V‑neckline and empire waist.
For more styling inspo, hit up our blog guides like “The Ultimate Gala Dresses Guide” or “Sexy Formal Dresses – Create an Eye‑Catching Look” and get ready to own every moment.
What’s the Difference Between a Formal and a Semi-Formal Dress?
Formal and semi-formal dresses differ based on event dress codes and styling. Formal attire, often called black-tie, features glamorous floor-length gowns with luxe details like rhinestones, lace, and beading—perfect for galas, weddings, and proms. Popular silhouettes include mermaid, ball gown, and A-line styles.
Semi-formal dresses offer more variety in length and design, making them ideal for homecoming, weddings, and cocktail parties. These styles range from midi to short lengths.
The venue and occasion can also guide your choice—an upscale wedding may call for a floor-length gown, while an outdoor event might be perfect for a sleek midi dress with a stylish neckline.
Are Formal Dresses Always Long?
Not always! While long gowns are classic for formal events, modern formal attire includes various lengths and styles. Windsor’s collection of women’s formalwear features short, midi, and long dresses. Explore dramatic mermaid and column silhouettes for timeless elegance, or opt for trendy alternatives like high-low hemlines and two-piece designs for a fresh take on formal fashion.
Find your perfect formal dress at Windsor any time of year, available online, in-app, and in over 350 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Shop now for trend-driven styles that make you shine and every event unforgettable!
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Karly Glitter Slit Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle in the Karly glitter knit gown, designed with a draped neckline, body-hugging silhouette, and daring thigh-high slit. A floor-length finish makes it equal parts sultry and sophisticated—the perfect match for any evening affair.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric
- Cowl neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- High front wrap slit, side pleated seam
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black-tie galas, formal celebrations, red-carpet events, nights at the theatre, fancy date nights, military balls
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000357
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLUE
Available Size: S
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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All Night Sparkle Sequin Scroll Lace-Up Dress
Sparkle all night long in this sequin mini dress that shines in the light! It features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a lace-up back design, a bodycon fit, and a mini-length hem. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric with an intricate all-over sequin embroidered scroll pattern. Perfect for styling with stiletto heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back design, tie closure, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Sequin embroidered scroll pattern
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4130
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $6.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
- Sleeveless square neckline
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Coralie Off Shoulder Front Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Look and feel elegant for your next fancy night out in our gorgeous Coralie formal dress. Her classy fold-over, off-the-shoulder neckline will pair beautifully with a sparkling necklace. Her front slit lets you show off those glittering heels you've been wanting to wear! The formal long dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch and includes a knit mini-length lining. Complete your look with classic block heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline with a fold-over design
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Ruching at center back
- Floor-length hem with a front slit, form-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric, knit mini-length lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7131
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mona Formal Plunging Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Take the plunge into glamour as you stun in our breathtaking Mona dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with pleated dealing, and sheer adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her slim fit waist leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette. She stands out with her glitter accents and caviar beaded detailing set in a romantic pattern. The dress is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. The knit lining includes two high slits to reveal a hint of skin under the semi-sheer tulle fabric. Complete your gorgeous look with rhinestone duster earrings and a new pair of heels.
Fit & Features
- Plunging V neckline with pleated detailing
- Sheer adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cross back design
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist leading to a floor-length skirt
- A-line silhouette
- Semi-sheer tulle fabric with glitter and beaded details
- Knit lining with dual front slits
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0326
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Roseanne One-Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate with elegance in this one-shoulder long satin dress, ideal for your next formal soiree, prom, or black-tie wedding. The luxurious stretch satin contours around the waist, revealing an alluring front-wrap design that showcases the legs, allowing you to walk and move with ease. The asymmetrical neckline serves as a sleek backdrop, perfect for highlighting a trendy choker necklace or bold chandelier earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, spaghetti strap
- Ruched side seam
- Wrap-front design, asymmetrical side slit
- Floor-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0813
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Danica Lace-Up Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the drama in the Danica mermaid dress, detailed with a bold floral burnout design and a strappy lace-up back. Its sleek silhouette and delicate sweetheart neckline were made for entrances that turn heads.
Fit & Features
- Floral velvet burnout pattern, mesh-lined fabric
- V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up open back design
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Black tie weddings, galas, charity and military balls, red-carpet soirees, formal celebrations, anniversaries
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000387
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Raelynn Satin Cross Strap Dress
Special Occasion
Set off sparks in the Raelynn dress that brings the sultriness for your next evening out. The Raelynn formal satin dress features a plunging V-neckline that styles well with your favorite statement necklaces and a bold open back with adjustable cross straps. The fitted bodice leads to a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette that is accented with a sexy front, thigh-high slit. Complete your look with sparkling rhinestone earrings and a matching clutch to bring glamour to your formal evening outfit.
Fits & Features
- Plunging v-neckline, adhesive bra recommended
- Flattering princess seams at the bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross back
- Floor-length Mermaid silhouette, front thigh-high slit
- Smooth satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Back zipper closure
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0116
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Meadow Formal Open Back Ruffled Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning impression with a formal dress that wows from the moment you enter the room! Meadow features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a daring open back, a fab bow at the lower back that leads to a ruffled trim, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Open back
- Bow and ruffles at the lower back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1636
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Adaline Floral Satin Open Back Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Slip into effortless allure with the Adaline satin floral gown, designed with a sleek open back and delicate tie detail. Its fluid silhouette and romantic print make it the perfect mix of elegance and ease for unforgettable evenings.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, premium satin fabric, woven lining
- V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Open strappy back design, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Curve-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, galas, charity dinners, black tie soirees, formal dinners, birthdays, date nights, evening garden parties, rehearsal dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000441
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MOCHA
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alexa Velvet Wrap Dress
Get wrapped up in the heat of the moment! Our short and classy Alexa dress is perfect for your homecoming night with a wrap-like body, a daring V-neckline, and long sleeves. She has a wide waistband that accentuates your curves and a mini-length skirt. Alexa is composed of a soft velvet knit that offers a moderate stretch and has a vertical stripe pattern created by dazzling heat stones. She includes a back zipper closure. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Wrap V-neckline
- Long sleeves
- Empire waist
- Mini-length, wrap hem
- Heat stones
- Lined velvet fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0213
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Londyn Formal High Slit Convertible Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your unique style with a convertible formal dress that allows you to show off multiple styles! Londyn features a large slit at the bodice that allows you to create a one-shoulder neckline, boat neckline, halter neck, or an off-the-shoulder neckline. The slim-fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging A-line silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Large slit at the bodice
- Multiple ways to wear neckline
- A-line silhouette
- High side slit
- Smooth knit fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1301
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Delilah Formal Sequin High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dazzling impression with a sequin dress that shimmers from all your best angles. The dress features sparkling sequins throughout, a sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, and a high side slit to show off a hint of leg. She offers a form-hugging fit with a slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- High side slit
- Sequins
- High waist
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1279
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Elina Halter Cutout Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Made for unforgettable entrances, the Elina halter mermaid dress stuns with a keyhole cutout and an open back that flows into a sleek, sculpted silhouette. The slinky knit flatters every curve with effortless sophistication.
Fit & Features
- Slinky knit fabric, high stretch
- Sleeveless twisted halter neckline, keyhole cutout
- Tie-back halter straps
- Open back, lower twist-back design
- Ruching
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridesmaids, black-tie parties, dressed-up dinners, red-carpet events, galas, and formal affairs.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000348
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PURPLE, TEAL
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Taylor Corset Rhinestone Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Look and feel like a sexy goddess in the Taylor formal dress! She dares to bare in a mesh corset-style bodice with a sweetheart neckline and adjustable straps. The rhinestone embellishments catch glimmers of light while her high-cut slit allows for a display of leg. The formal dress is composed of a mesh fabric and has a stretchy short knit lining. Complete your look with a choker and clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sweetheart neckline, padded cups
- Mesh corset bodice, flexible boning, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High-cut slit, long hem, form-hugging
- Rhinestone embellishments
- Sheer mesh fabric, partial short knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1735
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katrina Velvet Long Sleeve Dress
Special Occasion
Step out and show off your shine in the Katrina short dress showcasing heat stone embellishments that shimmer from all angles! She features long sleeves, a square neckline, and a bodycon, envelope-style hem. The formal dress is composed of a luxuriously soft velvet fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in sparkly earrings and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves, square neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Bodycon, envelope-style short hem
- Heat stone embellishments
- Soft velvet-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1175
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kindra Formal X-Back Glitter Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Glow at your event with a formal bodycon dress that makes an illuminating entrance! Kindra features a glitter body throughout, a sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a bold open back with sleek cross-back straps, a geometric pattern, and a mini-length silhouette with a form-hugging fit. The dress is composed of a lurex glitter fabric with a full knit lining and offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with clear heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Open back, X-back design
- Geometric pattern
- Mini-length silhouette, form-hugging fit
- Lurex glitter fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0749
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lilia Off-The-Shoulder Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
A dress that speaks in glamour, the Lilia satin mermaid dress stuns with an off-the-shoulder neckline and sculpted corset bodice. The dramatic high slit and ruched detailing make it the ultimate statement for black-tie evenings.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Sweetheart wired neckline, off-the-shoulder straps
- Corset bodice, padded bust, flexible boning
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure, ruched lower back
- Pleated faux-wrap front design, high-cut slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal weddings, black-tie parties, galas, red-carpet events, and fancy affairs.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000196
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE, BROWN
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sloane Floral Mesh High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Where sophistication meets statement style. The Sloane floral mesh mermaid dress features a sleek silhouette and high-cut front slit that brings just the right amount of drama to any formal moment.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, high stretch
- Floral print
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back lace-up strappy design
- Open lower back, zipper with hook-eye closure
- High-cut front slit, floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, vacations, and dressy date nights.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000019
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jaime Feather Trim Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the dramatic flair to your next formal soiree in the stunning Jaime feather trim velvet mermaid dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline with a chic marabou feather trim, spaghetti straps, a high waist seam, ruching down the side leading to a thigh-high slit, and a fitted, floor-length, mermaid silhouette. The luxe velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style this dress with a glitzy evening bag.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, marabou feather trim
- Spaghetti straps
- High waist seam, ruching down the front, high slit
- Floor-length hem, form-hugging fit, mermaid silhouette
- Smooth velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2608
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tabitha Formal High Slit Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Make your night one to remember in a formal long dress that stands out at your special event. Tabitha features a sleeveless square neckline, supportive padded cups, and spaghetti straps that lead to a lace-up back. Her slim-fit waist leads to a flattering A-line silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look in this long dress with rhinestone heels and a sphere clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, no bra required
- Lace-up back, tie closure
- Back zipper closure
- High waist seam, A-line silhouette, high side slit
- Crepe-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2036
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ingrid Lurex X Front Dress
Special Occasion
Show off those shoulders and sparkle all night long in our elegant Ingrid dress! She has a bodycon construction and features a dramatic, draped X-front neckline, a tank-style back with zip closure, and a seamed, midi-length skirt with a small front slit. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Halter neck, racer bust
- Bodycon fit
- Midi length silhouette
- Front center slit at hem
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0222
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Marabella Mesh Corset Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Effortlessly alluring, the Marabelle mesh gown captivates with a corset-style bodice, daring thigh-high slit, and lace-up back detail. The sleek mermaid silhouette was made for entrances that linger long after you’ve arrived.
Fit & Features
- Mesh-lined fabric with stretch
- Cowl pleated neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset-style bodice with flexible boning
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Black tie weddings, galas, charity and military balls, red-carpet events, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, upscale birthdays, formal milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000211
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: TEAL
Available Size: S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Juliet Formal High Slit Dress 2
Special Occasion
Radiate effortless elegance in our sophisticated satin Juliet gown! She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V-neck seamed bodice with light padding at bust, a high-seam waist, and a long, gently pleated A-line skirt with pockets at either hip and a dramatic center front slit. Juliet is fully lined and made from a smooth, shiny satin-like woven fabric with a touch of stretch. Pair this beautiful dress with a shimmering rhinestone necklace for a glamorous look.
Shop Juliet In More Colors: Juliet Formal High Slit Dress
Fit & Features
- Lined satin-like woven fabric, slight stretch
- V-neckline with padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Fitted high waist, hidden side pockets
- Elongated floor-length silhouette with high side slit
- A-line fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0896
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marleigh Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special Occasion
Light up the night with a formal sequin dress that elevates your special evening look. Marleigh features a dazzling damask sequin pattern, a sleeveless V-neckline, supportive padded cups, and spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back strap design. Her back features a partially open design with tie-back straps. Her slim-fit bodice leads to a flared trumpet hem that brings the drama. Complete the look in this formal long dress with a sphere clutch and rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Padded cups
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back design, tie closure
- Lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist, trumpet silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric, damask sequin pattern
- Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2085
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale