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.

  • Ready For My Closeup Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

    Step up for your closeup in this chic mini dress! The dress features a sweetheart neckline, short puff sleeves, hidden side pockets, and a mini-length silhouette. Complete look with mules and statement earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, structured and padded bust
    • Short puff sleeves
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Woven fabric, minimal stretch, form-hugging fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0982

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sally Floral Beaded Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Light, romantic, and effortlessly polished, the Sally dress is made for celebrations that feel intimate yet unforgettable. This beaded mesh bodycon mini features a garden floral print, V-neck, and delicate spaghetti straps for a look that feels refined, flattering, and perfectly occasion ready.

    Fit & Features

    • Beaded mesh-lined fabric with garden floral print
    • V-neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Fitted bodycon mini silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Formal dances, date nights, bridal celebrations, baby showers, birthday brunches, outdoor cocktail receptions, winery events, dressy daytime parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000244

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $89.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: IVORY

    Available Size: L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Here To Stun Lace Trim Bodycon Mini Dress

    This stunning ruched mesh mini dress features a lace sweetheart neckline with a ruched draped overlay, dainty lace trim spaghetti straps, and a bodycon silhouette to hug your gorgeous curves. Style with stiletto heels for a formal date night!

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, plenty of stretch
    • Lined lace sweetheart neckline with lace trim, padded bust
    • Lace trim adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Ruched draped overlay, ruched side seams
    • Mini-length bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5827

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Marybelle Sequin A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    Head to the school dance and unleash your inner sparkle girl in the Marybell sequin short dress showcasing flirtatious vibes all around! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, an empire waistband with flexible boning, hidden side pockets to keep your hands warm, and an A-line silhouette. The formal mini dress is composed of a sequin-knit fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your party look in sassy heels and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Empire waistband, flexible boning, back zipper closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • A-line silhouette, short-length hem
    • Sequin-knit, lining, minimal stretch
    • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1145

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Gia Sequin Mesh Bodycon Dress

    Special Occasion

    Shimmer and glimmer in the sultry-chic Gia formal dress! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, stretchy bungee spaghetti straps, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in an intricate scroll pattern. Style this dress with sleek hoop earrings for a fab night out.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1102

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $66.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Plus Late Night Fantasy Dress

    Live your wildest dreams in this skater dress! Bring the wow factor to your date-night outfit in this flirty pulse size skater dress. The dress features a flattering v-neckline, spaghetti straps that offer support, sheer lace back detail with a lower back keyhole to show off a hint of skin and a flowy skater silhouette with double-tiered hem. The dress is composed of a form-hugging ponte knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete your impressive look with rhinestone duster earrings and sleek stiletto heels. 

    Fits & Features

    • V neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Sheer lace back with zipper
    • Exposed lower back
    • Wide waistband 
    • Flowy skirt with a double-tiered hem 
    • Ponte knit composition, moderate stretch

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 38" bust, 37" waist, and 50" waist. She is wearing a size 1x. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 15101-0064

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $18.97 $47.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brigitta Pearl Embroidered Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Perfect for bachelorette parties or to refresh your night-out look, the Brigitta mini dress is a must-have. She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, bungee spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a cross-strap design, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. The short dress is crafted from a lined mesh fabric embroidered with all-over pearl details for a chic vibe. Complete the look with the mini dress in rhinestone earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-strap design
    • Short, form-hugging fit
    • Sheer mesh fabric with embroidered pearl details, full knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1829

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Andie Velvet Drop Waist Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Elevate your formal outfit in a luxe velvet short dress featuring an off-the-shoulder collared sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a drop-waist design, and a pleated skater silhouette. Complete the outfit with glitter mesh heels.

    Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Lined velvet fabrication
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Collared sweetheart bust, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Drop-waist design
    • Pleated skater silhouette
    • Short length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2444

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Morgan Satin Lace-Up Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    A modern classic with a hint of intrigue, the Morgan satin A-line dress is made for those moments when polished meets unforgettable. The lace-up back adds a striking finish, while the softly structured silhouette and hidden side pockets keep it effortlessly chic from every angle.

    Fit & Features

    • Premium satin fabric, tulle and woven linings
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Flared A-line mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Bridal celebrations, graduations, fancy birthday brunches, garden parties, engagement photoshoots, elopements, rehearsal dinners, honeymoons, formal celebrations, special date nights

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000695

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $64.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: IVORY, DENIM

    Available Size: L, XS, S, M, XL

  • Main Flame Off Shoulder Dress

    Become our main flame this weekend in this sweet yet sexy skater dress! It features a straight off-the-shoulder neckline with fitted short sleeves, a fitted bodice, a high waist, and a flirty skater skirt with a double-layered design. Style this dress with statement earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Fitted short sleeves
    • Fitted bodice, high waist
    • Double-layered skater skirt
    • Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0215

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Zooey Sequin Strappy Back Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Party season is year-round with the Zooey sequin mini dress! She features a sexy and sleeveless V-neckline, dual sleek bungee spaghetti straps that create the strappy open-back design, a curve-flaunting bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The party dress is designed with a boho-inspired sequin pattern on mesh fabric and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in rhinestone earrings and heels for a glitzy vibe!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Dual bungee spaghetti straps
    • Strappy open-back design
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Boho-inspired sequin pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1792

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Alena Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the nights that call for full glam, the Alena velvet bodycon mini dress brings a sculpted fit with cool-girl ruching and a daring mini-length hem. The square neckline and side slit keep it sleek yet flirty—the kind of look that turns every entrance into a photo moment.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Sleeveless square neckline, pleated design
    • Thin shoulder straps
    • Back bar strap with hook and bar closure, lower back cutout
    • Lower back zipper with hook-eye closure, ruching
    • Mini-length hem, short side slit, bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, dinner parties, romantic date nights, rooftop parties, and glam nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000300

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • All The Posh Things Velvet Dress

    You love the best things in life, so you'll love this burgundy velvet dress for all your party needs! Dress features a deep V neckline with a wire front, spaghetti straps, a high waist seam, and a short wrap skirt that creates a subtle asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of an unlined velvet fabric with a 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: 05103-3189

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Darling Diva Velvet Floral Dress

    You'll look like a darling diva in this bodycon mini dress perfect for bringing the allure to parties! Features a sleeveless plunge V-neckline with a wire insert, a lightly padded bust, a lace-up back design, and is composed of mesh-lined fabric with a flocked floral velvet pattern. Style this mini-length dress with a rhinestone bracelet and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, wire insert
    • Lightly padded bust
    • Lace-up back design, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Flocked floral velvet pattern
    • Mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2070

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ailany Rhinestone Mesh Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    A little shimmer goes a long way when the draping does the rest. The Ailany formal dress features rhinestone-embellished mesh that catches the light across a pleated bodice, while delicate spaghetti straps, a V-neckline, and a draped side sash add polished dimension. Made for homecoming when the look calls for something glamorous without feeling overdone.

    Fit & Features

    • Rhinestone-embellished mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
    • Sleeveless V-neckline with padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Structured boning, side zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Asymmetric pleated detailing at the waist, side sash accent
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, dressed-up dinners, rooftop parties, and glam nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001206

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $89.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PLUM, NAVY

    Available Size: M, L, XS, S, XL

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Miranda Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for your next unforgettable night out, the Miranda turns up the charm with a sculpted bodycon fit and romantic off-the-shoulder neckline.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleek knit fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, padded bra cups
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Side ruched seams
    • Bodycon fit
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, bachelorettes, Vegas weekends, birthdays, date night, parties, cocktail soirees

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000134

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • In The Spotlight Sequin Mini Dress

    Shine and dazzle them all in the spotlight with a dress as extra as you! This sparkling mini dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, padded cups and spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up back. The all over sequins are set in a trendy scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a minimal stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0139

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Alaia Floral Embroidered Satin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed to captivate from every angle, the Alaia satin mini dress stuns with a sheer sequin floral embroidered bodice that perfectly balances allure and elegance. It's your luxe go-to for nights that call for a little extra glam.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabric
    • Sheer mesh bodice, lined sweetheart neckline, padded bust
    • Flexible boning, back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Floral embroidery with clear sequins
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Pleating, mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size


    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, holiday soirees, and luxe nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000416

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: HUNTER

    Available Size: M

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Karly Sequin Strappy Back Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Own the spotlight in the Karly sequin party dress out on the dance floor as a bachelorette or birthday girl! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, a padded bust, dual sleek bungee spaghetti straps that creates the strappy open-back design, a sexy bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The party dress is designed with an intricate and regal sequin-embellished pattern on mesh fabric sure to make you stand out and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in rhinestone heels and earrings for a glamorous finish!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
    • Dual bungee spaghetti straps
    • Strappy open back design, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Regal sequin-embellished pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • No bra required
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1845

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Everyday Chic Ruffled Mini Dress

    Keep it chic and lowkey with a ruffled mini dress that is perf for brunch with the squad! The dress features a square neckline with a dual ruffled bodice, semi-sheer long sleeves, and a mini-length silhouette with tiered ruffles. The dress is composed of a combination of lightweight woven and smocked fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with mules.

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline, dual ruffles at bodice
    • Semi-sheer long sleeves
    • Smocked bodice, tiered ruffles
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Lightweight woven fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1015

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sally Satin Strapless Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Sally satin mini dress skims and shapes with effortless glamour. Its strapless neckline and artful ruching create a silhouette made for making an entrance!

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
    • Sweetheart strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Ruched bodycon silhouette, flexible boning inserts
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, bachelorettes, date night, birthdays, rooftop hotel bars, cocktail parties, fashion shows, launch parties, GNO, Vegas

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000086

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Graced In Lace Skater Dress

    Grace them with your presence in lovely lace! This skater dress features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with a lace trim and narrow straps that lead to a cross back design. The bodice features an all over lined floral lace fabric with a metallic outline and leads to a multi layered skater length skirt with hidden side pockets. Dress is composed of a combination crepe and lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8182

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $18.97 $47.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Meg Crepe Feather Trim Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Short and sassy, unlock the Meg crepe dress that brings the diva allure to formal parties and dressy date nights! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a built-in padded bust with underwire support. Her curve-hugging silhouette leads to the eye-catching, asymmetrical short hem with feather trim. The formal dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch. Style with bold stiletto heels to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Built-in padded bust, underwire
    • Curve-hugging silhouette
    • Feather trim, asymmetrical short hem
    • Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1406

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Alora Formal Sequin Scroll Bodycon

    Special Occasion 

    Make a dazzling impression with a formal bodycon dress that stuns at your special event! Alora features a square neckline, long sleeves, a sequin scroll print, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with nude heels and rhinestone earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Sequin scroll print
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Lined mesh fabric, form-hugging fit, slight stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0703

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale