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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Brenda One-Shoulder Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Make major style moves in the sleek and stunning Brenda formal dress! She features a sleeveless asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline with a bold front cutout above the bust, a single shoulder strap, a corset-designed bodice with flexible boning, and a fitted floor-length skirt with a chic wrap-front silhouette creating a slit. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with hoop earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Front cutout, single shoulder strap
- Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floor-length skirt, wrap-front silhouette, front slit
- Satin-knit fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2012
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Paulina Strappy Open Back Slit Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Lustrous sequins illuminate the glamorous Paulina formal dress showcasing a strappy open back for sultry allure and a high front slit perfect for showing off heels.
This dazzling dress was made for the spotlight! Love the shimmer? Discover more sequin prom dresses or find a sophisticated look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sequin embellished, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Scoop neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strappy open back, hook closure
- High front slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, big birthday events, glamorous parties, special occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9369
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PERIWINKLE
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Rosalina Strappy Back Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Serve chic looks at your next formal affair in the Rosalina strappy back sequin mermaid dress! Crafted with all-over sequin embroidery on the lined mesh fabric, this long formal dress will spark up the gorgeous glamour. Her bodice is shaped with a sleeveless V-neckline and spaghetti straps, leading to an alluring open back with a cross-back strappy design and a tie closure. Her fitted high waist is accented with angled side cutouts that lead to the backless design. Her floor-length mermaid silhouette is accented with a high-cut front slit to reveal some leg. Complete your look with rhinestone fringe earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
- All-over sequin embroidery
- V-neckline with padded bust, spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back strappy design, lower zipper with hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, angled side cutouts, ruching
- High front slit, mermaid fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8295
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Yasmina Formal Cutout Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle to your formal event with a formal dress that brings the drama to your look! Yasmina features sparkling sequins throughout, a sleeveless square neckline with a built-in no slip strip, padded cups, cutout at the midriff, and a mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a sphere clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended, no-slip strip
- Sequins
- Cutout at midriff
- High waist
- Mermaid, high side slit
- Lined mesh fabric, back zipper closure
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2120
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Faith Formal Glitter Ruche Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a beautiful shine in the Faith formal glitter long dress at black tie weddings, galas, and sweet sixteens! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, and curve-hugging side and back ruched seams along her flattering mermaid silhouette and a floor-length hem. The formal maxi dress is composed of a sparkly glitter knit fabric with a stretchy sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with a box clutch and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps
- Lightly padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side and back ruched seams, mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Glitter knit fabric, stretchy sewn-in knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6944
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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May Sequin Tulle Tiered Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The May short skater dress is detailed with an iridescent sequin embroidered swirl pattern for a glitzy whimsical vibe. It features an adorable tiered skater skirt creating that iconic fit-and-flare silhouette. Complete the look for prom or a party with metallic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sheer tulle lined with woven fabric, tulle underskirt
- Surplice V-neckline with padded bust, pleating
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High waist, hidden back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Iridescent sequin embroidered swirl pattern
- Tiered skater skirt, fit-and-flare silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2108
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Celine Rhinestone Plunge V-Neck Party Dress
Special Occasion
Glittering rhinestones and curve-flaunting ruching make the Celine party dress a perfect pick for modern brides or formal birthdays! She features romantic sheer peasant sleeves with banded cuffs, a sexy plunge V-neckline, and a V-cut back to show some skin, side ruched seams, a flattering bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The formal party dress is crafted from an airy mesh fabric with all-over rhinestone embellishments for that perfect sparkle and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with strappy block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sheer peasant long sleeves, banded cuffs
- Plunge V-neckline, V-cut back
- Side ruched seams, bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Rhinestone embellishments, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1876
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ryder Satin A-Line Gown
Special Occasion
Have a fun and adventurous night in our Ryder! She features a modest V neckline and double spaghetti straps that lead to a square back and a zipper closure. Her bodice is fitted and meets horizontal hemline mid waist. Her skirt flows out into an A-line design and features a side slit detailing that meets mid thigh. Her hem hits ankle length which makes her easy to dance and move around in! She is composed of a satin like material that offers slight stretch.
Rose: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Red: Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0179
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $34.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Saphira Formal Open Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make an entrance that will enchant from all your best angles! Saphira features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a chic cross-back strap design, a pleated faux wrap overlay at the waist, and a mermaid silhouette. She is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a slight stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and a sphere clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cross-back strap design, ruching at the lower back
- High waist, pleated faux wrap overlay
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit, slight stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2306
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sasha One-Shoulder Mermaid Velvet Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Embody soft elegance in the Sasha velvet formal dress for black tie parties and events! The formal dress is designed with a chic one-shoulder neckline, a mermaid silhouette that flaunts your curves, and a high front wrap slit that shows off some skin. Complete the look with a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- One-shoulder wired V-notch neckline
- Fitted long sleeve
- High front wrap slit
- Mermaid floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9227
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Blake Formal Strapless Feather Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Revive your inner glam diva in this Blake formal dress - a stunning style to wear for award banquets or anniversary parties! She features a strapless feathered neckline, a side pleated seam that creates the wrap-style mermaid silhouette with a slit, and a floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a stretchy lined knit fabric with a subtle sheen effect. Complete the look with an envelope clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Strapless feathered neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side pleated seam
- Wrap-style mermaid silhouette, front slit, floor-length hem
- Lined stretchy knit fabric, subtle sheen effect
- Strapless bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6961
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $86.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nadia Formal Crepe Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate your evening in our breathtaking Nadia crepe dress! Wrap yourself in her rich vibrant shade and pair her with sleek stilettos for a look that wows!
Fit & Features
- Wrap V-Neckline
- Ruched Bodice
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Lined Crepe Fabric
- Asymmetrical High Slit
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0879
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ally Corset Ruffled Lace A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Fall in love with every inch of the Ally lace formal dress! Gorgeous lace shapes this floor-length dress boasting a sheer corset bodice to flaunt your figure and a ruffled A-line silhouette that brings the drama.
Make a statement in this stunning dress. Love bold details? Explore our playful ruffle prom dresses or find a sleek look in our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lace fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Sheer corset bodice, flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Ruffled A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black-tie weddings and galas, fancy parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8983
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Delanie Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning impression with a formal dress that wows from the moment you enter the room! Delanie features a plunging V-neckline, long chiffon sleeves with a swiss dot pattern, and the back features a daring open-back design. Her high-rise waist leads to a mermaid silhouette that is accented with a daring high side slit. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline, long chiffon sleeves, swiss dot pattern
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Open back
- High waist
- Mermaid silhouette, high side slit
- Lined smooth knit fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1921
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Vanessa Formal Chiffon Lattice Dress
Special OccasionCaptivate in our one of a kind Vanessa formal dress! She features a rich navy blue hue, an off the shoulder neckline with chiffon strap accents, a sweetheart bust, padded cups, narrow adjustable straps and princess seams. Her back features a lovely lattice detailing that leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32.5" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6387
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sienna Formal Sequin Lace-Up Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The Sienna formal sequin dress is party favored among the rest! She features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, an open lace-up back with tie closure, a bodycon silhouette, and a flirty front slit along the midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-scroll pattern on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in strappy rhinestone heels for a banquet or dressy engagement party!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open lace-up back, tie closure, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front slit, midi-length hem
- Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1639
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Diedre Formal Glitter Ruched Bodycon
Special Occasion
Bring the glow with formal bodycon the brings the glitz! Diedre features a square neckline, ruched long sleeves, glitter accents throughout, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and hoops.
Fit & Features
- Square neckline
- Ruched long sleeves
- Glitter accents
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0783
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Idina Formal Chiffon Slit Long Dress
Special Occasion
The Idina formal dress delivers all the romance for bridesmaids, wedding guests, or dressy family parties! She features adorable puff short sleeves, a square neck, a ruched bust with a flirty tie, and a flowy silhouette that creates the wrap-style high slit along her floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of airy chiffon fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in a statement necklace and earrings set.
Fit & Features
- Puff short sleeves, square neck
- Ruched bust with tie
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flowy, wrap-style high front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Airy chiffon fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6828
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Peyton Strapless Slit A-Line Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Shine like a queen in the Peyton A-line glitter formal dress! The dress is designed with a high front wrap slit for effortless movement and pockets perfect for stashing your phone in during photo ops.
Flawlessly chic and bold, this dress is a statement. If strapless styles are your go-to, explore our strapless prom dresses or embrace effortless fashion with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Glitter woven fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Strapless folded neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- High front wrap slit
- A-Line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, balls, black-tie galas, and big birthday events.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9403
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Virginia Sequin Strappy Party Dress
Special Occasion
Everyone will stand in awe as the light dances across the Virginia sequin dress! She brings the dazzle to your next special night featuring a sleeveless, v-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a flirty strappy open-back design, and a bodycon silhouette leading to her mini-length hem. The formal party dress is composed of a sequin scroll embellished mesh fabric with lining and a moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look in rhinestone hoops and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, v-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Strappy open-back design
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Sequin scroll embellishments
- Lined mesh fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1128
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kristen Formal Glitter Lace-Up Dress
Special Occasion
Chanel the starry night in the Kristen formal glitter dress to shimmer at your black-tie event! She features long sleeves, a pleated square neckline, and a cutout back with a lace-up. Her form-hugging mermaid silhouette flaunts your curves while the high-cut side slit offers a show of leg along her floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric with a sewn-in lining and moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look with a bold choker and bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves, pleated square neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Cutout back, lace-up
- Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette, high side slit
- Floor-length hem
- Glitter fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2576
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ashlie Formal Lace Corset Ruffled Dress
Special Occasion
Dial up your inner bombshell in the ravishing Ashlie formal dress to make a dramatic entrance as a sexy bride or a black-tie gala guest! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sheer lace corset bodice, and a short skirt lining with a sassy sheer mesh ruffled overlay and a high side slit design to show some skin! Complete the look in this flowy long dress with platform stiletto heels and a necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, padded bust
- Sheer lace corset bodice, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer mesh ruffled overlay, high side slit design
- Long-length hem, lace-lined knit short lining, minimal stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7013
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lori Formal Asymmetrical Ruched Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in the captivating Lori formal dress to make a gorgeous impression. She features a sleeveless wrap v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and padded cups. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to an asymmetrical A-line silhouette with ruching. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with glitter heels and a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wrap v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded cups
- Asymmetrical A-line silhouette
- Ruching
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1176
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Karissa Glitter Knit Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Light up the room in the glitzy Karissa glitter knit wrap dress! She features a V-neckline with a wrap-front design, long fitted sleeves, a floor-length silhouette with a ruched wrap-front, and a chic thigh-high front slit. Complete the look with sparkling earrings and embellished heels.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline, wrap front, long sleeves
- Bra-friendly design
- Form-hugging silhouette with ruching
- High front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1165
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale