Short Cocktail Dresses

Short Cocktail Dresses for Parties & Special Events

Short Cocktail Dresses bring a playful edge to dressed-up occasions, with mini and shorter silhouettes made for cocktail parties, celebrations, and nights out. Go sleek in a fitted bodycon, add movement with an A-line or skater shape, or make more of a statement with corset details, open backs, ruffles, and lace-up designs. From satin and velvet to sequins and dark florals, these shorter styles can shift from polished to party-ready.

Mini Cocktail Dresses for Fall & Winter Plans

For Friendsgiving dinners and fall celebrations, knit, satin, mesh, and dark floral styles bring seasonal texture to the shorter hem. Cowl, halter, square, and sweetheart necklines offer different ways to frame the look, while off-shoulder, one-shoulder, and strapless designs dial up the drama for evening plans.

Holiday parties and New Year’s Eve call for extra shine. Mini cocktail dresses with beading, rhinestones, mesh, or unique sequin patterns catch the light, while velvet adds a richer finish for winter events. When you want more coverage without giving up cocktail style, explore Long Sleeve Cocktail Dresses.

Dress Up a Short Cocktail Look for Cooler Nights

A few layers and accessories can take a shorter dress further through the season. Pair satin, velvet, or embellished styles with heels and sparkling jewelry for a polished party look, then add boleros for extra coverage on cooler nights.

For a broader range of lengths and silhouettes, explore Windsor’s cocktail dresses, from short party styles to more elevated options for dressier events.

Is a Short Dress Appropriate for a Cocktail Party?

Yes. Short cocktail dresses are appropriate for many cocktail parties, but consider the event’s dress code and formality along with the hemline. A mini can feel cocktail-ready when elevated through a structured silhouette, luxe fabric, sophisticated neckline, or details like beading and rhinestones. For more conservative or formal events, a slightly longer hem or more refined styling may better fit the setting.

If you’re deciding between cocktail and formal attire, the distinction goes beyond dress length. The venue, time of day, invitation, fabrication, and overall finish can all help determine how dressed-up your look should be. Explore the cocktail dress vs. formal dress guide for more guidance.

Find Windsor’s Short Cocktail Dresses for fall celebrations, holiday parties, New Year’s Eve, and nights out, with mini and shorter styles designed to make dressing up feel fun.

  • On Your Mind Pleated Satin Mini Dress

    You'll def be on their mind after they see you in this sassy satin mini dress! It features a sleeveless square neckline, thin tank shoulder straps, trendy corset-style seams at the bodice, a faux wrap-front with pleating at the waist, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with lace-up heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Thin tank shoulder straps
    • Corset-style seams
    • Faux wrap-front, pleating
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Satin-knit fabric, lined bust, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1881

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Radiant In Rhinestones Mini Dress

    Cause a little commotion in this playful mini dress! It features a wrap bodice with a ruffle trim, a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps, and a wrap skirt with a subtle asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3351

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $31.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kadison Formal Open Back Velvet Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Keep it stunning in a luxe velvet dress that showcases elegance for your next special evening. Make a memorable entrance in our Kadison dress that features a rich velvet fabric, ruched side seams at the skirt, and a daring open-back design. Complete your special evening outfit with chrome heels and rhinestone earrings. 

    Fit & Features

    • High round neckline
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Open back design 
    • Velvet fabric
    • Ruched side seams at the skirt
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0480

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Macie Satin Corset Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sweet and a little sultry, the Macie satin party dress will have all eyes on you when you enter the room. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, a chic corset-designed bodice, an open back with a lace-up strappy design, and a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. Style this dress with sparkly heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Padded bust, no bra required
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, customized fit
    • Corset-designed bodice
    • Open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
    • High waist seam, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1156

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • A Sparkle Story Glitter Asymmetrical Dress

    Enchant with a glitter dress that brings out your inner glow, babe! The dress features a sleeveless wrap V-neckline, spaghetti straps, ruching, and an asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless wrap V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Ruching, bodycon fit
    • Asymmetrical mini length hem
    • Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3973

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Keep It Sleek Satin Mini Dress

    Keep your night out look sleek and stunning in this on-trend satin dress. It features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, a tie-back detail, and a mini-length, A-line silhouette. Style this dress with strappy heels and a chic clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Tie-back detail
    • Mini-length, A-line silhouette
    • Satin fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1179

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Tate Velvet Corset Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for nights that call for a little drama, the Tate velvet mini dress stuns with a corset bodice, ruched detailing, and a daring slit hem. The body-skimming fit and luxe texture make it an instant after-dark standout.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet knit fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Front slit
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, bachelorettes, birthdays, date nights, parties, cocktail soirees, milestone celebrations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000145

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Babe In A Backless Skater Dress

    Check you out, babe! Turn heads in this skater dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a round neckline, an open back with strappy details, a high waist seam, and a short A-line skirt. Dress is composed of an unlined ponte fabric with a moderate stretch. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8013

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Major Flirt Swiss Dot Ruched Mini Dress

    Bring those flirty vibes with a stunning mini dress that makes the perfect first impression! The dress features a square neckline, short puff sleeves, a swiss dot pattern throughout, a ruched body, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with mules and gold earrings. 

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline
    • Short puff sleeves, ruffled hems
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Swiss dot pattern
    • Ruched body, mini-length silhouette 
    • Lined mesh fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1247

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Miranda Sequin Feather Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    Embody a classic charm in the Miranda sequin short dress to make the perfect entrance at dances, weddings, or the next formal affair! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves with feathered cuffs, a front V-notch wire insert, a high-waist seam, and a curve-hugging silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin scroll embroidered mesh fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Complete your sultry look in rhinestone earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, front V-notch wire
    • Long sleeves with feathered cuffs
    • High-waist seam, back zipper closure
    • Short, bodycon silhouette
    • Sequin scroll embroidery, lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1070

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Undeniably Chic A-Line Mini Dress

    Quietly confident, undeniably chic. With a clean square neckline and open-back design, this A-line mini dress proves that simplicity can leave a lasting impression.

    Fit & Features

    • Crepe fabric, sewn-in knit lining
    • Sleeveless square neckline, button back closures
    • Wide tank shoulder straps
    • Open back cutout, lower hidden zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001210

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $44.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Eloise Sequin Bow A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the sparkle after sunset, the Eloise sequin mesh mini brings a playful shine with a polished party dress feel. The strapless sweetheart neckline, charmeuse ruched bodice, A-line silhouette, and tie-back detail create a flirty finish that feels ready for every “what are you wearing?” moment.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin-embellished pattern, mesh fabric, knit stretchy lining
    • Strapless sweetheart satin neckline, padded bra cups, twist accent
    • Back hook and eye fasteners, bow tie, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • A-line mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, birthdays, date nights, cocktail soirees, dressy celebrations, fashion-forward events

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000882

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: SAGE

    Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M

  • Wrapped In Beauty Mini Dress

    Wrap yourself in this gorgeous mini dress to showcase your beauty! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline, a tie waist belt and an asymmetrical mini skirt. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

     Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0239

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Anissa Satin Sash Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Texture and structure work together in this statement mini. Floral appliqués and illusion mesh accent the satin corset design, while the draped side sash creates movement and dimension. The lace-up back finishes the look with added detail.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabrication, knit lining, high stretch
    • Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bra cups
    • Corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Floral appliqués with illusion mesh panels
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette, draped side sash
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, birthday events, bachelorettes, Vegas, dressed-up date nights, cocktail parties, glamorous occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000948

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $99.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PLUM, BLACK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, XXS

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sweetheart In Satin Mini Dress

    Be a total sweetheart in gorgeous satin with this adorable mini dress. It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a square back, a wrap front with ruched detailing, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a satin-like fabric, offering moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0368

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dancing In Satin Strappy Mini Dress

    Dance the night away in this silky satin mini dress! It features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a tank-style strap that leads to the strappy back design, a bodycon silhouette, and a side slit accent. Complete the look in dazzling earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Tank-style strap
    • Strappy back design
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem with side slit
    • Silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4554

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • All The Right Moves Ruched Mini Dress

    Make all the right moves with a mini dress that showcases your curves! The dress features a sleeveless square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a ruched body, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a brushed knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with mules.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Ruched body
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Brushed knit fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-4275

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • In The City Glitter Mini Dress

    Take a night out on the town with a dress that catches the city lights!

    Fits & Features

    • V Neckline
    • Long Sleeves
    • Cinching At Center Front Bodice
    • Form-Fitting, Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Knit Fabric Adorned With Glitter
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 
    • Glitter May Transfer 

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0002

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $27.00 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Avery Formal Heat Stone Cowl Neck Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a sparkling moment in the shimmering Avery dress that draws all eyes on you! She features a sleeveless cowl neck, sleek bungee cord straps that lead to an x-back design, sparkling heat stones throughout, and a mini length hem. complete look with rhinestone door knocker earrings and sleek heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neck
    • Bungee cord straps
    • X-back
    • Heat stones
    • Mini length hem
    • Form hugging fit
    • Moderate stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0552

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Hattie Floral Satin Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    For celebrations that call for something effortlessly charming, the Hattie dress brings together lustrous floral satin with a sculpted corset bodice and a playful skater silhouette. The softly flared skirt moves beautifully with every step, while side pockets add a modern touch to this polished event-ready look.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral print, premium satin fabric, woven lining with tulle trim
    • Scoop draped neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable shoulder straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Corset bodice, flexible boning, drop waist seam
    • Hidden side pockets, skater mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, bridal celebrations, engagement parties and photoshoots, wedding showers, daytime cocktail parties, dressy brunches, winery events, graduation parties, special birthday dinners

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000621

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLUE

    Available Size: M

  • Red Carpet Rules Front Sash Mini Dress

    Meet the kind of dress that doesn’t just enter a room—it owns it. This mock neck mini dress serves a sleek, sculpted silhouette up top, then drops the mic with a bold open back and front sash that drapes dramatically for that high-fashion, caught-off-duty-supermodel look.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit fabric with stretch
    • Sleek mock halter neckline
    • Open back design with lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Dramatic front sash waist tie with draping effect
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001357

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WINE, BROWN

    Available Size: L, XS, S, M

  • Drama Queen Strapless Ruffle Mini Dress

    She's giving spotlight stealer with zero chill. This strapless bodycon mini dress with a side ruffle sash brings big “watch me walk away” energy.

    Fit & Features

    • Knit fabric with subtle sheen, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Side ruffled sash
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000368

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Hit The Spot Ruched Mesh Mini Dress

    This mini dress really hits the spot for its stylish allure! Featuring swiss dot long sleeves, a square neckline, a bodycon silhouette, and a short-length hem. Complete the look in glitzy earrings and heels for date night.

    Fit & Features

    • Swiss dot puff long sleeves
    • Square neckline
    • Ruching throughout
    • Bodycon fit, mini hem
    • Mesh-lined fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1262

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Klarrissa Formal Satin Pearl Strap Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make an iconic entrance in the Klarissa formal satin dress as the bride-to-be or banquet guest! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a pleated cowl draping, adjustable faux pearl embellished straps, a lightly padded bust, flexible boning inserts along the bodice, and a bodycon silhouette with a wrap midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of luxurious satin fabric with a subtle sheen and a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in dainty earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, pleated cowl draping
    • Adjustable faux pearl embellished straps
    • Lightly padded bust
    • Flexible boning inserts, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, wrap midi-length hem
    • Luxe satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1700

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale