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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Loraine Sequin Blazer Short Dress
Special Occasion
Business meets glamorous with the Loraine blazer dress perfect for making a stunning entrance at holiday parties! She features long fitted sleeves, shoulder pads to provide structure, and a satin collar V-neckline that leads to her faux wrap skirt with a tie-front closure and short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of knit fabric with all-over sparkling sequin embroidery. Style with statement earrings to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Unlined long fitted sleeves, shoulder pads
- Satin collar V-neckline, inner tie design
- Faux wrap skirt, side tie-closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Sequin embroidery
- Sheer knit fabric, woven lining, no stretch
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1167
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mia Formal Velvet Corset Wrap Long Dress
Special Occasion
Experience the beauty and sophisticated Mia formal velvet long dress perfect for any formal occasion! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bust with cowl overlay, sheer mesh bodice with trim, a form-hugging slim silhouette, and a high front wrap slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a soft velvet fabric that offers a luxurious aurora and a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with earrings.
Unapologetically bold, this dress is all about confidence. Keep the luxe look going with our stunning strapless prom dresses or discover the perfect fit among our stylish wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Padded bust, cowl overlay
- Sheer mesh bodice with trim, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging, slim silhouette
- High front wrap slit, floor-length hem
- Velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7532
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS
Product Badge:- Sale
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Candance Strapless Corset Sash Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A sparkling mini dress features a strapless corset bodice with flexible boning and a flirty front sash design that flaunts your figure along the bodycon fit. Perfect for the school dance or a celebration.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Strapless neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning, front sash
- Bodycon mini-length fit
- Sequin beaded glitter embellishments
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2427
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ella Formal Plunging Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Take the plunge with our captivating Ella dress! She features a plunging sweetheart neckline with underwire, padded cups, fitted long sleeves and a slim fit bodice that leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0290
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Leia Rosette Applique Long Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Spice up the scene at your next fancy affair in the Leia long satin formal dress that will showcase a romantic allure! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a rosette applique at the ruched bust, spaghetti straps, a long-length hem with a sultry back slit accent, and a slim-fit silhouette. The silky satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Rosette applique, ruched bust
- Spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Long-length hem, back slit, slim-fit silhouette
- Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7636
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Hollie Halter Slit Glitter Long Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Everyone will be intrigued by the glamorous Hollie glitter formal dress at weddings and banquets! Made from a glitter knit fabric for the perfect shimmer all night. She features a halter spaghetti strap that ties at the neck, a flattering cowl neckline, and a slim silhouette, this dress is perfect for your next formal event. The dual side slits and long hem add a touch of elegance while showing off your heels of the night! Complete the look in stiletto heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, short stretchy knit lining
- Halter spaghetti strap
- Slim silhouette
- Dual side slits
- Pasties or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7963
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Margret Sweetheart Bodycon Mesh Long Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Leaving them speechless is easy in the Margret mesh long formal dress perfect for weddings or cocktail parties! Designed from mesh fabric with a sewn-in knit lining, this formal dress is perfect for formal events. Her sweetheart neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps accentuate your figure while the padded bra cups provide support. The ruched side seams and bodycon silhouette create a sleek look, while the center back slit adds a touch of sophistication to the fitted long hem. Complete the look with earrings and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sweetheart neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Padded bra cups
- Bodycon fit, center back slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8443
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Athena Corset Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Get whisked away in the Athena glitter formal dress by your date for weddings or prom! A sweetheart cowl neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps create a flattering silhouette, while the corset bodice and padded bra cups provide support and flexibility. The mermaid silhouette and high front wrap slit add a touch of drama to this floor-length dress, crafted from glitter knit fabric. Complete the look with teardrop earrings and strappy rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Adjustable spagehtti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sweetheart cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Flexible boning
- High front wrap slit, Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8449
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mimi Off The Shoulder Glitter Mermaid Corset Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate elegance in a long mermaid glitter dress that features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, short sleeves, a corset-like bodice with flexible boning for structure, a wrap silhouette, and a high side slit. Complete the wedding guest outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Lined glitter knit fabrication
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, sweetheart bust
- Short sleeves
- Corset-like bodice with flexible boning
- Wrap mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Long length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8840
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kate Formal Metallic Open Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Look instantly glamorous in this Kate formal metallic long dress for a captivating debut at black-tie parties and banquets! Sleek straps and an alluring open-back design make this floor-length dress truly stand out. While the slinky metallic-lined fabric provides a sublime shimmer, the cowl neckline and mermaid silhouette create an elegant, luxurious finish. Complete the look with fringe earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Dual spaghetti straps, open strappy back design
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Slinky metallic fabric, sublime shine, stretchy knit lining
- Pasties or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7851
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $84.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marian Metallic Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Be your own arm candy in our glimmering Marian! She features a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and cross over at the back. Lower back has a keyhole cutout and a hidden zipper. Her A-line skirt meets high waist with a banded accent, and flows out to a floor length hem. She has a full lining with slits on both sides of the leg. She is composed of a pleated metallic mesh material that offers slight stretch and a lightweight flow.
Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0287
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Flora Floral Two Piece Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the romance in florals as you make an entrance in our enchanting Floral two-piece dress! Pair her with classic stilettos for a twirl-worthy look!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Crepe Bodice | Padded Cups
- Lace-Up Back | Cropped Hem
- High Waist Wrap Skirt
- Floral Print
- Lined Chiffon
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0240
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jess Glitter Cowl Neck Maxi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
It's your time to sparkle in the jess formal dress that glistens under the dance floor lights. She's designed in a sleeveless, cowl neckline with spaghetti straps and a fitted, empire waist. Her high-cut side slit flaunts some legs while the bodycon-maxi silhouette effortlessly hugs your curves. Composed of glitter knit-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Perfect for styling with a sleek clutch and duster earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, spaghetti straps
- Cowl neckline, empire waist
- High-cut side slit
- Bodycon, maxi length
- Glitter knit-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1812
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Daniella Formal Glitter Open Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Designed with showstopping glitter, the Daniella formal long dress radiate shine from every angle! Perfect for galas, black-tie weddings, and anniversary parties. She features a sleeveless square neck, tank shoulder straps, an alluring open back with a lattice bar accent and ruched seam, and a flattering mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric with a short stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a statement layered necklace and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, tank shoulder straps
- Open back, lattice strap, ruched seam
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Glitter knit fabric, short stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7236
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Elle Formal Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionEnchant and captivate as you radiate elegance in our Elle dress! She features an all over rich navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her open back features wide vertical straps that are accented with a large pretty bow! Her slim fit bodice features a wide waistband detail that leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette with pleated detailing, hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined luxe satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0487
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sawyer Tulle One Shoulder A-Line Short Dress
Special Occasion
Twirl into the room in the Sawyer formal dress destined for the dance floor at parties or school dances! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline adorned with an adjustable spaghetti strap, a flirty tiered and ruffled A-line silhouette, and a short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of an airy tulle mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in rhinestone stiletto heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, adjustable spaghetti strap
- Side hidden zipper and hook-eye closure
- Tiered and ruffled
- A-line silhouette, short-length hem
- Tulle mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1882
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gabby Reign In Rhinestone Satin Dress
Special OccasionReign the night like the queen you are in our elegant Gabby dress! She features a bold red color, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, a double row of rhinestone embellished cross straps that adorn her open back design and a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6615
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mara Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Simply chic with stunning details, the Mara formal high-slit mermaid dress is perfect for a stylish wedding guest look! She features a sleeveless padded cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, ruching at the waist, dual vertical seams that run down the dress for a figure-flattering look, a floor-length hem with a thigh-high front slit for a sultry flair, and a mermaid silhouette. Accessorize this formal long dress with a sparkly luxe gemstone necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless padded cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper hook-eye closure
- Ruching, dual vertical seams
- Floor-length hem, thigh-high front slit, mermaid silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7777
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Charlene Formal Satin Lace Dress
Special OccasionTake the plunge in stunning lace as you make a head turning entrance in our lovely Charlene dress! She features a navy blue color, a plunging V neckline complemented with an unlined floral lace inset and princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an a sweeping A-line silhouette that is accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch. Lined with a smooth knit fabric and includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'11" with a 36" bust, 34" waist and 43" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0093
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Farren Formal Lace Illusion Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a lace dress, to make your special evening memorable! Farren features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a partially lined lace illusion bodice, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace illusion bodice
- Mermaid silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1331
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mayva Taffeta Bow A-Line Short Dress
Special Occasion
Glam up your wardrobe with the Mayva taffeta short dress perfect for HOCO or dinner banquets! She features a sleeveless, plunge V-neckline adorned with bow shoulder straps, a V-cut back design to show some skin, hidden side pockets to keep your hands warm, and a flattering a-line silhouette that falls delicately into a short-length hem. Exude luxury and sophistication at every event in this party dress crafted from a taffeta woven fabric with a subtle sheen effect. Complete the look with a statement jewelry set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, V-cut back
- Bow shoulder straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line silhouette, hidden side pockets, short-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, subtle sheen effect
- Multiple tulle and stretchy knit linings
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1875
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Josie Formal Rhinestone Cowl Halter Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring an endless amount of glamour in the Josie formal rhinestone midi dress! She brings the radiance to every banquet, gala, and fancy soiree. Featuring a cowl halter neckline with tie-back spaghetti straps, a padded underwire bust, a flattering bodycon silhouette, and a flirty front slit along the midi-length hem. The formal midi dress is designed with all-over rhinestone embellishments on sleek mesh fabric and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl halter neckline
- Tie-back spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Padded underwire bust
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit, midi-length hem
- Rhinestone-embellished mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2010
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mallory Long Sleeve V Neck Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance to your next soiree in our stunning Mallory formal dress! She features long fitted sleeves, a notch front V neckline, and a curve-hugging silhouette with a floor-length hem. Pair this gorgeous dress with sparkly rhinestone duster earrings and a chic clutch.
Fit & Features
- Long fitted sleeves
- Notch front V neckline
- High waist seam
- Curve-hugging fit
- Floor-length hem
- Crepe fabric
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1133
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mila Rosette Wrap-Front High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Take your formal look to a chic new level with the romantic and sultry Mila formal dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a wrap-front, spaghetti straps, a trendy rosette applique at the side with ruching at the waist, a floor-length hem with a wrap design creating a high side slit, and a slim-fit silhouette. The buttery-smooth knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with strappy stilettos for a stunning allure.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wrap-front, spaghetti straps
- Rosette side applique, ruching
- Floor-length hem, wrap design, high side slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Smooth and stretchy knit fabric
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7711
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance