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.

  • Alexa Velvet Wrap Dress

    Get wrapped up in the heat of the moment! Our short and classy Alexa dress is perfect for your homecoming night with a wrap-like body, a daring V-neckline, and long sleeves. She has a wide waistband that accentuates your curves and a mini-length skirt. Alexa is composed of a soft velvet knit that offers a moderate stretch and has a vertical stripe pattern created by dazzling heat stones. She includes a back zipper closure. Complete look with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Wrap V-neckline
    • Long sleeves
    • Empire waist
    • Mini-length, wrap hem
    • Heat stones
    • Lined velvet fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0213

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Katrina Velvet Long Sleeve Dress

    Special Occasion

    Step out and show off your shine in the Katrina short dress showcasing heat stone embellishments that shimmer from all angles! She features long sleeves, a square neckline, and a bodycon, envelope-style hem. The formal dress is composed of a luxuriously soft velvet fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in sparkly earrings and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Long sleeves, square neckline
    • Back zipper closure
    • Bodycon, envelope-style short hem
    • Heat stone embellishments
    • Soft velvet-lined fabric, moderate stretch
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1175

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kindra Formal X-Back Glitter Bodycon Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Glow at your event with a formal bodycon dress that makes an illuminating entrance! Kindra features a glitter body throughout, a sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a bold open back with sleek cross-back straps, a geometric pattern, and a mini-length silhouette with a form-hugging fit. The dress is composed of a lurex glitter fabric with a full knit lining and offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with clear heels and a satin clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Open back, X-back design
    • Geometric pattern 
    • Mini-length silhouette, form-hugging fit
    • Lurex glitter fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0749

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Major Lace Appeal Ruched Satin Mini Dress

    Create some major appeal in a ruched dress that keeps it chic for your night date night with bae. The dress features a sleeveless square neckline, a ruched body throughout, and a sexy lace-up back. Complete your look with sleek stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back 
    • Ruched body
    • Mini-length silhouette, form-hugging fit
    • Satin fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0783

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Me, Myself And Rhine Mini Dress

    All you need are dazzling rhinestones to make a glamorous entrance!

    Fits & Features 

    • V Neckline
    • Spaghetti Straps
    • Darts At The Bust
    • Scoop Back Is Accented With Triple Row, Rhinestone Bar Star Design
    • Mini Dress
    • Crepe Fabric I Fully Lined
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

     

    *Also available in Plus

     

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8242

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Stunning In Sequins Dress

    This stunning sequin mini dress will have you stepping into the party in style! It features a plunging wired V-neckline that adds structure, a padded bust to offer support, spaghetti straps that lead to a lace-up back design for a customized fit, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The mini-length dress showcases gorgeous all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern that will glow from all your best angles. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings and chrome heels.

    Fit & Features 

    • Sleeveless wired V-neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Lightly padded bust
    • Lace-up back design, tie closure
    • Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette 
    • Lined mesh fabric
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-7426

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $23.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Paola Feather Trim Sequin Bodycon Dress

    Special Occasion

    Dazzle in a bold formal bodycon dress that stands out from the rest! Paola features a plunging V-neckline, long fitted sleeves with a feather trim at the flared hems, a ruched center with a drawstring, a dazzling geometric sequin pattern, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete the look in this mini dress with heels and rhinestone earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline, long fitted sleeves, feather trims, flared hems
    • Ruched center with drawstring
    • Geometric sequin pattern
    • Bodycon, mini-length hem
    • Lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch 
    • Bra-friendly design, back zipper closure
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0769

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alicia Mesh Rhinestone Party Dress

    Special Occasion

     Strike a stunning pose arriving in the Alicia party dress destined to be seen on the dance floor! She features sheer long bishop sleeves, a plunge V-neckline, a sultry low-cut back, a form-hugging silhouette, and a short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined mesh-knit fabric with shimmery rhinestone embellishments. Complete your dressy look with statement earrings and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer long bishop sleeves
    • Plunge V-neckline, low-cut back
    • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Form-hugging, short-length hem
    • Rhinestone embellishments
    • Lined mesh fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1139

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Stunning In Satin Skater Dress

    Keep it stunning and stand out in chic satin! This skater dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a high waist seam, a short skater skirt, and a flirty fit and flare silhouette. Style this dress with neutral block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • High waist seam, skater skirt, hidden side pockets
    • Fit and flare silhouette
    • Stretchy satin knit fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0220

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Arina Rhinestone Celestial Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the nights that sparkle, the Arina mini dress shines with rhinestone beading in a celestial sun-and-stars pattern. With its sleek square neckline, bodycon fit, and leg-baring slit, it’s equal parts cosmic glamour and party-perfect allure.

    Fit & Features

    • Rhinestones, beading, celestial sun and stars motif
    • Mesh-lined fabric
    • Square neck, padded bra cups, tank shoulder straps
    • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Front slit
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Holiday soirees, cocktail parties, birthday celebrations, date nights, rooftop hotel bars, engagement parties, dressy receptions, girl's night

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000560

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $99.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: NAVY

    Available Size: XS, XL

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ria Sequin Cowl Neck Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Short, sweet, and oh-so-chic the Ria formal dress is party-perfection! She features a sleeveless, cowl neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps, an open back with lace-up closure for a customizable fit, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The party dress is composed of a delicate sequin scroll embroidery on mesh fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your homecoming look in sparkly earrings for a night to remember.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Open-back, lace-up design, zipper closure
    • High waist seam
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Sequin scroll embroidery, mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1120

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Chiffon Flow Skater Dress

    Go with the flow in a skater dress that is party-ready! The dress features a flattering wrap v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a high waist fit that leads to a flowy layered skater skirt that beautifully cascades silhouette. Complete your brunch-ready look with a dainty necklace and clear heels. 

    Fits & Features

    • Wrap bodice with deep v neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Exposed back zipper closure
    • High waist seam
    • Wrapped and layered skater skirt
    • Fully lined, chiffon fabric
    • No stretch 

     

    Mauve Dress: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Navy Dress: Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-7908

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Tania Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the shine and dazzle on the dance floor in the Tania sequin bodycon mini dress. She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a short, curve-hugging silhouette, and all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern that will catch the light. The sheer mesh fabric features a full knit lining. Style with strappy stilettos for the perfect prom look.

    Fit & Features

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1096

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $66.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Flirt Mode Activated Ruched Mini Dress

    This dress does the most with the least—aka, effortless wow. The V-neck, side ruching, and flirty A-line cut bring the heat for everything from date night to dance floors.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Side ruched seams
    • A-line silhouette
    • Uneven mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001149

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: NAVY

    Available Size: S, M

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Grand Exit Satin Skater Dress

    Make a grand exit after your formal affair in this flirty satin skater dress! Designed with a shiny stretch-satin fabric, it features a sleek sleeveless square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a bold open back with a dual bar strap design, and a fitted high waist that flares out to a short skater silhouette. Complete your look with a rhinestone necklace and earrings set and block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Shiny stretch-satin fabric
    • Square neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Open back, dual bar strap design
    • Fitted bodice, high waist seam
    • Fit-and-flare skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1447

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Krissy Floral Sequin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Krissy dress feels like getting complimented all night long. The soft floral print paired with subtle sequin shimmer catches the light in the prettiest way, while the ruched sweetheart neckline keeps the whole look extra flattering.

    Shop Similar Style: Helga Floral Sequin Mini Dress

    Fit & Features

    • Floral pattern, sequin-embellished fabric, knit lining
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Wide shoulder straps
    • Cutout back with hook clasp closure, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • A-line mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Bridal celebrations, rehearsal dinners, engagement photos, birthdays, brunches, vacations, honeymoons, graduations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000848

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WHITE, PRINT

    Available Size: L

  • Glow In Glitter Dress

    The glow is real in this sparkly glitter dress! It features a flattering V neckline with padded cups, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, a high waist seam, a short, tulip hem, and a curve-hugging silhouette. Pair this dress with a gorgeous rhinestone necklace for a stunning night out look.

    Fits & Features

    • V neckline 
    • Lightly padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back
    • Short tulip hemline
    • Glitter knit composition that offers plenty of stretch

     

    The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0741

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glitter Glow Skater Dress

    Girl glow up in this dazzling skater dress! You'll be the center of attention in this glitter short number featuring a sleeveless, v-neck, spaghetti straps, and side hidden pockets perfect for keeping your hands warm. Complete the look in door knocker earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, v-neck, spaghetti straps, cross-back
    • Form-fitting silhouette
    • Side hidden pockets
    • Flared skater skirt
    • Textured glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0244

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Livia Floral Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Floral sequins make every detail count. This bodycon mini dress pairs a sweetheart neckline with a lace-up back for a close, polished shape. The shimmering pattern gives the look a dimensional finish from every angle.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral sequin embellishment
    • Lined mesh fabric with high stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon fit with mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, big birthday events, Vegas, date nights, bachelorettes, cocktail parties, and vacations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000913

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $64.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PINK, YELLOW

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

    Product Badge:
    • Best Seller
  • Chic Babe Ruched Mini Dress

    Hey babe, get a chic look for your next night out in this trendy mesh mini dress. It features a subtle V-neckline, long sheer fitted sleeves with ruched detailing, all-over ruching down the dress, a center adjustable drawstring at the hem, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with statement earrings and clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline
    • Long sheer fitted sleeves, ruching
    • Ruching down the dress, center adjustable drawstring at hem
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2455

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Such A Beauty Mini Dress

    Hey beauty, showcase your gorgeous looks in this knit mini dress! It features spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a sultry front slit, and a mini length, curve-hugging silhouette. Pair this dress with a layered necklace and stiletto heels for a date night.

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti straps 
    • V Neckline
    • Square back 
    • Front slit
    • Mini length
    • Textured knit fabric with plenty of stretch
    • Curve-hugging fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0294

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ethereal Beauty Iridescent Sequin Mini Dress

    Let your beauty bloom in this stunning sequin mini dress. It features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up design for a customized fit, and a short, form-hugging silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over iridescent sequin embroidery in an intricate design. Complete the look with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
    • High waist seam, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, fitted silhouette
    • Iridescent sequin embroidery
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1720

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Night Out Vibes Bodycon Mini Dress

    This alluring bodycon mini dress will bring a sultry style to your night-out look. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a padded bust with a wired notched detail at the center, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, vertical seams down the front to create an hourglass illusion, and a mini-length bodycon silhouette. Complete the outfit with rhinestone heels to add some sparkle.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, wired notch insert
    • Padded bust, pleated details
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
    • Vertical seams down the front
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Lined smooth satin, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4463

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cutest Style Sequin Bow Strapless Lace-Up Mini Dress

    This adorable mini dress is embroidered with the cutest sequin bow pattern on lined mesh fabric to capture those trendy coquette vibes! The short dress features a strapless straight neckline, a satin ribbon lace-up back design for a customized fit, and a fitted A-line silhouette. Perfect for a party, style with metallic heels.

    Sequins bring the perfect mix of elegance and fun. Want more options? Shine in a sparkling sequin prom dress or make an entrance in our glamorous party dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sequin embroidered bow pattern
    • Strapless straight neckline with no-slip strip
    • Satin ribbon lace-up back design, tie closure
    • Lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Fitted A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3972

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free