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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Kara V-Neck Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous sequins make a statement on the Kara long formal dress perfect for prom, banquets, and birthday celebrations! Adorned with a captivating sequin scroll pattern, this formal gown is made of stretchy mesh fabric with a knit lining for comfortable elegance. She features a sleeveless wired V-neckline and padded bra cups for a flawless silhouette. The adjustable spaghetti straps provide a perfect fit, while the mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem create a striking look. Complete the look with a stunning necklace and earrings set to radiate luxe all evening!
Fit & Features
- Sequin scroll pattern, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7956
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Zoey One-Shoulder Ruched Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Slay the scene in the sultry-chic Zoey dress! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a bold front keyhole cutout at the center of the bust, ruched detailing, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette with a tie at the hem. Complete the look with sparkly statement earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Front keyhole cutout at the bust
- Ruching
- Mini-length, form-hugging fit
- Side tie at the hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0765
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Skylar Butterfly Sequin One-Shoulder Party Dress
Special Occasion
Ethereal and iridescent, the Skylar butterfly sequin party dress will give off the dreamiest vibes! She features a sleeveless asymmetric one-shoulder neckline with a built-in padded bust, a thin tank shoulder strap, dual adjustable spaghetti straps at the back, a high waist seam, a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette, and all-over butterfly applique accents and sequin embroidery. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full woven lining and a tulle underskirt. Complete the look with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, padded bust, tank shoulder strap
- Dual adjustable spaghetti straps at the back, zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, short skater skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Butterfly applique accents, iridescent sequin embroidery
- Sheer mesh fabric, full woven lining, tulle underskirt, no stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1442
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Davia Rhinestone Pretzel Trim Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make a glamorous appearance in our jaw-dropping Davia!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Pretzel-Trim Cut Out At Front Waist With Rhinestone Details
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hem I Mermaid SIlhouette
- Crepe Fabric I Curve Hugging Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0439
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Addison Glitter Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make a sparkly statement at your next soiree in the trendy glam Addison glitter formal dress! Bring radiance to the room in this floor-length dress with a sleek design that fits like a glove.
Fit & Features
- Sheer glitter mesh fabric, full knit stretchy lining
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
- High waist seam
- Floor-length fitted silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie weddings, galas, special date nights, rehearsal dinner
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7656
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Adira High Side Slit One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Flaunt your heels in Adira's flirty thigh-high slit. A smooth jersey knit drapes along your figure giving you a comfortable yet fitted silhouette!
Fits & Features
- One-Shoulder Dual Spaghetti Straps
- Slanted Neckline
- Floor Length Hemline I Ruched At The Side
- Front Slit
- Smooth Jersey Knit Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0801
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mia Formal Velvet Burnout Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate your look with our romantically inspired Mia dress! Her luxe velvet and sweet floral details are all you need to charm them all!
Fit & Features
- Plunging Wired V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross at the Back
- Padded Cups
- Velvet Floral Burnout Fabric
- Lined Mesh Fabric
- Mermaid Silhouette
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0724
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Eva Off The Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Make it an entrance to remember in our stunningly chic Eva mermaid dress. She features an off the shoulder neckline with long fitted sleeves, a wrap front V neckline, a high waist seam, ruched side detailing, and a fitted and flowy mermaid silhouette with a thigh high front slit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers 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: 05002-6660
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Zendaya Lace-Up Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Zendaya formal dress will have heads turning all night long. Look and feel like a dream in her stunning mermaid silhouette, lace-up back, and a sexy slit along the floor-length hem. She's composed of a shiny-smooth knit fabric that effortlessly drapes your body and offers a moderate stretch. Complete your elegant look with a rhinestone necklace and clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, spaghetti straps
- Scoop neckline
- Lace-up back design
- Mermaid silhouette
- High-cut slit, floor-length hem
- Shiny-smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1487
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Edna Formal Glitter Lace-Up Dress
Special Occasion
Glow in the Edna glitter formal dress to capture the perfect prom picture! She features a classy sleeveless V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps so you can customize the fit, a built-in bust, and a fitted bodice with princess seams. Showcase your sultry back in the open-back design with lace-up closure sure to have you catching stares all night! Every figure will look stunning in her A-line silhouette that leads to the floor-length hem with a high-cut side slit. The glitter knit fabric has an inner lining and no stretch. Complete the look in chrome heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust
- Fitted bodice, princess seams, back zipper closure
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- High-cut side slit
- Glitter knit fabric, inner lining, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2211
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Marlene Formal Glitter Long Dress
Special Occasion
Marlene brings the glam factor in light-catching glitter to steal the show! She features a sleeveless, halter neck with tie closure, a built-in padded bust, and all-over ruching designed to hug and flatter your curves. Her mermaid form-fitting silhouette gently flares out in a floor-length hem with a sultry front slit perfect for showcasing some leg. The formal dress is composed of a glitter-knit lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete your dress look with a rhinestone tiara to have a princess moment.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, halter neck, tie closure
- Built-in padded bust, bra optional
- Back zipper closure
- All-over ruching
- Form-fitting, mermaid silhouette
- Front center slit, floor-length hem
- Glitter knit-lined fabric, moderate stretch, fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2427
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Meryl Formal Glitter Column Dress
Special Occasion
Stand out from the crowd in the shimmering Meryl glitter column dress sure to sparkle all night. You'll be ready to stun in the alluring off-the-shoulder neckline, fitted bodice, and side ruched detail leading to a sultry side slit on the floor-length column silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Glitter-knit lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Fitted bodice, high-waist seam
- Side ruched detail
- High side slit
- Long-length column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridesmaids, galas, and formal dinner parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2126
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S
Product Badge:- Sale
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Karter Formal Sequin V-Neck Dress
Special Occasion
Go the glam route and sparkle in the Karter formal sequin dress for holiday parties, winter weddings, and banquets! She features a sleeveless v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps so you can customize her fit and a sheer illusion bodice that leads the form-hugging, mermaid silhouette with a sexy high-cut side slit. The formal long dress is composed of a sequin-scroll embroidered mesh fabric with a sewn-in lining and minimal stretch. Complete your mesmerizing look with a dainty bracelet and clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer illusion bodice, form-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- High-cut side slit, long hem
- Sequin-scroll mesh fabric, sewn-in lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2574
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adelynn Plunging Asymmetrical Formal Dress
Special OccasionTake the plunge as you make a statement in our bold Adelynn dress! She features a burgundy hue, a plunging V neck, a ruched side seam on the left and an asymmetrical high slit complemented with a mini skirt length lining. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5''8" with a 33" 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: 05002-6720
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mckenna Velvet Flocked Lace Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase chic luxury at black-tie galas in the Mckenna formal dress crafted with sheer floral lace fabric with a velvet flocked design and a nude-tone lining. It features a sleeveless V-neckline with a ruched padded bust, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up strappy design, a high-cut front slit, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to hug your curves.
Fit & Features
- Sheer floral lace fabric with velvet flocked design, nude-tone lining
- V-neckline with padded bust, ruching, underbust seam
- Spaghetti straps, open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design
- Lower back zipper closure
- High front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8743
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Bernadette Taffeta Corset Bubble Hem Party Dress
Special Occasion
The Bernadette taffeta party dress will bring the sweet sass to school dances or dressy birthdays! She features a sleeveless off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline adorned with pleated short-sleeve cuffs, a padded bust, a corset bodice with flexible boning for a snatched look, a flattering fit and flare silhouette, and a timeless short bubble short-length hem. The party dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look in statement heels and a clutch!
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline
- Pleated short-sleeve cuffs, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Padded bust, corset bodice, flexible boning
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Bubble short-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1703
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Remi Sequin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be illuminating every room you walk into in our stunning Remi!
Fits & Features
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Dual Spaghetti Straps I Surplice V Neckline
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Midi Length Silhouette With Wrap Design I Mini Length Lining
- Mesh Lined Fabric With Sequins Throughout
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" 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: 05001-0339
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dual Spaghetti Straps I Surplice V Neckline
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Alvera Sequin Lurex High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzling sequins deck our Alvera from top to bottom. Her thigh-high slit and open, cross back are perfect and playful additions to this stunning dress!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Scoop Neckline
- Floor Length Hemline I Thigh-High Slit I Mini Length Lining
- Lurex Fabric With Sequins Throughout
- Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
- Zipper Not Featured
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0770
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Shay Formal Lurex Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Stun in the Shay formal glitter dress that makes your entrance that much more glam! Shay features a mermaid silhouette that flaunts your beautiful curves and a floor-length hem for a hint of drama.
Fit & Features
- Line glitter lurex fabric
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruching, mermaid silhouette
- Wide banded hem, train
- Runs true to size
- Extra glitter for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie galas and events, red-carpet events, upscale birthdays
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2346
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $124.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ruby Formal Caged Satin Dress
Special OccasionWrap yourself in sultry satin as you impress in our alluring Ruby formal burgundy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline and narrow straps that lead to a caged back detail with a fish hook clasp closure at the center. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6157
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Taralynn Taffeta High Low Evening Dress
Special Occasion
Have an incredibly fun night when you twirl and dance around in the Taralynn! She is glam, she commands the room, and she is easy to move around in! Style with dramatic earrings and strappy heels are you are ready to boogie!
Fit & Features
- V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Square back | Zipper closure mid back
- Form fitting bodice
- High low skirt
- Composed of a taffeta material
- 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: 05002-0677
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tinsley Formal Chiffon Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a formal dress that creates a breathtaking moment! Tinsley features a sleeveless V-neckline, off-the-shoulder straps, an empire waistband, and a flowy wrap silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Off the shoulder straps
- Empire waistband
- Flowy wrap silhouette
- Lined chiffon fabric
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1363
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Seductive And Slinky Maxi Dress
Get seductive in this slinky maxi dress. This black dress features a round neckline , a sleeveless bodice and an attached belt with a gold detail. This long dress is comprised of a ribbed material that offers moderate stretch and side slit.Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 06005-0107
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $4.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Elodie Satin Backless Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Effortlessly chic, the Elodie satin backless mermaid dress will bring that wow factor to your look. She features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, an alluring open back with a cross-back strap design, a ruched knot accent at the lower back, and a floor-length, slim-fit, mermaid silhouette. The sleek satin fabric has an all-over luxe sheen. Style with rhinestone fringe earrings for your next fancy gala.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Open-back, cross-back strap design
- Lower back ruched knot detail, high waist seam
- Floor-length hem, form-hugging mermaid silhouette
- Lined satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3094
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free