Dillard’s Formal Dresses – My Honest Try-On Reviews

Let’s be honest—formal dress shopping can either be a Cinderella story or a total fashion flop. With so many styles and fabrics, it’s hard to tell what’ll flatter your body type or feel comfortable enough to wear all night. So I took the plunge and tried on three formal gowns from Dillard’s to see how they stack up in real life. Here’s my totally unfiltered take.

1. Alex Evenings Sleeveless V-Neck Stretch Taffeta A-Line Dress – Classic with a Twist

This bold fuchsia gown immediately caught my eye online, and in person, it’s even more vibrant. The stretch taffeta has a slight sheen, making it feel dressy without being over-the-top.

Fit & Feel:

• The V-neck cut is flattering but still modest.
• I loved the ruched bodice, which gives great waist definition.
• The A-line silhouette skims over the hips beautifully and creates a super feminine shape.

This dress is lined and has a subtle structure that holds everything in place—great for events where you’ll be photographed. The fabric does have a bit of a “swish” sound as you move, but nothing bothersome.

Pros:

• Very flattering on curvier figures
• Vibrant color makes a statement
• Stretch fabric is forgiving

Cons:

• The material isn’t ultra-soft
• Needs ironing or steaming before wear

2. Alex Marie Nina Chiffon Halter Tiered A-Line Dress – Romantic & Effortless

This dress is pure movement. The chiffon ruffles, halter neckline, and cinched waist all work together to give a romantic, flowy vibe. I tried the red version, and it was gorgeous and fiery without being too bold.

Fit & Feel:

• The fit around the chest and neckline was snug but comfortable.
• The tiered ruffles moved beautifully as I walked—honestly, I couldn’t stop twirling.
• It’s lined but still feels super light, which I loved.

This is the perfect pick for spring weddings or summer galas. The halter neck keeps things chic, and the dress breathes well even in warmer settings. It’s ideal if you’re into dresses that don’t cling but still feel elevated.

Pros:

• Flowy and comfortable
• Great for dancing or warm weather events
• Subtle elegance with plenty of charm

Cons:

• May overwhelm petite frames
• Not super fitted—more of a relaxed vibe

3. Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Scuba Crepe Mermaid Gown – Bold & Beautiful

This was the most structured of the three dresses, and also the most dramatic. The scuba crepe fabric hugs your curves in all the right ways, and the one-shoulder design adds an asymmetric, fashion-forward twist.

Fit & Feel:

• The fabric is thick but stretchy, offering a secure, smoothed silhouette.
• It’s form-fitting all the way down to the knees, then flares into a subtle mermaid.
• The asymmetrical neckline is incredibly flattering and unique.

This dress made me feel powerful. It’s perfect for black-tie affairs, formal galas, or even high-end cocktail parties. You’ll want shapewear or seamless underwear for a polished finish, but the dress does a lot of the heavy lifting on its own.

Pros:

• Hugging fit enhances your natural curves
• Unique neckline for a modern twist
• Bold colors that pop

Cons:

• Harder to move in than the others
• Requires the right undergarments

Final Verdict: Dillard’s Dresses Are Formalwear Winners

Each dress brought a different mood to the table—from classic and polished to bold and edgy. Whether you want to dance the night away in tiers of chiffon or command the room in a curve-hugging crepe gown, Dillard’s has a solid range of formal styles that are both beautiful and wearable.

My personal favorite? The Betsy & Adam one-shoulder gown. It’s dramatic, elegant, and made me feel like a movie star. But truthfully, every dress had its moment—and I’d absolutely recommend them if you’re looking for well-made formalwear that delivers both style and substance.