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.

  • Sultry Glamour Mini Dress

    Give off a sultry glamorous vibe in this stunning backless mini dress. It features a sleeveless square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, an open back with a cross-back strap design, a lower back bar strap with mini rhinestone embellishment, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with sparkly statement earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back strap design
    • Lower back bar strap, rhinestone embellishment
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3945

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Adley Formal Floral Foiled Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep it flared in our foiled Adley dress that brings the glamour to your special evening. Adley features a v-neckline, a foiled floral pattern that brings the shine and a flared mini-length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets to keep essentials close to you. Complete your fabulous look with rhinestone heels and a sleek metallic clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless v-neckline, padded cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Partially open back
    • Foiled floral print
    • Flared mini length silhouette
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Fully lined scuba knit fabric, relaxed fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0403

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alicia Formal Sleeveless Midi Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance in our sleek Alicia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, a bar strap accent and a midi length silhouette. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4128

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Born To Glow Glitter Ruffled Mini Dress

    Shine on in an LBD that brings the glow to your night-out look! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a ruffled trim, a sweetheart bust, padded cups with a no slip-strip, short sleeves, glitter accents, 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 glitter heels and rhinestone hoops. 

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline
    • Sweetheart bust, ruffled trim
    • Padded cups, no-slip strip
    • Short sleeves
    • Glitter, ruched body
    • Lined mesh fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1184

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sunshine Butterfly Skater Dress

    Embrace the sunshine feeling like a dream! This butterfly chiffon skater dress is a gorgeous option for your upcoming soirees! It features ruffle trim three-quarter length puff sleeves and a square neckline, a tie-front bust, empire waist seam, and a flowy short-length hem. Complete the look in lace-up heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Ruffle trim three-quarter length puff sleeves
    • Ruffle trim square neckline
    • Tie-front bust
    • Empire waist seam
    • Skater silhouette, short-length
    • Chiffon overlay with butterflies, woven lining, no stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1978

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Chic Look Bodycon Mini Dress

    Showcase a chic look for date night with your special someone in this alluring bodycon dress! It features a wide V-neckline, long sheer chiffon bishop sleeves with flared hems, a V-back design, hook and eye front closures with a corset waist design, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete the outfit with sparkly rhinestone earrings and clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Wide V-neckline
    • Long sheer chiffon bishop sleeves, flared hems, adjustable ties
    • V-back design, back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Hook and eye front closures, corset waist design
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4074

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sweet And Chic Satin Mini Dress

    Create a sweet and chic date night look with this on-trend satin dress. It features a sweetheart neckline with wired and padded cups, ruching at the bust, a corset-designed bodice with front hook and eye closures, long puff sleeves, and a short, fitted silhouette. Style this dress with strappy mules.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, wired and padded cups
    • Ruched detailing at the bust
    • Corset-designed bodice, hook and eye closures, flexible boning
    • Long puff sleeves, elastic cinched hems
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Smooth satin fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1224

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kristiana Sweetheart A-Line Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    Playful and pretty, the Kristiana short dress boasts a flirty-chic design with lace trim, hidden side pockets for stashing your phone, and a voluminous A-line silhouette.

    Fit & Features

    • Woven fabric, multiple tulle and woven linings
    • Sweetheart neckline, lace trim
    • Built-in padded underwire bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets, A-line silhouette, short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, weddings, birthdays, graduations, dressy dates, day events, garden parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2680

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Glitter Gal Mini Dress

    Get your sparkle on in this sexy mini dress.

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti Straps
    • Surplice Front | Plunging V Neckline
    • Ruched Sides
    • Unlined, Glitter Knit Fabric
    • Body-Hugging Fit
    • Moderate Stretch 

     

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0262

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $31.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Violet Woven Glitter Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the shine to your group pics in the stunning Violet party dress! With her woven glitter fabrication, all eyes will be on you this Homecoming season. Violet features a sleeveless scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, high waist seams, and a short party skirt with a flirty fit and flare silhouette. Style with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline, ruched detailing
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • High waist seams, back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Woven glitter fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1152

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Andrea Sequin Mini Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Embellished with sparkling sequins, the stunning Andrea party dress deserves a debut at homecoming or your next formal event! She features a sleeveless, square neckline with tank-style straps, a lightly padded bust, a high waist seam, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-knit mesh fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look with a glam hair accessory and heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, square neck, tank-style straps
    • Lightly padded bust, bra opitional
    • High waist seam, back zipper closure
    • Mini, bodycon silhouette
    • Sequin scroll embellished
    • Mesh-lined fabric, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to sizr

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1118

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Juliana Open Back Heat Stone Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Shine bright like the star you are in our gleaming Juliana dress!

    Fits & Features

    • High round neckline
    • Fitted long sleeves
    • Open back with bar strap accent
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Glitter knit fabric with glitzy heat stones throughout
    • Form hugging fit with slight stretch
    • Zipper not included

     Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0242

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hazel Floral Ruffle A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Light, playful, and quietly polished, the Hazel mini dress is made for moments that call for confidence without trying too hard. Floral print mesh shapes a tiered ruffled A-line mini silhouette, finished with a ruched scoop neckline and flexible boning corset waist trim that defines the look.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral print, mesh fabric, knit lining
    • Ruched scoop neckline, wide shoulder straps, padded bra cups
    • Flexible boning insert waist trim
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Tiered ruffled A-line silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, garden parties, dressy brunch, daytime celebrations, bridal showers, baby showers, cocktail events, engagement parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000618

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $64.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sheer Attitude Crepe Short Dress

    This crepe short dress brings a high-fashion attitude to the party! The dress features sheer balloon sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, a lightly padded bust, and a bodycon silhouette. Complete your daring look with a chic clutch and heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer balloon sleeves
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Lightly padded bust
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2182

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Raise A Glass Glitter Mini Dress

    Outshine the crowd looking so sparkly in this glitter mini dress for a stunning toast! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neck, rhinestone straps, a padded bust, ruched side seams, a bodycon silhouette, and an asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a lined glitter fabric with moderate stretch. Style with platform heels to complete the look.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neck, rhinestone straps
    • Padded bust
    • Ruched side seams
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Asymmetrical mini-length hem
    • Lined glitter fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4713

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glow Floral Beaded Halter A-Line Mini Dress

    Delicate florals meet high-shine detail here. This embellished mesh mini dress features intricate beading and sequins, a halter V-neckline, and an open back that keeps the design visually balanced. The result is a standout piece with texture built into every angle.

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Floral beaded and sequin embellishment
    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Halter strap
    • Open back
    • Mini-length A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001630

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: GOLD

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

  • Winona Heat Stone Off Shoulder Dress

    Special Occasion

    Show up to your holiday soirees capturing all the attention in our beautiful Winona! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeves, heat stones throughout, 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 rhinestone heels and a tennis bracelet. 

    Fits & Features 

    • Off-shoulder neckline 
    • Unlined, fitted long sleeves
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Heat stones
    • Lined mesh fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1146

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Athena Glitter Corset Lace-Up Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for twirls that steal the spotlight, the Athena short dress enchants with a glitter tulle skater silhouette and a delicately beaded corset bodice. A lace-up back completes the look with an effortlessly romantic finish.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter, beaded, sequin embellishments
    • Tulle fabric lined with satin, no stretch
    • Square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
    • Corset bodice with applique embroidery, flexible boning
    • Lace-up back design, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Skater silhouette with a voluminous bonded short hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, fancy brunches, engagement parties, bridal celebrations, red-carpet occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000137

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alexa Formal Rhinestone Crepe Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Shimmer and sparkle from any angle in the Alexa formal rhinestone corset mini dress! The structured scuba crepe fabric is embellished with gorgeous clear and iridescent rhinestones in a dreamy floral design. Her sleeveless bodice is shaped with an alluring sweetheart neckline, featuring a padded bust and structured underwire. She has adjustable spaghetti straps to provide a customized fit. Her fitted corset-style top has flexible boning inserts and a high waist seam, leading to a curve-hugging silhouette on the mini-length hem. Complete your glam party look with metallic heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Scuba crepe fabric with bust lining, moderate stretch
    • Clear and iridescent rhinestones, floral design
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust with underwire
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Corset bodice with boning, side zipper with hook and eye closure
    • Bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2123

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kaylee Formal Woven Glitter Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the glitz to your school dance in the Kaylee formal short dress that radiates timeless glam! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, a ruched bodice paired with an empire waistband, and adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her high waist leads to a pleated party-length skater silhouette paired with hidden side pockets. The mini dress is composed of a woven glitter fabric with a full knit lining. Complete the look with sleek hoop earrings and clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Ruched bodice, empire waistband
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • Party-length skirt, skater silhouette, pleating, hidden side pockets
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Woven glitter fabric, full knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1153

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • In Lust With You Mini Dress

    Make them fall hard for you in this alluring burgundy mini dress! It has bustier-style cups with light padding, a sheer lace inset under the bust, narrow shoulder straps, a gold back zipper closure, and a body-hugging fit. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3290

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Stars Do Shine Lace-Up Bodycon Sequin Party Dress

    Make everyone starry-eyed over you in this sequin party dress at the school dance or birthday! Designed from a mesh fabric, this dress is crafted with a sequin scroll embellished pattern for a regal effect. With its square neckline, padded bra cups, and spaghetti straps, this dress offers a flattering and supportive fit. The lace-up back adds a head-turning effect while the bodycon fit and mini-length hem flatters your figure. Complete the look in high heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin scroll pattern, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back
    • Bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5722

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Plus Lace Appeal Skater Dress
    One way to ensure an unforgettable evening? Make the case for lace in this flirty skater style! Dress features spaghetti straps, a lightly padded sweetheart bodice with lace overlay, and a swing-y, inverted-pleat mini skirt. Dress slips on and is made from a lightweight nylon-crepe blend with a fair amount of stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 15101-0009

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Extra Stunning Faux Pearl Mesh Mini Dress

    Conquer the night looking extra stunning in this mesh mini dress at parties or somebody's plus one! This mini-length dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, short-sleeve cuffs, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a surplice bust. Ruched side seams and faux pearl-embellished mesh fabric add an elegant touch to the bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with teardrop earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Short-sleeve cuffs, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Side ruched seams, bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Faux pearl embellished mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2815

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale