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.

  • Hit The Bar Satin Slit Short Dress

    Hit the bar with the girls looking stunning in this satin short dress featuring a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, dual shoulder straps, underwire bust and front slit cut out, and a bodycon silhouette. Complete your sultry look in teardrop earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Dual shoulder straps, back zipper closure
    • Underwire bust, front slit cut out
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Smooth satin fabric
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4596

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kaitlyn Jacquard Party Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    Short and sweet, the Kaitlyn party dress is dance floor ready and brings the flirty charm! She features a sleeveless v-neckline with dual adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, and a high-waist seam leading to her tiered, ruffled short hem. The formal dress is composed of a sleek jacquard satin fabric with a knit lining and no stretch. Complete your dressy look in sparkly block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless v-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lightly padded bust, bra optional
    • Back zipper closure
    • High-waist seam
    • Tiered, ruffle short-length hem
    • Jacquard satin fabric, knit lining, no stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1130

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ivanka Taffeta Rhinestone Bubble Hem Dress

    Special Occasion

    Add a flirty flair to your formal wear in the Ivanka taffeta short dress! She features a V-neckline with a wired insert and foldover design, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, a flattering pleated waist, and an A-line silhouette with a bubble-style short hem. The formal mini dress is composed of a smooth taffeta woven fabric with colored rhinestone embellishments for a sparkly look and has a sewn-in stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with glitzy flat sandals for a sweet sixteen, wedding, or school dance!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, wire insert, foldover design
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, padded bust
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Pleated waist, A-line silhouette, bubble-style short hem
    • Colored rhinestone embellishments
    • Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in stretchy knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1980

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Audrey Strapless Taffeta Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Always make a classy entrance in the Audrey formal party dress at semi-formal and dressy events. The short dress showcases a strapless sweetheart neckline leading to a fitted bodice with a chic drop waist seam while the skater silhouette flatters your figure. Complete the look with earrings and block heels.

    This dress brings the fun and the fashion. If you love a bold, playful look, explore our stylish short prom dresses or make an entrance in our stunning short wedding guest dresses in short and mini lengths.

    Fit & Features

    • Taffeta woven fabric
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline
    • Back zipper closure
    • Drop waist seam
    • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2579

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mesh Affection Cold Shoulder Dress

    Capture the attention of the club in this mesh cold shoulder dress! It features sheer long sleeves with split cuffs, spaghetti straps, an empire waist seam, and a curve-hugging silhouette with side ruching and a mini-length hem. Complete the look in sassy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Cold shoulder neckline
    • Sheer long sleeves, split cuffs, spaghetti straps
    • Empire waist seam
    • Curve-hugging, side ruching
    • Mini-length hem
    • Mesh-lined fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4599

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rosalie Sequin Embroidered Satin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the spotlight, the Rosalie satin mini dress stuns with a sculpted off-shoulder neckline and sequin floral embroidered detailing that catches every glance. The lace-up back and body-hugging fit bring a sultry finish that feels as unforgettable as the night itself.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bust, off-the-shoulder straps
    • Structured boning
    • Floral embroidered applique, sequin and beaded embellishments
    • Open lace-up back, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, winter formal, birthday celebrations, dinner parties, and formal nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000072

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Going Out Satin Slit Mini Dress

    By the way, you'll be going out tonight in this stunning satin dress! It features a sleeveless square neck with a pleated, foldover design, spaghetti straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a front-side slit accent. Style with a mesh rhinestone handbag to complete the look.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neck, pleated foldover design
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Front side slit accent
    • Mini-length hem
    • Smooth satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4877

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Julissa Knot Front Heat Stone Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Sparkle and glitter like the night sky in our statement Julissa! 

    Fits & Features

    • Plunging V Neckline With Twist Front Design
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
    • Ruching Along The Sides & Center Back
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Fully Lined, Mesh Knit Fabric With Heat Stone Embellishments All Over
    • Curve Hugging Fit With Ample Stretch 

     

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

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0249

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $25.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Dazzle Goddess Demask Sequin Mini Dress

    Glow on, girl! This sequin dress brings the highlight to your next night out with shimmering sequins. The dress features a luxe demask sequin print, a trendy square neckline, and a curve-hugging mini-length silhouette. Complete your look with sleek stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Demask sequin design on a sheer mesh fabric
    • Knit lining
    • Moderate stretch
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Form-hugging fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0864

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $18.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Anita Mock Neck Ruched Midi Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Accentuate all your curves in the Anita midi dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Mock Neckline
    • Long Fitted Sleeves
    • Ruching Throughout Front
    • Midi Length Silhouette
    • Jersey Knit Composition 
    • Bodycon Fit I Moderate Stretch
    • Zipper Not Included

     

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0319

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Wrapped in the Moment Mesh Mini Dress

    All eyes on you, always. This mesh mini dress stuns with a flattering wrap design and dramatic side sash that brings instant spotlight appeal. Perfect for weddings, celebrations, or your next major date.

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh fabric with partial lining
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Ruched bodice with side draping
    • Mini-length hem with attached sash
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001082

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Special Occasion

    The velvet mini dress features a crew neckline with a twist accent, a cutout above the bust, an open lower back design, long fitted sleeves, and a chic side slit at the mini-length hem. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Crew neckline with twist accent, cutout at the bust
    • Open lower back
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Mini-length hem with side slit
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2410

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Trendy And Ruched Mini Dress

    Step up your style with this trendy mini dress that is perf for the cooler months! It features a deep V-neckline, long bishop sleeves, a high waist seam, and a ruched skirt with a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette and a front adjustable drawstring. Pair this dress with chic mules.

    Fit & Features

    • Deep V-neckline, pleated detailing
    • Long bishop sleeves, smocked hems
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, short, form-fitting silhouette
    • Ruching, front adjustable drawstring
    • Woven fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4061

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • A Sultry Moment Mesh Mini Dress

    Have a sultry style moment in this chic mesh mini dress. It features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, sheer short drape sleeves, ruching at the bodice, ruching down the sides, and a short, curve-hugging bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline
    • Sheer short drape sleeves
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Ruching at the bodice
    • Ruching down the sides
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1157

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Choose To Sparkle Mini Dress

    Choose to sparkle this weekend! This glittering mini features a scoop style neckline, spaghetti straps and a short hemline. Dress is composed of a mesh knit material and is fully lined. Glitter shows a diamond pattern and reflects silver and various colors when the light is caught. Glitter may transfer.

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0204

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Twila Satin Lace-Up Corset Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    The satin skater dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline supported with tank-like shoulder straps, a corset bodice accented with flexible boning for additional support, a lace-up back design, and a short pleated skater hem. Complete formal outfit with chandelier earrings. 

    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

    • Lined satin-like fabrication
    • Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bra cups
    • Tank shoulder straps
    • Corset bodice with flexible boning
    • Lace-up back design
    • Short pleated skater hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2568

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Totally Smitten Satin Strapless Skater Dress

    Everyone will be totally smitten over you in this gorgeous satin skater dress at cocktail parties or weddings! It features a strapless square neckline with a v-wire insert, a pleated bust, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a short-length hem. Complete the look in rhinestone heels and a bracelet.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless square neckline
    • V-wire insert, pleated bust
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Lined satin fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2345

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lucia Metallic Lace Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    You'll be the center of attention in the stunning Lucia party dress! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline with a padded bust and a structured bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an alluring open back with a lace-up strappy design for a customized fit. Her high waist seam flows out to a short party skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. The lined lace fabric features a metallic thread woven throughout. Style this dress with glitzy earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Padded bust, structured bodice, flexible boning
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
    • High waist seam, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Sheer lace fabric, metallic thread woven throughout
    • Full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1043

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Chic Romance Floral Satin Lace-Up Skater Dress

    Showcase a chic romantic aura in this floral satin jacquard skater dress featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline, flexible boning at the bodice for added structure, and lace-up sides for a snatched silhouette. The short skater skirt adds a sweet feminine vibe to the stunning style.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral satin jacquard woven fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, no-slip strip
    • Flexible boning
    • Lace-up sides
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Short-length skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3651

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Chic Status Ruffled And Ruched Mini Dress

    Achieve chic status serving looks in this on-trend ruffled and ruched mini dress! It features a sleeveless high boat neckline, an alluring open back with a V-cut design, ruffled accents at the shoulder and hem, ruching down the back and side seams to accentuate your curves, a mini-length hem with a ruffled trim, and a bodycon silhouette. The double-lined smooth knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style this short dress with lace-up stiletto heels for a party.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless high boat neckline
    • Open V-cut back design
    • Ruffled accents at the shoulder and hem
    • Ruched detailing down the back and side seams
    • Mini-length hem, ruffled trim, bodycon fit
    • Double-lined smooth knit fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2896

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Malika Formal Sequin One-Shoulder Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sequin dresses make sure every eye will be on your dazzling aurora and the Malika formal midi dress is no exception! She features a chic one-shoulder neckline adorned with a fitted long sleeve, an asymmetrical pleated accent, and a form-hugging silhouette revealing a sexy side slit design. The formal midi-length dress is crafted from a sequin embellished lined fabric that brings the sparkle. Complete the look with earrings and heels for a holiday party!

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeve
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Form-hugging silhouette
    • Side slit design, midi-length hem
    • Sequin-embellished fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1901

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dazzle Darling Rhinestone Trim Mini Dress

    Dazzle them all with your stunning beauty in this curve-hugging mini dress showcasing the prettiest sparkle! The mini dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a short bodycon silhouette, and a chic side slit with cascading rhinestone fringe. The crepe fabric includes a full knit lining. Style this party dress with rhinestone hoops.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Mini-length hem
    • Fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Side slit, rhinestone fringe trim
    • Crepe fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1931

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Velvet Marabou Neck Trim Mini Dress

    This sleek and chic dress will surely have everyone doing a double-take!

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Strap 
    • Marabou Trim Neckline With Notched V At Center
    • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Soft Velvet I Fully Lined 
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0479

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $50.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kara Formal Floral Satin Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek with an adorable flirty flair, the Kara formal floral satin skater short dress is the picture-perfect option for parties! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for customizable wear, a fitted high waist, a short skater skirt, and a fit and flare silhouette. The smooth satin woven fabric features an all-over floral pattern for the prettiest look. Style this dress with platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Fitted high waist, short skater skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Floral pattern
    • Satin woven fabric, full lining, no stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1478

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale