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.
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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!
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Kaliyah Formal High Slit Lurex Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and shimmer in this off-the-shoulder gown for your next formal event. Make a stunning entrance in this floor-length A-line dress with shimmery lurex fabric that wraps perfectly around the waist in a surplice off-the-shoulder bodice. Indulge in a twirly-worthy moment in this A-line-shaped skirt accented with a side high slit detail for a flirty reveal of your gorgeous legs. Complete your formal look with sparkly rhinestone jewelry and matching glitter heels for the perfect finishing touches.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Wrap-style bust
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Glitter Lurex knit fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0060
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $15.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Pam Formal Velvet Long Sleeve Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Luxurious velvet creates the chic-sophisticated Pam formal dress! Her timeless silhouette features a sweetheart neckline with cowl pleating, fitted long sleeves, a corset bodice with flexible boning to give you a snatched appearance, a head-turning strappy lace-up back, and a high front slit, all crafted from beautiful velvet fabric. The floor-length hem gives this dress effortless sophistication for a glamorous evening look. Complete the look for a formal party, wedding, or banquet with a statement ring set and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Fitted long sleeves
- Sweetheart neckline, cowl pleating
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Strappy lace-up back
- Mermaid silhouette, high front slit, floor-length hem
- Soft velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Any bra or lingerie accessory recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7610
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Maya Formal One Shoulder Dress
Special OccasionDare to bare in our bold Maya dress! She features a classic black hue, a one shoulder neckline, an open back and an adjustable asymmetrical shoulder strap. Her open back is accented with a lovely twisted knot detail that rests on the lower back for a gorgeous detail! Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette. She is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.
Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6607
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Elliana Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to draw all the attention, the Elliana formal sequin mermaid dress is a perfect pick for prom or other fancy affairs. She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a slim-fit bodice that continues through the waist, and a floor-sweeping hem with a gorgeous mermaid silhouette. The knit fabric features an intricate sequin-embroidered scroll design that will catch the light at the center of the dance floor. Complete your look with a rhinestone lariat necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Slim-fit bodice and waist
- Floor-sweeping hem, mermaid silhouette
- Sequin-scroll embroidery, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless or sticky bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6885
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Pascha Strappy Open Back Mermaid Floral Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Feminine florals and airy mesh will make you swoon for the Pascha formal dress! Designed with a sexy open strappy back and a mermaid silhouette that flaunts your figure.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strappy open back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, garden parties, engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding showers, baby showers, dinner parties, galas, birthdays
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000292
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLUE-2
Available Size: XS, S
Product Badge:- Sale
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Karlee Formal Ponte Sleeveless Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Chat, dance, and toast the night in the perfect Karlee formal midi dress for rehearsal dinners, graduations, or cocktail parties! She features a classic sleeveless V-neckline, wide shoulder straps, a flattering bodycon silhouette, a back slit accent, and a midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a smooth ponte knit fabric with a knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with statement earrings and lace-up heels for an eye-catching complete look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Back zipper closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Back slit accent, midi-length hem
- Smooth ponte knit fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Bra friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1746
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ivette Formal Satin Lace-Up Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Your swoon-worthy entrance awaits in the Ivette formal satin midi dress as the bride, graduate, or black-tie party guest! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lace up along her sultry open back, side, and back ruched seams that accentuate your curves and a bodycon silhouette with a midi-length hem. The formal knee-length dress is composed of a silky satin-lined fabric with moderate stretch. Complete the look with the midi dres with a chic collar necklace and heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, dual spaghetti straps
- Open lace-up back
- Side and back ruched seams, bodycon silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Lined silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1737
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Chelsea Cowl Neck Lace-Up Mermaid Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Light-catching glitter will catch every eye when you arrive in the Chelsea long formal dress at prom or sweet sixteens! Capture the shimmer of this gorgeous glitter dress featuring a flattering cowl neckline, padded bra cups for support, and spaghetti straps that shape the open lace-up back giving you a sultry exit. The mermaid silhouette accentuates your curves while the floor-length hem lends sophistication. Complete the look with a stunning necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Padded bra cups
- Spagehtti straps
- Lace-up
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7978
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alana Halter Beaded Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Delicate beading and sequins embellish the Alana halter formal dress giving chic polished vibes with an alluring high front slit and form-hugging silhouette!
Fit & Features
- Beaded, sequin embellishments, mesh-lined fabric
- Halter cowl neckline, padded bra cups, bar accent
- Spaghetti strap tie-back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, brides, bridesmaids, weddings, upscale celebrations, galas, black-tie events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9455
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $169.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: CORAL
Available Size: XS, S, M
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Zena Sequin V-Neck Party Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmering sequins leads to endless sparkle on the Zena party dress perfect for celebrations or Vegas weekends! She shines in her sleeveless V-neckline, lightly padded bust, bungee spaghetti straps that cross along the back, and a short bodycon silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-embellished fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Style with a clutch and heels to complete your radiant look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, lightly padded bust
- Bungee spaghetti straps, cross back
- Bodycon silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Sequin-embellished fabric, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1399
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Macy Formal Velvet Dress
Special OccasionSlip into rich velvet to make a regal entrance in our Macy black dress!
Fits & Features
- V Neckline With Wide Shoulder Straps
- Multi-Strap Back
- Slim Fit Bodice I Floor-Length Silhouette Accented With High Slit
- Lined Velvet Fabric
- Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Back Zip Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6130
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cassidy Formal Cowl Neck High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Make a glamour entrance with a dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room. Cassidy features a sleeveless cowl neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a satin bodice. The relaxed fit bodice leads to a floor-length crepe skirt accented with a high side slit. Complete your look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Satin bodice
- Spaghetti straps
- Crepe skirt
- High side slit
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1269
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Carrieann Formal Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sophistication in the alluring Carrieann formal satin dress. She features a sleeveless wired V-neckline, a pleated bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. She is composed of a lined stretch satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels and a matching rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wired V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back
- Pleated bodice
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Stretch satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0987
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Willow One-Shoulder Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The slinky knit fabric and curve-creating silhouette make the Willow floor-length formal dress so sophisticated. The dress flaunts a sexy open-back design and mermaid silhouette that highlights your figure.
Fit & Features
- Slinky knit-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- One-shoulder neckline, adjustable spaghetti strap
- Open strappy back, lower ruched seam
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, black-tie parties and events, fancy celebrations, dressed-up date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9697
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Audrey Formal Ruffled One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Timeless with an eye-catching twist, the Audrey long formal dress is ready to make your acquaintance for banquets, ceremonies, and black-tie events. She features a striking sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a bonded ruffled design for a structured look, a flattering mermaid silhouette, and a bonded ruffled long-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sleek scuba knit fabric with plenty of stretch. Complete the look with a clutch and stiletto pumps.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, bonded ruffled design
- Mermaid silhouette
- Bonded ruffled long hem
- Sleek scuba knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-4037
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Janet Velvet High Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Your evening awaits in the Janet formal dress! She features a strapless, square neckline that shapes the empire waist and fitted bodice. The side ruching creates the illusion of curves while the high front slit displays a sexy show of leg. Her luxe velvet-lined fabric offers a minimal stretch. Add a sparkly clutch to complete your look.
Fit & Features
- Strapless, square neckline
- Side ruching, empire waist, fitted bodice
- High cut slit
- Floor-length hem
- Luxe velvet-lined fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1811
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Remi Sweetheart Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Remi sequin mini dress is the perf option for a bachelorette party or just a girl's night out! She features a sleeveless bodice, dual bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a low sweetheart neckline, a faux-wrap front skirt, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. The all-over sequin detailing will give you a gorgeous sparkle. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Cross-back design
- Sweetheart neckline, back zipper closure
- Faux wrap-front skirt
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Sequins
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0602
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Addison Formal Wrap Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Stunningly timeless, Addison brings an elegant aura to your special moments! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a wrapped sweetheart bust, off the shoulder cap sleeves with ruched detailing and a midi length silhouette with an asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0230
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Clarice Applique Bodycon Satin Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dressing up is always fun with the Clarice satin midi formal dress! This elegant dress boasts a pretty beaded applique bust, sleek bodycon fit, and a flirty front slit for effortless movement.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Beaded applique bust, sweetheart pleated neckline
- Padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit, midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, garden parties, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, fancy date nights, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000005
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN
Available Size: S
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Angelique Formal High Slit Lace Dress
Special OccasionMake a bold statement in our breathtaking Maisie dress! She features a plunging wrap V neckline with lace insets, adjustable narrow straps and a cinching tie waist belt. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with two high slits. Dress is composed of chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6351
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alda One Shoulder High Low Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Make your mark with a formal dress that showcases your timeless elegance! Alda features a one-shoulder neckline with an adjustable spaghetti strap for a customized fit, padded cups that offer additional support, and an asymmetrical high low hem with pleating at the hem. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, adjustable spaghetti strap
- Padded cups
- Pleating at hem
- High waist
- Asymmetrical high low hem
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1621
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lolinda Formal Crepe Cutout Long Dress
Special Occasion
Dressing up for something? The Lolinda Formal dress brings elegance and grace to your evening soiree! She features a strapless, corset-style bodice with flexible boning and a chic cowl draping. Show some in the sultry front cutout that shapes her slenderizing, long-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a crepe knit fabric with plenty of stretch. Finish the look in dazzling earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Corset-style bodice, flexible boning, cowl draping
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Front cutout, back zipper closure
- Slenderizing long-length hem
- Crepe knit fabric
- Moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2144
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alira Cold Shoulder A-Line Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Alira satin formal dress is worthy of an enchanted fairytale moment at prom or black tie balls! Made for a truly unforgettable evening, this satin gown boasts an A-line silhouette, front slit adds sultriness, while the floor-length hem creates a truly elegant look.
Dripping in satin and pure sophistication, this dress turns heads effortlessly. Love that silky shine? Browse our luxe satin prom dresses or opt for a sleek silhouette with our formal dresses.>
Fit & Features
- Smooth silky satin lined with woven fabric
- Cold shoulder cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, short-sleeve cuffs
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit
- A-line silhouette, hidden side pockets
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, lavish parties, galas, balls, black-tie weddings, and bridesmaids.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8018
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN, NAVY
Available Size: 1, 3, 5
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cornelia Formal Crepe Strappy Dress
Special Occasion
Show some skin. Cornelia is all class with sultry appeal in her sleeveless, plunging V-neckline, built-in padded bust, princess seams along the bodice, and open-back allure with caged-strap detail. Her figure-flattering, A-line silhouette leads to a floor-length hem with a sexy front slit perfect for showing off a pair of glam heels to complete your dressy look.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, plunging V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust, no bra required
- Open-back, caged strap detail, zipper closure
- Princess seams along the bodice
- Form-fitting, A-line silhouette
- Floor-length hem, front slit
- Crepe-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2410
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale