Short Cocktail Dresses
The invite says cocktail, but your dress can still have a little fun with it. This short cocktail dress edit is full of strapless, cowl neckline, corset bodice, off-the-shoulder, and long sleeve silhouettes that go from sleek to statement. Choose mesh, slinky jersey, silky satin, velvet, or lace, then add your kind of drama with floral print, rhinestones, sequins, beading, or a side sash. Black, red, burgundy, navy, and emerald green keep the mood polished for birthday soirees, sorority formals, and guest of wedding plans—aka every excuse to dress up and take too many photos. Finish with heels and a mini bag, then let the dress handle the rest.
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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.
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Rose Sequin Corset Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Corset-inspired structure gives the Rose sequin mini dress its standout detail. Visible boning shapes the bodice, while the sweetheart neckline and lace-up back add definition to the fitted bodycon silhouette. Allover sequins and glitter finish the look with polished dimension and shine.
Fit & Features
- Allover sequin and glitter embellishment
- Lined mesh fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset-style bodice with flexible boning
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, big birthday parties, cocktail soirees, bachelorettes, Vegas, dressed-up date nights, red-carpet occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000833
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN, ROYAL
Available Size: 0, 1, 3, 5, 9, 7
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sultry Luxe Velvet Ruffle Mini Dress
Keep your party look sultry and luxe with this chic velvet ruffle mini dress. It features a sleeveless V-neckline with a fabulous front ruffled trim, adjustable spaghetti straps, ruching down the side and back seams, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette to show off your natural curves. The smooth velvet fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with rhinestone fringe earrings and metallic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, ruffled trim
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- High waist, ruched side and back seams
- Mini-length hem
- Bodycon silhouette
- Velvet fabric, knit lining at the bust, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2662
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $5.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Franny Taffeta Bow Mini Party Dress
Special Occasion
Franny is sleek and simple from the front and stunning from the back. Turn heads at a formal dance or wedding reception in this short party dress featuring a strapless, square neckline with non-slip grip lining, a hidden side zipper closure, and front and back pleat/ruching that creates the illusion of an hourglass figure. She stuns from the back with her flirty big pink bow tie with a dramatic train that glides against the floor. The formal dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in platform heels and an evening bag.
Fit & Features
- Strapless, square neckline, non-slip grip
- Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front and back pleat and ruching
- Form-hugging, mini-length hem
- Detachable back pink bow with train
- Taffeta woven fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1528
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Glitter Goals Mini Dress
This mini is totally glam goals girl! It features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, spaghetti straps and a cowl back to show off a hint of skin. The relaxed fit waist leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Zipper not included. Glitter may transfer.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0396
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Stylish Flair Floral Velvet Burnout Ruffled Mini Dress
Bring the stylish flair in this lined mesh mini dress accented with a floral velvet burnout pattern for a pretty look. It features a strapless straight-across neckline with a front bow trim, an adorable short ruffled hem, and a flirty A-line silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining
- Velvet burnout floral pattern
- Strapless straight neckline, front bow trim detail
- Back zipper closure
- Mini-length ruffled hem
- A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3694
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Daring To Be Bold Crepe Bodycon Wrap Dress
Dare to flaunt your curves in this crepe cowl mini dress! Sleekly designed with a sleeveless cowl V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a sexy sheer mesh bodice with flexible boning to show your femme figure along the short bodycon wrap silhouette. Complete the look in a pair of sassy platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer mesh bodice, flexible boning
- Bodycon silhouette
- Wrap mini-length hem
- Crepe fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5012
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $5.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ember Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Glitter Party Dress
Special Occasion
Every jaw will hit the floor when you wear the Ember glitter party dress that flaunts a ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline for dramatic flair and a sexy bodycon fit!
This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline
- Bodycon fit
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, birthday parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinner, wedding showers, engagement parties, bachelorettes, date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2169
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Bonnie Lace-Up A-Line Dress With Pockets
Special Occasion
Shimmer in this sleeveless short dress featuring a stunning lace-up back, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a flirty A-line silhouette. Perfect for the school dance or a celebration.
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
- Shimmer woven fabric lined with woven, no stretch
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Shoulder straps
- Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- A-line short-length fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2386
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Luxury Views Satin Sequin Skater Dress
Add a touch of luxury with this satin skater dress that'll have you sparkling with confidence! This beautiful dress features a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross along the back, a gorgeous sequin-embellished padded bust with a cowl pleated overlay, and a flattering skater silhouette and short-length hem. Complete the look in rhinestone heels for a semi-formal occasion or a school dance!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure, cross back straps
- Sequin-embellished padded bust
- Pleated cowl overlay
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2721
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ariana Glitter Knit Party Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and shine like the gorgeous stunner you are in the flirty Ariana party dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, and a high waist seam with a flowy party skirt silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back lace-up design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, party skirt silhouette, hidden side pockets
- Glitter knit fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0705
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Hope Glitter Velvet Bustier Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The Hope party dress comes to shine in bold and sparkly glitter velvet picture-perfect for school dances or dressy celebrations! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, a bustier bodice with flexible boning, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a flattering short skater silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a shimmering glitter velvet knit fabric that sparkles under the light. Complete the look in platform block heels and earrings!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Bustier bodice, flexible boning
- Hidden side pockets, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Glitter velvet knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1907
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sassy Satin Lace-Up Mini Dress
Showcase your sassy side in this sleek satin mini dress! It features a sleeveless cowl neckline with pleated detailing, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back, lace-up strappy design, a mini-length, wrap-front skirt, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your curves. Style with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless pleated cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- High waist seam, wrap-front skirt
- Mini-length hem
- Fitted bodycon silhouette
- Smooth satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4564
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $43.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Miley Sequin One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dramatic entrance in the Miley sequin party dress with all eyes all you! She features a one-shoulder sweetheart plunge neckline with a wire insert and long sleeve, a high-waist seam, and a bodycon asymmetrical wrap short hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-knit mesh fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in glitzy earrings for a Christmas or New Year's Eve party!
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder sweetheart plunge neckline with a wire insert
- Long sleeve, strapless bra recommended
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Asymmetrical wrap short hem
- Sequin mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1117
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Stone Cold Mini Dress
Make them stare in this glitzy bodycon dress.
Fits & Features
- Mock Neckline
- Eyelet, Semi-Sheer Long Sleeves
- Zipper At Back
- Eyelet Fabric With Full Knit Lining I Gemstone Accents
- Bodycon Fit
- Plenty Of Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0244
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $27.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Shay Tropical Printed Bead Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for the nights when blending in simply isn't on the itinerary, the Shay mini dress brings bold glamour to every RSVP. This beaded mesh dress features a sculpted strapless silhouette, intricate tropical-inspired print, and a twisted sweetheart neckline that catches attention from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Printed tropical design, beaded embellishments, mesh-lined fabric
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, non-slip grip lining
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Bachelorettes, birthday dinners, date nights, cocktail parties, fashion-forward events, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000783
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: S
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Silvia Floral Bow Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Romantic with a confident twist, the Silvia floral print taffeta woven mini dress is designed for entrances that linger a little longer. The strapless neckline, bodycon mini silhouette, and statement back bow with train create a polished look that feels intentional, elevated, and unforgettable.
Fit & Features
- Taffeta structured woven fabric, lined, floral print design
- Strapless neckline
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini silhouette with tailored shaping
- Statement back bow detail with train
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Bridal celebrations, engagement parties and photoshoots, dressy baby showers, formal garden parties, cocktail receptions, fancy brunch birthdays, formal dances, vacations, resort destinations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000504
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLUE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Florence Off Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Tis' the season for dressing up! Show up to your soirees in our fabulous Florence.
Fits & Features
- Off Shoulder Design
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Sweetheart Wrap Neckline
- Midi Length Silhouette I Front Side Slit
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0337
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Addie Strapless Velvet Asymmetric Ruffled Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the flirtatious allure in the Addie velvet ruffled mini dress perfect for your next party! The short formal dress is designed with a strapless straight-across neckline, vertical seams that run from bust to hem, and a tiered, ruffled, asymmetric hem for that dramatic flair.
This dress was made for selfies! Love a bold look? Browse our chic black prom dresses or stand out in our stylish party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined velvet fabric
- Strapless straight neckline
- Vertical seams from bust to hem
- Back zipper closure
- Tiered asymmetric ruffled hem
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2563
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Phoebe Velvet Mock Neck Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Phoebe exudes elegance in a modern silhouette! She brings flirty-sultriness in a long sleeve, mock neckline with dual button closures, shoulder pads, bodycon silhouette, and an asymmetrical mini-length hem. The formal dress is composed of velvet knit fabric with moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look in a glam hair accessory for a stunning updo!
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves, shoulder pads
- Mock neckline, dual button closures
- Bra-friendly design
- Bodycon silhouette
- Asymmetrical mini-length hem
- Velvet knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1414
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Showstopper Sleeveless Velvet Asymmetrical Dress
Wrap yourself in a luxe velvet dress that brings the sophistication to your night out. The dress features a plunging V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a mini length silhouette with an asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a velvet knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Mini length silhouette
- Asymmetrical hem
- Velvet fabric with moderate stretch
- Form hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3683
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Venus Mesh Heat Stone Gown
Special OccasionRadiate the shine of a thousand diamonds in our dazzling mesh Venus gown. She features a twisted single-strap shoulder, and all-over round, square, and oval-shaped heat stones in a diagonal pattern at bust and though waist and in a vertical pattern from approximately below the knee to the bottom of the asymmetric hem. Venus is fully lined and made from a soft, mesh-blend material with plenty of stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4147
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Straight To The Point Mini Dress
Let's get straight to the point - you'll look totally gorg in this mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a straight neckline with a notched V wired trim, seam detailing, and a short, form hugging fit with an asymmetrical hemline. The dress is composed of a nylon ponte knit fabric with plenty of stretch.Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0211
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Meghan High Neck Crepe Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Get a stunning look for your upcoming engagement party, bachelorette outing, or bridal shower in our Meghan crepe mini dress! She features a high neck with dual back button closures, a sheer mesh bodice with a swiss dot design and a keyhole back, a padded sweetheart neckline, and a mini length, curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with dazzling rhinestone earrings and a rhinestone cuff bracelet for a gorgeous vibe.
Fit & Features
- High neck with dual back button closures
- Sheer mesh bodice with a swiss dot design
- Padded sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric with a knit lining
- Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0497
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Davina Satin Bodycon Sash Mini Dress
Special Occasion
For the entrance that feels effortlessly commanding, the Davina dress showcases sleek satin with a one-shoulder draped neckline and a sculpting bodycon silhouette. Ruched detailing contours the fit while a dramatic side sash adds fluid movement that elevates every step.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin, sewn-in knit lining
- Draped one-shoulder neckline
- Attached side sash
- Bodycon silhouette with ruched shaping
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, birthday dinners, cocktail parties, formal celebrations, date nights, bachelorettes
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000688
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MOCHA, LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: M, XS, S