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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Ashtyn Glitter Satin High Slit A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeously glam, the Ashtyn glitter satin formal dress is designed with a pleated cowl neckline and high-cut slit on the floor-sweeping A-line silhouette. Perfect for your next black-tie affair.
Dripping in satin and pure sophistication, this dress turns heads effortlessly. Love that silky shine? Browse our luxe satin prom dresses or opt for a sleek silhouette with our formal dresses.>
Fit & Features
- Glitter satin fabric with knit bust lining, moderate stretch
- Subtle V-neckline, draped pleated cowl neck overlay
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High-cut front slit
- Floor-length A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9033
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Gemma Sequin Embroidered Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The Gemma sequin floral embroidered formal dress will make jaws drop. The dress boasts a corset bodice leading to the lace-up strappy back while the ruched side seams accentuate your curves along the mermaid silhouette. Pair with heels.
All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined knit fabric, plenty of stretch
- Sheer mesh bodice with floral embroidery, sequin accents
- V-neckline with padded bust, corset bodice with flexible boning
- Spaghetti straps, open back with cross-back lace-up strappy design
- High waist seam, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Ruched side and back seams
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8732
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cheyenne Taffeta Skater Dress
Special OccasionCheyenne brings flirty and fun to a classic black skater dress! She features a deep V neckline, spaghetti straps, a sheer lace back panel with an exposed zipper closure, a banded waist, and a flared short skirt with knit and tulle layered underneath for extra volume. Cheyenne is composed of a taffeta fabric with no stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3829
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $35.87 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jess Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
You're known for your moves—make 'em in our dynamite satin Jess dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamless sleeveless bodice with fold-over detail and back zip, and an A-line flared mini with pockets at either hip. Jess is made from a smooth, shiny material with moderate stretch.
Model is 5’7” 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: 05001-0033
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mckenna Formal Ruched Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour to your event with a formal dress that exudes luxe! Mckenna features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a high side slit, a bold open back with back ties, ruching at the lower back, and a midi length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone anklet and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High side slit
- Bold back, back ties
- Ruching at the lower back
- Midi length
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0739
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Amelia Formal Ruched Ruffle Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the elegance with a satin dress that makes a gorgeous statement. Amelia features a wrap V-neckline, pleating at the bust, spaghetti straps, and an asymmetrical wrap silhouette with a ruffled hem. She is composed of a satin stretch fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with clear heels and an evening clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wrap V-neckline
- Pleating
- Spaghetti straps
- Asymmetrical wrap silhouette
- Ruffled hem
- Satin stretch fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1023
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Gwen Scalloped Lace Dress
Special OccasionWow them all in lace, fit for a lady such as yourself, in our Gwen dress! She features a high round neckline, long, fitted, unlined sleeves and a scalloped lace trim open back leading to a lower back zipper closure. The bodice features an all over floral lace pattern with a thin knit lining leading to a curve flattering crepe skirt. Her sweeping floor length skirt features a high side slit to show off a pop of skin. She offers a curve hugging fit with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'7 with a 34" 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: 05002-5145
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kayla Formal High Slit Taffeta Dress
Special OccasionGive elegance a sexy twist in our unforgettable Kayla dress! She features a deep navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with origami details on the bodice and an empire waist illusion. Her slim fit bodice leads to an elongating floor length silhouette that is accented with two high side slits. Dress is composed of a taffeta fabric that offers a relaxed fit with a moderate stretch.
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: 05002-6364
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Adeline Formal Sequin Strappy Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Light-reflecting iridescent sequins cover the Adeline formal dress to captive out on the dance floor at receptions or celebrations! She features a sleeveless V-neck with a sheer mesh insert, a lightly padded bust, bungee spaghetti straps that shape the strappy open-back design, and a mermaid silhouette with a flirty high slit along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is crafted from sequin-knit mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Style with a gorgeous necklace and earring set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neck, sheer mesh insert
- Bungee spaghetti straps, lightly padded bust
- Strappy open-back
- Mermaid silhouette, front high slit, floor-length hem
- Sequin-knit mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6887
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $145.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katana Off The Shoulder Long Sleeve Dress
Special Occasion
The long dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a foldover accent, sheer long sleeves, sheer panel at the bodice, and a bold high-side slit. Complete formal outfit with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication
- Off-the-shoulder neckline with foldover accent
- Sheer mesh bodice
- Sheer long sleeves
- High side slit
- Long hem length
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8971
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Loni Formal Velvet One-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Your allure in the Loni formal velvet long dress will be impossible to ignore when you strut into a gala or holiday soiree! She features a one-shoulder neckline, adjustable spaghetti strap, a padded bust, a mermaid silhouette that flaunts your curves, and a revealing high front slit that leads to her floor-length hem. The floor-length gown is composed of a soft velvet fabric that exudes elegance and offers plenty of stretch. Complete the look with platform heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti strap
- Padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Floor-length hem
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7680
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Desirae Sequin Feather Short Dress
Special Occasion
Inspired by flappers, embody a 1920s allure in the Desirae short party dress to make your striking entrance! She features long sleeves with feathered cuffs, a V-neckline, a bodycon silhouette, and a short-length feather hem. The formal dress is composed of a mesh sequin patterned fabric with beading and feather accents, a knit lining, and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in glitzy stiletto heels for a holiday party!
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves with feathered cuffs
- V-neckline, bra-friendly design
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, short-length hem
- Beading and feather accents
- Sequin pattern mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1184
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Iris One Shoulder Draped Velvet Dress
Special OccasionDrape yourself in luxe velvet to channel timeless glam for your evening! Iris features a stunning hunter green hue, a 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 form hugging fit with a slight stretch.
*Also available in PlusSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6599
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $22.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kylunda Formal Tulle A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dreamy entrance in the captivating Kylunda formal tulle dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, sheer mesh shoulder straps, a sweeping A-line silhouette, and composed of airy tulle fabric. She includes a full knit lining that features dual side slits. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Sheer mesh shoulder straps
- A-line silhouette
- Lined tulle fabric
- Knit lining
- Dual side slits
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1234
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Shakira Cowl Neck Lace Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Shakira formal dress is destined to make a grand entrance at your next event! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline with a display of delicate lace to add a romantic touch to her mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth silk-like fabric that effortlessly hugs your curves into a floor-length mermaid silhouette. Complete your look with a rhinestone necklace and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, cowl neckline
- Lace insert with padded cups
- Spaghetti straps
- High waist
- Mermaid silhouette
- Smooth silk fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1393
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Bella Crepe Faux Pearl Feather Party Dress
Special Occasion
When you're craving some glam for the bachelorette or wedding reception, the Bella crepe party dress delivers with all-over faux pearl embellishments and more! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with non-slip grip lining, adjustable spaghetti straps, a built-in padded and underwire bust, a sheer mesh bodice with flexible boning, and a short bodycon silhouette with a fab feather trim along her hem. The mini dress is composed of a crepe fabric that gives a chic-polished look and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded and underwire bust
- Sheer mesh bodice, flexible boning
- Bodycon silhouette, short-length hem, feather trim
- Crepe fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1597
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Meara Formal A-Line Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitz with a formal dress that illuminates the night! Meara features a sleeveless square neckline, padded cups, bungee spaghetti straps, multiple bungee bar straps, a damask sequin pattern, and an A-line silhouette. 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 rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Padded cups, bungee spaghetti straps
- Bungee bar straps, damask sequin print
- High waist
- Lower back zipper closure
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2349
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Myra Lace-Up Floral Embroidered A-Line Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Exude grace and elegance in the Myra satin ball gown and watch every head turn towards you for a major moment! From the floral embroidered bodice to the lace-up back and A-line silhouette, this gown will take everyone's breath away.
Dripping in satin and pure sophistication, this dress turns heads effortlessly. Love that silky shine? Browse our luxe satin prom dresses or opt for a sleek silhouette with our formal dresses.>
Fit & Features
- Premium satin fabric, lined
- V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up cutout back
- Floral embroidered bodice
- Hidden side pockets
- A-line silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, balls, black-tie galas, and red-carpet events.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0392
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: 11
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Nicolette Lace-Up Mermaid Crepe Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Classy and sophisticated, the Nicolette crepe formal dress is destined to be a chic option for banquets or black-tie soirees! Crafted from stretch crepe fabric, this formal gown offers a polished look. Featuring a V-neckline that highlights your bust, padded bra cups for support, and adjustable spaghetti straps to get a perfect fit. The lace-up back adds a head-turning factor while the high front slit and mermaid silhouette accentuates your figure along the floor-length hem. Complete the look with a lariat necklace and heels.
Fit & Features
- Crepe fabric with stretch, partial knit lining
- Spaghetti straps
- Padded bra cups
- Lace-up, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8380
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Arabella Formal Heat Stone Mesh Dress
Special OccasionAdorn yourself with plenty of shine in our Arabella burgundy dress! She features a mock neck, unlined fitted long sleeves and a curve hugging midi length silhouette. She is composed of a burgundy hued lined mesh fabric adorned with gold hued heat stones set in a flashy baroque pattern. Dress offers a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3995
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Diane Sequin Drape Back Formal Dress
Our Diane sequin drape back formal dress knows how to make you shine! She features tank-like shoulder straps that lead to a dramatic drape back detail, a wrap-front with a deep V neckline, a high waist, and a curve-hugging silhouette with a floor-length skirt. The dress is composed of a sheer knit fabric with all-over sequin embroidering, and includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete your look with a rhinestone collar necklace and dainty earrings.
Fit & Features
- Tank-like shoulder straps
- Drape back with layered detailing
- Wrap-front with a deep V neckline
- Side zipper and hook and eye closure
- Flattering curve-hugging fit
- Sheer knit fabric with a knit lining, moderate stretch
- All-over sequin embroidering
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0621
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Deanna Formal Sleeveless Mermaid Dress
Special OccasionBring the glamour in our unforgettable Deanna dress! She features a red hue, a sleeveless straight neckline, padded cups, a built in no slip strip, princess seams and a floor length mermaid silhouette accented with a high side slit. Her back features a lattice accent with small metal d-rings. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
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: 05002-6676
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tayla Formal Cutout Out Heat Stone Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle to your evening with a formal dress that radiates shine from all your best angles! Tayla features a crew neckline, long sheer sleeves, a cutout at the waist with a bar strap, a partially lined A-line silhouette with a high side slit, and luxe heat stones throughout. The dress is composed of a partially lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone hoops and heels.
Fit & Features
- Crew neckline
- Sheer long sleeves
- Cutout at the waist with bar strap
- Partially lined, high side slit
- Heat stones
- A-line silhouette
- Form hugging, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1281
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Rae Formal Satin Corset Midi Dress
Special Occasion
This Rae formal satin midi dress is truly a work of art! A blend of sophistication and playfulness, she features a timeless sleeveless V-neckline, while the wide shoulder straps, pleated bust, and flexible boning on the corset bodice present an elegant frame for your figure. The bodycon silhouette and front slit finish the look, making this midi-length dress a timeless fashion statement. The formal knee-length dress is composed of a silky satin fabric that gives you a luxe allure and offers plenty of stretch. Style the formal midi dress with fringe earrings for a rehearsal dinner or black tie party!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Pleated bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit, midi-length hem
- Satin fabric, bust knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1934
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale