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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Lottie Sequin Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Show up and stun in the Lottie lace-up mermaid dress crafted with glamorous sequins in a gorgeous geometric design. The open lace-up back and high-cut slit add that chic allure to the glitzy silhouette.
All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidered geometric pattern
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps, open cross-back lace-up design
- Lower back zipper
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, galas, and formal birthday celebrations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9242
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Chandler Sequin Mesh V Neck Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in the Chandler sequin mesh mini dress for a bachelorette party or a girl's night out! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline with a padded bust, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric is adorned with iridescent sequins in a beautiful pattern and includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete your look with rhinestone duster earrings and a sparkly evening bag.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V neckline with a padded bust
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam
- Mini-length, form-hugging fit
- Sheer mesh fabric with a full knit lining
- Iridescent sequin pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0569
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Polka Dot Party Tie Front Top
It's party time in this cute knotted-front top. This blouse features a deep V neck front, exposed button cuffs, and is made of a lightweight and luxurious satin fabric. Pair with jeans for a dressed-down look, or a leather skirt for an evening-ready vibe.Style Number/Barcode: 06204-0263
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $10.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mailyn Chiffon Ruffled Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Leave them all entranced as you enter the room in the Mailyn chiffon formal dress that brings the ethereal vibes! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, a ruffled trim overlay, adjustable spaghetti straps so you can customize the fit, an empire waist, and a flowy, floor-length silhouette. Dress her up in sparkly rhinestone heels and a matching clutch.
Fit & Features
- Scoop neck, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Ruffled trim overlay, empire waist
- Flowy silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Sheer chiffon fabric, inner knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2040
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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April Front Slit Strapless Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
With a clean and streamlined silhouette, our April is an absolute stunner. Her crepe fabric will hug your every curve and flaunt that figure. Pair her with gold-tone jewelry pieces for an alluring finish!
Fits & Features
- Strapless, Straight Neckline
- Wrap Skirt I Front Slit
- Floor Length Hem
- Crepe Fabric
- Form-Hugging Slim Fit
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: 05002-0587
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tania Classic Mermaid Gown
Special Occasion
Our Tania is definitely a classic beauty. She features a one shoulder asymmetrical cap sleeve that crosses over in the back, a sweetheart neckline that has padded cups, and a wrap bodice detail. She has a form fitting silhouette that flares to mermaid style weighted hem that sweeps the floor. She is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0183
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sabrina Glitter Lace Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
All eyes will be on you when you enter the room in the stunningly gorgeous Sabrina formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, bungee spaghetti straps, a scalloped V neckline, and a sheer lace top with a lined bust and corset seam details. Her high waist seam flows out to a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a sheer scalloped glitter lace fabric with a partial stretchy knit lining. Complete your look with rhinestone duster earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Scalloped V neckline
- Sheer lace top with a lined bust
- Corset seam details
- High waist seam
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Sheer scalloped glitter lace fabric with a partial knit lining
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1207
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Life Of The Party Mini Dress
Center of attention? All eyes on you? It's a given when you say yes to this dress!
Fits & Features
- Mock Neck With Two-Button Closure At Nape
- Faux Wrap-Style Bodice With Cutouts At Back, Bust, Waist
- Fitted Long Sleeves
- Slim Pencil, Mini Length Skirt
- Bodycon Fit
- Velvet Composition I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0156
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Scarlet Formal Glitter Drape Dress
Special Occasion
A delicate side drape and glitter steals the show on the Scarlet formal dress perfect for all-night dancing! She captures all the attention in her sleek, one-shoulder design with a sheer long sleeve, high waist seam, and bodycon short skirt. Her side cascading drape creates a dramatic flair for the evening while elongating your figure! The formal dress is composed of a sheer glitter knit overlay with a knit lining and moderate stretch. Complete the look in statement earrings and sassy heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder design, sheer long sleeve
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- High waist seam, side cascading drape
- Bodycon silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Sheer glitter overlay, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0976
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Andrea Cutout Slit Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Receive endless attention for how you shine in the Andrea mermaid sequin formal dress with a cutout back that turns heads and a high slit for effortless movement all night!
All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidered floral scroll pattern
- Sleeveless square neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cutout back design, hook-eye closures, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High front slit, floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, galas, and formal weddings.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9210
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Layla Sleeveless High-Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Reign in elegance in the chic Layla formal dress. She features a sleeveless bodice with a bustier-designed top, thin shoulder straps, and a low back. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-length fitted silhouette with a sexy thigh-high front slit. Add some sparkle with rhinestone earrings and complete the look with strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless bodice, square neckline
- Bustier-designed top, padded cups, flexible boning
- Thin shoulder straps, low back
- High waist seam, floor-length fitted silhouette
- Hight front slit
- Crepe fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1489
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ailyn Formal V-Neck Cutout Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Major sultry appeal! The Ailyn Formal V-Neck Cutout Mermaid dress flaunts your curvy figure on her effortless form-fitting silhouette that shows plenty of skin. She features a sleeveless V-neck with dual spaghetti straps in a cross-front design, a bust cutout, and a floor-length, mermaid fit. Complete the look in a statement jewelry set perfect for prom!
Fit & Features
- V-neck, dual spaghetti straps, cross-front design
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Front bust cutout
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Sleek knit fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1903
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tori Formal Sleeveless Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Give off major regal vibes in the luxe Tori formal velvet mermaid dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a built-in padded bust, tank shoulder straps, a square back design, a floor-length mermaid silhouette, and a curve-hugging fit. The soft and smooth velvet fabric offers plenty of stretch for comfortable wear. Complete your look with rhinestone fringe earrings and give off that queen energy!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Padded bust, strapless bra or sticky bra optional
- Square back design, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Form-hugging fit
- Velvet fabric, knit lining at the bust, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2780
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aliana Glitter Mesh One-Shoulder Long Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be sure to bring the gorgeous glamour in the Aliana glitter mesh long formal dress for a black-tie soiree! Crafted from a glitzy glitter mesh fabric, she features an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, a single ruched sheer mesh long fitted sleeve, ruched detailing at the side leading to a thigh-high side slit to showcase some leg, a floor-length hem, and a slim-fit silhouette. Style this formal long dress with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline
- Ruched sheer mesh long fitted sleeve
- Side ruching, thigh-high side slit
- Floor-length hem, slim-fit silhouette
- Glitter mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7899
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Aaliyah Formal Crepe Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Give everyone something to talk about in the sultry Aaliyah formal crepe dress perfect for wedding guests or homecoming! She features a sleeveless V-neck, a padded bust, a lace-up back design, and a flattering mermaid silhouette with a sexy high-cut front slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look in a glamorous necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neck, spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, lace-up back design
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, high-cut slit, foor-length hem
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stetch
- Bra not required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6958
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rochelle Long Sleeve Feather Trim Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Rochelle formal dress was made to make a dramatic entrance and draw attention! She features a deep V-neckline with a wrap-front design, long fitted sleeves with chic feather trim hems, a high waist seam with a knot-front accent, a floor-length skirt with a wrap silhouette creating a sultry front slit, and a form-hugging fit. The smooth crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete your fancy look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Low V-neckline, wrap-front design
- Long fitted sleeves, feather trim hems
- High waist seam, knot-front detail
- Floor-length skirt, wrap silhouette, front slit
- Form-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5566
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Malinda Formal Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Be seen in an enchanting light in the Malinda formal glitter dress as a stunning bridesmaid, birthday girl, or gala guest! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that crisscross along the open back, and a flattering A-line silhouette, sultry high front slit, and floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of sparkling glitter fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in a necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps, crisscross open back
- A-line silhouette, high front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Glitter fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6978
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alexandra Cold-Shoulder Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Alexandra glitter formal dress is the perfect blend of sparkly elegance! With a chic cold shoulder, an alluring front slit, and a flattering mermaid silhouette that puts your curves on display.
Fit & Features
- Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Cold-shoulder neckline, short-sleeve cuffs, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front wrap slit, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
- Extra glitter for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout
Where to Wear:
Prom, big birthday events, weddings, black-tie parties, and nights at the theatre.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9487
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tanya Velvet One-Shoulder Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Be sure to make a lasting impression at your next RSVP event in this velvet formal dress! Tanya features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a single adjustable spaghetti strap, padded cups, a lower back cutout, and dual back zipper closures. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-length fitted silhouette with a sultry side slit. Style this dress with sparkling earrings and metallic heels for a dazzling look.Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Single adjustable spaghetti strap
- Padded cups
- Lower back cutout, dual back zipper and hook and eye closures
- High waist seam, floor-length fitted silhouette, high side slit
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1559
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alana Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special OccasionSparkle and dazzle in our glam Alana dress! She features a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and light reflecting sequins adorned with pearl accents throughout. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Dress is lined with a form hugging smooth knit fabric. 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: 05001-0090
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Selene Formal Ruched Velvet Dress
Special OccasionChannel Hollywood glam as you make a breathtaking entrance in our Selene royal blue dress! She features a V neckline, long sleeves, princess seams and a ruched detailing along the left side. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
*Also available in Plus
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6664
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Genna Sequin Patterned Midi Dress
You'll fall head over heels for our gorgeous Genna sequin midi dress! She features a sleeveless deep V-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a strappy lattice back design, and a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette. The mesh fabric features stunning all-over sequin embroidery in a chic vintage-inspired pattern. Style this dress with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lattice back design, tie closure
- Mid-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Back slit
- Mesh fabric, sequin embroidery
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0309
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aspen Woven Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Dance and twirl all night long in the sleek Aspen woven satin party dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sheer embroidered lace back panel, high waist seams, and a short party skirt with a fit and flare A-line silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone fringe earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Padded bust, no bra required
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, customized fit
- Sheer embroidered lace back panel, zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seams, short party skirt, pleated detailing
- Fit and flare A-line silhouette
- Smooth woven satin fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1126
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Onyx Formal One Shoulder Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Stun with a formal dress that dares to go bold for your special occasion! Onyx features a one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve, and an A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Fitted long sleeve
- A-line silhouette
- High side slit
- Crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1586
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free