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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Lyla Sequin Mesh Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Keep your look sultry and glam in the Lyla sequin mesh mini dress. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps, a lace-up back with a tie closure, and a short, form-fitting silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has all-over sequin embroidery and includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete the outfit with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, tie closure
- Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0784
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kaley Formal Sequin Mermaid Long Dress
Special Occasion
Embellished with light-catching sequins, strike a sparkling style in the Kaley formal dress perfect for school dances, award banquets, and red carpets! She stuns in a sleeveless V-neckline with a wire insert, a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a figure-flattering mermaid silhouette with a floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-scroll pattern mesh fabric with a stretch knit lining. Complete the look with a beaded clutch and heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wire insert, padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretch knit lining
- Bra not required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6835
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katalina Formal Rhinestone Mesh Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your fabulous curves in the Katalina formal rhinestone dress and achieve the perfect snatched figure! She features a sleeveless V-neckline adorned with adjustable spaghetti straps, and curved sheer mesh side inserts create a stunning hourglass illusion along her flattering mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem. The formal dress is crafted from a rhinestone-embellished knit fabric that sparkles under any light and has a short stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a rhinestone teardrop necklace and heels for a black tie affair!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Curved sheer mesh side inserts, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Rhinestone-embellishments
- Smooth knit fabric, short stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7272
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $86.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Makayla Formal Strapless Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make your entrance and exit memorable in the Makayla formal dress! She features a strapless neckline, a strappy lace-up back and ruched seam sure to turn heads, and a flattering mermaid silhouette that drapes effortlessly into a floor-length hem. The formal dress is crafted from a shimmery knit fabric with a stretchy lining. Complete the look with earrings and a statement ring for a black tie gala or anniversary party!
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline
- Strappy lace-up back, ruched seam
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Shimmery knit fabric, stretchy lining
- Strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7581
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Julissa Lace Tulle A-Line Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Your breathtaking entrance awaits in the Julissa ball gown for the school formal, galas, and red carpets! Channel gorgeous allure in her sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a wide shoulder strap, sheer bodice with intricate lace applique and beading, and a padded bust eliminating the need for a bra. She features a flattering a-line silhouette with a sultry high-cut front slit and a floor-sweeping hem. The ball gown is composed of non-stretch tulle fabric with a silky satin woven lining. Style with fringe earrings, a clutch, and heels to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, wide shoulder strap
- Sheer bodice, lace beaded applique, padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line silhouette, high-cut front slit, floor-length hem
- Non-stretch tulle fabric, satin lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0084
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $239.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Robin Formal Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
She's Sleek, and she's polished and we love! Designed with a strapless straight neckline, with a removable faux fur trim, a form fitting bodice and that has padded cups, and a horizontal stitching at the hem mid waist. Her bodice leads to skirt high waist and leads down to a mid calf length with a high slit feature. Dress is composed of a satin material that offers slight stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0236
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Caralisa Floral Chiffon High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Crafted from light chiffon, a scatter of floral and botanical prints deck out our lovely Caralisa. Her roomy long sleeves and airy chiffon skirt add on a layer of dreaminess to this utterly romantic dress. Slip into Caralisa for that spring wedding you've RSVP'ed to!
Fits & Features
- Unlined, Plunging Surplice V Neckline
- Tie Waist
- Sheer Long Sleeves With Gold-Tone Buttoned Cuffs
- Floor Length Hem I Thigh-High Slit
- Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Relaxed Fit I Moderate Stretch
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: 05002-0809
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Savannah Formal Crepe Long Dress
Special Occasion
Stunning for brides and celebrations, the Savannah formal crepe dress showcases simplicity and chicness! With a form-hugging silhouette and sultry high front slit, this formal dress is perfect for an evening of elegance.
Fit & Features
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Sleeveless square neckline, tank-style straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Front high-cut slit
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, red-carpet events, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6919
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Tati Formal Lace Up Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Lace-up in a dress that brings sophistication and elegance to your evening. Tati features a floral lace bodice with a plunging v-neckline, a sleek lattice back and front vertical seams the streamline her floor-length silhouette. Tati is composed of a form-hugging crepe fabric that provides a moderate stretch. Complete your formal outfit with clear pumps and a dainty bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline
- Floral lace bodice
- Lattice back
- Front vertical seams
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1050
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cassy Formal Sequin Lace Up Dress
Special Occasion
Treat yourself to the sparkling Cassy formal dress to have a glitzy prom moment! She features a classy sweetheart neck with a mesh insert, a built-in padded bust, and thin spaghetti straps. Turn heads thanks to her stunning open-back with a lace-up design. Her fitted bodice leads to a figure-flattering mermaid silhouette on a floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin embroidered fabric with an inner lining and no stretch. Complete the look in a rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, sweetheart neck, mesh insert, thin spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, adhesive bra recommended
- Fitted bodice, back zipper closure
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Open lace-up back
- Sequin embroidered fabric, inner lining, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2331
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Olivia High Slit Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate beauty at your next formal gala in the chic and stunning Olivia mermaid dress. She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps, a cross-back, lace-up strappy design that provides a customized fit, front ruching leading to an alluring thigh-high front slit, and a sheer, floor-length, mermaid silhouette. The sheer mesh dress features all-over sequin and beaded embroidery for the prettiest shine and includes a mini-length knit lining. Style with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, sticky bra optional
- Cross-back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- Lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Front ruching, thigh-high front slit
- Sheer, floor-length, mermaid silhouette
- Sequin and beaded embroidery
- Sheer mesh fabric, mini-length knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2678
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alanna Off-The-Shoulder Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Exude luxury in the stunningly chic Alanna off-the-shoulder sequin mermaid dress at your next black-tie affair. The lined mesh fabric is accented with gorgeous shimmering sequin embroidery in an intricate scroll pattern for a stunning look. She is shaped with an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, short-sleeved cuffs and padded bra cups for support. Her customizable lace-up strappy back design allows you to find your perfect find and adds a sultry allure. The curve-hugging mermaid silhouette is detailed with a high-cut front slit to showcase some leg along her bonded floor-length hem. Complete your formal look with rhinestone chandelier earrings and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sequin embroidered scroll pattern
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining
- Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, short-sleeved cuffs
- Padded bra cups
- Open lace-up back design with tie closure Back zipper, hook-eye closure
- High front slit, mermaid fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8073
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Christen Sweetheart Mermaid Rhinestone Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A sleeveless formal dress boasts a sweetheart neckline and a figure-loving mermaid silhouette on rhinestone embellished mesh fabric. Perfect for homecoming or a gala.
Fit & Features
- Rhinestone embellished mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Sweetheart neckline, shoulder straps
- Built-in padded underwire bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8247
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Keeping It Classy Satin Bustier Ruffle Midi Dress
Embrace timeless sophistication in this satin midi dress! Featuring a sweetheart neckline, tank shoulder straps, and a padded underwire bust, the midi dress also has flexible boning inserts and a form-hugging silhouette with a high front slit and ruffle trim for added flare. Complete the look with a gorgeous necklace for a banquet!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, tank shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Padded underwire bust, flexible boning
- Form-hugging, high front slit, ruffle trim
- Midi-length hem
- Satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2914
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $6.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nevaeh Formal Lattice Mesh Dress
Special Occasion
Lace-up in our head-turning Nevaeh dress! She draws attention with her lace up detailing and curve-hugging mermaid silhouette! Pair her with chrome heels and a gorgeous necklace set for a final look!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline | Mesh Inset
- Padded Cups | Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Lattice Back
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Lined Crepe Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0940
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Adera Formal Sweetheart Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Steal the show in the chic Adera formal dress as you raise a toast to the newlyweds, graduates, or award recipients at a banquet! She stuns in a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a chic cowl draping, a padded bust, spaghetti straps, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette with a sultry high front slit and long hem. The formal dress is composed of a slinky knit-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with an embellished box clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl draping
- Spaghetti straps, padded bust
- Curve-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- High front slit, long hem
- Lined slinky knit fabric, moderate stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000250
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MAROON
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Alessandra Formal Open Back Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionOwn the night in ravishing red as you allure them all in our head turning Alessandra dress! She features an all over rich navy blue hue, a high square neckline with racer bust, padded cups and an open back to show off a hint of skin. Her sheer mesh bodice is partially lined and adorned with with floral appliques and rhinestones. Her sweeping double lined floor length silhouette is composed of an airy chiffon fabric. Alessandra offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch and includes a hidden lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6419
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cara Formal Sweetheart Sequin Dress
Special OccasionSparkle and dazzle in our glimmering Cara dress! She features a navy hue, a sleeveless bodice, an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a wired sweetheart neckline with padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length mermaid silhouette that hugs curves in all the right places! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with glitzy sequins! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
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: 05002-6621
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Stella Formal Ruched Dress
Special OccasionGet ruched and ready to make a breathtaking impression in our Stella dress! She features an all over black hue, an off the shoulder neckline, ruched long sleeves and ruching along the sides to create a cascading-like effect that leads to a floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a black hued lined smooth knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
*Also available in Plus.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6308
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vita Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make a glitzy impression with a formal dress that brings the glow to your evening! Vita features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, underwire, and mesh shoulder straps. The sheer partially lined bodice features heat stones, corset seams, and flexible boning. The slim-fit waist leading a ruched mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone headband.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Padded cups, underwire
- Mesh shoulder straps, partially lined bodice
- Heat stones, corset seams, flexible boning
- Ruching
- Mini length silhouette
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0607
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Everylynn Formal Wrap Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in our luxe Everlynn dress! Her mermaid silhouette highlights curves into a flattering hour-glass illusion! She pairs perfectly with glam heels and a rhinestone clutch for an elevated look!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline
- Wired V-Bust | Fold Over Accent
- Vertical Princess Seams
- Ruched Side Seam
- Wrap Mermaid Silhouette
- Lined Crepe Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0650
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lori Formal Sequin Lace-Up Long Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous sequins make the Lori formal dress a sexy standout! With an alluring strappy lace-up back, high front slit for movement, and a striking form-hugging silhouette.
All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sequin scroll mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sleeveless sweetheart neck, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up open-back design, lightly padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- High-cut front slit, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, formal dances, black tie galas, big parties, birthday celebrations, red-carpet occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2900
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: S
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Evangeline Formal Glitter Knot Dress
Special OccasionTake the plunge in the spotlight as you make a glam entrance in our elegant Evangeline dress! She features a plunging V neckline with a knotted bodice, fitted long sleeves and a floor length A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.
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: 05002-6732
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Emelie Glitter Shine A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make it a night to remember in our dazzling Emelie. Decked out in glitter from top to bottom, everyone will be doing double-takes as she transitions to a different hue in the light. Her gorgeous A-line silhouette softly flares out and complements your figure. Doll her up with some rhinestone earrings and heels!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Wire Trim Plunging V Neckline I Lightly Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Front Slit I A-Line Silhouette
- Glitter Woven Fabric I Partial, Mini Length Lining I Changes Hues In The Light
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0820
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale