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.

  • Icon Sensation Sleeveless Sequin Mini Dress

    This sequin mini dress is the perfect pick to make your iconic sensational entrance into the club! A sequin embroidered scroll pattern embellishes lined mesh fabric that will have you sparkling all night. Boasting a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a perfect fit, ruching at the waist, and a curve-loving bodycon silhouette that gives this dress a modern touch. Complete the look in platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin embroidered scroll pattern
    • Sheer mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper with hook and eye closure
    • Ruched waist
    • Bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5503

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rhianna Formal Iridescent Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Shine bright like a diamond in the Rhianna formal dress covered in iridescent sequins to wow from head to toe at banquets or bachelorettes! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, a flattering bodycon silhouette, back slit accent, and a midi-length hem. The formal knee-length dress is composed of iridescent sequin-embellished mesh fabric that causes a rainbow-like color effect under lights and is designed with a smooth knit stretchy lining. Complete the look in a rhinestone bracelet, earrings, and ring set for extra glam!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, back slit accent, midi-length hem
    • Iridescent sequin-embellished mesh fabric, stretch knit lining
    • No bra required
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1353

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sweet Style Satin Bodycon Mini Dress

    This sweet and stylish satin mini dress will give off flirty vibes! It features a sweetheart neckline with a pleated bust and padded cups, a center-wired notched detail, short puff sleeves, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. The smooth satin-knit fabric includes a front knit lining. Complete the look with platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, pleated bust, padded cups
    • Center-wired notched detail
    • Short puff sleeves, elasticized hems
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Satin-knit fabric, front knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1913

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sequin Dreams Wrap Mini Dress

    Strutting this stunning sequined fit will get you double-takes everywhere you go!

    Fits & Features

    • Wrap V Neckline With Button Closure
    • Long, Unlined Sleeves 
    • Removable Sequin Waist Belt 
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Lined, Sequined Mesh Composition 
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

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

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0455

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jackie Sequin A-Line Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Jackie is the epitome of glamour and sparkle! She stuns in an all-over sequin embellished a-line party dress perfect for HOCO 2022 or a fall banquet. The short dress features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a lightly padded bust, a strappy back design, a high waist seam, and hidden side pockets to keep your hands warm. She is composed of a mesh woven fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look with a beaded clutch and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Lightly padded bust, bra optional
    • Back zipper closure
    • High waist seam, hidden side pockets
    • A-line, short-length hem
    • Sequin mesh woven fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1056

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ruched Perfection Bodycon Dress

    This bodycon short dress has been ruched to perfection to flaunt every curve ya got! It features long sleeves, a sweetheart neck, a padded bust, and a low-cut back and is composed of double-lined knit fabric. Complete the look in marabou trim heels for clubbing!

    Fit & Features

    • Long sleeves, sweetheart neckline
    • Padded bust
    • Low-cut back
    • Side and back ruched seams
    • Bodycon, short-length hem
    • Double-lined knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4479

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Mylah Formal One-Shoulder Cascade Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    Embody a dreamy vibe in the Mylah short dress perfect for creating a dramatic entrance to the party. She captivates in a one-shoulder neckline with a draped accent, fitted bodice, and all-over ruching to give you an hourglass appearance. Her showstopping cascade side flows effortlessly with you as you bust a move on the dance floor. The formal dress is composed of a mesh-lined knit fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look in glitzy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, draped accent
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • All-over ruched, side cascade detail, back zipper closure
    • Fitted bodice, short-length hem
    • Mesh-lined knit fabric
    • Fits true to size, moderate stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0948

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lace Be Real Organza Sleeve Mini Dress

    But srsly tho..you're def going to want to add to cart. Strut your stuff in the Lace Be Real mini dress!

    Fits & Features:

    • Lace-Up At Center Bodice
    • Ruffle-Trim Along The Neckline, Shoulders, And Hem
    • Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At Back 
    • Sheer, Long Organza Sleeves With Elastic Cuffs
    • Linear Seaming Details At The Front I Adjustable Drawstring At The Hem
    • A-Line, Mini-Length Silhouette Skirt 
    • Fully Lined, Sheer Woven Knit Composition

     

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0757

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Off Shoulder Glitter Mini Dress

    Take your look off the charts! Take this mini out on the town when you pair with your favorite pair of heels! 

    Fits & Features

    • Straight Neckline 
    • Off Shoulder Mini Sleeves
    • Mini Length, Curved Hemline
    • Glitter Knit Fabric I Lined
    • Curve-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 
    • Glitter May Transfer 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0318

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Round And Round Glitter Dress

    Make moves and take this embellished mini for a spin!

    Fits & Features

    • Elasticized, Off Shoulder Neckline 
    • Slight Nip In The Waist Of The Straight-Line Silhouette
    • Curved, Mini Length Hem 
    • Light, Textured Woven Material With All Over Glitter 
    • Curve Hugging I Ample Stretch
    • Glitter May Transfer 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0263

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gabriella Satin Floral Lace-Up Dress

    Special Occasion

    Flirty, polished, and made for golden-hour entrances, the Gabriella satin floral skater dress moves with a soft, voluminous sweep that catches every eye. Finished with a lace-up back for that just-right fit, it’s the kind of dress that feels equal parts refined and unforgettable.

    Fit & Features

    • Premium satin-lined fabric, floral pattern, tulle and satin woven linings
    • Square halter neckline, padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back design, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Fit and flare skater silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, graduations, birthday brunches, garden parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, formal occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000692

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: NAVY

    Available Size: XS, S

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Feelin' Girly Glitter Knit Mini Dress

    You'll be feelin' oh-so-girly in this pretty glitter knit mini dress! It features a square neck, a lace-up back, and a short, curve-hugging fit with an asymmetric hem. Pair this dress with a glimmering rhinestone cuff for a gorgeous look.

    Fit & Features

    • Spaghetti straps that lead to a lace-up back
    • Square neckline
    • Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Short, form-hugging fit
    • Asymmetric hem
    • Glitter knit fabric with moderate stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3696

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Daring Luxe Velvet Bodycon Mini Tube Dress

    When luxe meets daring. This velvet tube mini dress brings all the allure with a sculpted fit and dramatic side sash—made for nights that deserve a little extra glam.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet fabric, stretch knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Strapless straight-across neckline
    • Pleating
    • Side sash accent
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000637

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $36.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Shine In The Spotlight Strapless Satin Mini Dress

    A satin mini dress that shines in the spotlight! Perfect for your next girl's night or bachelorette, this sassy strapless dress plays up your curves in a bodycon silhouette with a side pleated seam that creates the asymmetrical front wrap slit to show extra skin. Complete the look with a rhinestone choker, bracelet, and strappy heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Silky satin stretch fabric with bust knit lining
    • Flexible boning
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Front wrap slit
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5507

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Nothing But Adoration Sweetheart Skater Dress

    There's so much to adore about this sweetheart skater dress - perfect for weddings or dressy birthdays! It's designed with a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a pleated overlay, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flattering skater silhouette with a pleated short-length hem. The dress is composed of a smooth scuba knit fabric with slight stretch. Complete the look with sparkly earrings and block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, pleated overlay
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Skater silhouette
    • Pleated short-length hem
    • Scuba knit fabric, slight stretch, bust lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2602

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Raeya Taffeta Bow Strapless Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    For making an entrance and an even grander exit, the Raeya party mini dress is a chic pick for cocktail parties or dressy birthdays! She features a strapless neckline with non-slip grip lining, a statement bow that creates a short sleeve cuff, a form-hugging fit, and a mini-length hem. The formal party dress is composed of a sleek taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete the look with colored gemstone earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Statement bow, short-sleeve cuff
    • Form-hugging fit, mini-length hem
    • Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch 
    • Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1687

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Marissa Rhinestone Sheer Mesh Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The sheer mesh detailing of the Marissa mini dress will give your style major sultry-chic vibes. The dress features a sweetheart neckline with a structured and lined bust, long sheer fitted sleeves, a sheer panel under the bust to create a corset-like silhouette, an open-back design, and a short lined skirt with a curve-hugging fit. The mesh fabric has all-over rhinestone embellishment to add a stunning sparkle. Wear this dress with rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, structured and lined bust
    • Long sheer fitted sleeves, padded cups
    • Sheer panel under the bust
    • Open-back design, lower back zipper closure
    • Mini-length lined skirt, form-hugging silhouette
    • Mesh fabric, rhinestone embellishment
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0652

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Special Occasion

    A little luxe, a little daring—the Seraphina glitter velvet mini dress shines with a strapless neckline, lace-up back, and flirty slit accent. Made to catch the light and command the room, it’s your go-to for nights that deserve sparkle.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon fit, front slit
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Birthdays, bachelorettes, cocktail parties, fancy date nights, Vegas, girl's night, rooftop hotel bars

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000477

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Charming Demure Flocked Velvet Floral Skater Dress

    Flaunt a charming demure in this flocked velvet short dress featuring a trendy lace-up back design and a flattering skater silhouette. Pair with earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Scuba knit fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Floral flocked velvet design
    • Square neckline with padded bust, underbust seam
    • Tank shoulder straps
    • Open lace-up back design
    • Short skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3633

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glam Night Out Satin Wrap Mini Dress

    Make your look a glam one with a mini dress that will have you ready for your GNO! The dress features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, ruching, and an asymmetrical wrap silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with heels and door knocker earrings. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Ruching
    • Asymmetrical wrap silhouette
    • Satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3974

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Soft Drama Bodycon Mini Dress

    RSVP secured. This square neck bodycon mini dress hugs in all the right places and finishes with a cascading sash that moves when you do—aka built-in outfit drama for parties, birthdays, and that last-minute “be ready in 20” text.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleek knit fabric with stretch
    • Square neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Side ruffled accent
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000742

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Francesca Velvet Long Sleeve Open Back Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Flirty and bold, the Francesca velvet mini dress turns heads with sheer long sleeves, a daring open back, and ruched details that flatter every curve along the bodycon silhouette.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet-lined fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Sheer fitted long sleeves
    • Open back design
    • Ruched bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, birthdays, bachelorettes, cocktail parties, milestone celebrations, romantic date nights

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000444

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Twirl Factor Satin A-Line Mini Dress

    Sophisticated with a daring twist, this satin halter mini dress delivers sleek lines and a dramatic flare hem. Pair it with statement jewelry and heels for your next upscale night out.

    Fit & Features

    • Woven satin fabric, stretch knit lining
    • Halter V-neckline with tie closure
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Drop waist seam
    • A-line mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000315

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $62.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Eliana Sequin Plunge Corset Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The silhouette is fitted; the attitude is built in. The Eliana sequin bodycon mini dress keeps the shape close and polished, while the plunging corset bodice adds a sultry contrast up top. The result feels modern, sharp, and very intentional.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sequin and beaded-embellished design
    • Strapless plunging wired sweetheart neckline, no-slip strip, padded bust
    • Sheer corset-style bodice with boning
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, Vegas, and bachelorettes.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001020

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

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

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free