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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Victoria Off-The-Shoulder Glitter Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and glow in the Victoria glitter formal dress perfect for dressy events and parties! The formal dress features a striking off-the-shoulder neckline adorned with sheer fitted long sleeves and a mermaid silhouette that hugs your curves. Pair with earrings.
Fit & Features
- Glitter mesh lined fabric
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Sheer fitted long sleeves
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9106
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Leona Wrap-Front Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Silky and chic, the Leona satin formal dress will make you the best-dressed guest at your next wedding. She features a classic collared V-neckline with a wrap-front design, long sleeves with button details, an adorable tie waist design with ruched detailing, and a floor-length wrap-front skirt with a high front slit and a flowy silhouette. The smooth satin fabric offers a lightweight feel. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Collared V-neckline, wrap-front
- Bra-friendly
- Long sleeves, dual button details
- Tie waist design, ruching
- Floor-length wrap-front skirt, high slit, flowy fit
- Satin fabric, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2592
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Avalynn Formal Long Sleeve Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Entrance them all with your elegant style in the Avalynn formal mermaid dress, perfect for weddings, galas, or dressy parties! She features a deep V-neckline with ruching at the bust, shoulder pads to provide structure, long balloon-style sleeves with tapered hems, a flattering high waist seam, and a floor-sweeping hem with a form-hugging mermaid silhouette. The smooth knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Deep V-neckline, ruching at the bust
- Shoulder pads, long balloon sleeves, tapered hems
- Back zipper closure, high waist seam
- Floor-length hem, fitted mermaid silhouette
- Knit fabric, lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7098
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Terra Flocked Velvet Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The perfect LBD for a dressy date night, the Terra flocked velvet mini dress will bring that chic flair. She features a sweetheart neckline with a build-in padded bust and center ruching, sheer short puff sleeves, ruching down the side and back seams, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your natural curves. The lined mesh fabric features a floral flocked velvet pattern. Style with lace-up heels.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bust, center ruching
- Sheer short puff sleeves, elastic cinched hems
- Ruching down the side and back seams, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Floral flocked velvet pattern, sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1735
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marcella Formal Glitter Sleeveless Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate sparkle in the Marcella formal glitter midi dress that emulates shine! She features a cowl neckline, tank shoulder straps, and a form-hugging silhouette. The midi-length hem and back center slit complete the sophisticated silhouette with an elegant touch. The formal midi dress is crafted from a glitter fabric that shimmers with every step and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in stiletto heels for a banquet or holiday dinner!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Tank shoulder straps
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Center back slit, midi-length hem
- Glitter fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1927
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Blakely Formal Open Back Dress
Special Occasion
Make a grand entrance in a formal dress that highlights your sophisticated style! The dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, and a sexy open back with lace-up straps for a customized fit. The slim-fit waist leads to an A-line silhouette with ruching throughout and is accented with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric with a metallic sheen finish. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Spaghetti straps
- Ruching, high side slit
- Open back, lace-up straps
- Lined smooth knit fabric, metallic sheen
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1958
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Soleil Formal Open Back Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Bring out your glowing beauty with a formal prom dress that mesmerizes from the moment you enter the room! Soleil features a sleeveless V-neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps, padded cups, a bold U-shaped open back design, hidden side pockets, and a floor-length A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of an iridescent woven glitter fabric that offers a flowy fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your prom look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded cups
- U-shaped open back, zipper and hook and eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- Floor-length A-line silhouette with wide banded hem
- Iridescent woven glitter knit fabric, short knit lining
- Flowy fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1983
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $50.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Teagan Sequin Slim-Fit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Catch all the glances in the gorgeous illuminating Teagan formal dress! She features a sleeveless wrap-front sweetheart neckline, padded cups that eliminate the need for a bra, and adjustable spaghetti straps for a customizable fit. Her empire waist leads to a floor-length slim-fit silhouette. The lined mesh fabric showcases all-over iridescent sequin embroidery in a gorgeous damask design. Complete the look with a sparkly clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Padded cups, no bra required
- Empire waist, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floor-length slim-fit silhouette
- Iridescent sequin embroidery, damask design
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining
- Minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2131
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Dovie Sequin Beaded Mesh Column Dress
Special Occasion
Grace your formal event in the Dovie sequin beaded column dress with a high side slit for sultry and effortless movement and a chic long-length hem.
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
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- All-over tonal sequin and beaded embroidery
- V-neckline with padded bust, beaded underbust trim
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High side slit
- Floor-length column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black-tie galas, weddings, red-carpet events, and fancy celebration parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-9454
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $25.00 $149.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PEACH
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Alisa Glitter Tulle Short Party Dress
Special Occasion
Fab and flirty and ready to hit the dance floor! Arrive at prom in the Alisa ruffled glitter party dress to bring the sparkle to the night! She features a strapless square neckline with non-slip grip lining, elasticized cinch waist, and an A-line silhouette with a tiered ruffled design leading to the short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a multi-layered tulle glitter fabric that creates a voluminous effect and has a stretchy knit lining. Style with a glitter clutch and platform heels to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Strapless square neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Elasticized cinch waist
- A-line silhouette, tiered ruffled design, short-length hem
- Multi-layered tulle glitter fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1549
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Naomi High Slit Glitter Knit Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Capture gorgeous glamour with the stunning details of the Naomi high slit glitter knit formal dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a chic cowl neck overlay, thin tank shoulder straps, a fitted high waist seam, a floor-length asymmetric hem creating an alluring high-cut side slit, and a slim-fit silhouette. The glitter knit fabric includes a full-length knit lining and offers plenty of stretch. Complete your glitzy formal look for a wedding with rhinestone heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl neck overlay
- Tank shoulder straps
- High waist seam, floor-length asymmetric hem, high side slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric, full-length knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7591
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Selena Formal One Shoulder Ruched Dress
Special OccasionStun with a little shoulder action as you channel sophistication in our Selena dress! She features a classic black hue, a one shoulder neckline with a single shoulder strap and a ruched side detail. Her slim fit bodice leads to an asymmetrical hem to show off your fab heel game! Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6702
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Betsy Sweetheart Sequin Corset A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Elegance is an understatement when it comes to the Betsy sweetheart corset a-line formal dress. Her sleeveless bodice shapes a delicate sweetheart corset-style bodice designed in a sheer sequin mesh with flexible boning to give her structure, and a built-in padded bust with a non-slip grip. Her fitted empire waistline sweeps into the luxe satin floor-length a-line silhouette that flatters every figure. Complete your look with a rhinestone choker.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart | Strapless
- Built-in padded bust | No bra required
- Back zipper closure
- Empire waist | Corset-style bodice
- Floor-length | A-line silhouette
- Luxe satin-lined fabric
- Fits true to size | No stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1663
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kira Formal Satin Slit Long Dress
Special Occasion
Light-catching satin on the Kira formal dress highlights your sense of style this party season! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, a pleated side seam atop her sultry high slit, a flattering slim silhouette, and a long hem. The formal dress is crafted from a smooth and silky satin knit fabric that brings the luxe to your night! Complete the look with sparkly earrings and a clutch for a school dance or fancy dinner banquet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Pleated side seam, high slit
- Slim silhouette, long hem
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7669
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Asta Glitter Lace Up Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
With a stunning glitter woven composition, our Asta will twinkle underneath the bright lights from room-to-room. Her lace-up back and wide waistband are subtle, but statement details that help highlight her overall appearance.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye I Lace Up Back
- Floor Length Hemline I A Line Silhouette
- Glitter Woven, Fully Lined Fabric
- 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: 05002-0750
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Daphne Formal Crepe Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the Va Va Voom to banquets and fancy cocktail receptions in the Daphne formal crepe dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, sleek bungee spaghetti straps, a padded bust, flexible boning inserts for a structured fit, a mermaid silhouette, and a high-cut front slit to show some skin along the floor-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with a clutch and jewelry!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Padded bust, flexible boning inserts
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette, high-cut front slit, floor-length hem
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-6964
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Janine Formal Velvet Open Back Mock Neck Dress
Special Occasion
Luxe velvet feels so romantic on the Janine formal dress but her sexy details take it up a notch! She features a sleeveless mock neckline with a trio of button-back closures, a sultry open back, a slim silhouette, and a flattering side pleated seam that creates the wrap-style high front slit that gracefully leads to the floor-length hem. The formal dress is crafted from a soft knit velvet fabric for a luxe look and has a sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with fringe earrings and a bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless mock neckline, button-back closures
- Open back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side pleated seam, slim silhouette
- Wrap-style high front slit, floor-length hem
- Velvet fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7348
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Haisley Open Back Floral Lace Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm in a long lace dress that features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, an open-back design accented with a bar back, a floral lace pattern, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete the look with a sleek rhinestone clutch for the perfect wedding guest outfit.
Fit & Features
- Lined lace fabrication
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open back with bar strap accent, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Floral lace pattern
- Long hem length, mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8803
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED, TEAL, BERRY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Kollyn Formal Surplice Ruched Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Meet your look for upcoming fancy soirees or events! The Kollyn formal dress features a classy surplice V-neckline and V-cut back, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, side ruched seams that accentuate your natural curves, a flattering mermaid silhouette, and a floor-length hem. The formal dress is crafted from a smooth and stretchy knit fabric with a subtle sheen. Complete the look with an elegant necklace and earrings for some sparkle!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless surplice V-neckline, V-cut back
- Padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams, mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Smooth, stretchy knit fabric
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7679
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Eve One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Sultry and stunning, the Eve midi dress is perf for your next night out. She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, an open back with a strappy lace-up design, ruched detailing, and a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette with a trendy side drawstring. Style this dress with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Open back, strappy lace-up design
- Ruching
- Mid-length, form-hugging fit
- Side drawstring
- Knit fabric, addtional mini skirt length lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0734
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tara Heat Stone Mesh Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the heat to your fab night out look in the Tara mesh bodycon dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust that eliminates the need for a bra, a center keyhole cutout, bungee spaghetti straps, ruching down the side seams, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over iridescent heat stone embellishments for the prettiest sparkle. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, center keyhole cutout
- Built-in padded bust
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Ruching down the side seams
- Mini-length hem, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Mini heat stone embellishments
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1111
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jolie Sequin Feather Cuff Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Prepare to glisten like never before in the mesmerizing Jolie sequin mini dress for a night you'll never forget! She embodies '90s fashion couture in her off-the-shoulder neckline with long sleeves and feathered cuffs for a diva-liscious look. Her high waist seam leads to the bodycon silhouette and short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy outfit with a clutch and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Long sleeves with feathered cuffs
- High waist seam
- Bodycon, mini-length hem
- Sequin fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Strapless or adhesive bra friendly
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1135
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $72.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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June Sequin Strapless Party Dress
Special Occasion
Defined by wow factor details, the June party dress is ready to shine at birthdays, dances, and cocktail parties! She features an on-trend strapless bodice, a bodycon silhouette, and a side front ruched seam leading to her flirty ruffled short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin mesh fabric with a knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with a statement necklace and earrings to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Strapless bodice, back zipper closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Side front ruched seam
- Ruffled short-length hem
- Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1323
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jessica Corset Ruffled Sequin Tulle Party Dress
Special Occasion
This party dress makes an entrance featuring a flattering cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a corset bodice with padded bra cups and flexible boning. Twirl all night in the tiered ruffled short silhouette embellished with glitter sequins tulle material that sparkles.
Fit & Features
- Tulle fabric, multiple stretchy knit linings with tulle trim
- Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sequin glitter embellishments
- Tiered ruffled short silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2228
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $86.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free