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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Cece Cutout Bodycon Wrap Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Sexy meets chic on the Cece satin midi formal dress perfect for weddings or cocktail parties. Crafted from stretch satin, this formal dress is designed with a corset-inspired bodice for a snatched appearance and a cutout back design that will turn heads! Pair with heels.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, knit lining at the bodice
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cutout back, straps with hook and bar closures, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Bodycon wrap silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2614
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Christy Formal Sleeveless Heat Stone Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle like the queen are in our shimmering Christy heat stone dress!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless
- V-Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- Heat Stones
- Mini
- Lined Mesh
- Curve Hugging | Slight Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0188
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lindsay Taffeta Strapless Bow Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Your fabulous presence in the Lindsay taffeta bow mini dress will be such a gift to everyone at holiday parties, banquets, and school dances! She features a strapless neckline, a padded bust, a pleated bodycon silhouette, a statement side bow that adds a captivating touch of chic, and a mini-length hem. The formal mini dress is crafted from a taffeta woven fabric with a subtle sheen for an effortless glow and has a sewn-in knit lining to provide comfort. Complete the look in sassy platform heels and a bolero.
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated bodycon silhouette
- Statement side bow
- Mini-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, subtle sheen, sewn-in knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1843
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Anastasia Corset Tulle Bow Satin Mini Dress With Gloves
Special Occasion
For maximum glamour and elegance, the Anastasia satin mini dress with gloves is the perfect choice for the school dance or party! Made from a silky satin fabric, this dress exudes chic and classy style. Featuring a cowl neckline, padded bra cups, and flexible boning for a flattering bodycon fit. The adjustable spaghetti straps allow for a perfect fit, while the tulle bows along the back and detached elbow-length gloves add a touch of elegance. Complete the look in high 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 fabric, bust knit lining, minimal stretch
- Cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bra cups, side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Tulle bows along the back
- Detached tulle bow elbow-length gloves
- Flexible boning, bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2495
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, WHITE
Available Size: XS, S
Product Badge:- Sale
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Cassidy Sleeveless Floor Length Dress
Special OccasionThe best way to stun the crowd is with an elegant floor length evening gown! Our breath-taking Cassidy dress says it all with a sleeveless bodice that is detailed with a cross over pleats and side mesh insets. She has a racer front and narrow shoulder straps leading to the back that includes a zipper closure. Her sheath skirt hugs your curves and falls to the floor with ground-shaking grace and features a back slit for easy movement. She is composed of a crepe knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch for a slim fit that is both flattering and comfortable.
Model is 5'8 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: 05002-4860
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $17.44 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lola Plunging Halter Geometric Glitter Formal Dress
Glow on in a glitter dress as you make a dazzling entrance for a black-tie affair. Our Lola dress features a plunging halter neck that enhances curves and a geometric glitter design that creates an hourglass illusion. Complete your wowing look with rhinestone earrings and sleek stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Plunging halter neck
- Glitter geometric pattern
- Open back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Model is 5'6" with 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0844
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Libby Foiled Metallic High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Create an entrancing look that will bring the wow factor in the Libby metallic high slit formal dress! Crafted from a foiled metallic knit fabric for a glitzy sheen, she features a sleeveless cowl neckline with ruched detailing, a sultry backless design with thin tie-back straps, a slim-fit bodice and form-hugging fit, and a floor-length hem with an alluring thigh-high side slit to showcase some leg. Style this sleek dress with rhinestone platform heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless ruched cowl neckline
- Backless design, tie-back straps
- Slim-fit bodice, form-hugging fit
- Floor-length silhouette, thigh-high side slit
- Foiled metallic knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7745
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Madelyn Formal Metallic Cowl Neck Long Dress
Special Occasion
Own a futuristic babe allure in the Madelyn formal metallic long dress for a one-of-a-kind dress at banquets or formal parties! She shines in a cowl neckline adorned with spaghetti straps that cross in the back, a sleek and flattering slim silhouette, and a high front slit perfect for showing leg along the floor-length hem. The formal maxi dress is crafted from a shiny metallic foiled knit fabric with a sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with a grand necklace for a statement piece!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross back
- Slim silhouette, high front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Metallic foil fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7841
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Eva Lace-Up High-Low Ruffle Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A sleeveless glitter formal dress boasts a sultry V-neckline and spaghetti straps that shape the lace-up back, a mermaid silhouette, and a high-low ruffled hem. Perfect for the school dance or a black tie event.
Fit & Features
- Glitter fabric, stretchy knit lining
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid fit
- High-low ruffled hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8733
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nicola Formal Tulle Ball Gown
Special OccasionCreate an enchanted moment in our captivating Nicola dress! She features an all over rich burgundy hue, a strapless neckline with a square bust, a built in no slip strip for secure fit, padded cups and built in boning for structure. Her lined mesh bodice features a silver hued baroque inspired design and adorned with beaded accents. Her dramatic tulle silhouette features a thin knit lining and a voluminous petticoat. Nicola offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a fish hook clasp.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0546
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Priah Formal Feather One Shoulder Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the drama to the evening in the Priah formal sequin dress at banquets or black tie parties! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a feathered tank strap, a bodycon silhouette, and a flirty front slit along her midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a striking iridescent sequin-knit mesh fabric for the perfect sparkle and a stretchy knit lining. Complete your flawless look with silver rhinestone earrings and bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Feathered tank strap, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front slit, midi-length hem
- Iridescent sequin-knit mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1716
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amped Up Glamour Glitter Velvet Mini Dress
This trendy glitter velvet mini dress will amp up the glamour of your going-out look. Crafted from a glam glitter velvet fabric with an artsy diamond-shaped pattern, this mini-length dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, and a bodycon silhouette to flaunt your curves. Style with lace-up stiletto heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Mini-length hem
- Bodycon silhouette
- Diamond-shaped pattern
- Glitter velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5287
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $5.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Florence Off-The-Shoulder Glitter Velvet Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Florence velvet formal dress is the epitome of luxe glamour! The floor-length dress features a flirty ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline and leads to the form-hugging silhouette with a faux wrap-front showcasing a high-side slit. Complete the look with earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Glitter velvet fabric with knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline
- Ruching
- Faux wrap-front design, high slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9058
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jesenia Formal Rhinestone Mesh Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Look exquisite in this luxurious Jesenia formal midi dress, featuring a glamorous sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, bodycon silhouette, and an eye-catching front knotted accent with a slit and midi-length hem. You'll shine with the dazzling rhinestone-embellished mesh fabric and offers a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in a glam necklace and heels for a banquet or holiday dinner!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front knotted accent, slit, midi-length hem
- Rhinestone embellished mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1635
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cadence Crepe Tank Two Piece Mikado Dress
Special Occasion
Work your charm in our fabulous Cadence! Everyone will be mesmerized by the gorgeous floral prints and the silky mikado construction of her full skirt. Dust your neckline with a sparkling rhinestone neckline.
Fits & Features
- Tank Shoulder Straps
- Square Neckline I Padded Bust
- Crepe Crop Bodice
- Floor Length, Lined Mikado Skirt I Petticoat
- Printed Floral Design I Pleats Throughout
- Back Zipper
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0234
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $57.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Evita Formal Glitter Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Give your evening a twist of glamour with our radiating Evita mermaid dress! Her woven glitter knit reflects with each turn and her mermaid silhouette creates a twirl-worthy moment! Pair her with a luxe clutch and sparkling gems for a night to remember!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Braided Shoulder Straps | Twist-Back Design
- Vertical Princess Seams | Mermaid Silhouette
- Woven Glitter Knit Fabric
- Fully Lined
- Form Hugging Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0011
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $249.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Connie Glitter Long Sleeve Column Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Connie glitter formal dress features sheer long fitted sleeves with flared slit cuffs for drama, a sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups for support, and a high front slit along the floor-length column silhouette. Perfect for styling with jewelry and heels.
Fit & Features
- Glitter crepe knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Sheer long fitted sleeves, flared slit cuffs
- Sweetheart neckline
- Padded bra cups
- High front slit
- Floor-length column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, galas, formal dinners, and black-tie affairs.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8642
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Viviane Beaded Applique Slim Velvet Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Arrive feeling like classy elegance in the Viviane velvet formal dress at homecoming or black tie events! Crafted from a luxe velvet fabric with a sewn-in knit lining for comfort and coverage you can feel confident all night. Featuring a cowl neckline, beaded applique and padded bra cups for a flattering fit. Adjustable spaghetti straps and a high front slit add versatility, while the slim silhouette and floor-length hem create a sophisticated look. Complete the look with a clutch and heels.
Every detail shines in this intricately designed dress. Love embellishments? Explore our embellished beaded prom dresses or find a refined silhouette in our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Beaded applique padded bra cups
- Cowl neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit, slim silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8547
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Liza Satin Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Ready for an epic evening? Then light up the night in our lovely Liza dress! She features a strapless, seamed sweetheart bodice with light padding at bust and a back zip. Liza's A-line satin skirt has pockets and sits atop a structured mesh-tulle underlay, giving her party-perfect volume. Liza is lined and made from a smooth, shiny cotton blend with moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0022
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Quinn Cutout High Slit Crepe Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Create an iconically chic black-tie look in the Quinn cutout high slit formal dress! The structured crepe fabric gives that polished vibe while offering enough stretch so you can comfortably dance all night long. The formal dress is shaped with a sleeveless square neckline and thin tank shoulder straps that lead to a back zipper closure. The underbust seam is accented with sultry waist cutouts at each side to show off a hint of skin. The high-cut side slit adds an alluring flair to the floor-length slim-fit silhouette. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone chandelier earrings and lace-up stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Crepe fabric with moderate stretch
- Sleeveless square neckline with tank shoulder straps
- Underbust seam, dual waist cutouts
- Back zipper hook-eye closure
- High side slit, slim-fit silhouette
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8048
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Yara Formal Illusion Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance with lace!
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart Neckline
- Padded Cups
- Illusion Lace
- Lace Long Sleeves
- Crepe
- Slim Sheath Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0669
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Gwen Strapless Corset A-Line Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Glow all night in the Gwen glitter ball gown at the school dance! Crafted from a glitter-embellished tulle fabric, this dazzling a-line gown boasts a sheer corset bodice with pretty embroidery and glam details that'll capture all the attention while the floor-sweeping hem gives major princess energy. Pair with earrings and heels.
Flawlessly chic and bold, this dress is a statement. If strapless styles are your go-to, explore our strapless prom dresses or embrace effortless fashion with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Glitter tulle fabric, multiple tulle and premium satin lining
- V-cut strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Embroidery, rhinestone and sequin embellishments
- A-line silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0155
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alina Plunging Sweetheart Formal Dress
Special OccasionDive deep in love with burgundy this season as you stun in our romantic Alina dress. She features a sleeveless bodice and a plunging sweetheart neckline paired with narrow shoulder straps leading to a sexy open back. Her bodice features a sheer unlined mesh inset that makes her one of a kind! Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length skirt with a thigh high side slit. She is composed of an extremely smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5’9.5 with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5282
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.94 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Leanna Ruffle Glitter Mesh Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The Leanna glitter mesh skater dress features a fitted ruched bodice with a sheer waist insert and a cascading ruffled skater skirt creating an iconic fit-and-flare silhouette for a voluminous effect. Style with metallic heels for homecoming or a formal party!
Fit & Features
- Sheer glitter mesh fabric with partial knit lining, minimal stretch
- V-neckline with padded bust, ruching
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Sheer waist insert, ruching, flexible boning, sheer back
- Ruffled tiered skater skirt
- Fit-and-flare silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2355
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free