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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Bella Formal Chiffon A-Line Long Dress
Special Occasion
Simplicity is pretty on the Bella formal chiffon dress - a perfect option for bridesmaids, wedding guests, and banquets! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flattering A-line silhouette, high front slit, and floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of airy chiffon fabric with a lightweight feel and a sewn-in stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in this long dress with a sleek choker necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line silhouette, high front slit, floor-length hem
- Airy chiffon fabric, sewn-in stretchy knit lining
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6979
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Julianna Floral Mesh Strapless Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Julianna mermaid dress is designed with a gorgeous blooming floral print on airy mesh fabric with a knit lining, an iconic look for your next formal affair. It features a strapless sweetheart neckline with built-in bust padding, a draped cowl neck overlay, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette to showcase your curves. Style with stiletto heels.
Fiery, bold, and unforgettable—this dress is made to stand out. Want more? Browse our gorgeous red prom dresses or discover the perfect wedding guest dresses for your next RSVP.
Fit & Features
- Floral printed sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bust, no-slip strip
- Draped cowl neck overlay
- High waist seam
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8620
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MAGENTA
Available Size: XS
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Briella Ruched Satin Corset Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Vivacious and sultry, the Briella ruched satin corset formal dress will attract all the glances at HOCO, parties, or any fancy soiree! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, thin tank shoulder straps, a corset-designed bodice with a structured bust, a high waist seam, front ruching leading to a thigh-high slit, a floor-length hem, and a slim-fit silhouette. The sleek satin-knit fabric will give off a gorgeous sheen. Style with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust, wide shoulder straps
- Corset bodice, structured bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High waist seam, front ruching, high slit
- Floor-length hem, slim-fit silhouette
- Lined satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7061
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Anita Sequin Mesh Corset Party Dress
Special Occasion
Catch light and attention in the Anita sequin party dress at homecoming or birthday celebrations! She features an off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline adorned with sheer short-sleeve cuffs, a padded bust, a sheer corset mesh bodice with flexible boning, and a flirty skater silhouette and short-length hem. The formal party dress is designed with a striking sequin-embellished scroll pattern on airy mesh fabric and has multiple satin and tulle linings for a voluminous effect. Complete the look with earrings and lace-up heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline
- Sheer short-sleeve cuffs, back zipper closure
- Padded bust, sheer corset bodice, flexible boning
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Sequin-embellished scroll pattern
- Mesh fabric, multiple satin and tulle linings
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1090
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Maggy Formal Satin Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
From cocktail soirees to evening art gals, the Maggy formal dress delivers sophistication to every event! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a cowl pleat overlaying the lightly padded bust, and a corset-style bodice with flexible boning. Her figure-flaunting silhouette leads to the midi-length hem with a flirty slit accent to show some skin! Complete the look with a clutch and lace-up heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cowl pleat overlay, lightly padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Corset-style bodice, flexible boning
- Form-hugging, midi-length hem with slit
- Satin fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1306
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Trina Formal Satin Back Sash Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the regal vibes in a formal dress that is sure to leave a lasting impression! Trina features a sleeveless cowl neckline with pleated detailing, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a high waistband. Her floor-length, form-hugging silhouette features a high front slit and a chic sheer back sash accent that will cascade behind you. Complete the look with metallic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless pleated cowl neckline
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High waistband, back zipper closure
- Floor-length fitted silhouette, high front slit
- Sheer back sash accent
- Smooth satin fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2280
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jules Formal Satin Pleat Long Dress
Special Occasion
So glam and luxurious! Go all out in this Jules formal long dress for a stunning walk down the red carpet. She features a sleeveless V-neck with a wire insert, adjustable spaghetti straps, a pleated bust with padding, and a high waist seam. Her flattering a-line silhouette is designed with a skin-flaunting high-cut front slit. The formal dress is composed of a lined silky satin fabric with a subtle sheen and moderate stretch. Style with a rhinestone clutch and bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neck, wire insert, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Pleated and padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High-waist seam, A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Lined satin fabric, subtle sheen, moderate stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2938
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kimia Beaded Lace-Up Column Dress
Special Occasion
Grace the room in the Kimia long column dress that is crafted with all-over beaded embroidery in a detailed swirl pattern on the lined mesh fabric. It features a sleeveless square neckline with a padded bust, thin adjustable shoulder straps, a bold open-back design with lace-up straps, and a floor-sweeping column silhouette to showcase your stunning curves.
Every detail shines in this intricately designed dress. Love embellishments? Explore our embellished beaded prom dresses or find a refined silhouette in our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- All-over beaded embroidery, swirl pattern
- Sleeveless square neckline with padded bust
- Thin adjustable shoulder straps
- Open back with lace-up straps, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Floor-length column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, engagement parties, and birthday celebrations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8794
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ashlynn Open Back Ruched Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Have everyone swooning over you in the Ashlynn mermaid formal dress as a stunning bridesmaid or wedding guest! Made from a mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit, this formal dress is perfect for any fancy occasion. With a flattering square neckline, shoulder straps, and a pleated bodice, this dress enhances your figure. The open back with a tie closure adds a touch of allure while the front ruched seam, high slit, and mermaid silhouette add a modern twist.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Square neckline, shoulder straps, padded bra cups
- Pleated bodice
- Open back with tie closure
- Front high slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8911
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: YELLOW
Available Size: XS, S, L
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Plus Elinor Studded Cocktail Dress
Special Occasion
Put some sparkle in your step with the Elinor—a cocktail dress that shimmers as you walk. She features a V neckline, back zip, side slit, and vertical rows of rhinestones from top to bottom. Elinor is lined and made from a soft, moderately stretchy, mesh tulle-like fabric.
Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist, and 52" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0044
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shonda Formal Sequin Marabou Strap Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Step out for a timeless evening in the Shonda formal midi dress! Crafted with a luxurious sequin-patterned mesh fabric, she features a V-cut plunge wired neckline, a padded bust, marabou trim shoulder straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a front slit, this midi-length dress is designed to show off your curves and add an understated glamour to any special night. Complete the look in stiletto pumps for a banquet or red carpet event!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunge-wired V-neckline, V-cut back
- Marabou trim shoulder straps, padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit
- Midi-length hem
- Sequin-pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1704
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jovanna Sequin Marabou Feather Party Dress
Special Occasion
Whether you're a sassy bride or party guest, the Jovanna sequin dress is a gorgeous style for all of your upcoming events! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, sleek bungee spaghetti straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a marabou feather trim along the short-length hem. The party dress is designed with a sequin-scroll pattern on mesh fabric that sparkles under the light and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with statement earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Bodycon silhouette
- Marabou feather trim, short-length hem
- Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1795
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Fallon Sleeveless Sequin Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Glamorous and chic, the Fallon sequin mesh formal dress will give you a gorgeous look. She features a sleeveless V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a fitted bodice with a back zipper closure. Her high waist flows out to a floor-length skirt for an elegant vibe. The mesh fabric showcases a stunning all-over sequin scroll pattern in an iridescent hue. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wired V neckline
- Padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Fitted bodice, back zipper closure
- High waist seam
- Floor-length skirt
- Mesh fabric, sequin scroll design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1270
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ophelia Crepe Corset Short Dress
Special Occasion
The Ophelia crepe dress brings sultry romance to parties and dressy date nights! She features a flattering one-shoulder neckline with a pleated bust, a corset-style bodice with flexible boning, pleated side seam, and a bodycon, wrap short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a crepe fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Style with tights and heels to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline, pleated bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Bodycon, wrap short-length hem
- Crepe fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1308
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Olga Formal Sequin Strapless Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Turn heads in this Olga formal sequin mini dress to make sparkling entrances at birthdays or holiday parties! Crafted with a strapless neckline and exquisite sequin embellishments of various sizes, this party mini dress is sure to elegantly accentuate your curves. The mini-length hem and bodycon silhouette make this a timeless staple that brings subtle sophistication. Complete the look with stud earrings and a bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, no-slip strip, padded bust
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Various-sized sequin embellishments
- Sheer mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2033
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Grecia Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe in the captivating Grecia dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with a fold-over detail, a slim fit bodice, vertical seams on the A-line silhouette, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a stretch satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline
- Vertical seams
- A-line silhouette
- High side slit
- Stretch satin fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1073
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Steff Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
An off-the-shoulder formal dress features a twisted sweetheart neckline and a flattering mermaid silhouette boasting a high front slit. Perfect for homecoming or a banquet.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Off-the-shoulder sweetheart twisted neckline
- High front slit
- Mermaid floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8768
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: S
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Blair One Shoulder Cut Out Dress
Special OccasionStand out in our statement making Blair dress! She features a chic black hue, a one shoulder neckline, a sexy waist cut out to create a cropped illusion and a curve hugging floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit and ruching. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.
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: 05002-6749
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Dionne Strapless Column Wrap Gown
Special OccasionStreamlined, sexy, and positively made for making moves, our dynamite Dionne dress will get you going. She features a strapless, seamed sweetheart bodice with middle mesh panel and flexible wire boning at bust. Wrap-style slim skirt ends in a small side slit. Dionne is made from a mid-weight nylon blend with ample stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0125
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Trixie Formal Cutout A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Dare to go bold for your special event with a formal dress that gives your look an edgy twist. Trixie features a sleeveless wired V-neckline, padded cups, tank-like shoulder straps, a sexy cutout at the midriff, a sweeping A-line silhouette, and a high slit that reveals a contrast-hued lining. The dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wired V-neckline
- Padded cups, tank-like shoulder straps
- Cutout at the midriff
- A-Line silhouette
- High side slit, contrast-hued lining
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1609
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kaitlyn Jacquard Party Short Dress
Special Occasion
Short and sweet, the Kaitlyn party dress is dance floor ready and brings the flirty charm! She features a sleeveless v-neckline with dual adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, and a high-waist seam leading to her tiered, ruffled short hem. The formal dress is composed of a sleek jacquard satin fabric with a knit lining and no stretch. Complete your dressy look in sparkly block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lightly padded bust, bra optional
- Back zipper closure
- High-waist seam
- Tiered, ruffle short-length hem
- Jacquard satin fabric, knit lining, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1130
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Farrah Rhinestone Sheer Mesh Formal Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make your next formal night out a major slay in the Farrah rhinestone sheer mesh mini dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a chic draped cowl neck overlay, a built-in padded bust that eliminates the need for a bra, and adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit. Her sheer corset-designed bodice features flexible boning inserts and a high waist seam, and ruching down the side seams leading to a mini-length hem with a bodycon silhouette to hug your curves. The partially-lined sheer mesh fabric features all-over mini rhinestone embellishments for a glitzy vibe. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and metallic heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, draped cowl neck overlay
- Built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sheer corset-designed bodice, flexible boning, high waist seam
- Ruched side seams, mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- All-over rhinestone embellishments
- Sheer mesh fabric, partial knit lining, plenty of stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1627
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Paulina Formal High Slit Sequin Dress
Special OccasionMake a dazzling entrance as you enter the room in our Paulina dress! She features a burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging sweetheart neckline with a wired V inset and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length skirt with a high side slit. Her all over sequin pattern features a regal scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.
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: 05002-6630
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Peyton Satin One-Shoulder Illusion Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be sure to turn heads and catch all the glances in the alluring and chic Peyton satin illusion dress! She features a one-shoulder neckline with a wide strap, an asymmetric sheer mesh insert at the bust to give the illusion of a cutout design, a slim-fit bodice with ruched detailing, and a form-hugging, floor-length silhouette with a skin-flaunting high side slit. The smooth satin-knit fabric showcases a luxe sheen. Style with strappy heels for your next fancy soiree.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, wide strap
- Asymmetric sheer mesh insert at the bust
- Slim-fit bodice, ruching, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Form-hugging, floor-length silhouette, high-cut side slit
- Satin-knit fabric, partial knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3811
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance