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.

  • Pretty Perfect Satin Short Dress

    Look and feel pretty perfect for an evening soiree in this sassy satin short dress featuring a strapless fold-over neckline, non-slip grip lining, a bodycon silhouette, and a front-slit accent. Complete the look with a chic clutch for a party!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless, fold-over neckline
    • Non-slip grip lining
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Front slit accent, short-length hem
    • Smooth satin-lined fabric, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4952

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Floral Scuba Lace Back Mini Dress

    Look your freshest in this pretty dress! 

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti Straps I Lace Back With Zipper 
    • Plunging V Neckline 
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Scuba Fabric With All Over Floral Prints 
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0495

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • McKayla Bow Sequin Bead Tie Back Dress

    Special Occasion

    A dazzling statement in motion, the McKayla mini dress blends sleek glamour with playful romance. Featuring a bow-patterned sequin and beaded embellishment, a bodycon mini silhouette, and a chiffon open tie back, this dress is made for unforgettable moments.

    Fit & Features

    • Bow patterned sequin and beaded embellished pattern
    • Mesh fabric lined with stretch knit
    • V-neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Chiffon tie-back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthdays, bachelorettes, date nights, milestone celebrations, bridal showers, rooftop hotel bars, GNO

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000197

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Raina Velvet Long Sleeve Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create a luxe party look in the Raina formal mini dress designed with smooth velvet fabric for an elevated chic vibe. It features a cowl neckline, long fitted sleeves with shoulder pad accents, and ruched detailing to accentuate your stunning curves on the short bodycon silhouette.

    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

    • Velvet fabric, knit lining
    • Cowl neckline,padded bra cups
    • Long fitted sleeves, shoulder pads
    • Back zipper closure, high waist seam
    • Ruched detailing
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2305

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Natural Attraction Mini Knot Dress

    Create a natural attraction with a simply flattering look! This mini dress features a v neckline, long sleeves that puff at the wrist with a thick band, and a front knot detailing at the center of the bodice. Skirt meets bodice with a wrap design and an asymmetrical hemline that meets mid thigh. Dress is composed of a smooth knit material with a sheen reflection and moderate stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0200

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jenny Formal Satin Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make your night one you'll never forget as you make memories in our party ready Jenny dress! She features an all over navy blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline with padded cups and narrow adjustable straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a twirl worthy party length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets and pleated detailing. She is composed of a textured satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes lining and a back zipper closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4074

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Be Your Sweetheart Satin Lace-Up Skater Dress

    Show up ready to swoon every heart in this satin skater dress at parties! It features a strapless sweetheart neckline with non-slip grip lining, a pleated bust overlay, an eye-catching strappy lace-up back, and a short-length hem. Complete the look with a rhinestone choker and earrings!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless sweetheart neckline
    • Non-slip grip lining
    • Pleated bust overlay
    • Strappy lace-up back 
    • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2566

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Terra Flocked Velvet Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The perfect LBD for a dressy date night, the Terra flocked velvet mini dress will bring that chic flair. She features a sweetheart neckline with a build-in padded bust and center ruching, sheer short puff sleeves, ruching down the side and back seams, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your natural curves. The lined mesh fabric features a floral flocked velvet pattern. Style with lace-up heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bust, center ruching
    • Sheer short puff sleeves, elastic cinched hems
    • Ruching down the side and back seams, back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Floral flocked velvet pattern, sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Bra optional
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1735

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sweet Impression Sleeveless Embroidered Floral Mini Dress

    Leave a sweet impression with this strapless floral mini dress showcasing a lace-up design and flirty mini-length. Pair with earrings and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, fold-over accent
    • Embroidered floral pattern
    • Lace-up back design 
    • Front side slit
    • Mini length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3565

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Alisa Glitter Tulle Short Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Fab and flirty and ready to hit the dance floor! Arrive at prom in the Alisa ruffled glitter party dress to bring the sparkle to the night! She features a strapless square neckline with non-slip grip lining, elasticized cinch waist, and an A-line silhouette with a tiered ruffled design leading to the short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a multi-layered tulle glitter fabric that creates a voluminous effect and has a stretchy knit lining. Style with a glitter clutch and platform heels to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless square neckline, non-slip grip lining
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Elasticized cinch waist
    • A-line silhouette, tiered ruffled design, short-length hem
    • Multi-layered tulle glitter fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Bra optional
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1549

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Majorly Posh Flocked Velvet Mini Dress

    Keep it posh with a mini dress that elevates your next date night look! The dress features a sleeveless square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a sexy lace-up back, a flocked velvet floral print, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a combination of a smooth knit and velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with pumps and a rhinestone bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back 
    • Flocked velvet floral print
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Smooth knit and velvet fabric
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1130

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sweet And Smocked Mini Dress
    Stay sweet with a little sass in this pretty smocked mini woven dress! It features an off the shoulder square neckline, short ruffled sleeves, a stretchy and smocked back, a top keyhole tie accent, and a curve hugging fit.

    Model is 5'8" with a 33" bust, 24" waist, and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0100

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Simply Divine Satin Strapless Mini Dress

    Look simply divine in this satin mini dress for a dressy birthday or rehearsal dinner! It features a strapless folded neckline, a sexy bodycon silhouette, and a flirty hem slit on smooth satin fabric that elevates your look. Perfect for styling with chic stiletto heels and a dainty bracelet.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless folded neckline
    • Back zipper closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem, front slit
    • Smooth satin fabric
    • Minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2473

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glitz In Motion Glitter Mesh Mini Dress

    The shimmer knows exactly what it’s doing. Glitter mesh, all-over ruching, and a draped side sash shape this bodycon mini dress with a little extra movement built in.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, draped cowl neck overlay
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • All-over ruched detailing
    • Draped front design, side sash accent
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-001032

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $52.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE

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

  • Embellish A Little Velvet Rhinestone Party Dress

    Embellish a little in this glam velvet rhinestone party dress showcasing the perfect shimmer! The mini dress features a square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sexy bodycon silhouette, and a wrap-style hem on luxe velvet fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with eye-catching heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Wrap-style mini-length hem
    • Rhinestone embellishments
    • Luxe velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5303

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sienna Beaded Fringe Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The details do all the talking here. A close-cut mini silhouette is framed by an embellished bodice and rows of beaded fringe that bring dimension to the hem. The result feels polished, bold, and made to be noticed.

    Fit & Features

    • Ponte knit stretch fabrication, knit lining
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Embellished bodice with beaded detailing
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Beaded fringe trim, bodycon mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, birthdays, date nights, cocktail soirees, dressy celebrations, fashion-forward events

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000890

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $109.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

    Available Size: S, L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • June Sequin Strapless Party Dress

    Special Occasion

     Defined by wow factor details, the June party dress is ready to shine at birthdays, dances, and cocktail parties! She features an on-trend strapless bodice, a bodycon silhouette, and a side front ruched seam leading to her flirty ruffled short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin mesh fabric with a knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with a statement necklace and earrings to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless bodice, back zipper closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Side front ruched seam
    • Ruffled short-length hem
    • Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Strapless bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1323

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sequin Beauty Long Sleeve Mini Dress

    Showcase your beauty in this stunning sequin mini dress! It features long fitted sleeves, a short, curve-hugging silhouette, and an intricate design of sequins on a sheer mesh fabric with a knit lining. Pair this dress with a sleek ring set to add even more glam for your night out.

    Fit & Features

    • High crew neckline
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Short, form-hugging fit
    • Intricate sequin design
    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining
    • Moderate stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0691

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $26.97 $66.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Juliette Applique Corset A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    This Juilette mini dress is defined by its embellished corset-style bodice. Floral applique adds dimension across the sweetheart neckline, and flexible boning adds structure, while the A-line skirt creates a clean contrast below.

    Fit & Features

    • Tulle, mesh-lined fabric
    • Floral applique embellishment
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline
    • Corset-style bodice with flexible boning
    • A-line mini silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, big birthday events, glamorous celebrations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001253

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $119.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PINK, NAVY

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

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Analeah Woven Velvet Bow Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    A little festive, a little flirtatious—the Analeah dress brings woven velvet to life with a refined square neckline and a playful back bow that steals every glance. It's A-line mini silhouette and adjustable straps strike the perfect balance between polished sophistication and spirited celebration.

    Fit & Features

    • Woven velvet fabric with soft structure, sewn-in knit lining
    • Square neckline with adjustable straps
    • Oversized back bow detail
    • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • A line mini hem with subtle flare
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Holiday parties, weddings, engagement parties, cocktail receptions, birthday dinners, date nights, anniversaries, formal occasions, fashion-forward parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000582

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $74.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WINE

    Available Size: XS, S, M

  • Brooke Formal Tulle Corset Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create a chic and stylish snatched look that will draw all the attention at HOCO with the Brooke formal tulle corset skater dress. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with ruching at the bust, a corset-designed bodice with flexible boning inserts to provide structure, and adjustable spaghetti straps for that perfect customized fit. Her high waist seam flows out to a short skater skirt with an adorable fit and flare silhouette. Complete your homecoming look with a gemstone necklace and earrings set. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, ruching at the bust
    • Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning inserts
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
    • High waist seam, short skater skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Sheer tulle fabric, full-length lining
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1291

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Shelby Rhinestone Velvet Bodycon Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create an alluringly chic formal night-out look in the stunning Shelby bodycon dress. She features a trendy square neckline, long fitted sleeves, a flattering high waist, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. The luxe velvet fabric features all-over rhinestone embellishment for a glamorous sparkle. Complete the outfit with strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • All-over mini rhinestone embellishment
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0805

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Fiora Satin Jacquard Corset A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Romantic texture and a flared shape give the Fiora mini dress a polished feel. The satin jacquard corset bodice, draped cowl neckline, and tiered ruffle A-line skirt create a fitted-to-flared silhouette with plenty of dimension. It’s a dressed-up choice for Homecoming with a playful finish.

    Fit & Features

    • Satin jacquard fabric with lining
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, pleated cowl neck overlay
    • Adjustable tank shoulder straps
    • Corset-style bodice with a padded bust, structured boning
    • Open lace-up back design, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Tiered ruffled design, mini-length A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size


    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, semi-formal, girls' night out, rooftop parties, birthday parties, and date nights.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001071

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WINE

    Available Size: S, M

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Allyson Glitter Velvet Lace-Up Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sultry and sophisticated, the Allyson velvet mini dress stuns with a sleek strapless neckline, curve-hugging bodycon fit, and lace-up open back. A side slit adds a bold finish, making it the perfect balance of glam and daring.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter velvet-lined fabric, moderate stretch
    • Strapless neckline
    • Lace-up back design
    • Hip pleated seam
    • Front slit accent
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, birthdays, bachelorettes, cocktail parties, Vegas, date nights, milestone celebrations, glam cocktail soirees

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000478

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free