Formal Dresses
Sherri Hill formal dresses include floor-length gowns and short structured dresses for formal events, from black-tie weddings and galas to banquets, military balls and dances. Satin, brocade, lace and mikado lead the collection, with corset bodices, strapless necklines and high slits. Styles start at size 000, and some run to 26. Find them at authorized Sherri Hill retailers.
About Formal Dresses
What Counts as a Formal Dress?
A formal dress is a step up from cocktail attire. For evening and black-tie events it usually means a floor-length gown. For daytime formal events, dances and banquets, a structured short dress in a rich fabric also works. This collection has both: about two-thirds long gowns and one-third short styles.
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What You'll Find in the Sherri Hill Formal Collection
- Satin, mikado and taffeta. Structured fabrics with a clean, polished finish.
- Brocade and printed gowns. Woven florals and prints for garden weddings and spring formals.
- Lace and corset bodices. Lace overlays and boned bodices for a fitted shape.
- Ball gowns, A-lines and high slits. Full skirts for a grand entrance, or slits for ease of movement.
- Short structured styles. Satin, brocade, lace and beaded minis for formal events that don't call for a gown.
For the most formal black-tie looks, see evening dresses. For prom, see prom dresses.
Formal Events and What to Wear
- Black-tie weddings and galas: a floor-length gown.
- Formal and semi-formal weddings as a guest: What Is Cocktail Attire for a Wedding?
- Holiday formals and parties: Holiday Party Outfit Ideas
- School formals and banquets: a long gown or a structured short dress, depending on the dress code.
Sizes and Fit
Sherri Hill formal dresses start at US size 000. Most long styles run to 18, some to 26, and the short styles run to 14 or 18. Each style's page shows its exact size range. Use the Size Guide before you visit a store.
How to Find a Sherri Hill Formal Dress
Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers. Note the style number, then use Find A Store or browse stores by state to find a retailer near you. If the style, color or size you want isn't in the store, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Formal Dresses Questions
What is the difference between formal and semi-formal?
Formal usually means a floor-length gown, especially for evening events. Semi-formal allows a shorter, cocktail-length dress. The Sherri Hill formal collection has both long gowns and short structured styles.
Can I wear a short dress to a formal event?
For daytime formal events, dances and banquets, a structured short dress in satin, brocade or lace often works. For black-tie evening events, choose a floor-length gown.
What sizes do Sherri Hill formal dresses come in?
They start at US size 000. Most long styles run to 18, some run to 26, and the short styles run to 14 or 18. Each style's page shows its size range, and the Size Guide has the measurements.
Are formal dresses and evening dresses the same?
They overlap. Evening dresses are floor-length gowns for nighttime and black-tie events. Formal dresses also include short structured styles and daytime gowns, such as brocade and printed styles.
Where can I buy a Sherri Hill formal dress?
Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers. Use Find A Store to locate one near you and bring the style number. If the style or size you want isn't in the store, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.