Formal Dresses

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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!

  • Lorena Glitter Prom Dress
    Special Occasion

    Bandage and glitter? Two of our absolute favorites! This stunning dress features a glitter dusted fabric with multiple horizontal seams creating a bandage look, wide shoulder straps, a crossed fabric bust accent and a sheath silhouette. Includes an exposed, gold back zipper and bust padding.

    Model is 5'7.5" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3627

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $17.44 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kiley Sequin Lace Up Back Dress
    Special Occasion

    Stun in sequins as you shine on throughout the whole night in our charming Kiley formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, racer front paired with double narrow adjustable straps that lead to a sexy cross back and lightly padded cups for lift and support. Her slim fir bodice leads to a floor length skirt with a skin teasing high slit to show off your heel game! The all over dangling sequins overlay a mesh fabric and is complimented with a thin knit lining. She offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Dress includes a lower back zipper closure. 

    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: 05002-5093

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $37.44 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Plus Marissa Crepe Trumpet Dress
    Special Occasion

    Show a little shoulder with our daring Marissa dress! She is a beautiful floor length gown with an off the shoulder neckline that creates the effect of short strap sleeves. Her curve hugging fabric is composed of a crepe knit that offers moderate stretch to accentuate your hourglass figure. She also features sheer lace godet accents to add some WOW factor and show off your heels!

    Model is 5'11 with a 47" bust, 40.5" waist and 57.5" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0003

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.94 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kayla Halter Open Back Slit Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Effortlessly move through the evening in the Kayla mermaid formal dress in elegant fashion at black tie galas or weddings! She boasts a halter cowl neckline with a tie, a striking open back with ruched strap detail, and a figure-flattering mermaid silhouette. Finished with a high front wrap slit, and floor-length hem, on shimmery foil knit fabric, this dress is perfect for making a sophisticated statement at any formal event. Complete the look with earrings, a clutch, and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Shimmery foil knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Halter cowl neck with tie
    • Open back with ruched strap detail
    • High front wrap slit
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8613

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jenny Halter Mermaid Tie-Dye Mesh Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Everyone will swoon over your vibrant chicness in the Jenny tie-dye mesh formal dress at banquets and parties! Crafted from a mesh fabric with a unique tie-dye print, this dress will all have eyes on you. She features a halter neckline with a tie strap, side and front ruched seams that accentuate your curves along the mermaid silhouette, and a high front slit that shows some skin along the floor-length hem. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and a clutch for glamour!

    Fit & Features

    • Tie-dye print, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Halter neckline with tie strap
    • High front slit
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8612

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lauren Strapless Wrap Slim Satin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A stunning satin formal dress features a strapless neckline with padded bra cups for support, a side pleated seam, and a high front wrap slit along a slim silhouette. The silky satin fabric offers a subtle sheen effect and stretch. 

    Unapologetically bold, this dress is all about confidence. Keep the luxe look going with our stunning strapless prom dresses or discover the perfect fit among our stylish wedding guest dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Silky satin fabric, minimal stretch
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Side pleated seam
    • High front wrap slit
    • Slim floor-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8281

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: MOCHA

    Available Size: XS

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Zoe Lace-Up Corset Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Main character always in the Zoe mermaid sequin formal dress with a satin lace-up back and gorgeous corset bodice, you'll own the scene! 

    All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Iridescent sequin embellished fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Satin lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Floor-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, black tie galas, big birthday events, glam soirees

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9128

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $176.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lille Lace-Up Corset Rhinestone Mermaid Gown

    Special Occasion

    Watch every head turn towards you in the Lille floor-length formal gown at dances and red-carpet events. Crafted from a lightweight mesh fabric, the sleeveless formal dress boasts a stunning corset bodice with a lace-up back design and a sheer trim on top of a figure-hugging mermaid silhouette.

    Rich, radiant, and effortlessly glamorous—this dress was made to stand out. Keep the regal energy going with our stunning purple prom dresses or embrace glam and elegance with formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Lightweight mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Applique with rhinestone embellishments
    • Square neckline, padded bra cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Corset bodice, flexible boning, sheer trim
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mermaid silhouette, bonded floor-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, galas, and formal birthday celebrations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0138

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $109.97 $249.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cleo Floral Embroidered Tulle Corset Mermaid Gown

    Special Occasion

    Dare to bring the luxe drama in the Cleo corset mermaid gown, a gorgeously glam look for black-tie galas. The lined tulle fabric is accented with floral embroidered appliques detailed with dainty rhinestone embellishments for a hint of sparkle.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer tulle fabric, floor-length tulle and knit linings
    • Floral embroidered applique accents, tonal rhinestone embellishments
    • Sweetheart neckline with cold-shoulder design, adjustable spaghetti straps, pleated off-the-shoulder straps
    • Sheer corset bodice, padded bust, pleated cowl neck draped overlay, flexible boning
    • Open lace-up back design, hidden lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette, banded hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, black-tie galas, and fancy affairs.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0150

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $109.97 $239.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sherry Strapless Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Step out in our darling Sherry! She showcases a strapless sweetheart neckline with a padded cup area, and wiring down the sides and center vertically leading down to the skirt. Sides of the bodice have criss-cross cutouts with a mesh underlay, and back has a hidden zipper. Her bodice meets skirt high waist, has pockets and puffs out in a flattering way with the help of the two layers beneath, one satin and one fishnet mesh. Sherry is composed of a satin like material that has a stunning sheen to it. Offers no stretch.

    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: 05001-0099

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Bethany Formal Satin Rhinestone Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the luxe to the night in our charming Bethany dress! She features a a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built in no slip silicone strip for secure fit, padded cups and vertical princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a party length skirt accented with pleats and side pockets adorned with a sparkling gemstone accent. Dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a knit lining and petticoat. 

    Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05001-0095

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Emme Satin Party Dress
    Twirl the night away in the flirty Emme satin party dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a high waist, cute side pockets, and a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. Complete your look with rhinestone statement earrings and strappy heels.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0152

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kallie Formal Foiled Metallic Ruched Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Kallie formal ruched midi dress is an iconic style for cocktail hour or an elevated party! Designed from a trendy foiled metallic knit fabric, she features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, all-over ruched detailing to flaunt your gorgeous figure, a mid-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette. Complete your chic look in this formal dress with rhinestone fringe earrings and strappy stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • All-over ruching
    • Mid-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Foiled metallic knit fabric
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1894

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rose Formal Mesh Corset Column Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Rose formal long column dress is the perfect combination of elegance and glamour with a sheer corset trim and high-side slit for effortless allure!

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh fabric, partial stretchy knit lining
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl pleating
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, crisscross open back
    • Padded bust, sheer corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Side ruched seams, fitted column silhouette
    • High-side slit, floor-length hem
    • Style runs small

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, rehearsal dinners, cocktail soirees, and dressed-up date nights.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8333

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alaia Cross-Back Pleated A-Line Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Alaia floor-length formal dress makes every head turn at banquets and weddings. Crafted from lined smooth knit fabric, this sleeveless dress offers a strappy back design and an A-line silhouette showcasing a high front slit. Pair with strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Lined smooth knit fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, open cross-back strappy design
    • Lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • High waist seam, asymmetric seam
    • Floor-sweeping pleated A-line silhouette, high front slit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8720

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mylah Rhinestone Mesh One-Shoulder Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Dare to captivate with chic glamour in the Mylah formal mini dress crafted with a partially lined airy mesh fabric and glimmering rhinestone embellishments in a bold asymmetric patterned design down the sleeve and at the hem. The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with a sheer long fitted sleeve and a mini-length bodycon silhouette to flaunt your gorgeous curves.

    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 knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • Rhinestone embellishments, asymmetric patterned design
    • One-shoulder neckline
    • Sheer long fitted sleeve
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2358

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Loreli Lace-Up Glitter Striped Mermaid Gown

    Special Occasion

    Have your princess moment in the Loreli floor-length gown at dances and red-carpet events! Designed to captivate with glitter and textured stripes on the mesh fabric, this dress features a corset sheer bodice with flexible boning and a striking lace-up back atop the form-hugging mermaid silhouette. Pair the gown with a hair accessory and ring set.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter and textured striped design
    • Mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, spaghetti straps
    • Corset sheer bodice, flexible boning
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mermaid silhouette, floor-length bonded hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0137

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $99.97 $229.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • All The Luxe Velvet Cover Up

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the luxe to your evening looks with a glam cover up! This must have piece features an open front, quarter-length sleeves with ruched detailing and an all over velvet fabric. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05008-0004

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Christina Floral Chiffon Dress
    Special Occasion

    Let your natural beauty radiate confidence in our Christina dress! Her vibrant floral pattern will help you channel a lovely aura! She features, a plunging wrapped V neckline paired with narrow adjustable straps, a cinching tie waist belt and a lightly pleated flowing maxi length skirt. She is composed of a lightweight chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. She includes a thin knit lining and a back zipper closure. 

    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: 05002-5350

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.94 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Glinda V-Neck Bow Lace Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A sleeveless formal dress features adjustable spaghetti straps, a flattering ribbon bow and lace trim V-neckline, and padded bra cups for support. The mermaid silhouette effortlessly wraps your curves while the floor-length hem adds drama. 

    Fit & Features

    • Lace fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Ribbon bow lace trim V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Padded bra cups
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mermaid floor-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8779

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Viviane Satin Sweetheart Lace-Up Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    An eye-catching back elevates the sleek Viviane satin ball gown to make a jaw-dropping appearance at prom, black tie celebrations, and formal dinner banquets! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, wide shoulder straps that lace up along her back, and a padded bust. Her flattering A-line silhouette offers hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm and pleating that leads to the floor-length hem. The ball gown is designed with a sleek satin fabric with multi-layers of tulle and woven linings. Complete the look with a gorgeous collar necklace and clutch!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
    • Wide shoulder straps, lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets, pleating, A-line silhouette
    • Floor-length hem
    • Sleek satin fabric, multi-layers of tulle and woven linings
    • No bra required
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0161

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $189.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jane Satin Lace-Up A-Line Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Bring a hint of drama in the Jane ball gown to sweep everyone off their feet! Capture the attention at prom, galas, and black-tie weddings. She stuns in a sleeveless sweetheart neck, wide shoulder straps that shape the open lace-up back design, a ruched twist padded bust, and flexible boning inserts that create a structured bodice. Her flattering A-line silhouette features hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, pleating, and a floor-sweeping hem. The gown is composed of smooth satin fabric with multiple layers of woven and tulle lining to create a voluminous effect. Complete the look with a gorgeous collar necklace and clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neck, ruched twist padded bust
    • Wide straps, open lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Flexible boning inserts along bodice
    • Hidden side pockets, A-line pleated silhouette, floor-length hem
    • Satin fabric, multi-layers of woven and tulle lining
    • No bra required
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0162

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $189.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mia Formal Rhinestone Bustier Long Dress

    Special Occasion

    Breathtaking rhinestones dazzle everywhere you take the Mia formal dress! Create a glam entrance into galas, school dances, and dressy birthdays. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sheer bustier bodice, a padded and lined underwire bust, and a curve-hugging slim silhouette with a flirty knot accent atop her skin-baring high slit with a long hem. The formal dress is composed of a rhinestone-embellished mesh fabric with a partially stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in simple stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lined and padded underwire bust
    • Sheer bustier bodice, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Curve-hugging slim silhouette, knotted accent, high front slit, long hem
    • Rhinestone-embellished mesh fabric, partially stretchy knit lining
    • No bra required
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3286

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $79.97 $179.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Franny Open Back Sequin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A luminous shimmer on the Franny sequin formal dress is ready to enhance the night of your dreams at galas or black-tie events! Crafted from sequin scroll mesh fabric, this gown is a work of art that will make you stand out at any formal event. The high neckline with dual button closures exudes sophistication, while the open-back design adds a touch of allure. The form-fitting silhouette hugs your curves while the high front slit creates a stunning look along the floor-length hem.

    Sequins bring the perfect mix of elegance and fun. Want more options? Shine in a sparkling sequin prom dress or make an entrance in our glamorous party dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Sequin scroll pattern
    • High neckline with button closures
    • Open back, zipper with hook-eye closure
    • High front slit
    • Floor-length form-fitting silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8398

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free