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.
HomeFormal Dresses
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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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Vada Pleated Chiffon Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Please them all in pretty pleats! Vada brings the elegance with sweeping airy chiffon and a dramatic halter neckline! Pair her with silver accents for a look that will make them all take notice!
Fit & Features
- Halter Neckline | Mesh Inset
- Halter Neck Strap | Padded Cups
- Pleated Silhouette
- Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
- Back Zipper Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0928
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Melina Cowl Neck High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Melina formal dress has an eye-catching sheen that will capture everyone's gaze when you enter the room! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline with a built-in padded bust, spaghetti straps, a form-fitting silhouette that will hug your curves, and an asymmetric floor-length hem creating an alluring thigh-high side slit to showcase some leg. The smooth knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with platform heels for your next fancy party.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, built-in padded bust
- Spaghetti straps
- Curve-hugging fit
- Asymmetric floor-length hem, high side slit
- Smooth knit fabric, plenty of stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6860
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Avalynn Halter Cutout Crepe Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Luxe detailing meet a sultry silhouette in the Avalynn halter cutout crepe formal dress. Designed with a structured crepe fabric with a moderate stretch, this long dress will give you a polished and chic look perfect for a black-tie affair. Her sleeveless bodice features a high halter neckline and a partial open back, leading to alluring asymmetric cutouts at the waist. Her floor-length hem is accented with a high-cut front slit to showcase some leg and a slim-fit silhouette to accentuate your gorgeous curves. Complete your look with rhinestone statement earrings and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Crepe fabric with moderate stretch, lined
- Halter neckline, button closures
- Partial open back, zipper closure
- Dual asymmetric waist cutouts
- High front slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8470
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lucinda Glitter Bow Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made to turn every entrance into a moment, the Lucinda glitter bodycon mini captivates with its off-the-shoulder neckline and dramatic back bow with a sweeping train. A striking balance of polish and play, it’s the definition of unforgettable.
Fit & Features
- Glitter woven fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Folded off-the-shoulder neckline
- Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Back bow with train
- Tailored bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Extra glitter for maximum sparkle - may have some natural fallout
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, wedding, formal gala, black tie party, milestone celebration, fancy birthdays, red-carpet events, dressy cocktail dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000177
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, PINK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Everley Lace-Up Slit Mermaid Crepe Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A sleeveless crepe formal dress boasts a square neckline, striking lace-up back, and a high front slit to show some skin along the mermaid silhouette. Style with a necklace for any formal event.
Fit & Features
- Crepe fabric, bust knit lining, moderate stretch
- Square neckline
- Shoulder straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit
- Mermaid floor-length fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8650
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Verona Off-The-Shoulder Bow Back Velvet Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Have an iconic moment at your black-tie soiree in the gorgeously chic Verona velvet formal dress designed with a satin off-the-shoulder fold-over neckline and a large bow back accent with a cascading floor-length train. The dress features a high-cut side slit to showcase some leg on the long slim-fit silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Satin woven off-the-shoulder fold-over neckline
- Satin large bow back accent with floor-length train
- Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
- High waist seam
- High side slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8966
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK-2
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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All That Gleams Party Dress
Special Occasion
Its time to party! All that gleams party dress features a v neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable, a built in padded cup area. Her bodice folds over in a wrap fashion and meets the skirt high waist. The skirt of this dress is layered. Fully lined beneath with a partial tulle skirt, then with a second layer that is a soft knit fabric and the third layer is a mesh overlay. The back of of the dress has a hidden zipper. She is composed of multiple fabrics that offer minimal stretch but have a flowy feel. She is covered in sparkling accents! This is definitely a dress for the babe that loves to dance!
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0054
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katelyn Ruched Midi Dress
Chic and fab, the Katelyn ruched midi dress is a new go-to. She features a sleeveless bodice, a Y neck with halter straps, a knot detail, and a front keyhole cut out, and a square back with a zipper closure. Her high waist band leads to a curve hugging skirt with ruched side details and a mid-length hem. The dress is composed of a stretchy knit fabric with a pretty sheen.
Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0238
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alaiya Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a gorgeous sheen in the shimmering Alaiya sequin mini dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with padded cups, a sheer mesh insert at the center of the bust, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a faux wrap-front skirt, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The lined knit fabric features all-over sequin embroidery to give the dress its luxe shine. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, center sheer mesh insert at the bust
- Padded cups, sticky bra optional
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Faux wrap-front skirt
- Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
- Sequin embroidery
- Sheer knit fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1168
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mavis Chiffon Wrap Gown
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxury with our stunning Mavis gown. She features a deep V neckline, and long sleeves that puff at the wrist. Her bodice meets skirt at mid waist with a wrap design, and is fully lined. Her skirt sweeps the floor and features a high thigh slit at one side. We are obsessed with the modern elegance Mavis offers! She is composed of a chiffon material that offers a lightweight flow with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0300
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dalia Sequin Long Dress
Special Occasion
Take time for make your look divine in our Dalia dress! She features a high scoop neckline, long sleeves and a form fit that offers a sleek silhouette. Her hem is floor length and she is composed of a mesh material that offers minimal stretch and showcases a luxurious sequin scroll pattern. Zipper located mid back.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0304
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Hartley Lace-Up Sequin Mesh Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A sultry bodycon mini dress features a flattering V-neckline with padded bra cups for support, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a lace-up back that turns heads. Perfect for prom or a party.
This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sequin beaded mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000211
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK-2
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Katerina Crepe Wrap Gown
Special OccasionStreamlined yet subtly sultry, our Katerina gown is made for evenings out—when all eyes will be on you! She features adjustable spaghetti straps, a seamed V neck bodice with slim banded waist, and a straight, wrap-effect skirt with front slit. Katerina slips on and is made from a woven crepe material with moderate 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: 05002-0091
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Madeline Formal Beaded Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make an ethereal entrance a dress that brings elegance and grace. Our Madeline dress features a plunging V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a form-hugging floor-length mermaid silhouette accented with godet panels. Her a beaded and sequin detail is set in a vintage-inspired geometric pattern. Complete your formal outfit with dazzling rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Sleek spaghetti straps
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette with godet panels
- Beaded and sequin detail set in a geometric pattern
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0755
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jennifer Formal Illusion Stripe Dress
Special OccasionCreate the perfect illusion in the one of a kind Jennifer formal dress! She features a sleek black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and princess seams. Her back features a sheer mesh panel and zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette with sheer illusion stripes. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and knit fabrics that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05002-6529
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kristy Sequin Off The Shoulder Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be such a stunner in our gorgeous Kristy sequin formal dress! She features an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline, a back zipper closure, a floor-length mermaid silhouette, and a thigh-high slit. Pair this dress with rhinestone hoop earrings and a sparkly clutch for a dazzling look.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Thigh-high slit
- Curve-hugging fit
- All-over sequin embroidering
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5456
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amanda Glitter Corset Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Have your fairy tale moment in the Amanda glitter ball gown - a dream come true to wear for prom and formal parties! She features a sleeveless square neck, a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sheer corset bodice with flexible boning, and a flattering A-line silhouette and floor-length hem. The ball gown is composed of glitter-pattern tulle fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with gorgeous earrings and a necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning,
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Glitter-pattern tulle fabric, stretch knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-4050
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aletta Long Sleeveless Ruffled A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
The long A-line dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a secure fit, a corset-like bodice with sheer mesh panels, and a voluminous tiered ruffled skirt accented with a high side slit. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
Make a statement in this stunning dress. Love bold details? Explore our playful ruffle prom dresses or find a sleek look in our formal dresses.
FIt & Features
- Partially lined mesh fabrication
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, built-in padded underwire bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer mesh panels at the bodice, flexible boning
- Long tiered ruffled skirt
- High side slit
- A-Line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8834
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Greta Strapless Bodycon Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and sultry, the Greta strapless midi formal dress is tailored with ruching that sculpts the silhouette and a thigh-high slit for just the right amount of drama. The perfect blend of sophistication and allure, it’s made for evenings that leave a lasting impression.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit stretch fabric
- Strapless neckline
- Bodycon silhouette
- Wrap front slit
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, cocktail soirees, charity auctions, dressed-up date nights, birthdays, milestone celebrations, holidays
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000274
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S
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Uma Heat-Stone Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Slay today and everyday after! Our Uma midi dress features a form fitting silhouette, a v neckline, and spaghetti straps that lead to a square back. She is composed of a knit material with a mesh overlay adorned in heat stones, and has a side slit detail. Mesh material offers moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0196
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lyra Glitter Lace Party Dress
Special Occasion
Glide around the dance floor in our captivating Lyra! Made from a sparkling glitter lace fabric and featuring a full, skater-style skirt, you'll feel party-ready the moment you slip her on! Don't forget to accessorize with some sparkling earrings and heels to match!
Fits & Features
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Surplice V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Mini Length Silhouette I Petticoat I Skater-Style Silhouette
- Lined Glitter Lace Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
- Glitter May Transfer
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0425
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
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Raven Ruched Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Get a luxe look that will bring chic vibes in the Raven velvet bodycon mini dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up design, ruched detailing down the sides and on the back, and a short, curve-hugging fit. Complete the outfit with rhinestone embellished heels for a subtle sparkle.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Dual spaghetti straps
- Open back, lace-up design, tie closure
- Ruching down the sides and on the back
- Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0858
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elise Formal Short Sleeve Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Chic with stylish sophistication, the Elise formal short sleeve midi dress is a staple for cocktail parties. She features a square neckline with a wired notched front design, short cap sleeves with shoulder pad inserts, high waist seams, a midi-length hem with an alluring high side slit, and a form-hugging silhouette. The smooth crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Perfect for brides, pair with strappy stilettos for your engagement party or bridal shower.
Fit & Features
- Square neckline, wired notched front design
- Short cap sleeves, shoulder pad inserts
- High waist seams, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Midi-length hem, high side slit, form-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1375
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Aya Formal Midi-Length Bandage Dress
Special Occasion
Achieve a sexy silhouette that will showcase your natural curves in the stunning and chic Aya formal midi-length bandage dress. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a hidden back zipper closure. Her vertical seam detailing continues down the length of the dress meeting with a high waist seam and a midi-length seam with a ruffled hem. The bandage knit fabric offers a bodycon silhouette for a smooth and sculpted look with plenty of stretch. Complete your outfit with lace-up heels for your next cocktail party.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Vertical seam detailing down the length of the dress, high waist seam, midi-length seam
- Ruffled midi-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Bandage knit fabric, sculpted look, plenty of stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1690
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance