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.

  • Leoni Lace-Up Corset Floral Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Leoni floral skater dress captures romantic allure with a modern flair that'll have all eyes on you! Designed with a gorgeous lace-up back that turns heads, a corset bodice to snatch your waist, and a voluminous silhouette made for twirling.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral print, organza fabric, tulle and stretch knit linings
    • Square neckline, tie shoulder straps
    • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Lace-up back, corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Drop waist seam
    • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, big milestone parties, birthdays, garden parties, afternoon tea, semi-formal weddings

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2716

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Chic Affair Ruched Bell Sleeve Bodycon Mini Dress

    Make it a chic affair in this curve-hugging mini dress featuring a sweetheart neckline with an alluring bust seam outline and sheer mesh long fitted sleeves with ruched detailing and flared hems for added drama. Style with stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Lined knit fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline with bust seam outline, ruching
    • Sheer mesh long fitted sleeves with flared hems, ruching
    • Mini-length bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5857

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Love For Leopard Mesh Mini Dress

    Let your wild side come through in this killer mini dress! 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Square Neckline & Back 
    • Mini Length Silhouette I Ruching Along Sides & Center Back 
    • Leopard Print Throughout With Mesh Overlay I Smooth Knit Lining
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
    • Zipper Not Featured 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0512

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Angie Flocked Velvet Pearl Mesh Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Soft meets statement in the Angie mini dress, a romantic dress designed to captivate. With its flocked rose velvet mesh, faux pearl accents, and ruched bodycon fit, this dress balances sweet femininity with undeniable edge—perfect for nights made to remember.

    Fit & Features

    • Flocked rose velvet pattern, mesh-lined stretchy fabric
    • Faux pearl embellished
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Sheer fitted long sleeves
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closures
    • Ruched bodycon fit
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Date nights, cocktail parties, semi-formal weddings, engagement parties, bachelorettes, rooftop hotel bars

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000195

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Chic Sparkle Corset Mini Dress

    Bring a chic sparkle to your night-out look with this stunning mesh mini dress! It features a strapless square neckline with an angled design, a corset-designed bodice with flexible boning, side ruching, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has a full knit lining and is embellished with all-over iridescent rhinestones. Complete the outfit with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless square neckline, angled design
    • Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Side ruching, short, form-fitting silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • All-over mini iridescent rhinestone embellishment
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1126

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $50.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kateri Crepe Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Our Kateri is a show-stopper! Her body-lovin' fit will hug your every curve.  

    Fits & Features 

    • Spaghetti Straps That Lace Up & Cross At The Back 
    • Plunging V Neckline 
    • Midi Length Silhouette With Front Slit 
    • Crepe Fabric 
    • Curve Hugging Fit 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0310

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • All That Shine Mini Dress

    Shine bright this weekend with a mini dress that screams sexy!

    Fits & Features

    • Deep Wired V Neckline With Padding
    • Skinny Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace Up At The Back
    • Lined Knit Material With Damask Sequin Design 
    • Curve Hugging Fit 
    • Moderate Stretch
    • Zipper Not Included 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0187

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lucia Side Slit Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Enter any room and you'll be receiving compliments left and right in our lovely Lucia! 

    Fits & Features

    • Thick Shoulder Straps 
    • Sweetheart Neckline I Linear Seam Details At The Bust I Square Back
    • Midi Length Silhouette With Front Side Slit 
    • Stretch Satin Fabric I Fully Lined 
    • Bodycon Fit I Moderate Stretch 
    • Zipper Not Included

     

    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: 05001-0351

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $8.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Clarissa Rhinestone And Pearl Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    All eyes on you—exactly where they should be. With iridescent rhinestones and chic pearl embellishments that catch every light, this curve-hugging mini dress is your RSVP to being unforgettable.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
    • All-over faux pearl and iridescent rhinestone embellishments
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, structured and padded bust, flexible boning
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, and formal nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000036

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Riley Strapless Gemstone Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    All eyes on The Riley mini dress. Drenched in rhinestones and gemstones and sculpted with a strapless sweetheart neckline, this bodycon mini was made to own the room. With its corset-inspired fit and luminous mesh finish, it’s giving pure bombshell energy—no introduction needed.

    Fit & Features

    • Gemstone and rhinestone-embellished
    • Mesh-lined fabric, minimal stretch
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, sheer mesh insert
    • Built-in underwire padded bust
    • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Corset-structured bodice, flexible boning
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size 

     

    Where to Wear 

    Bridal celebrations, bachelorettes, birthdays, glam holiday soiree, red-carpet occasions, fashion events, upscale cocktail parties, luxe date nights

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000496

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $119.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: NAVY

    Available Size: S, L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Savannah Sequin Mesh Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Twirl the night away in the flirty Savannah sequin party dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a strappy cross-back design, a fitted high waist, and a short flared-out party skirt silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has all-over sequin embroidery in a stunning scroll design. Complete your look with neutral block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Built-in padded bust
    • Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Cross-back strap design, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, short party skirt
    • Fit and flare silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0938

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Becky Open Back Sequin Lace Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Looking for a showstopping dress? The Becky sequin lace mini dress brings fab energy in a sultry open-back design and bodycon silhouette. 

    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

    • Sequin lace fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • V-neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Open back, hook clasp closure, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Front slit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    School dances, Vegas, bachelorettes, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2510

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Darling Drama V-Neck Ruffled Tulle Skater Dress

    Set your aura to darling drama in this tulle skater dress for graduation parties and rehearsal dinners! The charming V-neckline and delicate adjustable spaghetti straps add a touch of romance, while the tiered ruffled skater silhouette and short-length hem create a playful vibe. Complete the look with a sparkly rhinestone handbag.

    This dress brings the drama. Want more? Turn up the volume in a showstopping ruffle prom dress or make a statement in our sleek party dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Tulle fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • V-Neckline
    • Tiered ruffled skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3228

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Irresistible Charm Velvet Marabou Mini Dress

    Unlock an irresistible charm in this velvet mini dress for dressy soirees! It features a sleeveless square neckline with diva-chic marabou trim, spaghetti straps, a front ruched seam, and a flattering bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with a sparkly clutch and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, marabou trim
    • Back zipper closure
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Front ruched seam, bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Velvet knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2497

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nikki Formal Satin Slit Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Nikki brings the perfect dose of sleek and bold style to your formal event! She features a sleeveless, square neck, spaghetti straps, and a bodice with flexible boning inserts for a structured fit. Her form-fitting silhouette flaunts your femme figure with a sultry front slit along a midi-length hem. She's composed of a stretch-satin luxe fabric with lining. Complete the look in glitzy heels and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, square neck, spaghetti straps
    • Bra-friendly design
    • The bodice has flexible boning inserts
    • Form-fitting silhouette
    • Front slit, midi-length hem
    • Luxe satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1019

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Double The Glam Crepe Skater Dress

    Bring double the glamour with a dress that impresses with chic details! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and a layered skater skirt silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with sling-back heels and a statement necklace.

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline, V-neck bust
    • Long sleeves
    • Layered skater silhouette
    • Lined crepe fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1165

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • City Slither Mini Dress

    You're slicker than than the city life. This snake mini dress features a mini mock neckline, long fitted sleeves, a high waist seam, and a slim fit throughout. Dress is composed of a stretchy, semi-sheer mesh fabric with a partial knit lining.

    Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-3754

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mika Floral Mesh Bell Sleeve Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Oh-so-chic, the Mika bell sleeve mini dress is perf for a garden party or formal brunch with the girls. The floral embroidery on airy mesh fabric gives the dress an effortlessly pretty look.

    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

    • Sheer mesh fabric with partial lining
    • Floral embroidered pattern
    • Square neck and back
    • Long bell sleeves
    • Tie-back straps, lower back zipper closure
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Engagement parties, bridal showers, garden parties, and weekend brunches.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2709

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Glam Arrival Long Sleeve Sheer Glitter Mini Dress

    Make a glam arrival at your next party in this gorgeous glitter mesh mini dress! Catch all the glances with the glitzy sheer glitter mesh fabric that has a partial knit lining. The mini-length dress features a square neckline with a chic cowl-draped overlay and long fitted sleeves. The sheer waist insert and sheer back design add that touch of sexy allure. The bodycon silhouette will flaunt your stunning curves. Style with rhinestone heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer stretchy glitter mesh fabric, partial knit lining
    • Square neckline, cowl-draped overlay
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Sheer waist and back design
    • Bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2847

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Be The Sensation Satin V-Neck Mini Dress

    You'll be a total sensation in this satin mini dress at the club! The short dress features a sleeveless V-neck, spaghetti straps, and a side pleated seam that runs across the bodycon silhouette. Style the satin mini dress with dainty earrings and block heels to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neck
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Side pleated seam
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Luxe satin fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4955

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Disco Stunner Sequin Mini Dress

    Stun at the disco tech or wherever you're headed in this sequin mini dress featuring a sleeveless dual neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and form-hugging silhouette. Complete the look in sparkly earrings and heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless dual v-necklines
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Form-hugging silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2296

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $52.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ready For Midnight Sequin Mini Dress

    You'll be ready for the clock to strike midnight in this shimmery sequin mini dress! It features a V-neck and back, long balloon-style sleeves, a tie-back design, front ruching, a mini-length hem with a faux wrap design, and a curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The lined knit fabric features all-over sequin embroidery for the prettiest shine. Complete your NYE party look with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neck and back
    • Long balloon sleeves, elastic cinched hems
    • Tie-back design, front ruching
    • Mini-length hem, faux wrap-front design
    • Fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Sequin embroidery
    • Sheer knit fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1883

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Chic Silhouette Bodycon Mini Dress

    Show off a sleek and chic silhouette in this stunning mini dress. It features an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline, a puff shoulder with a long fitted sleeve, a high waist seam, and a short, bodycon silhouette to hug your curves. Style with strappy platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline
    • Ruched puff shoulder, long fitted sleeve
    • High waist seam
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Smooth knit fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1670

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Midnight Glamour Rhinestone Velvet Mini Dress

    Capture that midnight glam vibe in this sexy rhinestone velvet mini dress. It features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a deep V-wired bust, a sparkling rhinestone trim at the bust, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will put your curves on display. The smooth velvet fabric has a moderate stretch. Complete your haute night-out look with rhinestone fringe earrings and stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, deep V-wired design
    • Rhinestone trim at the bust
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4722

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free