Formal Dresses
Step into a world of elegance in our collection of formal dresses, picture-perfect for weddings, proms, balls, and galas. Our curated assortment includes a variety of lengths and styles, from the classic floor-sweeping ball gowns to the sophisticated charm of midi-length dresses. Delve into the timeless beauty of princess-like tulle skirts, the sleek allure of luxe satin mermaid-style dresses, and the modern sophistication of low-back silhouettes.
SORT:
MOST POPULAR
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Discover Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
The Best Formal Dresses Online For Any Occasion!
Welcome winter in style with Windsor’s elegant collection of formal dresses, made to help you look and feel amazing at every event. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a black-tie party, or preparing for Prom 2025, our selection includes everything from dramatic mermaid gowns to chic semi-formal dresses. This season, explore fabrics like velvet, lace, and chiffon in rich autumn shades that are perfect for making a statement.
Our formal dresses aren’t just stylish—they’re designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Many styles feature side pockets, adjustable straps, and quality fabrics to ensure they last beyond a single season. Whether you prefer the flowing shape of a maxi dress, the structured fit of a trumpet gown, or the timeless appeal of an A-line dress, every silhouette is crafted to flatter your figure and suit your style.
If you’re looking for semi-formal styles, discover dresses with playful details like lace-up backs, thigh-high slits, or delicate ruffles. These designs are ideal for formal winter weddings or cocktail parties, balancing sophistication with fun flair.
Complete your look with our latest arrivals featuring trendy necklines such as off-the-shoulder, sweetheart, or plunging V-necks. Add a touch of glamour with sparkling rhinestone accessories and step out in style.
Planning a milestone celebration like a big birthday or prom night? Our formal dresses with dramatic trains, shimmering sequins, and eye-catching embellishments will ensure all eyes are on you. Choose from elegant long-sleeve options, trendy one-shoulder designs, or daring backless looks to find a style that’s uniquely yours.
Shop Windsor’s formal collection today, in-store for formal dresses near you or online, and update your winter wardrobe with pieces that will keep you on-trend. Make this season one to remember with our stunning new collection!
Tips For Choosing The Right Formal Dress Silhouette For Your Body Type
When choosing a formal gown or dress, it's important to choose a silhouette that flatters your body type. A dress that fits well and accentuates your best features will make you feel confident and beautiful. Here are some tips for choosing the right silhouette for your body type:
- If you have an hourglass figure, opt for a dress with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt to accentuate your curves.
- If you have a pear-shaped figure, opt for a dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt to balance out your proportions.
- If you have a rectangle-shaped figure, opt for a dress with a defined waistline and a flowing skirt to create the illusion of curves.
- If you have an apple-shaped figure, opt for a dress with a v-neckline and an empire waist to draw attention to your upper body.
No matter what your body type, there is a formal dress or gown out there that will flatter your figure and make you feel confident and beautiful.
What is the difference between a formal dress and a semi-formal dress?
There are subtle differences between formal and semi-formal dresses. When shopping for the right dressy attire, consider how you will style your look for the dress code of the event you're attending and the vibe of the venue location. Formal attire can also be called a black-tie dress code that lends itself to the most glamorous attire. Explore specialty gowns designed with accents that elevate your formal dress with hand-beading, rhinestone embellishments, or detailed embroidery. Expect to see this dress code for weddings, galas, and proms—these events usually require a floor-length dress with an A-line or mermaid silhouette, ball gown dresses, or a formal dress with luxe details like rhinestones or lace. A semi-formal dress for homecoming, weddings, or anniversary parties can come in shorter or midi lengths, two-piece styles, or a classic party length. Choose formal midi dresses that feature glam detailing like sequin bodices, sparkly embellishments, or high-slit satin skirts as this length offers more variety in semi-formal silhouettes. Explore necklines on formal dresses to highlight jewelry from plunge, cowl, and scoop necks to sweetheart or V-necklines. Strapless, spaghetti straps, and off-the-shoulder formal styles are sexy gown details to adore on both formal gowns and semi-formal dresses. The type of event you're attending, a military ball versus a Broadway show or a wedding at an upscale hotel versus one at the local house of worship, can also be a good clue to tell you if a formal dress code or semi-formal dress code is required.
Are formal dresses long?
No, not all formal dresses are long. Formal dresses are traditionally long in length and feature beautiful, eye-catching details like rhinestones, pleats, lace, and embroidery. The special occasion dress collections at Windsor feature a glamorous variety of short, midi, and long dress lengths to accommodate every occasion. When it comes to silhouettes, discover stunning long silhouettes like A-line, mermaid, trumpet, and sheath dresses to stay on-trend. Formal short dresses can be found in midi-lengths or shorter styles like party or skater dresses but come in elevated designs showcasing sleeves, necklines, and of course luxe fabrications from velvet to satin, sequin to rhinestone. These days you can expect to see high-low satin dresses or unique two-piece dresses as floor-length alternatives for trendsetters looking to revamp their formal dress assortment.
-
Aurinda Sequin High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Serve major glam girl energy in the Aurinda mermaid dress crafted with all-over large sequin embroidery for a gorgeous head-turning look for your formal soiree! It features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a high-cut front slit to show some leg, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette with a long cascading train for that bold vibe.
Fit & Features
- Knit fabric with all-over large sequin embroidery
- V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- High front slit
- Floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette, long train
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8625
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $119.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Kienna Long Sleeve Velvet Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make a regal impression in a long dress that features a luxe velvet fabrication, a structured sweetheart neckline, fitted long sleeves, a bold high side slit, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete look with a rhinestone clutch for the perfect wedding guest outfit.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabrication
- Sweetheart neckline
- Long sleeves
- High side slit
- Long hem length
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8878
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Carmen Off-The-Shoulder Long Sleeve Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Channel an elegant moment in a long mermaid dress that features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a draped ruched bodice, and fitted long sleeves. Complete look with rhinestone earrings for the perfect wedding guest outfit.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabrication, moderate stretch
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Ruched bodice
- Fitted long sleeves
- Long length hem
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8881
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Alayna Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Luxe with a shimmery allure, the Alayna formal mermaid dress is designed with a glitzy glitter velvet fabric perfect for your next black-tie affair. It features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a V-cut center accent, short sleeve cuffs, ruching at the waist to accentuate your curves, and a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette with a high-cut side slit to showcase some leg.
Fit & Features
- Glitter velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Off-the-shoulder neckline with V-cut center, short sleeve cuffs
- Back zipper closure
- High waist seam
- High side slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8622
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BURGUNDY, BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Brynn Long Sleeve Glitter Cutout Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The long glitter knit dress features a high boat neckline, fitted long sleeves, a bold waist cutout, ruching, a high side slit, and a mermaid silhouette. Complete the formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabrication
- Boat neckline
- Fitted long sleeves
- Waist cutout
- Ruching
- High side slit
- Long hem length
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8664
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Christina Lace-Up Back Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dramatic entrance at your next soiree in the chic Christina velvet formal long dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline, thin shoulder straps, an open back with a cross-back lace-up strappy design, a fitted, floor-length silhouette, and a sultry thigh-high front slit. Add some sparkle with rhinestone earrings and complete the look with a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, thin shoulder straps
- Padded bust, no bra required
- Open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Fitted, floor-length silhouette, high front slit
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8870
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BURGUNDY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Milana Velvet Corset A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Enter your sultry chic era in the Milana velvet formal dress featuring a sleeveless pleated square neckline, a snatching corset bodice with contrast piping, and adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit. The ruched detailing at the waist will accentuate your curves, leading to a high-cut front slit on the floor-sweeping A-line silhouette. Complete your look with a gemstone necklace and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Pleated square neckline
- Corset bodice with contrast piping
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Ruching at the waist, high front slit
- Floor-length A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7550
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Kindra High-Slit Mermaid Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Go bold in a long mermaid dress that features a plunging halter neckline with a U-shaped bust, adjustable neck ties, ruching, a high side slit, and a captivating mermaid silhouette. Complete your formal outfit with a sleek rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication, moderate stretch
- Plunging halter neckline, U-shaped bust
- Halter neck ties
- High side slit
- Ruching
- Mermaid silhouette
- Long length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8924
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $74.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED, NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Pippa High-Slit Open Back Lace Dress
Special Occasion
Grace the room with a long lace dress that features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a bold open back design, and a long-length hem accented with a high side slit. Complete formal outfit with glitter mesh heels.
Fit & Features
- Lined floral lace fabrication
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open-back design
- High side slit
- Long length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8777
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Annika Pearl And Rhinestone Ruched Mesh Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Enchant with your glamorous aura in the Annika formal mermaid dress crafted with airy lined mesh fabric embellished with dainty tonal faux pearls and mini rhinestones. It features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, ruching to accentuate your gorgeous curves, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a high front slit to showcase your stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Tonal faux pearl and mini rhinestone embellishments
- Square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruched detailing
- High front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8784
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: SAGE, LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Nadia Rhinestone Sheer Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitzy allure in the iconic Nadia formal dress designed with sheer mesh fabric, a knit bodysuit lining, and all-over tonal rhinestone embellishments in a gorgeous starburst center design. It features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a cheeky bodysuit bottom, and a floor-length sheer mesh A-line silhouette accented with dual side slits for added drama.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit bodysuit lining
- Tonal rhinestone starburst center embellished design
- V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper closure
- Floor-length sheer mesh A-line silhouette, dual side slits
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8776
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $169.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Adele Sleeveless Lace Mermaid Dress With Bolero
Special Occasion
Create an elegantly chic look in the Adele mermaid dress designed with sheer lace fabric with a full-length knit lining. It features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a floor-sweeping mermaid silhouette to showcase your gorgeous curves, and a sheer lace long sleeve bolero for added coverage that can be removed.
Fit & Features
- Sheer lace fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Underbust and high waist seams
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Removable sheer lace long sleeve bolero
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8783
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Astrid High-Slit Glitter Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate glamour in a long glitter dress that features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, and a captivating mermaid silhouette that is accented with a high side slit. Complete your formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabrication
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Long length hem
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8872
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Arlette Lace-Up High Slit Glitter Knit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and glam, the Arlette formal midi dress designed with shimmering glitter knit fabric will glitz up your cocktail party. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust and a cowl draped overlay, thin tank straps, an open lace-up strappy back design for a customized fit, and a midi-length bodycon silhouette accented with a high front slit.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sweetheart neckline with padded bust, cowl draped overlay
- Thin tank shoulder straps
- Open lace-up back design
- High waist seam, high front slit
- Midi-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2531
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE, NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Rayne Mesh Long Sleeve A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Chic with a sultry silhouette, the Rayne formal dress is designed with airy sheer mesh fabric with a partial knit lining for coverage. It features a plunging V-neck and back design, sheer long balloon-style sleeves for added drama, ruching at the waist accented with an asymmetric front seam, and a floor-sweeping A-line silhouette with a high-cut front slit to showcase some leg.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Plunging V-neck and back
- Sheer long balloon sleeves with elastic cinched hems
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Ruched waist, asymmetric front seam
- Floor-length A-line silhouette with high front slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8624
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Jasmine Halter Cutout Slim Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll sparkle in this glitter formal dress featuring a halter neckline and a cutout back with a tie. The slim silhouette boasts a wrap front slit along the floor-length hem to give a little drama.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Halter neckline, spaghetti strap tie
- Wrap-front slit
- Slim floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8522
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Iliana Cowl Neck High Slit Satin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Level up your look for prom, weddings, or any affair with the chic details of the stunning Iliana satin formal dress! The smooth satin-knit fabric will give you that luxe sheen while offering plenty of stretch for comfortable wear. She is shaped with a sleeveless sweetheart neckline and a pleated cowl neck overlay for a stylish draped effect. She features adjustable spaghetti straps for that perfect customized fit and a back zipper closure. Her corset-style bodice will create a snatched waist and is accented with an angled high waist seam. The slim-fit silhouette will flaunt your gorgeous curves, and the high-cut side slit adds that sultry reveal of leg. Compete your look in this floor-length dress with a rhinestone jewelry set and metallic heels.
Fit & Features
- Stretchy satin-knit fabric, lined
- Padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper hook-eye closure
- Corset-style bodice
- High side slit
- Slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8225
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY, RED, BLACK, HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Best Seller
-
Susan Sweetheart Applique Crepe Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
A regal sleeveless crepe formal dress features a flattering sweetheart neckline, a built-in padded underwire bust eliminating the need for a bra, and adjustable spaghetti straps. The mermaid silhouette is accentuated with side applique trim and a floor-length hem.
Fit & Features
- Crepe fabric, applique trim, bust lining, minimal stretch
- Sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded underwire bust
- Mermaid floor-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8607
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $99.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Kamari Satin Pleated High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek and stunning, the Kamari formal mermaid dress is crafted with smooth satin-knit fabric offering a chic sheen and plenty of stretch. The long dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an alluring open lace-up back design for a customized fit. The pleating at the bodice and waist will accentuate your stunning curves, leading to a high front slit along the floor-length mermaid silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Satin-knit fabric with full-length knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Sweetheart neckline with padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, open lace-up back design, zipper with hook-eye closure
- Pleated bodice and waist
- Asymmetric front seam, high front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8842
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Veda Cutout Long Sleeve Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Serve chic style at your next formal affair in the Veda dress designed with lined knit fabric offering a smooth look with plenty of stretch. It features a crew neckline with a chic twist-front accent, a sultry cutout above the bust, long fitted sleeves, a bold open back that will turn heads, and a high-cut front slit along the floor-length slim-fit silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Lined smooth knit fabric with plenty of stretch
- Crew neckline with twist-front design, cutout above the bust, underbust seam
- Long fitted sleeves
- Open back
- High front slit
- Floor-length slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8760
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Kimia Long Beaded Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Grace the room in a long mermaid dress that features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable shoulder straps, a bold open-back design with lace-up straps, and beaded detailing throughout. Complete your formal outfit with a sleek envelope clutch.
Fit & Features
- Lined mesh fabrication
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Beaded
- Open back with lace-up straps
- Long length hem
- Mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8795
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $139.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WHITE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
-
Rosalyn Velvet Off-The Shoulder Long Sleeve Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Exude chic glamour at your next black-tie affair in the Rosalyn formal dress designed with smooth velvet fabric. It features an off-the-shoulder straight neckline with a small cutout above the bust to add some allure, long fitted sleeves, a high-cut side slit, and a floor-length slim-fit silhouette to highlight your stunning curves.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Off-the-shoulder straight neckline, small cutout above the bust, dart seams
- Long fitted sleeves
- High waist seam, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- High side slit
- Floor-length slim-fit silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8721
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
-
Romina Lace Cowl Neck High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase chic elegance in the Romina formal mermaid dress crafted with sheer detailed lace fabric with a complete knit lining. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust, a draped cowl neck overlay, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette accented with a high-cut front slit.
Fit & Features
- Sheer lace fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sweetheart neckline with padded bust, draped cowl neck overlay, underbust seam
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure, ruching
- High front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8781
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY, SAGE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Sheer lace fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
-
Cynthia One-Shoulder Cowl Neck Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your gorgeous silhouette in the Cynthia formal mermaid dress made with smooth knit fabric offering plenty of stretch. It features an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline with a tank-like shoulder strap, adjustable spaghetti strap, and short sleeve cuff, a chic draped cowl design at the bust, front ruching leading to a high-cut slit, and a floor-length mermaid fit to hug your stunning curves.
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric with full-length knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, draped cowl design, padded bust
- Tank shoulder strap, adjustable spaghetti strap, short sleeve cuff
- High waist seam
- Front ruching, high front slit
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-8877
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL