Galas & Formal Events
What to Wear to a Winter Formal: Dresses, Colors and Dress Code Tips
For a winter formal, most people wear a semi-formal dress: a cocktail-length dress in a rich fabric like velvet, satin or sequins, often in a deep winter color. Long gowns are fine too, especially at a more formal winter ball. Check your school's dress code first, and plan for the cold with a coat or wrap and shoes you can dance in.
In This Guide
What Is a Winter Formal?
A winter formal is a school dance held in the winter months, usually between December and February. Some schools call it a winter ball or a snow ball. It is typically more formal than a regular school dance and less formal than prom, so it sits close to homecoming in dress.
What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?
- Length: a short or cocktail-length dress is the most common choice. A long gown works if your dance is billed as a ball or your friends are going long.
- Fabric: winter is the season for velvet, satin, mikado, lace, sequins and beading.
- Color: jewel tones like wine, burgundy, emerald, navy and royal blue, plus black, silver and gold. Icy pastels and white can look wintry too, if your school has no color rules.
- Sleeves: long sleeves and lace add warmth and suit stricter dress codes.
Check Your School's Dress Code
Many schools publish rules for dances, such as dress length, necklines, straps or cut-outs. Read them before you shop so the dress you love is one you can wear. If you're unsure, ask the event organizer.
How Do I Stay Warm at a Winter Formal?
- Bring a coat, faux-fur stole or wrap for photos outside and the walk in.
- Choose closed-toe heels, block heels or dressy boots if there's snow or ice.
- Sheer tights can work with a short dress on a very cold night.
- Pack flats to change into for dancing.
When Should I Shop for a Winter Formal Dress?
Start four to eight weeks before the dance so there's time for alterations. The Sherri Hill Fall collection is in stores through the winter, and new Spring styles start arriving as early as late October or early November. Find an authorized retailer with Find A Store, and use the Size Guide to find your size before you go.
Sherri Hill Dresses for a Winter Formal
These styles from the Sherri Hill Fall 2026 collection suit a winter dance. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 58082
A halter cocktail dress in velvet, beaded across the full surface. Velvet is a natural winter fabric, and this one comes in burgundy or navy. See style 58082.
Style 58039
A strapless stretch lace cocktail dress on a corset bodice, in 13 colors including wine, emerald, navy and black. See style 58039.
Style 58154
A strapless mikado cocktail dress with a bubble hem, a beaded neckline and a rose. Navy, red, burgundy and black suit a winter dance. See style 58154.
Style 58199
A fitted black lace cocktail dress with long sleeves and a sheer bodice, for a cold night or a stricter dress code. See style 58199.
Style 58085
A strapless navy velvet corset with a beaded fringe skirt that moves on the dance floor. See style 58085.
Style 58196
For a more formal winter ball, a fitted gown with a lace corset bodice and a stretch satin skirt, in wine, navy, black and more. See style 58196.
See more in cocktail dresses, homecoming dresses and long sleeve dresses.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a winter formal dress long or short?
Either works. Short and cocktail-length dresses are the most common choice; long gowns suit a winter formal billed as a ball. Follow your school's dress code.
Is winter formal more formal than homecoming?
They're usually similar: both are semi-formal school dances. Some schools make winter formal a little dressier, so check the invitation or dress code.
What colors are best for a winter formal?
Deep jewel tones such as wine, burgundy, emerald, navy and royal blue, plus black and metallics like silver and gold. Velvet and sequins in these colors feel especially wintry.
Can I wear a prom dress to a winter formal?
Yes, if the dance allows long dresses. If it doesn't, a short or cocktail-length dress suits most winter formals.
How far ahead should I buy a winter formal dress?
About four to eight weeks before the dance, which leaves time for alterations. Shop earlier for the widest choice of colors and sizes.
What shoes should I wear to a winter formal?
Closed-toe heels, block heels or dressy boots if it's snowy, and a pair of flats for dancing.
