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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Gwendolyn Glitter Knit Bow-Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Gwendolyn glitter knit bow-back mermaid dress will have you sparkling up the night with a glamorous allure! Make your entrance in this floor-length gown designed to turn heads with a curve-flaunting mermaid fit and backless design.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Backless design, high waist seam
- Bow-back accent, floor-length train
- Floor-sweeping hem, mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
- Extra glitter for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, formal dances, big birthday events, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, red carpet occasions, upscale glam parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7226
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $84.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, PINK, MAUVE-2, RED
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Lizzy V-Neck Sequin Ombre Long Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmer and shine like a Hollywood star in the Lizzy sequin long formal dress at prom, fancy birthdays, or red carpets! Covered in head-to-toe sequin embellishments, she sparkles in a flattering V-neckline that flaunts your bust and sleek adjustable spaghetti straps to give you a perfect fit. The mermaid silhouette gracefully hugs your curves down to the dramatic floor-length hem with an ombre effect that adds color to your night! Complete the look with this captivating formal gown with earrings, a chic clutch, and heels for an unforgettable evening ensemble!
Fit & Features
- Sequin ombre embellished, mesh fabric lined with knit
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7858
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Totally Smitten Satin Strapless Skater Dress
Everyone will be totally smitten over you in this gorgeous satin skater dress at cocktail parties or weddings! It features a strapless square neckline with a v-wire insert, a pleated bust, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a short-length hem. Complete the look in rhinestone heels and a bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Strapless square neckline
- V-wire insert, pleated bust
- Hidden side pockets
- Skater silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Lined satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2345
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $5.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ashlee Formal Glitter Cowl Neck Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Look chic and sophisticated in the Ashlee formal glitter midi dress at banquets and weddings! Featuring a glamorous glitter mesh fabric, her bodycon silhouette graces with its elegant cowl neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps. The ruched side and back seams accentuate down to the midi-length hem for a curvaceous look. Complete the look with short stiletto heels and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side and back ruched seams, bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
- Glitter mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1910
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lizzie Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special OccasionShimmer through the night in sequins! Lizzie brings the elegance with her off the shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeves and curve hugging floor length mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a white hued mesh fabric with a shimmering sequin scroll print pattern and a beige hued partial skirt lining to create a flattering two-tone effect. Dress offers a moderate stretch 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: 05002-6519
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Viviana Formal Velvet Open Back Dress
Special OccasionMake a head turning entrance in our luxe Viviana dress! She features a rich burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, princess seams and narrow straps that lead to a cross back design with a bold open back. Her slim fit bodice leads into a flared floor length silhouette that is accented with vertical seams to create a flattering hour glass illusion. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a lower back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6662
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jolie Formal High Slit A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make a captivating entrance with a formal dress that brings those glam vibes! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, cross-back straps, dual waist cutouts, and an A-line silhouette 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 heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Cross-back straps
- Dual waist cutouts
- A-line silhouette, high side slit
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1611
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $8.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Abbie Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Ombre Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Turn heads with your significant allure in the Abbie ombre formal dress perfect for weddings or banquets! Made of ombre mesh fabric, this dress is a true work of art. Its off-the-shoulder neckline and side ruched seams flatter your figure, while the mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem give a sophisticated touch. Complete the look with sparkly rhinestone earrings, a clutch, and heels!
Fit & Features
- Ombre print mesh fabric, stretchy soft knit lining
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8567
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MAUVE
Available Size: S
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Brailey Formal Chiffon A-Line Long Dress
Special Occasion
Make an impressive exit in the open-back style of the Brailey Formal Chiffon A-Line Long dress! She's sure to make you feel and look royal for your next formal occasion in her sleeveless padded V-neck, customizable spaghetti straps, and delicate pleat detailing. Accentuate your figure in her A-line silhouette that effortlessly flows into a floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of flowy chiffon fabric with an inner lining and a convenient back zipper closure. Complete the look in a sparkly tiara to look like the queen you are!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neck, customizable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded cups, no bra required
- Open-back, pleat detailing, zipper closure
- A-line silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Flowy chiffon fabric, inner lining
- No stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2100
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katie Formal Glitter Long Dress
Special Occasion
Katie brings the glam factor in a captivating show of glitter on her long, form-fitting silhouette! Sparkle and shine in this formal dress featuring a sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline with a single strap that leads to the lattice open-back design. She's designed with a high waist and ruched seam that flaunts your curves and shows some skin on her high-cut side slit. The formal dress is composed of a stretch knit fabric with an inner knit lining. Complete your dressy look with a chic clutch and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline, single strap
- Open-back with lattice, bum ruching
- High waist, side ruched seam, high-cut side slit
- Form-fitting silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Stretch glitter knit fabric, inner knit lining
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2190
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brinley Formal One Shoulder Ruffle Dress
Special Occasion
Pop the bubbly in the stunning Brinley formal dress raising a toast to the gorgeous bride and groom or gala! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a wide strap and a sheer mesh ruffle, a flattering mermaid silhouette, and a skin-flaunting high-side slit with a sheer ruffle trim leading to the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a lightweight sheer mesh fabric with a smooth and stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with earrings and rhinestone strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, wide strap, sheer mesh ruffle
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit, sheer mesh ruffle trim
- Floor-length hem
- Lightweight sheer mesh fabric, smooth and stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7584
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mayva Formal Sleek Midi Dress
Special Occasion
You're in for an unforgettable night in the Mayva formal midi dress at your next evening affair! She embodies class and elegance in her sleeveless, one-shoulder design atop a fitted bodice. Flaunt your curves in her bodycon silhouette with a front ruched seam and sultry slit to showcase some skin. The formal dress is composed of sleek knit stretchy fabric. Complete the look in a rhinestone necklace set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, one-shoulder design
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Fitted bodice
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front ruched seam, slit accent
- Midi-length hem
- Sleek knit stretchy fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0978
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lucia Metallic Lace Party Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be the center of attention in the stunning Lucia party dress! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline with a padded bust and a structured bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an alluring open back with a lace-up strappy design for a customized fit. Her high waist seam flows out to a short party skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. The lined lace fabric features a metallic thread woven throughout. Style this dress with glitzy earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline
- Padded bust, structured bodice, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- High waist seam, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer lace fabric, metallic thread woven throughout
- Full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1043
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Melanie Backless Formal Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Sophisticated with a sultry side, the Melanie formal midi dress will have you turning heads! She features a high scoop neckline, long fitted sleeves, an alluring open back with a lower wired V-cut design, a midi-length hem with a chic back slit, and a curve-hugging silhouette. The crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style with strappy stilettos for your next fancy date night.
Fit & Features
- High scoop neckline, long fitted sleeves
- Open back, lower wired V-cut design
- Midi-length hem, back slit
- Curve-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1437
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rylie Chiffon A-Line Gown
Sweep them away when you walk through the door in a stunning chiffon gown! Designed with a flattering wrap style that offers flow with every step you take!
Fit & Features
- Pleated V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Double straps | Halter detail
- Faux wrap design
- Tie waist detailing
- Full lining | Zipper center back
- Chiffon | Minimal stretch
Model is 5'8" with 32" bust, 26" waist and 38" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0615
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Asha Lace Up Back A Line Dress
Special Occasion
Meet our picture & party-perfect Asha! Put your hair in a wispy up-do and pair her with some fabulous duster earrings!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I Off Shoulder Sleeves
- Sweetheart Neckline I Padded Bust
- Lace-Up Back I Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette I Front Slit
- Chiffon Lined Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0560
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I Off Shoulder Sleeves
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Olivia V-Neck Strappy Column Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
If you have a passion for sparkling, the Olivia glitter formal dress is the one you'll adore to wear at fancy soirees! Crafted from a glitter knit fabric that shimmers under the light, you'll be destined to shine at every party. It features a plunging V-neckline with wide shoulder straps that shape the strappy back design, a flattering fitted column silhouette, and a high front slit to show some skin along the floor-length hem.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- V-neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Strappy back design
- High front slit
- Fitted column silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black-tie parties, and fancy soirees.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8691
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: S
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Saylor Velvet Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Show off your gorgeous silhouette in the chic Saylor formal dress. With her stunning illusion bodice, all eyes will be on you. She features a crew neckline, long fitted sleeves, asymmetrical cutouts above the bust, at the waist, and down the hips with sheer mesh inserts, a floor-length, asymmetrical hem creating a high side slit to elongate your legs, and a curve-hugging fit. The smooth velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with strappy stilettos for your next fancy gala.
Fit & Features
- Crew neckline, long fitted sleeves
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Illusion bodice, asymmetrical cutouts above the bust, at the waist, and down the hips
- Sheer mesh inserts, hidden side zipper closure
- Floor-length asymmetrical hem, thigh-high side slit
- Form-fitting silhouette
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2530
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alex Formal Velvet Bustier Off-The-Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Make the night beautiful in the Alex formal velvet long dress destined to leave everyone speechless! She features a flattering off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining, a built-in padded underwire bust eliminating the need for a bra, flexible boning inserts to snatch your figure, and a curve-hugging slim silhouette with a wrap-high front slit. The formal long-length dress is crafted from luxurious velvet knit fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in a statement necklace for a black tie gala or holiday party!
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Built-in padded underwire bust, flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Slim silhouette, wrap high front slit
- Long-length hem
- Velvet knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7826
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Eileen Mermaid Glitter Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Luxurious satin turns the Eileen glitter formal dress into a dancing queen's must-have for weddings, black tie soirees, or prom! An off-the-shoulder folded neckline shapes this stunning gown with a wired V-notch cutout to flaunt some skin and padded bra cups that provide support. Her mermaid silhouette hugs your gorgeous curves like an hourglass while the high front slit gives you movement along the floor-length hem. Complete the look with a statement necklace and earrings set, and a clutch to hold your things!
Fit & Features
- Smooth satin glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8395
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Malika Formal Sequin One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Sequin dresses make sure every eye will be on your dazzling aurora and the Malika formal midi dress is no exception! She features a chic one-shoulder neckline adorned with a fitted long sleeve, an asymmetrical pleated accent, and a form-hugging silhouette revealing a sexy side slit design. The formal midi-length dress is crafted from a sequin embellished lined fabric that brings the sparkle. Complete the look with earrings and heels for a holiday party!
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeve
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Side slit design, midi-length hem
- Sequin-embellished fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1901
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Brynlee Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make an entrance for the ages in a formal dress that wows! Brynlee features a sweetheart neckline, removable long sleeves with snap buttons to secure on, padded cups, a sleek bar strap, lace-up ties at the lower back, and a mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. Complete look with rhinestone heels and an anklet.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline, padded cups
- Removable long sleeves
- Bar strap, lace-up back
- High side slit
- Mermaid
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1526
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vanessa A-Line Glitter Tulle Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Enter any event in blissful and gorgeous style in this Vanessa A-line glitter tulle formal dress to captivate hearts at balls, galas, and prom! Luxurious tulle fabric with glitter tulle and satin woven linings accent exudes elegance on this gown. Her V-neckline and beaded sequin applique add a touch of glamour, while the adjustable spaghetti straps and padded bra cups provide a perfect fit. The A-line silhouette and floor-length hem create a stunning shape for this gorgeous dress. Complete the look with earrings and dressy heels.
Fit & Features
- Tulle fabric, glitter tulle and satin woven linings
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Beaded sequin applique
- A-Line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7994
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Thelma Sweetheart A-Line Velvet Tulle Dress
Special Occasion
With a flocked velvet pattern on tulle that's irresistibly textured, the Thelma long formal dress is beautifully bold and perfect for prom, balls, and upscale celebrations! She features a flattering sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customizable fit, and a padded underwire bust that eliminates the need for a bra. Twirl the night away in her floor-sweeping A-line silhouette designed to flatter every figure! Complete the look with earrings, a bracelet, and heels for an elegant style!
Fit & Features
- Flocked velvet pattern, tulle fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Padded underwire bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8132
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale