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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Mazie Formal Sequin V-Neck Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Light-catching sequin rows create a shimmer on the Mazie formal long dress perfect for homecoming and red-carpet celebrations! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust, sleek bungee spaghetti straps, and a curve-flaunting mermaid silhouette that gracefully touches the floor. The formal maxi dress is composed of a mesh fabric with sequin embroidery in a gorgeous chandelier design and includes a stretchy knit lining. Style the floor-length dress with a clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
- Bungee spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Curve-hugging, mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Sequin-embroidery, chandelier design
- Mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2991
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Savannah Sequin Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Twirl the night away in the flirty Savannah sequin party dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a strappy cross-back design, a fitted high waist, and a short flared-out party skirt silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has all-over sequin embroidery in a stunning scroll design. Complete your look with neutral block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Cross-back strap design, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, short party skirt
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0938
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adah Formal Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Razzle and dazzle in the Adah formal glitter dress sure to memorize the room with her sparkly entrance! She features a sleeveless, sweetheart neck, lightly padded bust, and sleek bungee spaghetti straps that cross along her open back with a bum-ruched seam and zipper closure. Her form-fitting, a-line silhouette accentuates your curves and elongates your figure thanks to the flared, floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a glitter stretch-knit lined fabric. Complete your dressy look with a chic hairpiece to tame your tresses.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, sweetheart neck, bungee spaghetti straps
- Lightly padded bust, bra optional
- Open-back, cross straps, bum ruched seam, zipper closure
- High waist seam, form-fitting
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Glitter stretch-knit lined fabric
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2409
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Emani Formal One Shoulder Heat Stone Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the shine to your event with a formal dress that dazzles under the spotlight. The dress features a one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve, sparkling heat stones throughout, a bold high side slit, and an A-line 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.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Fitted long sleeve
- Heat stones
- High side slit
- A-Line
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1657
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rosalie Formal Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase timeless elegance in the simple yet chic Rosalie formal mermaid dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, princess seams that run down the length of the dress, and a floor-length, fitted, mermaid silhouette. Complete the look with sparkling statement earrings and an embellished clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Princess seams, high waist seam, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem with interfacing trim
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2087
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sandra Halter Open Back Mermaid Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Evoke glamour in the Sandra sequin formal dress to bring sparkle to black-tie soirees! She's designed with a halter neckline with button closures to secure the sophisticated look, while the open back adds a touch of sultry. The mermaid silhouette and floor-length hem flatter every figure and curve to reveal a stunning fit, adorned with a mesmerizing sequin scroll pattern on delicate mesh fabric. Complete the look with a bracelet, clutch, and heels for a chic evening affair!
Fit & Features
- Sequin scroll pattern, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Button back closures
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8165
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Azella Bodycon Slit Glitter Velvet Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle from every angle in the Azella glitter velvet formal dress designed to capture attention with an alluring bodycon silhouette and wrap slit.
Fit & Features
- Glitter velvet fabric, bust knit lining
- Pleated V-neck, spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
- High front wrap slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, formal events, and black-tie weddings.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9105
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: S
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Nadia Satin Ball Gown Dress
Special OccasionReflect sophistication as you glow with confidence in our glamorous Nadia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups, princess seams and wide tank-like shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a voluminous ball gown silhouette accented with hidden side pockets and pleating detailing. She is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a partial lining, petticoat and back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0550
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mae Strapless Feather Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Shine like never before in the Mae party mini dress crafted with light-catching sequins sure to mesmerize every room! Perfect for formal birthdays, bachelorettes, and banquets. She features a flirty strapless neckline adorned with feather trim, a bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The party mini dress is composed of a sequin-embellished mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in platform heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, feather trim
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Sequin-embellished mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1493
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Raegan Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitz and shine in our dazzling Raegan dress!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Vertical Princess Seams Along The Bust I Padded Cups
- Double Row Spaghetti Straps
- Partially Open Back
- Curve-Hugging Fit I Minimal Stretch
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Lined Mesh Fabric Adorned With Sparkling Sequins Throughout
Burgundy: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Gold: Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0212
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $21.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Calista Formal High Slit Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Make a captivating entrance with a dress that brings the elegance to your evening! The dress features a halter neckline with a square neck bust, halter neck strap, ruching, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Halter neckline
- Square neck bust
- Halter neck strap
- Ruching
- High side slit
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1318
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mailee Formal Velvet V-Neck Wrap Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Midi dresses like the iconic Mailee formal velvet midi dress will radiate sophistication! She features a sexy plunge V-neckline with pleated detailing, spaghetti straps, a form-hugging silhouette to showcase your curves, and a midi-length hem with a wrap silhouette creating a front slit. The formal dress is composed of a luxe velvet fabric with a super soft feel. Complete the look with a statement choker and earrings for a cocktail soiree or banquet!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, pleating, underbust seam, high waist seam
- Spaghetti straps
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Midi-length them, wrap silhouette, front slit
- Soft velvet fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1922
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Quinn Formal High Slit Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle and shine with a formal dress that illuminates on your special night. The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, ruching, a high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined woven glitter fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruching, high side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Lined woven glitter fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2021
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jaylee Strapless Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll look simply chic in the Jaylee sleek satin formal dress. She features a strapless straight across neckline with a fold-over design, an alluring open back with a ruched strap at the center, draped detailing at the lower back, and an A-line silhouette that cascades down to a long-length hem. The smooth satin fabric has a lightweight feel for comfortable wear. Complete your dressy look with a rhinestone choker necklace and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Strapless straight across neckline, fold-over design, no-slip silicone strip
- Sticky bra recommended
- Open back, ruched elastic strap at the center
- Draped design at the lower back
- A-line silhouette, long-length hem
- Lightweight satin fabric, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7014
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kelsey Halter Printed Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dare to stand out in the stunning Kelsey formal dress at dressy occasions this party season! Crafted from an abstract print mesh fabric, this floor-length dress delivers unique style and sultry details like a halter neckline and mermaid silhouette that flaunts your figure. Pair with earrings.
Fit & Feaures
- Abstract print, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Halter V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9240
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PLUM
Available Size: XS, S
Product Badge:- Sale
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Aretha Formal Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Worthy of the red carpet, the Aretha formal satin dress is ready for her close-up at school dances or banquets! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neck, an adjustable spaghetti strap, a trendy cutout back design, and a mermaid silhouette with a high-cut front slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined-satin fabric with plenty of stretch. Complete the look with a necklace and earrings set for some shine!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, one-shoulder neck
- Adjustable spaghetti strap
- Cutout back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, high-cut front slit, floor-length hem
- Lined satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7052
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tiffany Lace-Up Slit Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Romantically speaking, the Tiffany lace-up formal dress is destined to be beloved at weddings, banquets, and fancy soirees! Crafted with lined smooth knit fabric, this dress is truly a work of art. She features a subtle and sultry cowl neckline and wide shoulder straps for a tasteful touch. The mesmerizing lace-up back design, lower back ruching, and mermaid silhouette enhance your silhouette while the high front slit and floor-length hem add a touch of allure! Complete the look with a rhinestone necklace and heels.
Fit & Features
- Stretchy smooth knit fabric, full-length knit lining
- Cowl neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Lace-up back, lower ruching
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8428
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Plus Penelope Glitter Formal High Low Dress
Special OccasionLead the room with a bit of magic in our glamorous Penelope dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, short sleeves and a relaxed fit bodice that leads to a flirty high low skirt that brings the best of both worlds! She is composed of a rich navy glitter knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric. Glitter will transfer.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15002-0126
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alena Formal Satin Cowl Neck Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Look and feel effortlessly elegant in the Alena formal satin dress designed to make a statement! Crafted from luxuriously silky satin fabric, this timeless midi-length dress features a sweetheart cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, flexible boning inserts along the waist, and a bodycon silhouette with a flirty front slit. Complete the look in stiletto heels for a wedding guest or black tie party!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning waist inserts
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit, midi-length hem
- Satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2028
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Romina Formal Open Back Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle with a formal mini dress that illuminates your evening with plenty of glitz. Romina features iridescent sequins throughout, a sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, an open back with sleek bungee bar straps, a wrap silhouette, and mini length hem. The dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone clutch and anklet.
Fit & Features
- Iridescent sequins
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Bungee spaghetti straps, cross-back design
- Open back, bungee bar straps
- Wrap silhouette, mini length hem
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0949
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nikki Formal Satin Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Nikki brings the perfect dose of sleek and bold style to your formal event! She features a sleeveless, square neck, spaghetti straps, and a bodice with flexible boning inserts for a structured fit. Her form-fitting silhouette flaunts your femme figure with a sultry front slit along a midi-length hem. She's composed of a stretch-satin luxe fabric with lining. Complete the look in glitzy heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, square neck, spaghetti straps
- Bra-friendly design
- The bodice has flexible boning inserts
- Form-fitting silhouette
- Front slit, midi-length hem
- Luxe satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1019
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Mary Formal High Low Chiffon Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in our gorgeous Mary navy dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline and adjustable narrow straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping high-low silhouette. She brings the romance with her all over floral print. Dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6546
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jae Formal Mesh Ruched Mermaid Long Dress
Special Occasion
Play up your sophisticated side in the Jae formal mesh long dress that'll steal the scene! Designed with side ruched seams that accentuate your curves along the mermaid silhouette that flares out into the floor-length hem.
Fit & Features
- Airy mesh fabric, full stretchy knit lining
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, tie straps
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, black-tie parties, and fancy rehearsal dinners.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000346
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Best Seller
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Irene Formal Studded Jewel Dress
Special OccasionStun and shine in our leading lady worthy Irene dress! She features an all over black hue, an off the shoulder neckline with fold over accents, a built in no slip strip and princess seams. Her slim fit bodice leads to a studded rhinestone embellished waist trim that leads to curve hugging floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6096
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance