Formal Dresses
Windsor's formal dresses are redefining elegance for 2026. 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 on-trend 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 elevated, camera-ready, and designed to make you feel incredible and look unforgettable.
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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Formal Dresses That Make Every Moment Feel Major
Windsor’s formal dresses are designed for those special occasions 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 event. Think structured sheer corset bodices, dainty adjustable straps, adjustable lace-up backs, and glam high slits that blend comfort with high-impact style.
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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Plus Emmeline Crepe Scalloped Dress
Special OccasionDazzle as bright as a romantic night spent under the stars in our alluring Emmeline dress! She features elegant cap sleeves, a V neckline framed with a scalloped trim design and a gleaming array of heat stones that reflect plenty of glamour! Her empire waist is detailed with a heat stone accent that leads to a sweeping mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a curve enhancing fit with a moderate stretch. Dress includes fish hook clasp and back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9 with a 38" bust, 38" waist and 44" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0028
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.94 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alisha High Slit Ball Gown
Special OccasionShine and radiate your glowing beauty from the inside out in our Alisha yellow dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a partially lined bodice with lined cups and tank-like straps. Her bodice is embellished with rhinestones and gemstones to dazzle! Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and knit fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0455
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $81.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lilianna Formal Rhinestone High Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The ever-so-chic Lilianna formal rhinestone high slit midi dress will have you shining all night long! Crafted from a sleek slinky knit fabric with all-over rhinestone embellishments for a gorgeous sparkle, she features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a mid-length hem with a sultry thigh-high side slit to showcase some leg, and a form-hugging silhouette to flaunt your figure. The slinky knit fabric includes a knit lining. Complete your cocktail party look with a gemstone necklace and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Mid-length hem, thigh-high side slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- All-over rhinestone embellishments
- Slinky knit fabric, knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1908
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alondra Formal Lace Halter Dress
Special OccasionRadiate elegance in the ever gorgeous Alondra black dress! She features a partially lined halter neck with lined padded cups, an embroidered baroque design, a small keyhole, adjustable narrow straps and dazzling heat stones. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a combination mesh and smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal 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: 05002-6709
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Belle Sweetheart Floral Applique Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Look stunning and spectacular in our Belle! Enchant them all as you spin around to show off her twirl-worthy fullness!
Fits & Features
- Strapless, Sweetheart Neckline I No-Slip Interior Strip
- Lace-Up Back Detail I Hidden Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floral Appliques With Gem Accents At The Sides I Hidden Hand Pockets
- Sweeping Floor-Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette I Pleating Details
- Satin-Like Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0056
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.97 $189.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Denise Halter Tie-Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring an elevated allure to every event in the Denise mermaid formal dress. With a show-stopping tie-back design and a sultry halter V-neckline, this floor-length dress will keep all the eyes on you.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit stretch fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Halter V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Tie-back design, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8931
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Idina Satin Lace Up Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Lace-up in elegance as you create a twirl-worthy moment in our dreamy Idina ball gown. Pair her with glitzy heels and rhinestone accents to bring the shine to your evening!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Padded Cups | Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Empire Waist
- Pleated Ball Gown Silhouette
- Side Pockets
- Lined Satin Fabric | Petticoat
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0060
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $57.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Leanna Floral High Low Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm in florals as you make a head-turning entrance in our romantic Leanna dress! Pair her with statement earrings and a pair of pretty platforms for a look that impresses them all!
Fit & Features
- Scoop Neckline | Padded Cups
- Spaghetti Straps | Cross Back Straps
- Open Back | Lower Back Keyhole
- High Low Silhouette | Ruffled Trim
- Hidden Side Pockets | Petticoat
- Lined Satin Woven Fabric Floral Print
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0032
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $92.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Angelica Floral Applique Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Evoke a romantic aura in the gorgeously chic Angelica velvet mermaid dress designed with intricate floral embroidered appliques down the front. Perfect for a formal affair, the dress features a sleeveless square neckline accented with a V-wired insert, adjustable spaghetti straps leading to a cross-back design, and a high-cut front slit on the fitted mermaid silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with top knit lining, moderate stretch
- Floral embroidered appliques down the front
- Sleeveless square neckline, V-wired insert, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7578
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mayva Mermaid Rhinestone Faux Pearl Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Mayva rhinestone faux pearl formal dress offers a lavishly perfect look for weddings, celebrations, or banquets! With a cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a mermaid silhouette, this floor-length dress will turn heads. Made with faux pearl rhinestone mesh knit fabric, it exudes luxury and sophistication.
Fit & Features
- Faux pearl rhinestone embellished, knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cowl neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8513
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cora Satin Ruffled One-Shoulder Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Cora satin mini dress makes a dramatic entrance with a statement one-shoulder, ruffled design, and flattering bodycon silhouette. Style the formal dress with rhinestone heels.
Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Satin knit fabric with knit bust lining, plenty of stretch
- Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, ruffled design
- Dart seams at bust, high waist seam
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Ruched side and back seams
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2300
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emmy Formal Beaded Ball Gown
Special OccasionEnchant and captivate as you make an unforgettable entrance in our dreamy Emmy mint dress! She features a gold bodice with a round neckline, a sweetheart bust and padded cups. Her bodice features a gorgeous a floral beaded design complemented with heat stones. Her back features multi fish hook closure at the nape of the neck and a multi vertical strap detail. Her voluminous mint ball gown skirt is complemented with hidden side pockets and a petticoat. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0498
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Iya Beaded High Slit Dress
Special OccasionIya sparkles like the night sky! She features a sleeveless bodice with a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps that lead to a racer back and a hidden zip up closure, a sheer back paired with a lined front, and intricate beading that ends at a sheer waist panel. Floor-length skirt has a slim fit with a slight flare at the hem, a high front leg slit, and a contrast interior lining.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0448
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mika Floral Mesh Bell Sleeve Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Oh-so-chic, the Mika bell sleeve mini dress is perf for a garden party or formal brunch with the girls. The floral embroidery on airy mesh fabric gives the dress an effortlessly pretty look.
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
- Sheer mesh fabric with partial lining
- Floral embroidered pattern
- Square neck and back
- Long bell sleeves
- Tie-back straps, lower back zipper closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Engagement parties, bridal showers, garden parties, and weekend brunches.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2709
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mila Metallic One Shoulder Dress
Special OccasionRadiate a more elegant look in our luxe Mila black dress! She features a one shoulder neckline, a tank-like strap, padded cups for support. Her partially lined bodice features a gold metallic applique design and sparkling heat stones that adorn the left seam. Her floor length silhouette elongates to a flared hem. Dress is composed of a double lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0462
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $289.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Bethany Formal High Slit Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionCreate a radiating impression in our charming Bethany dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups and narrow adjustable cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit that reveals a contrast lining. Dress is composed of a chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0045
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Isabel One Shoulder Color Block Dress
Special OccasionModern yet elegant, that's our Isabel formal dress. She features a white bodice with a one shoulder neckline, a built in no slip strip, a black arm hole accent and a waist cut out. Her attached black skirt is floor length with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden side zipper closure and an additional mini skirt length knit lining.
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: 05002-6318
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $44.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mia Formal Sleeveless Cutout Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Simply chic, the Mia formal midi dress is a must-have style for cocktail parties or as a guest at weddings! She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, an alluring small cutout under the bust, a midi-length hem with a fab back slit accent, and a form-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Small cutout under the bust
- Midi-length hem, back slit, form-hugging fit
- Woven fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1447
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Simone Formal Satin Tie-Back Cutout Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Slip into the Simone formal satin midi dress for a sultry vibe at banquets or weddings! She features a square neckline adorned with spaghetti straps, a tie-back design, a flirty underbust cutout, a center back slit, and a bodycon silhouette that hugs your curves down to the knee-length midi hem. The formal midi dress is crafted from a luxuriously soft satin fabric with minimal stretch. Complete the look with a mini purse and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, spaghetti straps
- Tie-back design, underbust cutout
- Center back slit
- Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
- Luxe satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1999
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mckenna Formal Sequin Scroll Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle in our Mckenna dress!
Fits & Features
- Plunging wired V neckline I Padded cups
- Partially open back I Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sweeping floor-length skirt with two thigh-high slits
- All over sequins in scroll print pattern
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit with slight stretch
- Back zipper closure
Model is 5'9" 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: 05002-0335
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kennedy Long Sleeve Corset Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Indulge in effortless elegance in the Kennedy mesh formal dress to be a true beauty at black-tie parties and events. The floor-length dress is designed with a hidden corset bodice, side ruched seams that accentuate your figure, and a mermaid silhouette. Pair with earrings.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sheer fitted long sleeves
- Sweetheart neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden corset bodice, lace built-in padded bra, flexible boning
- Side ruched seams, mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9315
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sherri Metallic Glitter Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Mon Sherri! You'll be wanting to twirl and sway nonstop in our exquisite Sherri! If you think she looks lovely now, wait till the spotlight hits her

Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I Plunging V Neckline
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Slant Hand Pockets I Wide Waistband
- Flowy, A-Line Skater Skirt
- Smooth Woven Glitter Knit I Fully Lined
- Form-Hugging Fit I Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'6" with a 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0280
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Miranda Glitter Mermaid Formal Dress
Special OccasionElegance with minimal effort. Our Miranda dress is exactly that. She features a strapless neckline with scalloped trim, a form hugging mermaid silhouette, and a stretchy knit fabric adorned with glitter. Dress includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6549
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Saraya Sequin Sweetheart Formal Dress
Special OccasionSaraya is a stunning and shining vision! You'll feel red carpet ready with an off the shoulder and deep wired sweetheart neckline, a slim fitting bodice with an exposed back zipper closure, a body-hugging silhouette with a flared hem, and all over baroque-inspired silver sequins. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9 with a 32" bust, 23" waist, and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6525
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance