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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Party Animal Leopard Midi Dress
Party's here. Stand out and get spotted in this purrrrr-fect dress!
Fits & Features
- Narrow Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline I Empire Waist
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Midi Length Silhouette I Small Slit At Center Back
- Faux Suede-Like Knit Fabric I Fully Lined
- Form Flattering Fit I Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0705
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $16.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Elodie Formal Ruffled Off-The-Shoulder Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Embrace major chic energy in the Elodie formal ruffled satin mermaid dress, a stunning choice for a black-tie gala. She features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a dramatic ruffled design and short sleeve cuffs, a fitted bodice with a high waist seam, a floor-length hem with a thigh-high front slit, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The silky satin woven fabric will showcase a gorgeous sheen. Style this formal long dress with rhinestone chandelier earrings and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline, ruffled short-sleeve cuffs
- Padded bust, flexible boning
- Fitted bodice, high waist seam, back zipper closure
- Floor-length hem, thigh-high front slit, mermaid silhouette
- Satin woven fabric, bust knit lining, slight stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7643
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Clea Satin Strapless Wrap Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate a chic allure in the Clea formal dress made with sleek stretch satin that will give off a gorgeous sheen. The pleated wrap-front design on the mermaid silhouette will flaunt your stunning curves.
Channel elegance in this stunning dress. Loving rich hues? Explore our bold green prom dresses or make a statement in our elevated formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Strapless straight-across neckline
- Pleated wrap-front design
- Back zipper closure
- High front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal weddings, galas, and black-tie events.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9013
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Josette Sleeveless Corset Lace Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Josette sleeveless corset mermaid dress is a statement-making look that will have all eyes on you at your formal event! This form-hugging long crepe mermaid dress features a sleeveless sweetheart cowl neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps for a secure fit, a sheer floral lace corset-styled bodice with contrast piping accents, and a high side slit. Complete styling with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Fitted crepe fabrication, moderate stretch
- Sleeveless cowl sweetheart neckline, padded bust with underwire
- Sheer floral lace corset bodice, contrast piping with flexible boning
- Matching sheer lace back, zipper with hook-eye closure
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Mermaid silhouette, high side slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8627
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marie Strapless Satin Ball Gown
Special OccasionMake your night a regal affair as you radiate a look fit for a Queen in our timelessly gorgeous Marie dress! She features a black hued bodice with a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip strip, padded cups, built in boning and lattice strap accents on the side with mesh insets. Her slim fit bodice leads to a light blue hued satin ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets, a petticoat and pleating details. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
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: 05004-0457
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alisa Floral Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionSweep them away in florals as you wow in our Alisa dress! She features a two piece design adorned with floral appliques and heat stone detailing to make a gorgeous impression! The crop top features a partially lined bodice, a high round neckline, a sweetheart bust, padded cups and a small keyhole. The matching skirt features high rise waist with a heat stone detailed waist and a multi-tiered ball gown tulle skirt. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a knit lining and voluminous petticoat.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0498
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jayne Velvet Lace-Up Mermaid Corset Dress
Special Occasion
The long velvet dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with an underbust cutout, a corset-like bodice with molded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, criss-cross straps leading to a lace-up back design, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Lined velvet fabrication
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, underbust cutout
- Corset-like bodice, built-in padded underwire bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Criss-cross lace-up strap back design
- Long length hem
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8864
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Liz Formal Floral Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in florals! Liz features a royal blue crop top with an off the shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust, padded cups and short sleeves. Her matching satin skirt features a high rise waist, hidden side pockets and a pink hued floral print. Top is composed of a form hugging fit crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Skirt includes a petticoat and offers a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0520
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jianne Formal Taffeta Party Dress
Special OccasionBring the charm in our timelessly gorgeous Jianne party dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built in gel no slip, padded cups for support and vertical princess seams to accentuate curves. Her back features a lace up back design to easily customize fit. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatically flared party length silhouette adorned with a flirty rose print throughout and is complemented with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'7" 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: 05001-0117
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $44.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Naya One Shoulder Flower Applique Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A pretty tulle flower applique with classy faux pearl embellishments adds a romantic allure to the Naya formal mini dress! She features a classic one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve with a shoulder pad, this mini dress exudes sophistication. The side waist cutout and bodycon silhouette enhance your figure, while the mini-length hem and crepe fabric add a touch of elegance. Complete the look with a glam rhinestone hair headband and heels for a dressy party or cocktail event!
Fit & Features
- One shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeve, shoulder pad
- Side waist cutout
- Tulle flower applique, faux pearl embellished
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2046
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Audrey Strapless Taffeta Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Always make a classy entrance in the Audrey formal party dress at semi-formal and dressy events. The short dress showcases a strapless sweetheart neckline leading to a fitted bodice with a chic drop waist seam while the skater silhouette flatters your figure. Complete the look with earrings and block heels.
This dress brings the fun and the fashion. If you love a bold, playful look, explore our stylish short prom dresses or make an entrance in our stunning short wedding guest dresses in short and mini lengths.
Fit & Features
- Taffeta woven fabric
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Drop waist seam
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2579
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alissa Formal Two Piece Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be entering every soiree like a shimmering goddess in our beautiful two-piece Alissa!
Fits & Features
Top:
- High Scoop Neckline I Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Cropped Hemline
- Lined Mesh Fabric With Scroll Patterned Sequins
- Curve-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Skirt:
- Elongated, Slim Fit Floor Length Skirt I Elastic Waistband
- Subtle High-Low Hemline
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Lined Mesh Fabric With Scroll Patterned Sequins
- Curve-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0047
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Elaina Formal High Slit Taffeta Dress
Special OccasionCreate a moment for a lifetime as you capture their attention in our Elaina dress! She features a black hued bodice with a plunging V neckline and narrow straps. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a copper hued A-line silhouette complemented with hidden side pockets, high side slit and a wide banded hem. She features a built in contrast bottom with snap button closure and full coverage. Dress is composed of a combination crepe and taffeta fabrics that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6547
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
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 turquoise 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: 05002-6620
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Francesca Formal Beaded Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionMake it a magical moment in our captivating Francesca black dress! She features a high round neckline with racer bust, small keyhole and padded cups. Her bodice features a beaded design set in dazzling geometric pattern. Her slim fit bodice leads to a navy hued floor length silhouette that brings elegance to the evening. Dress is composed of a combination mesh, tulle and a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6454
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Rosemary Formal Chiffon Rainbow Dress
Special OccasionRadiate in a burst of colors as you charm in our Rosemary dress! She features an all over multicolored hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, a pleated bodice and adjustable narrow straps that lead to a cross back design. Her waistband makes her a true one of a kind that comes in either a blue, yellow or pink hue! Her slim fit bodice flows into a sweeping floor length silhouette. She is composed of an airy slightly sheer chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a smooth knit lining and a lower back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6262
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Raelynn Formal Rhinestone Bustier Long Dress
Special Occasion
Your inner pop princess will awaken when you slip into the Raelynn formal dress covered in head-to-toe rhinestone embellishments! Perfect for prom, red carpet events, and black tie galas. She features fitted sheer long sleeves, shoulder pads for a structured style, a sweetheart neckline, an underwire padded bust and an open back with a hook strap, and a form-hugging slim silhouette with a back slit accent and long hem. The formal dress is composed of a mesh fabric with a gorgeous rhinestone pattern and a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a statement ring and clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sheer fitted long sleeves, shoulder pads
- Sweetheart neckline, underwire padded bust
- Open back with hook strap, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging, slim silhouette
- Back slit accent, long hem
- Rhinestone embellished pattern all-over, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6826
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.97 $179.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adley Long Sleeve Cutout Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase stylish sophistication in the Adley dress accented with chic details on mesh fabric that are sure to turn heads at your next formal affair. It features a plunging V-neckline for an alluring look, sheer long balloon-style sleeves, asymmetric cutouts at the waist, a ruched drop waist design, and a floor-sweeping pleated A-line silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining, high stretch
- Plunging V-neckline
- Sheer long balloon sleeves with elastic cinched hems
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Asymmetric waist cutouts, ruched drop waist
- Floor-length pleated A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8890
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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April Lace-Up Velvet Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The long velvet dress features a sleeveless v-neckline, a corset bodice with flexible boning, spaghetti straps that leads to a cross-back design, a lace-up back accent, and a mermaid silhouette enhanced with a high side slit.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabrication
- Sleeveless v-neckline
- Corset bodice with flexible boning
- Spaghetti straps that lead to cross-back design
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- High side slit
- Long hem length, mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8894
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Irene Open Back Slit Column Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Everyone will do a double-take when you walk by in the Irene sleeveless formal dress at weddings, banquets, or dances! Crafted from a smooth knit fabric, this floor-length dress features an open-back design for a touch of sultriness, ruched seams that hugs your curves, and a high front slit along the column silhouette. Pair with a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Open back, tie closure, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Ruched seams, high front slit
- Column silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9280
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emma Glitter And Rhinestone Ball Gown
Special OccasionGlow from within as you dazzle in our fairy-tale worthy Emma light gold dress! She features a deep V neckline with an unlined mesh inset, padded cups, unlined mesh side panels and tank-like straps. Her waist is adorned with a triple row rhinestone belt accent to bring the shine and leads to a floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with a gorgeous geometric glitter detail that makes Emma a true one of a kind! Dress offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper closure and petticoat.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0530
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kairi Formal Scroll Print Mini Dress
Special OccasionLight up the night as you glow in our Kairi dress! She features a burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with racer bust, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her bodice features a pretty scroll print composed of a mini beaded detail and glitter outline. Create a twirl worthy moment with her multi-tiered mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4009
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kayleigh Sequin Sweetheart Party Dress
Special Occasion
This body-hugging beauty will have you glistening like never before! The Kayleigh sequin party dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a built-in padded and underwire bust, a sexy bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The party dress is designed with an eye-catching sequin pattern on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in strappy heels for a birthday or school dance!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded and underwire bust
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Sequin pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1636
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Evalina Satin Lace Up Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Her satin composition, pretty sheen, and cross back are a few details that make our Evalina so gorge. Worried about her deep V? A barely-there mesh inset provides subtle coverage. Slip into our Evalina so you can feel and look glam from head to toe!
Fits & Features
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Dual Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Tie At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust I Mesh Inset
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Wrap Skirt Reveals Front Slit
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0631
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dual Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Tie At The Back