Formal Dresses
Windsor's formal dresses are redefining elegance for 2025. Think illusion panels that sculpt and contour, printed mesh gowns with bold florals or swirls, and slinky jersey knits that drape like liquid luxe. Daring cutouts bring a sleek edge to eveningwear, while cascading ruffles add movement and modern drama. These trendy gowns prove that formal doesn’t have to mean predictable—they’re made for weddings, galas, and every post-worthy moment in between. Discover styles that are chic, camera-ready, and designed to make you unforgettable.
HomeFormal Dresses
Product Recommendations
Formal Dresses That Make Every Moment Feel Major
Windsor’s formal dresses are designed for those unforgettable nights when your look has to be flawless. From sweeping formal gowns to sleek short silhouettes, this collection delivers drama, polish, and trend-right details that set the tone for any occasion. Think structured corset bodices, adjustable straps, lace-up backs, and high slits that blend comfort with high-impact style.
- Heading to a big event? Explore Winter formal dresses in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin, and crepe that feel rich and elegant.
- For December celebrations, our formal holiday dresses sparkle with sequins, rhinestones, and glitter mesh, while bold jewel tones and classic black create timeless appeal.
- Looking to ring in the New Year? Formal NYE dresses with metallic finishes and statement cutouts are made to shine under the lights.
If you’re planning a gala, wedding, or milestone party, Windsor offers a range of formal party dresses in both fitted and flowy silhouettes to match your vibe. Go for a strapless satin gown with a sweetheart neckline for timeless elegance, or choose an asymmetrical hemline or bow-back detail for a fresh twist that feels modern and fun.
No matter where the night takes you, Windsor’s formal dresses give you options that feel special, stylish, and photo-ready. Shop Windsor’s formal dresses near you, online, in-app, or at one of 350+ stores nationwide, and find the look that will make your night unforgettable.
Tips for Choosing the Best Formal Dress for Your Body Type
- Hourglass: Slay those curves with a fitted corset bodice and flowing skirt.
- Pear‑Shaped: Balance out your look with a structured top and full skirt.
- Rectangle: Create curves with a cinched waist and flared hem.
- Apple‑Shaped: Draw eyes upward with a V‑neckline and empire waist.
For more styling inspo, hit up our blog guides like “The Ultimate Gala Dresses Guide” or “Sexy Formal Dresses – Create an Eye‑Catching Look” and get ready to own every moment.
What’s the Difference Between a Formal and a Semi-Formal Dress?
Formal and semi-formal dresses differ based on event dress codes and styling. Formal attire, often called black-tie, features glamorous floor-length gowns with luxe details like rhinestones, lace, and beading—perfect for galas, weddings, and proms. Popular silhouettes include mermaid, ball gown, and A-line styles.
Semi-formal dresses offer more variety in length and design, making them ideal for homecoming, weddings, and cocktail parties. These styles range from midi to short lengths.
The venue and occasion can also guide your choice—an upscale wedding may call for a floor-length gown, while an outdoor event might be perfect for a sleek midi dress with a stylish neckline.
Are Formal Dresses Always Long?
Not always! While long gowns are classic for formal events, modern formal attire includes various lengths and styles. Windsor’s collection of women’s formalwear features short, midi, and long dresses. Explore dramatic mermaid and column silhouettes for timeless elegance, or opt for trendy alternatives like high-low hemlines and two-piece designs for a fresh take on formal fashion.
Find your perfect formal dress at Windsor any time of year, available online, in-app, and in over 350 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Shop now for trend-driven styles that make you shine and every event unforgettable!
-
Reese Formal Heat Stone Illusion Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the night with our shimmering Resse formal dress! She features a partially lined bodice with a sweetheart neckline, sheer long sleeves, lined cups with underwire, piping details, and sparkling heat stones throughout the bodice. The back is sheer and unlined. The slim-fit bodice leads to a curve-hugging mini-length silhouette. Complete your look with chrome heels and a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline
- Partially lined bodice, back is unlined
- Lined and padded cups with underwire, piping details
- Long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Heat stone embellishment on sheer mesh fabric, short knit lining
- Mini-length silhouette with a form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0512
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Clara Floral Velvet Mesh Dress
Special Occasion
Romantic and sultry, the Clara short dress brings allure to your next celebration or holiday dinner! She features a sweetheart neckline, a lightly padded bust, ruched long sleeves, and a bodycon silhouette with ruched side seams that accentuates your curves. The formal dress is composed of a floral velvet flocked pattern on mesh fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with rhinestone stiletto heels for a glam look!
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline, lightly padded bust
- Ruched long sleeves, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sticky bra optional
- Side ruched seams, bodycon silhouette, short hem
- Floral velvet flocked pattern
- Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1359
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Winnie Velvet Corset Mermaid Dress
The velvet dress features a sleeveless halter neckline, a corset bodice accented with flexible boning, a high slit, and a wrap mermaid silhouette. Complete formal outfit with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Lined velvet fabrication
- Sleeveless halter neckline
- Corset bodice
- High slit
- Wrap mermaid silhouette
- Long hem length
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8875
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Aden Cutout Back Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
For the kind of night that calls for a jaw-dropping entrance, The Aden formal dress brings sleek drama in sculpting stretch knit. The sweetheart mermaid silhouette flatters from every angle, designed to move with you from first toast to final dance.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Cutout back design
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, date night, black tie galas, upscale birthday events, red carpet occasions, formal dances, charity dinners, award shows
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000074
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Sawyer Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Light up the room and live it up at prom in the glitzy Sawyer sequin formal dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a cross-back strap design, and a floor-length, fitted, mermaid silhouette with a sultry front slit. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and showcases gorgeous all-over sequin embroidery. Style this prom dress with sparkling rhinestone earrings and neutral block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, no bra required
- Cross-back strap design, zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, front slit
- Sequin embroidery
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1856
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Jayla Floral Rosette A-Line Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Show off your whimsical side in the Jayla floral rosette ball gown this party season! Boasting a flattering A-line silhouette and floor-length hem that'll make you feel like a princess.
This dreamy dress is pure elegance and sure to leave a lasting impression. Looking for more? Elevate your look with a stunning pink prom dresses or a captivating formal dress.
Fit & Features
- Floral rosette design, tulle and stretchy knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, built-in underwire padded bust
- Flexible boning, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- A-line silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, balls, big birthday events, and fancy parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0234
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ara Formal Lace Up Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your elegant style with a formal dress that dares to be bold. Ara features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to the open strappy back, and dual waist cutouts. Her bodycon silhouette is accented with a high side slit along the floor-length hem. Ara is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete formal outfit with rhinestone heels and a sphere clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, v-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Strappy open-back, tie closure
- Dual waist cutouts
- Bodycon silhouette
- High side slit, floor-length hem
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2284
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Melanie Floral Velvet Lace-Up Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Meet the dress that owns the room—the Melanie stuns in plush velvet with a flocked floral pattern, a curve-hugging silhouette, and a lace-up back made for your next big entrance.
Fit & Features
- Flocked floral pattern, velvet mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Curve-hugging silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, engagement parties, black tie galas, formal celebrations, date nights, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9096
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER, WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Amaya Sequin Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dreaming of sparkle for homecoming or parties? The Amaya sequin formal long dress is the perfect gown that will have all eyes on you! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a padded bust that eliminates the need for a bra, dual spaghetti straps that lead to a gorgeous lace-up back design for a customized fit, a flattering high waist seam, and a floor-length fitted silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in an intricate vintage-inspired scroll design. Complete your look with the formal maxi dress with rhinestone earrings and neutral heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, sheer mesh inset, dual spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, no bra needed
- Lace-up back design, adjustable tie, lower back zipper
- High waist seam, floor-length fitted silhouette
- Sequin embroidery, scroll design
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining
- Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2497
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $124.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Roxanne Formal Sequin Lace-Up Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The main event will be you in the Roxanne formal dress to serve up sparkle at engagement parties, birthdays, and major events! She features a sleeveless square neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lace-up back design, a bodycon silhouette, and a sultry slit along the midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-pattern mesh fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Style with a metallic clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back design
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit, midi-length hem
- Sequin-pattern mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1346
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Nicole Formal One-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Flaunt your figure in the sophisticated and sultry Nicole formal dress as a stunning bridesmaid, wedding guest, or at a black tie event! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a padded bust, dual bungee spaghetti straps, and side and back ruched seams to accentuate your curves along her flattering mermaid silhouette with a floor-length hem. The long dress is composed of a sleek knit fabric with a sewn-in lining and plenty of stretch. Complete the look with a dainty bracelet and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline,
- Padded bust, dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side and back ruched seams
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Sleek knit fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6960
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Sarai Formal One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Dress
Special Occasion
Create a stunning impression with a formal dress that radiates elegance and charm. Sarai features a one-shoulder neckline with a tank strap, a lattice back, and an A-Line silhouette with an asymmetrical high side slit. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline with tank strap
- Lattice back
- A-line silhouette
- Asymmetrical high side slit
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Lined knit fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1303
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Regina Sweetheart Beaded A-Line Party Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be ready to light up the night in the Regina party dress at the school dance or a dressy celebration! Covered in delicate beading, this mini-length dress is designed with a sweetheart neckline with padded bra cups for support while the flattering A-line silhouette gives you a twirl-worthy look. Pair with earrings.
This dress brings confidence and charm with every step. Looking for more must-have styles? Shop our stunning pink prom dress or dance the night away in one of our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Beaded mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2640
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Mia Halter Slit Mermaid Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Mia mesh formal dress is a chic showstopper with alluring details that turn heads. Its plunge halter neckline, high front slit, and mermaid silhouette flaunts your figure in the most captivating fashion!
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric, short sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Plunge halter neckline, metal insert, cutout accent
- Tie straps, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, sheer floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie soirees, engagement parties, anniversaries, fancy events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000096
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BURGUNDY
Available Size: XS, S
-
Kristie Formal Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Luxurious velvet creates the glamorous homecoming dress like the Kristie formal dress destined to be your perfect plus one at school dances or black tie parties! She features long sleeves with shoulder pad accents, a mock neckline, and a sultry side cutout with ruching at the waist leading to her form-hugging, mermaid silhouette with a high-cut front slit along the floor-length hem. The soft and smooth velvet fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with statement earrings and heels to complete your dressy look!
Fit & Features
- Long fitted sleeves, shoulder pads, mock neckline
- Bra-friendly design
- Back zipper closure
- Side cutout with ruching at the waist, high-cut front slit
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Velvet fabric, knit lining at the bust, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2986
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Melrose Formal Mesh Ruffle Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
With a romantic allure and a flattering silhouette, the Melrose formal dress is the perfect pick for bridesmaids or wedding guests! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with ruffle trims, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a mermaid silhouette with asymmetrical ruffles leading to a high front slit and floor-length hem. The formal long dress is composed of an airy mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in basic block heels and dainty jewelry.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, ruffle trims, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, asymmetrical ruffles
- High front slit, floor-length hem
- Airy mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7586
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Nikita Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sleek in our Nikita dress that brings the elegance to your formal evening. She features a plunging sleeveless wrap V-neckline, padded cups that eliminate the need for a bra, sleek spaghetti straps, a ruched silhouette that enhances curves, and a floor-length silhouette with a dramatic asymmetrical high slit. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Plunging wrap V-neckline
- Padded cups, sleek spaghetti straps
- Ruched silhouette, asymmetrical high slit
- High waist fit
- Floor-length wrap silhouette
- Stretchy satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1038
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Danielle Floral Strapless Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Turn every entrance into a slow-motion moment with the Romantic Danielle formal dress, where bold floral print meets a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette that guarantees all eyes on you!
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric with all-over floral print, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless neckline with subtle draping
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, summer galas, black tie parties, fancy date nights, upscale celebrations, garden party soirees, cocktail events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000042
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RUST
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Jolena Formal Sequin Side Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Stunning at charity galas and red-carpet events, the Jolena formal dress radiates glamour everywhere you go! She features a sleeveless square neck, tank-style straps, a form-hugging silhouette, and a sexy high-cut side slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-scroll patterned mesh fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with a chic clutch and heels to complete your dressy look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, tank-style straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- High-cut side slit, floor-length hem
- Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5150
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Taylor Lace-Up Slit Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Step into a world of sparkle in the glam Taylor sequin formal dress capturing sultry design details like a lace-up back that turns heads and a high front slit for effortless movement.
Fit & Features
- Sequin embellished pattern
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Square neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, red-carpet events, big milestone celebrations, galas, and fancy cocktail soirees.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9428
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Kelsey One Shoulder Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Draw all eyes on you in the Kelsey mini dress glistening with sequin embroidery to bring sparkle to your night! She features a stylish one-shoulder neckline with a peasant long sleeve, an elasticized high-waist seam, and a form-hugging silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin mesh fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in door knocker earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, peasant long sleeve
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Elasticized high-waist seam
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1134
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Bellarose Formal Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make a radiating entrance in a formal dress that makes a head-turning impression! The dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps that cross at the back, dazzling iridescent sequins throughout, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with chrome heels and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps, cross at back
- Iridescent sequin embroidery
- Mini-length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form-hugging fit, slight stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0889
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Evelyn Lace-Up Ruffle Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to bring a chic drama to your evening, the Evelyn mesh formal dress impresses with a flirty lace-up along the plunge neckline, side ruched seams that accentuate your curves along the mermaid silhouette, and a ruffled high-low hem.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Plunge V-neckline, padded bra cups, lace-up accent
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams, mermaid silhouette
- Ruffled high-low hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, cocktail soirees, engagement parties, anniversaries, fancy date nights, parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9330
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Eleanor Formal Sequin One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkly sequins form a stunning display on the Eleanor formal dress for a major shine at Homecoming, banquet dinners or black-tie weddings! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with dual bungee spaghetti straps, an open strappy back design, side flexible boning for structure, a mermaid silhouette, and a floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-embroidered mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in a necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, padded bust
- Dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Open strappy back, zipper closure, side flexible boning
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Sequin-embroidery, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2487
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale