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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Clarisse Well Refined Lace Back Dress
Special OccasionYou've got great refined taste! Our Clarisse black lace back dress is absolutely a simple beauty. She has a deep V neckline, adjustable shoulder straps that lead to a sheer lace back with a waist cut out, an exposed back zipper closure, a high waist seam, and a floor-length skirt with a leg slit that flares at the hem. Clarisse is composed of an unlined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6213
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Liza Formal Ruffle Glitter Dress
Special OccasionLeave a hint of magic behind when you leave the room as you radiate in our navy blue Liza dress! She features a round neckline, fitted long sleeves and an elongating sweeping floor length skirt that brings plenty of glamour! Her bold open back features a dazzling bow accent that leads to a fluttering ruffle accent. Dress is composed of a rich navy blue hued glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36 hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-5975
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $46.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ari Formal Satin Lace-Up Party Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it oh-so-luxe in the Ari satin party dress for a sultry prom vibe! She features a sleek, cowl neckline with pleat detailing, dual spaghetti straps, and ruched seams on her curve-loving silhouette. Turn heads thanks to her stunning lace-up open-back design that adds a special detail to your look. The formal dress is composed of buttery smooth satin fabric with lining and a moderate stretch. Finish the look in statement hoops.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, cowl neck with pleating, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Side and back ruched seams
- Form-fitting, mini-length hem
- Open-back, lace-up closure
- Luxe satin fabric, lining, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0979
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mandy Formal Two Piece Lace Dress
Special OccasionBring some lace appeal to your evening as you stun in our one of a kind Mandy two piece dress! She features a sleeveless crop top with plunging V neckline, princess seams, padded cups and narrow straps that lead to unlined floral lace back with lower back strap accent. Her matching double lined skirt features a high rise waist, vertical seams, a high side slit and a zipper closure. Mandy is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0494
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- 50% Off
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Danielle Sequin Mesh Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Look oh-so-stunning in our gorgeous Danielle sequin mesh dress! She features a sleeveless bodice with tank-like shoulder straps, a plunging V-neckline, a V-back, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette with a flowy floor-length hem. The mesh fabric has an intricate all-over sequin pattern. Pair this dress with rhinestone bobby pins and heels and you'll make a beautiful entrance at your next soiree.
Fit & Features
- Tank-like shoulder straps
- Deep V-neckline
- V-back
- Mermaid silhouette, flowy floor-length hem
- Form-hugging fit
- Mesh fabric, all-over sequin detailing
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0708
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sophie Formal Open Back Dress
Special OccasionGet hearts racing in our jaw dropping Sophie hunter green dress! She features an all over rich hunter green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with a racer bust, princess seams and a narrow waist band accent. Her back features a bold lower back keyhole and a zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette accented with vertical seams to create an hourglass-like effect and a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6139
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Faye Rhinestone Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase confidence in the sultry and glamorous Faye rhinestone lace-up mermaid long dress. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust, a twist-front design at the bust with a keyhole cutout, spaghetti straps, an open back with cross-back lace-up straps, a hip-hugging fit, a floor-length mermaid silhouette, and all-over mini rhinestone embellishments for a stunning sheen. Style the formal maxi dress with rhinestone fringe earrings and platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Twist-front design, keyhole cutout, spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back lace-up straps, tie closure, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure, ruching
- Hip-hugging fit, floor-length hem, mermaid silhouette
- Rhinestone embellishments, lined knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7102
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Melika Bustier Slit A-Line Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Melika satin jacquard formal dress is a princess dream come true! Fashioned with a gorgeous bustier bodice, this dress has a flattering A-line silhouette and side pockets perfect for stashing your phone in during photos.
Fit & Features
- Jacquard floral pattern, premium satin woven-lined fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Spaghetti strap ties
- Bustier bodice, flexible boning, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- A-line silhouette, high front slit, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, charity galas, balls, weddings, bridesmaids, formal garden parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9001
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: YELLOW
Available Size: 7
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Iris One Shoulder Draped Velvet Dress
Special OccasionDrape yourself in luxe velvet to channel timeless glam for your evening! Iris features a stunning one shoulder neckline with a draped shoulder strap, a sweetheart bust with a padded cup. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit to show off a hint of leg. She is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a curve flattering fit with a moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0119
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alana Formal Crepe Corset Long Dress
Special Occasion
Make a memorable entrance in the sleek and sultry Alana formal long dress at galas, sweet sixteens, and black tie parties! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a lovely cowl pleating, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, a corset bodice with flexible boning, a slim curve-hugging silhouette, and a high front slit and long hem. The formal maxi dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric with plenty of stretch. Complete the look with a rhinestone choker and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl pleating
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Padded bust, corset bodice, flexible boning
- Slim curve-hugging silhouette, high front slit, long hem
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7311
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sheer Beauty Chiffon Slit Maxi Dress
Everyone will marvel at you looking like beauty in this chiffon maxi dress perfect for wedding showers or dressy dates! It features sheer peasant long sleeves, a sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, a smocked back, and a flowy long hem with a front slit. The dress is composed of airy chiffon fabric with a smooth woven lining. Complete the look in chic heeled sandals.
Fit & Features
- Sheer peasant long sleeves, elastic cinched hems
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Smocked back
- Flowy maxi-length hem, front slit
- Airy chiffon, smooth woven lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2240
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $12.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Josephine Formal Velvet Sweetheart Dress
Special OccasionFill your night with luxury as you grace them with your presence in our Josephine dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline with shoulder strap accents, a sweetheart bust with fold over accents, padded cups and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6003
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $30.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Courtney Sleeveless Shimmer Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Show up in style and have all eyes on you in the gorgeous Courtney formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded V-neckline, front ruched detailing, a slim fit, and a floor-length A-line skirt with a thigh-high slit. The shimmer woven fabric has minimal stretch and includes a mini-length knit lining. Complete your look with rhinestone statement earrings and a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded V-neckline with princess seams
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure, cinched back detail
- High waist seam and front ruching
- Slim fit
- Floor-length skirt with an A-line silhouette
- High slit
- Shimmer woven fabric, minimal stretch, mini-length knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1249
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Vivian One-Shoulder Feather Trim Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Vivian formal dress will let you showcase your dramatic chic side! She features a one-shoulder neckline with a shoulder pad to provide structure, a bold long flared sleeve with a trendy feather trim, a floor-length asymmetrical hem creating a thigh-high side slit, and a curve-hugging silhouette. The crepe knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style with strappy stilettos for your next fancy gala!
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, shoulder pad
- Long flared sleeve, feather trim
- High waist seam, floor-length asymmetrical hem, high side slit
- Curve-hugging fit
- Crepe knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-4920
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Clarissa V-Neck Rose Floral A-Line Formal Gown
Special Occasion
You'll be an enchanting inspiration in the beautiful Clarissa floral A-line formal dress at banquets and fancy garden parties! She boasts a sultry plunging V-neckline with a hook-eye fastener, delicate adjustable spaghetti straps, and a strappy open back that exudes timeless elegance. The empire waist and A-line silhouette flatter your figure while the sheer organza fabric with rose floral print adds a touch of romance! Complete the look with earrings and a statement bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Rose floral print, sheer organza fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Plunge V-neckline, hook-eye fastener
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, strappy back
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit, A-line silhouette
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7894
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lizzie Lace-Up Cowl Back Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be a vision in motion wearing the stunning Lizzie floor-length formal dress with an eye-catching lace-up cowl back and a high front slit that shows some leg!
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric with stretchy knit lining
- Sweetheart cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up cowl back
- High front slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, wedding guests, bridesmaids, upscale dinner parties, romantic date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9123
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PEACH, LAVENDER
Available Size: XS, S, M
Product Badge:- Sale
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Celeste Sparkling Siren Evening Dress
Special OccasionLure in the crowd with this Siren-Worthy evening dress! Celeste has a flattering, fitted bodice that features a V neckline paired with narrow straps leading to a short lace down back. The floor length dress has a daring, center slit and features a sparkling, all over sequin detail. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with slight stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32 bust, 23 waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6056
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Helena Formal Satin Corset Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Look glamorous in the Helena formal satin dress to celebrate the perfect evening as a bridesmaid or wedding guest! She stuns in a flattering sleeveless corset bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps, flexible boning inserts, and a pleated side seam leading to the long hem with a sultry side slit. The formal dress is composed of luxurious silky satin-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with a glitter clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless corset bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning, pleated side seam
- Slim silhouette, side slit, long hem
- Lined silky satin, moderate stretch
- Pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7198
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ria Bustier Mermaid Glitter Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Decorated with shimmering glitter that sparkles under any light, the Ria satin formal dress exudes sophistication at galas, black-tie weddings, and balls. Made from luxurious glitter satin fabric, this gown is guaranteed to make you shine at any formal event. Designed with a sweetheart neckline and thin shoulder straps for a delicate and chic look. The bustier bodice, built-in padded underwire bust, and flexible boning provide support and structure, while the mermaid silhouette and bonded floor-length hem create a graceful and flattering silhouette. Complete the look with a dainty necklace and earrings set for an enchanting evening!
Fit & Features
- Glitter satin fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Built-in padded underwire bust
- Flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Bonded floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8135
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Presley Formal Halter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning entrance with a formal dress that brings radiance to your special occasion. Presley features a halter neck with a racer-style bust, a built-in padded bust, bungee spaghetti straps that cross at the back, ruching at the lower back, and a high side slit along the floor-length, A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a sphere clutch.
Fit & Features
- Halter neck, racer-style bust
- Built-in padded bust
- Bungee spaghetti straps, strappy open back
- Back ruched seam, high side slit
- A-Line silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1708
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Catrina Formal V-Neck Corset Mermaid Satin Dress
Special Occasion
A figure-enhancing corset bodice creates a sexy look on the Catrina formal satin long dress perfect for black tie weddings, galas, or parties! She's designed with a flattering V-neckline and pleated bust highlighting your assets while her corset bodice with flexible boning snatches your figure and offers a back lace-up to give you the perfect hourglass effect. The mermaid silhouette hugs your curves while the floor-length hem gives the illusion of a long and lean figure. Complete the look with a stunning necklace and earrings set for a touch of glamour!
Fit & Features
- Smooth stretch satin fabric with knit lining
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sleeveless V-neckline, pleated bust
- Corset bodice, flexible boning, back lace-up
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7975
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lacie Formal Sequin Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Put a twinkle in everyone's eyes when you strike them with your shine in the Lacie formal sequin long dress at galas, school dances, and anniversary parties! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a non-slip grip lining, a lightly padded bust, halter spaghetti straps with back button closure, an open lace-up back, and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette with a floor-length hem. The formal long-length dress is composed of a sequin-embellished mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a statement choker necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, non-slip grip lining, lightly padded bust
- Halter spaghetti straps, back button closure
- Open lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Sequin-embellished mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6890
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Neann Open Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle from all your best angles with our Neann dress! She features a high round neckline, fitted long sleeves and an open back with a lower back bar strap accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined glitter mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Zipper not included.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0368
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Felicia Beaded Sequin Slit Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Felicia satin formal dress is here for your most glamorous events! The dress showcases a stunning sequin and beaded bodice, a high front slit for effortless movement, and a form-hugging silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer mesh bodice, sequin and beaded embellishments
- High front slit, form-hugging silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, red-carpet events, black-tie galas, nights at the theatre and opera, and glam celebrations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9704
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free