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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Bethanie Formal Sequin V-Neck Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Embellished with light-catching sequins, the Bethanie formal dress is a clear stunner with a lace-up back and a flattering mermaid silhouette with a floor-length hem.
This dazzling dress was made for the spotlight! Love the shimmer? Discover more sequin prom dresses or find a sophisticated look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretch knit lining
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black-tie events, formal weddings, and upscale parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8039
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: YELLOW, LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: M, L, S
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Lindsay Formal Crepe Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Effortlessly gorgeous and chic, the Lindsay formal dress surprises with sultry details and peeks of skin! She features a sleeveless halter neckline with button closures and a front slit keyhole, an open-back design and lower ruched seam, and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette with a high-cut slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a stretch crepe-lined fabric. Style with a beaded clutch to complete the look for a banquet dinner or gala!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless halter neckline, button closures, front slit keyhole
- Open-back design, lower ruched seam
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- High-cut front slit, floor-length hem
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2840
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Eve Formal Velvet Scroll Mermaid Long Dress
Special Occasion
Your enchanted evening begins with the Eve formal long dress! She features a flattering square neckline, spaghetti straps, and a padded bust for support. Her front ruched seam and mermaid silhouette flaunt your figure while the high front slit allows for movement along the chic floor-length hem. The formal dress is designed with a flocked velvet scroll pattern on smooth knit fabric with minimal stretch. Complete the look with a sparkly clutch for a wedding or formal soiree!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Padded bust
- Mermaid silhouette
- Front ruched seam, high slit, floor-length hem
- Flocked velvet scroll pattern, smooth knit fabric
- Minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7755
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Stacie Glitter Skater Party Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate sparkle with every step on the Stacie glitter party dress made to shine all night! She features an eye-catching, cutout one-shoulder neckline with dual adjustable straps, princess seams along the bodice, a high waist seam, hidden side pockets to keep your hands warm, and a skater-style short-length skirt. The formal dress is composed of a metallic sherri glitter woven fabric with partial lining and no stretch. Complete your dressy look in stiletto mules and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, cutout one-shoulder neckline
- Dual adjustable straps, back zipper closure
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Princess seam bodice, high waist seam, hidden side pockets
- Skater-silhouette, short-length hem
- Sherri glitter woven fabric, partial lining, no stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1046
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Althea Formal One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Slay your look with a little shoulder action in our Althea burgundy dress! She features an asymmetrical one shoulder neckline, a fold over accent and an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a side zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6148
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $17.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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India Satin Tie Neck Gown
Special OccasionRegal and radiant, our India gown is streamlined yet sophisticated. She features a high collar with a tie that knots at the nape of the neck, a halter-style bodice with princess seams, lightly padded cups, and a back zip, and a full A-line skirt with a slit and pockets at either hip. India is fully lined and made from a smooth woven material with a subtle sheen and a hint of stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0061
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kathie Formal Satin One-Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and sultry, the Kathie formal satin dress is destined to shine at banquets, galas, and black-tie weddings! She features a sophisticated one-shoulder neckline, a wide shoulder strap, a pleated side seam, a mermaid silhouette, and an asymmetrical high front slit along her graceful long hem. The formal dress is composed of luxurious satin-lined fabric with a sheen effect and minimal stretch. Complete the look with hoop earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, wide shoulder strap
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated side seam, asymmetrical high front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, long hem
- Lined silky satin fabric, sheen effect, minimal stretch
- Strapless bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000036
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: GOLD-2, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S
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Zenaida Formal Sleeveless Lace Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make them marvel with a mermaid dress that captivates! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, lace-up straps at the back, a lace pattern throughout, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone bobby pins and a rhinestone cuff.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Spaghetti straps, cross at back
- Lace-up straps
- Mermaid silhouette, form-hugging fit
- Sheer lace fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1338
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emmalyn Formal Heat Stone Velvet Dress
Special OccasionBring sophistication and elegance to your evening as you wow in sparkling heat stones! Emmalyn features an all over black hue, a wrap V neckline, narrow shoulder straps and subtle ruching along the bodice. She is adorned with dazzling heat stones and is accented with an asymmetrical floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6291
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Florence Formal Lace Illusion Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Go bold with a formal dress that commands attention from the moment you enter the room! Florence features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, lace cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an illusion lace bodice with contrast piping. The slim-fit waist leads to a satin mermaid silhouette with ruching and a high side slit. The dress offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with door knocker earrings and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, underwire
- Lace cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Illusion lace bodice with contrast piping, flexible boning
- Mermaid silhouette
- Ruching, high side slit
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1321
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Haylee Sequin Rose Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Will you accept this rose sequin dress? Fall for the Haylee formal dress and her elegant allure! She features a one-shoulder design with strappy detail, built-in bust support, an empire waist, and a high-cut front slit on her mermaid silhouette. Zipper closure on the back. Complete the look in lace-up heels and dangly earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder design, strappy detail, built-in bust support
- Empire waist, high-cut slit
- Mermaid silhouette, zipper closure
- Sequin rose knit-lined fabric
- Minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2115
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $96.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marisol Formal Rhinestone Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
This Marisol Formal Rhinestone Lace-Up Long Mermaid Dress is perfect for any fancy occasion where it calls to exude elegance! The sleeveless mermaid silhouette flatters the figure beautifully with a cowl neckline and rhinestone-embellished straps that lace up along her back and is finished with a floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that hugs your curves and offers moderate stretch. Complete the look with statement earrings and a chic clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Rhinestone-embellished straps, lace-up back
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Curve-hugging mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7410
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Presley Lace-Up Mermaid Velvet Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A sleeveless formal dress brings classy elegance featuring a cowl scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a lace-up back. The velvet burnout pattern on mesh fabric highlights your curves along the mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem.
Fit & Features
- Velvet burnout pattern, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Cowl scoop neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8444
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Courtney Formal Glitter Wrap Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Get ready to strike a pose in the dazzling Courtney formal glitter dress at rehearsal dinners, weddings, or dressy birthdays! She features a sleeveless square neckline, tank shoulder straps, a form-hugging silhouette, and a side pleated seam that creates the chic wrap hem with a flirty slit. The formal dress is composed of a crepe glitter knit fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with statement fringe earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Tank shoulder straps
- Form-hugging silhouette, side pleated seam
- Slit, wrap midi-length hem
- Crepe glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1728
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $54.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, MAUVE, RED, WHITE-2
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Plus Aurora Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionElevate your evening look in a dress fit for a Queen like you! Aurora features a gorgeous plum hue, an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with overlapping pleated details and narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with horizontal seams and a side high slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with plenty of stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.
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: 15002-0092
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Callie Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The Callie satin midi dress will keep your formal looks sleek and oh-so-chic! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, front ruching at the waist, and a mid-length, wrap-front fitted silhouette creating a front slit. Style this dress with pretty hoops and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Ruching at the waist
- Mid-length, wrap front skirt
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Satin fabric, woven lining
- Fitted silhouette, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0759
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Roselyn Velvet Flocked Mesh Formal Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The Roselyn formal midi dress will create an enticing look that will draw all eyes to you! With her chic allure, you'll get all the compliments. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a marabou feather front trim, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a midi-length hem with a sultry back slit accent, and a slim-fit silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric showcases an all-over velvet flocked vintage-style pattern and includes a full-length smooth knit lining. Style this mid-length dress with strappy stilettos for cocktail hour!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, marabou feather trim
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Midi-length hem, back slit accent, slim-fit silhouette
- Velvet flocked sheer mesh fabric, vintage-style pattern
- Full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1869
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kim Cowl Neck Bodycon Glitter Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Prepare to glisten like never before in the Kim glitter midi dress to make a beautiful impression at spring weddings or formal parties! Crafted from sparkling glitter knit fabric, this midi-length dress is designed with a flattering cowl neckline and spaghetti straps. The flattering bodycon silhouette features a front ruched seam and slit to highlight your figure. Perfect for a night out, this dress will make you feel elegant and exclusive! Complete the look with a clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Spaghetti straps
- Front slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2094
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Breanne Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionStun in sparkling sequins as you wow in our breathtaking Breanne dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a halter neck with a V neckline bust, padded cups, wide criss-cross shoulder straps and a bold open back. Her slim fit bodice features sexy waist cut outs and leads to a form hugging mermaid silhouette that has plenty of flair! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with gleaming sequins. Dress offers a moderate stretch. Includes a zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6272
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gabriela Formal Sequin Glam Dress
Special OccasionAll that glitters is glam in our Gabriela silver dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette with a flared hemline. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with gleaming sequins. Gabriela offers a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6286
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $72.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Debra Formal Sequin Cowl Neck Dress
Special Occasion
Have your shining moment in the Debra formal sequin dress this formal season! She shines bright in her glistening silhouette featuring a sleeveless, cowl neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lace up on her sultry open-back design. Showcase some leg on her side high-cut slit on the floor-length hem. Complete the look in a rhinestone choker and sleek heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, cowl neck, dual spaghetti straps
- Open-back, lace-up design
- Form-fitting silhouette
- High-cut side slit
- Floor-length hem
- Sequin-knit lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2092
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Emilie Satin Tie-Back A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Simple with head-turning details, the Emilie satin formal dress is chic perfection for bridesmaids, galas, and black-tie events. The open tie-back design and high-cut front slit add a flirty touch to the classic floor-sweeping A-line silhouette.
With a smooth, luminous finish, this dress was made to shine. Keep the luxe look going with breathtaking satin prom dresses or go for a sophisticated statement with our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Premium satin fabric with full-length woven lining, no stretch
- Sleeveless V-neckline with padded bust, princess seams
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open tie-back design
- High waist seam, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Floor-length A-line silhouette, hidden side pockets, high slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, galas, and black-tie events.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9195
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: 1, 3, 5, 9
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Romy Formal Mermaid Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in a formal dress that makes your entrance that much more glitzy! Romy features a beautiful glitter knit body that shimmers from all your best angles, a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a sexy lace-up back supported with flexible boning. Her slim-fit waist leads to an enchanting mermaid silhouette accented with a gorgeous train. She is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a glitter clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, flexible boning
- Mermaid
- Wide banded hem, train
- Lined glitter knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2345
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $52.97 $124.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Melissa Formal Satin Halter Mermaid Long Dress
Special Occasion
Figure-flattering details make the Melissa formal satin long dress impress with sexy standout style! She features a chic halter neckline and a flexible boning bodice, this dress will flatter your silhouette effortlessly. The side pleated seam and mermaid silhouette add a touch of sophistication, while the high front asymmetrical slit and floor-length hem create a captivating look. Crafted from silky satin fabric, the formal dress offers a subtle sheen effect and minimal stretch. Complete the look in dangly rhinestone earrings for a black tie celebration or event!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless halter neckline
- Flexible boning inserts in the bodice, side pleated seam
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, high front asymmetrical slit, floor-length hem
- Silky satin fabric, subtle sheen, minimal stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7849
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free