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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Evie Formal Sleeveless Satin Dress
Special OccasionBring the elegance your evening in our enchanting Evie dress! She features a rich purple hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with pleated accents, padded cups and adjustable narrow cross straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length wrap skirt accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6793
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alina Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Looking for a chic style to award you the best-dressed guest at your next wedding? The Alina mermaid wrap dress is a perfect choice. Featuring an off-the-shoulder straight-across neckline with a draped design, a wrap-front skirt creating an alluring slit, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette, you'll garner all the compliments. The crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder straight across neckline, draped design, short sleeves
- Back zipper closure
- High waist seam, wrap-front skirt, pleating, front slit
- Floor-length hem, mermaid silhouette
- Crepe fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6893
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Pippa Taffeta Sweetheart Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Bring about a romantic revival in the Pippa ball gown to make your swoon-worthy entrance at prom, sweet sixteens, or a formal gala! She features adorable puff short sleeves, a surplice sweetheart neckline with a lightly padded bust, and a pleated side seam along the empire waistline. Her flattering A-line silhouette offers hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and an asymmetrical high front wap slit along the floor-sweeping hem. The ball gown is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit stretchy lining and tulle for a voluminous effect. Complete the look in dainty butterfly earrings and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Surplice sweetheart neckline, lightly padded bust
- Puff short sleeves, empire waist, pleated side seam
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure, hidden side pockets
- A-line silhouette, asymmetrical high front wrap slit, floor-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit stretchy lining, tulle lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0186
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mckensie Glitter One-Shoulder Party Dress
Special Occasion
Short in length but long in reasons to love! The Mckensie glitter party dress is ready to celebrate at bachelorette parties or formal dances. She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps, curve-hugging side and back ruched seams, a bodycon fit, and a mini-length hem. The party dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric with a sewn-in lining and moderate stretch. Complete the look in sassy platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neck, dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side and back ruched seams
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Glitter knit fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1466
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Plus Oriana Off-Shoulder Gown
Special OccasionThey say nothing beats a classic, and our Oriana crepe gown checks all the formal wear boxes and then some! She features a curve-hugging cut, an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, seam detail at bodice and skirt, a back zip, and a high front slit. Oriana is made from a mid-weight crepe-like material and offers a hint of stretch.
Model is 5'11" with a 38" bust, 37" waist and 48.5" hips. She is wearing a 1X.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0128
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lorelei Formal Mermaid Long Dress
Special Occasion
Simple but not understated! Flaunt your figure in the gorgeous Lorelei formal dress for a stunning look as a bridesmaid or wedding guest! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neck with a cowl draping, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customizable fit, and side ruching that accentuates your curves along her mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem with bonding for a structured flare. The formal dress is composed of a smooth-lined knit fabric with moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look with a silver clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neck, cowl draping
- Lightly padded bust, no bra required
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruching, mermaid silhouette, floor-length bonded hem
- Lined smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7176
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $92.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tatiana Lace-Up Mermaid Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle from head to toe in the Tatiana glitter floor-length formal dress designed with an intricate lace-up back and a curve-flaunting mermaid silhouette that steals the show!
Fit & Features
- Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Sweetheart halter neckline, padded bra cups
- Lace-up back design
- Ruched side seams
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, romantic date nights, glam dinner parties, weddings
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9572
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, CAMEL, PURPLE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Carella Wrap Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Crafted from a lightweight waffle knit fabric, glitter embellishments twinkle and shine from top to bottom on our stunning Carella. Her wrap skirt reveals a flirty front slit, letting you show off those heels and glide around comfortably! She features a form-hugging, surplice wrap bodice that leads to the long-length hem. Complete your dressy look in statement earrings and heels.
Fits & Features
- Sleeveless, v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Adhesive or strapless bra recommended
- Surplice wrap bodice
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Front slit, wrap long-length hem
- Glitter waffle-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0788
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sonia Formal Halter Cutout Chiffon Long Dress
Special Occasion
Show some skin! Feel so sultry in the Sonia Formal Halter Cutout Chiffon Long dress for your next evening out. She features an alluring, sleeveless halter neck with tie-back closure, a ruched cutout bust, and a pleated empire waist. Her airy silhouette leads to a floor-length hem with a high-cut front slit for a sexy show of leg. The formal dress is composed of a flowy chiffon texture-lined fabric with no stretch. Finish the look in stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Halter neck with tie-back closure
- Disposable pasties recommended
- Ruched cutout bust, pleated empire waist
- Airy silhouette, floor-length hem
- High-cut front slit
- Chiffon texture lined fabric, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2101
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mariah Glitter Knit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Shimmer all night long in the glamorous Mariah glitter knit formal dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline with spaghetti straps, draped cold shoulder short sleeves, a high waist seam, and a form-hugging, floor-length silhouette with a chic thigh-high side slit. The glitter knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete your glitzy look for a formal wedding with an embellished evening bag.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Spaghetti straps, draped cold shoulder short sleeves
- High waist seam
- Floor-length silhouette, high side slit
- Form-hugging fit
- Glitter knit fabric, short knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2624
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Claire Sleeveless Sequin High-Slit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Glamorous and chic, the Claire sequin formal dress will give you a stunning look. She features a sleeveless wrap-front V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a fitted bodice, and a floor-length skirt with a sultry thigh-high front slit. The all-over sequin detailing will showcase a stylish sparkle. Complete your outfit with sleek hoop earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wrap-front V neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Fitted bodice
- Floor-length skirt, high front slit
- Lined knit fabric with all-over sequins
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1130
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $8.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Amara Formal High Slit Ruched Dress
Special Occasion
Make a mesmerizing impression in a dress that commands attention. Amara features a plunging off the shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, off the shoulder strap accents, a ruched silhouette, and a high center slit. Complete your formal evening outfit with dazzling rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust
- Off the shoulder strap accents
- Ruched silhouette
- High center slit
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0864
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Carmelle Formal Flocked Mesh A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
In the Carmelle formal long dress, there are many reasons to celebrate the occasion you're attending and the way you'll look and feel! She features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, a sheer corset bodice with flexible boning, and a flattering A-line silhouette with a floor-length hem. The formal dress is crafted with a lovely flocked velvet pattern on mesh fabric and a stretch knit lining. Complete the look in statement earrings for a gala or black tie affair!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lightly padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Flocked velvet pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7164
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Belle Tulle Rhinestone Short Dress
Special Occasion
Airy tulle cinches at the waist to create the flawless Belle ruffled short dress designed with a glimmering rhinestone trim waist perfect for a charity dance or wedding! She features a strapless, sleeveless neckline, non-slip grip lining, and voluminous ruffled tulle short-length hem. The formal dress offers a smooth knit lining, a hidden zipper, and a hook-eye closure. Complete your sassy look with striking heels and a clutch!
Fit & Features
- Strapless, sleeveless neckline
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Non-slip grip lining, a hidden zipper, and hook-eye closure
- Rhinestone trim waistband
- Ruffled, flare silhouette, short-length hem
- Tulle fabric, knit lining, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1262
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Susie Strapless Skater Bubble Hem Dress
Special Occasion
Sweet and stylish, the Susie skater bubble hem dress is a perfect pick for those who want a short silhouette for prom! She features a strapless straight across neckline with a built-in padded bust, a fitted bodice with pleated detailing, a high waist, a short pleated skater skirt with a trendy bubble hem design, and a flirty fit and flare silhouette. Complete your look for a school dance or any formal party with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Strapless straight across neckline, built-in padded bust
- Fitted bodice, pleating, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist, short pleated skater skirt, bubble hem
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Woven taffeta fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1441
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Yasmin Cutout Back Mermaid Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase sparkly luxe in the Yasmin sequin formal dress with a striking cutout back and mermaid silhouette that puts your curves on display!
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
- Sequin embellished pattern
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Cutout back with hook strap, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, big milestone events, dressy birthday parties, glam soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9290
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lucy Formal Floral Chiffon A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the romance in our charming Lucy floral dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, a bold open back accented with adjustable spaghetti cross-straps, a floral print, and a flowy A-line silhouette. She is composed of a semi-sheer chiffon fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with no stretch. She also includes a mini skirt smooth knit lining. Complete your look with block heels and a butterfly necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Open back
- Adjustable spaghetti cross-straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closures
- Floral print
- A-line silhouette
- Chiffon fabric, form-hugging fit, no stretch
- Mini skirt length knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0694
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ensley Formal Satin Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxe satin to make a stunning impression! Ensely stuns with her wrap silhouette, pair with sleek stilettos to take their breath away!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline
- Ruched Short Sleeves
- Wrap V-Neck Bust
- Lined Satin Fabric
- Asymmetrical Silhouette | Ruched Side Seam
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0778
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Noelle Formal Woven Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Bring the glowing elegance with a ball gown that shimmers with each step you take. Noelle features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden side pockets, and a slim fit bodice that leads to a sweep floor length silhouette accented with a high side slit. The ball gown is composed of woven glitter fabric that offers a relaxed fit with slight stretch. Complete look with glitter mesh heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Hidden side pockets
- High side slit
- Woven glitter fabric
- Relaxed fit, slight stretch
- Includes mini skirt length lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0147
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ria Heat Stone Formal Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Ria dress brings the sparkle to your special evening! Shimmer from the moment you enter the room in a dress that showcases your glamorous taste. The Ria dress features glitzy heat stones, sheer mesh long sleeves to show off a hint of skin, and a curve-hugging mini-length silhouette. Complete your special evening outfit with chrome heels for maximum shine.Fits & Features
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V-neckline
- Unlined, fitted long sleeves
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric adorned with heat stones
- Curve hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3979
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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V-neckline
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Laila Formal Crepe Twist Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The Laila midi dress offers a playful twist for cocktail parties and dinner dates! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a twisted bust with a keyhole cutout, a form-hugging silhouette, and a flirty front slit along the hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined crepe 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
- Twisted bust, keyhole cutout
- Form-hugging, slit midi-length hem
- Lined crepe, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1295
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Annalise Scroll Sequin Cross Back Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be hypnotizing them all in our spellbinding Annalise! Her form hugging silhouette is lined with scroll pattern sequins that shimmer and glow underneath the bright lights. The sultry front slit leads to her fit and flare mermaid hem for a flattering touch. Slip into a pair of stiletto heels and add chandelier rhinestone earrings for finishing touches!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Lightly Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Mermaid Silhouette I Front Slit
- Mesh Lined Sequin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0705
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lucilla V-Neck Tiered Mesh Dress
Special Occasion
Ooh la la, Lucilla is here! Make a dramatic entrance in this eye-catching formal dress for your next fancy gathering. She features a trendy, sleeveless, surplice V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, and mesh straps that lace up along her open-back design. The voluminous ruffled tiered mesh skirt is designed in an A-line silhouette that gently sweeps across the floor. Complete the look in a glam rhinestone hairpiece for a stunning updo.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, surplice V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open-back, lace-up, zipper closure
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Ruffled tiered mesh skirt, stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2184
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lilyana Sweetheart Slit Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Lilyana satin formal dress redefines elegant dressing in a flattering sweetheart neckline and form-hugging bodice that flares out into an alluring wrap front slit.
Unapologetically bold, this dress is all about confidence. Keep the luxe look going with our stunning strapless prom dresses or discover the perfect fit among our stylish wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, bust knit lining
- Sweetheart strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging bodice
- High front wrap slit
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black tie weddings, bridesmaids, galas, nights at the theatre, formal events
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9689
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S