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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Rosella Open Back Mermaid Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make a timeless and elegant impression in the Rosella satin formal dress with alluring details like an open strappy back and a flattering mermaid silhouette!
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
- Stretch satin fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Open strappy back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie weddings, gala, fancy dinner parties, engagement parties, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9709
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, BROWN
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Gillian Sleeveless Ruffled A-Line Tulle Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Rule the runway in the Gillian tulle formal dress for a show-stopping look to your seat at weddings, banquets, or garden parties! Crafted from luxurious tulle fabric, this floor-length dress will make you feel like a work of art. The sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps with ruffled trim, and ruffled tier A-line silhouette create a look of effortless elegance. Complete the look with earrings and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Tulle woven fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Adjustable spaghetti straps with ruffled trim
- Padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Ruffled tier A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7837
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Delilah Illusion Lace Formal Dress
Special OccasionRadiate timeless elegance and beauty in our darling dress! She features an upper unlined bodice, a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, narrow unlined fitted sleeves and a slim fit bodice that leads to a flattering sheath skirt. Her back features an unlined illusion lace detail that shows off a hint of skin. She is composed of a floral lace fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric and back zipper closure with a ruched detail.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5839
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $33.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Everly Formal Lace Corset Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Breathtakingly romantic, the Everly formal dress will make your grand entrance into school dance or black-tie galas stunning! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sheer lace corset bodice with a lined padded bust, flexible boning, and a flattering mermaid silhouette, pleated side seam, and asymmetrical front slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a smooth knit-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with hoop earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer lace corset bodice, lined padded bust, flexible boning
- Mermaid silhouette, asymmetrical front slit, floor-length hem
- Lined smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6904
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Maves Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make an enchanting appearance in a formal dress that wows from the moment you enter the room! Maves features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a row of criss-cross straps at back, and a sleek bar strap. The slim fit bodice leads to a form hugging mermaid silhouette that is accented with a dramatic high side slit. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Criss-cross straps, bar strap
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Form hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2236
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Monet Off Shoulder Evening Gown
Special Occasion
Introducing our Monet! She is sleek and sexy. She features a wired sweetheart neckline, satin off the shoulder sleeves and a form fitting silhouette. She is designed with vertical princess seams leading down to her flared floor length hem. Her back has a lace up detail as well as a zipper closure. She is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch and her look finishes with a flattering high thigh side slit.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0202
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $36.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Francie Taffeta Strapless A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Amaze and delight in the Francie taffeta party dress ready for twirling at school dances or dressy birthdays! She features a flirty strapless neckline with a fold-over accent, a flattering A-line silhouette, and a short-length hem. The party dress is crafted from a woven taffeta fabric with a subtle sheen and has multiple tulle and a stretchy knit lining for a voluminous effect. Complete the look with a dazzling necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, fold-over accent
- Back zipper closure
- A-line silhouette, short-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, subtle sheen effect
- Multiple tulle and stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1887
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Monica Lace-Up Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Create a stunning prom look that will capture attention in the sleek Monica formal dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a strappy lace-up back design, ruching at the lower back, and a fitted, floor-length silhouette. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch for comfortable wear. Style this dress with chic stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Open back, strappy lace-up design, tie closure
- High waist seam, lower back ruched detailing
- Fitted, floor-length silhouette
- Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2210
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tatianna Lace-Up Applique Slit Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Tatianna satin formal dress embodies easy glam elegance with a strappy lace-up back, an applique bodice, and a mermaid silhouette that effortlessly hugs your curves.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps
- Strappy lace-up back, zipper closure
- Applique embellished bodice
- Mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, galas, black-tie celebrations, nights at the theatre and opera, red-carpet functions
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9502
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MAUVE
Available Size: XS, S
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Kenna Rosette Applique Ruffled Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the romantic allure to your fancy affair in the Kenna rosette applique ruffled formal dress. She features a strapless straight-across neckline, ruching at the waist and down the sides seams, chic rosette applique accents on each side, side ruffled accents and trims, dual thigh-high side slits, and a floor-length hem with a slim-fit silhouette. The lined smooth knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with strappy stilettos for a stunning wedding guest look.
Fit & Features
- Strapless straight-across elastic banded neckline
- Ruching at the waist, down the side seams
- Rosette applique accents at each side, ruffled accents, ruffled trims
- Dual thigh-high side slits, floor-length hem, slim-fit silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, full-length knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7635
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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May V-Neck Mermaid Sequin Long Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be dazzling all night in the May sequin long formal dress at prom or upscale birthdays! The delicate V-neckline is accentuated by a wired insert, padded bra cups for support, and sleek bungee spaghetti straps for a seamless look. The mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem will make you feel like a glamorous beauty, all while shimmering in the beautiful sequin mesh fabric. Elevate your formal look and turn heads in this exclusive formal gown for any fancy soiree! Style with fringe earrings, a bracelet, and heels for an unforgettable look.
Fit & Features
- Sequin mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Padded bra cups
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8099
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Palmer Formal Satin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance to your evening in our breathtaking Palmer dress! Her wrap design is accented with pockets and a flattering A-Line silhouette.
- Off The Shoulder Neckline | Sweetheart Bust
- Fold Over Accent | Padded Cups
- Removable Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Satin
- Wrap A-Line Silhouette | Pockets
- Built In Bodysuit Lining
- Form Hugging Fit | Minimal 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: 05002-0393
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Taylor Glitter Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe looks to your formal soiree in the sultry chic Taylor mermaid dress. She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a lace-up back, and a floor-length fitted mermaid silhouette with a stylish thigh-high front slit. The dress is composed of a glitter velvet fabric that will bring the glamorous vibes. Complete the outfit with gold hoop earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up strappy back design, tie closure
- High waist seam, floor-length mermaid silhouette
- High front slit
- Glitter velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1822
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brie Formal One-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and alluring, the Brie formal mermaid dress will draw all eyes to you. She features a sleeveless asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline with dual spaghetti straps, an open back with a strappy design, ruched detailing at the lower back, and a fitted, floor-length, mermaid silhouette. The smooth knit fabric offers plenty of stretch for comfortable wear. Style with classic stiletto heels for a formal soiree.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Open back, strappy design, ruching at the lower back
- High waist seam
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, form-hugging fit
- Knit fabric, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2311
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Makenna Formal Velvet And Sequin Dress
Special OccasionMake an A-List worthy entrance in our gorgeous Makenna navy blue dress! She features a wrap V neckline, fitted long sleeves, princess seams and waistband accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a lovely envelope wrap skirt. She is composed of an all over navy blue lined velvet fabric adorned with gleaming sequins set in a diamond pattern. Dress offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes 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: 05001-3937
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kaelyn Sequin V-Neck Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A true thing of beauty! The Kaelyn Sequin V-Neck Slit Formal dress will not only catch the light but many stares. She features bishop long sleeves, and a sultry v-neck atop an empire waist leading to a slit, floor-length silhouette perfect for a show of skin. The sequin embroidered-lined fabric offers a minimal stretch. Complete the look in platform strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Bishop long sleeves, button cuffs
- V-neck, bra friendly
- Empire waist, back zipper closure
- High side slit, floor-length
- Sequin embroidery
- Lined fabrication
- Fits true to size, minimal stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2189
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
- Bishop long sleeves, button cuffs
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Blakely Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Lace Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Blakely lace formal dress is perhaps the most romantic dress on the scene! Designed to capture attention, this dress showcases an off-the-shoulder neckline with sheer long sleeves and a flattering mermaid silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Lace fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Sheer fitted long sleeves with flare cuffs
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, brides, weddings, black tie parties, engagement parties, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9560
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elana Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
You'll make a shining statement in our stunning Elana formal dress! You'll stop everyone in their tracks as soon as they see you making your way in. She features a sleeveless V neckline with a padded bust, dual adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, princess seams, and a high waist. Her floor-length skirt has a pretty A-line silhouette and includes hidden side pockets. The glitter woven fabric has a mini-length knit lining. Complete the look with dramatic rhinestone earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V neckline, padded bust
- Dual adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Princess seams, high waist
- Floor-length hemline, A-line silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Glitter woven fabric, mini-length knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0527
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Katlynn Formal Velvet Long Dress
Special Occasion
Make a lasting impression in the Katlynn formal velvet dress for your upcoming holiday parties and dressy events! She features a sultry off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neck with a draped overlay, a form-hugging slim silhouette, and a sultry high-cut slit to show some skin on her long hem. The formal dress is composed of a luxe velvet fabric with a sewn-in lining and moderate stretch. Complete your breathtaking look with a glamorous hair accessory for a chic updo!
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neck, draped overlay
- Sticky bra recommended
- Form-hugging, slim silhouette
- High-cut slit, long-length hem
- Luxe velvet fabric, sewn-in lining
- Moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2772
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Leona Formal Crepe Rhinestone Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Glamorous details that make it impossible not to get noticed! The Leona formal dress will attract all the attention at banquets or dressy cocktail parties. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neck with a lovely cowl pleating over the bust, rhinestone embellished and adjustable spaghetti straps, a form-hugging slim silhouette, and a stunning high side slit and long hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric with minimal stretch. Complete the look with sparkly earrings and a bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neck
- Rhinestone adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cowl pleating across bust
- Form-hugging, slim silhouette, high side slit, long hem
- Lined crepe fabric, minimal stretch
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1561
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Whitley Formal Ruched Long Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Whitley formal ruched long mermaid dress will showcase your stunning silhouette at your next formal affair! Crafted from a stretchy smooth knit fabric, she features a sleeveless cowl neckline with a built-in padded bust so you don't have to worry about a bra, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, ruching down the back and side seams, a dramatic floor-sweeping hem with a cascading train, and an iconic mermaid silhouette to flaunt your curves. Style this formal long dress with rhinestone chandelier earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Ruched back and side seams
- Floor-sweeping hem, train, mermaid silhouette
- Stretchy smooth knit fabric, mini-length knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8253
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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One Last Dance Glitter Asymmetric Ruffled Maxi Dress
Have the last dance out on the floor in this glitter mesh maxi dress perfect for celebrations! It features a V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a form-hugging silhouette, and an asymmetrical ruffled maxi-length hem. The glitter mesh fabric includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with stylish stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Asymmetric ruffled maxi-length hem
- Glitter mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2673
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jordana Lace Trim Gown
Special OccasionAn elegant lace-and-mesh-overlay lends our ivory Jordana gown her streamlined sophistication. She features a deep V bodice with cap sleeves, back zip, ivory contrast-panel waist, and beige underlay. Jordana has scallop trim at sleeves, neckline, and hips. Slim-line skirt pools gently at hem and features a front slit. Jordana is fully lined and made from a mid-weight crepe material with 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: 05002-6754
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Drew Formal Rhinestone Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Stand out in the fabulous Drew formal long dress to bring the pop diva vibes to the school dance or dressy celebration! She stuns in a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flattering mermaid silhouette with a floor-length hem. The formal dress is designed with all-over rhinestone embellishments that shimmer with every step on a stretchy unlined sheer mesh fabric. Complete the look with fringe earrings and a choker necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- All-over rhinestone embellishments
- Unlined sheer mesh fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or shaper bodysuit recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6986
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance