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.

  • Felicia Taffeta Bow One Shoulder Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Unveil your inner fashionista with the Felicia taffeta mini dress! Crafted from sleek taffeta woven fabric, this body-hugging mini dress features a striking one-shoulder neckline with a statement bow strap and is lined with a non-slip grip for a secure fit. A pleated hem adds a sophisticated touch, creating an exclusive look perfect for holiday parties, weddings, or school dances. Complete the look in platform heels and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Statement bow strap
    • Non-slip grip lining, side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, pleated mini-length hem
    • Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1883

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Midnight Drama Mini Dress

    Bring the drama at the stroke of midnight in this alluring mini dress.

    Fits & Features

    • Crew Neckline
    • Long Sleeves 
    • Draped, Cowl Back With Cross Strap Detail
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Textured, Glitter Knit Fabric 
    • Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 
    • Glitter May Transfer

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8646

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $18.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ariella Floral Brocade Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    A little floral texture makes this mini feel ready for the RSVP list. The Ariella floral brocade mini dress pairs a strapless neckline with an A-line silhouette and lace-up back detail for a polished event-ready look.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral brocade woven fabric, sewn-in woven lining
    • Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bra cups
    • A-line mini silhouette
    • Lace-up back detail, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, birthday parties, wedding guests, bridal showers, sorority formals, date nights, milestone celebrations, fashion-forward events, semi-formal occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000749

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PINK

    Available Size: L, XL

  • Harper Satin Corset Side Drape Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Harper mini formal dress is a showstopper in motion—sleek satin meets sculpted romance. Its strapless corset bodice features floral appliqué detailing that catches the light just right, while a dramatic side sash cascades effortlessly for that couture-inspired finish. Equal parts elegant and daring, this mini is made for unforgettable nights.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, pleated padded bra cups
    • Corset structured bodice, flexible boning, beaded applique
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem with a side sash drape
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Cocktail receptions, gala after-parties, holiday soirees, bridal celebrations, engagement photoshoots, fancy dinner parties, birthday nights, red-carpet inspired events, bachelorettes, New Year's Eve festivities

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000499

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ellery Formal Satin And Lace Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a captivating entrance with a sophisticated formal dress that creates a picture-perfect moment! Ellery features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, floral lace back, and a party-length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross at back 
    • Floral lace back 
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Party length silhouette
    • Lined stretchy satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0629

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Glittering Mini Dress

    Slip into something that glitters!

    Fits & Features

    • Straight Off-Shoulder Neckline
    • Long Fitted Sleeves
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Knit Material I Adorn In Glitter
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Amount Of Stretch

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0264

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Flirty Flair Ruched Drop Waist Skater Dress

    This adorable skater dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a trendy twist-front design, a small keyhole cutout below the bust, and halter tie-back straps leading to a partially open back. The ruching at the drop waist will showcase your curves, while the short skater silhouette adds that flirty flair.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit fabric with partial lining, plenty of stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline with twist-front design, keyhole cutout
    • Halter tie-back spaghetti straps, partially open back
    • Ruching
    • Drop waist
    • Short skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3582

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Vera Sequin Puff Sleeve Short Dress

    Special Occasion

     A girl like you deserves to shine! Make the room sparkle in the Vera sequin dress at formal dances, birthdays, and dressy date nights. She features adorable short puff sleeves with elastic cuffs, a square neckline, and a short, bodycon silhouette. The formal party dress is composed of a sequin-knit mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Style with an envelope clutch and heels to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Short puff sleeves, elastic cuffs, square neckline
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Sequin-knit mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1364

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Stylish Sheen Mini Dress

    Get a stylish sheen with this mini dress worthy of your next night out! It features a sleeveless bodice, tank-like shoulder straps, a square neck and back with a lower back cut out, slanted vertical seam details along the bust, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a knit fabric that offers plenty of stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0326

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Keep Them Guessing Lace-Up Satin Mini Dress

    A sultry satin mini dress that features a V-neckline, spaghetti straps that shape the lace-up back, and a curve-hugging bodycon silhouette. Perfect for a night on the town or a birthday.

    Fit & Features

    • Satin fabric, bust knit lining, slight stretch
    • V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back
    • Front slit and ruched seam
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5452

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Layla Formal Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stunning with a gorgeous iridescent sheen, the Layla formal sequin bodycon mini dress is glam perfection. She features a sleeveless square neckline, a built-in padded bust that eliminates the need for a bra, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your natural curves. The lined mesh fabric features iridescent sequin embroidery in an intricate scroll pattern. Complete your look for HOCO with silver heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, built-in padded bust, princess seams
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Iridescent sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Bra optional
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1751

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gorgeous Shimmer Glitter Knit Mini Dress

    Show off a gorgeous shimmer in this alluring glitter knit mini dress! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps, front and back vertical center seams with ruched detailing, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Front and back vertical center seams, ruching
    • Mini-length, form-fitting, bodycon silhouette
    • Glitter knit fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4398

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Amari Heat Stone One Shoulder Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    With an effortlessly shine and a seamless silhouette, Amari is all about elegance. She'll certainly be a conversation starter the moment you enter any room!

    Fits & Features

    • One-Shoulder Neckline 
    • Ruching Detail Along The Sides
    • Midi Length Silhouette
    • Fully Lined Mesh Knit Fabric With Heat Stones Embellishments 
    • Curve-Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
    • Zipper Not Included  

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0251

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Adriana Velvet Rhinestone Dress With Gloves

      Special Occasion

      Conquer the night with Adriana party mini dress! This strapless velvet dress will set you apart with its glistening rhinestone trims and dramatic mini bodycon silhouette with a ruched seam detail and a padded bust. Its detachable velvet gloves sparkle with a matching trim of rhinestones. The mini-length dress is composed of a soft and luxurious velvet knit fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the daring look with a chic choker necklace and heels for a cocktail event or fancy celebration!

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless neckline, rhinestone trim, padded bust
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Front ruched seam, bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
      • Detached elbow-length gloves, rhinestone trim
      • Luxe velvet knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • No bra required
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1603

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • A Moment In Satin Ruche Mini Dress

      Take time to admire your beauty in this chic satin mini dress before heading out to the party! The dress features puff long sleeves, a sweetheart neck with a center ruched bust seam, a bodycon silhouette, and side ruching that accentuates your curves. Style with sparkly hoop earrings and heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Puff long sleeves
      • Square neck
      • Center ruched bust seam
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Side ruching, mini-length hem
      • Smooth satin, moderate stretch
      • Fits true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2112

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $32.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Only You V Cut Mini Dress
      Only you can look this good! This LBD features a wired V slit at the neckline, spaghetti straps, and a mini length with a front leg slit. Crepe fabric offers a stretchy form hugging fit.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0068

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $12.97 $31.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Glisten And Glimmer Sequin Lace-Up Dress

      Glisten and glimmer from every angle in this sequin mini dress at your next dressy celebration party! It features a sleeveless square neck, spaghetti straps that lace up in the back, and a short form-hugging silhouette. The dress is designed with a sequin-scroll pattern that adds luxe vibes! Complete the look in glitter platform heels for extra sparkle!

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless square neck
      • Spaghetti straps
      • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closures
      • Form-hugging silhouette, mini-length hem
      • Sequin-scroll patterned fabric
      • Sewn-in stretchy knit lining
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2000

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $22.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Glam On The Town Mesh Short Dress

      Slip into this glam mesh short dress for a night on the town! It features a mock neck with dual button closures, long sleeves, a bodycon fit, and a sultry open-back design. Complete the look in chandelier earrings and heels!

      Fit & Features

      • Long sleeves
      • Mock neck with dual button closures
      • Open-back
      • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
      • Rhinestone embellished
      • Sheer mesh, partial lining, moderate stretch
      • Fits true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4521

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $58.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • All About Floral Lace Skater Dress

      Showcase your love for lace with a skater dress that says it all! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sheer floral lace back, and a flirty and flowy skater silhouette. Complete the look with wedges.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless V-neckline 
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps, sheer floral lace back
      • Hidden side zipper and hook and eye closure
      • Skater silhouette
      • Lined chiffon fabric 
      • Relaxed fit, minimal stretch 
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0832

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $37.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Forever Yours Off-The-Shoulder Bodycon Mini Dress

      A mesh bodycon dress destined to be yours forever! The dress flaunts a sultry folded off-the-shoulder neckline while the long sleeves give pretty details with slit accents and bell cuffs. Complete the look with a dainty necklace.

      Fit & Features

      • Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining, plenty of stretch
      • Off-the-shoulder neckline, fold-over design, no-slip strip
      • Sheer long fitted bell sleeves, slit accents
      • Ruched side seams
      • Mini-length bodycon fit, ruffled hem
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3575

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $40.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Nikita Formal Sequin Wrap Mini Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Wrap yourself in a sequin dress that brings the glamour, captivate them all this homecoming in our shimmering Nikita dress. She features a v-neckline that flatters, sleek corded straps, a wrap mini length silhouette, and sequins throughout that reflect with each step. Complete your formal outfit with sparkling rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless v-neckline
      • Corded straps 
      • Relaxed fit waist 
      • Wrap mini length silhouette
      • Sequins
      • Lined mesh fabric
      • Form hugging fit

       

      Model is 5'8" with 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size three. 

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0295

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Lalana Formal One Shoulder Mini Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Create an enchanting moment with a formal dress that stands out as a true one of a kind! Lalana features a one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve with a padded shoulder, ruching, a mini side slit, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone stilettos and rhinestone hair clips to create a fab side part. 

      Fit & Features

      • One-shoulder neckline
      • Fitted long sleeve, padding at the shoulder
      • Ruching
      • Mini side slit
      • Mini length silhouette
      • Lined crepe fabric, additional knit lining 
      • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0673

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Erin Satin Floral Embroidered Lace-Up Dress

      Special Occasion

      Made for twirl-worthy moments, the Erin satin mini dress stuns with floral embroidery and a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. The lace-up back adds a playful detail, perfect for making every entrance feel like a celebration.

      Fit & Features

      • Floral embroidery, sequins, beading
      • Tulle overlay with satin and knit linings
      • Strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
      • Lace-up back with lower zipper and hook-eye closure
      • A-line silhouette
      • Short-length hem
      • Runs true to size


      Where to Wear:

      Formal dances, birthday events, bachelorettes, bridal showers, fancy brunches, weddings, engagement parties, and milestone celebrations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000290

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $99.90

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Wondering Eyes Sequin Ruffle Party Dress

      Step out to shine in this sequin party dress sure to catch every eye in the room! Featuring an elegant V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a bodycon silhouette, this mini-length dress is beautifully adorned with cascading ruffles and sequins, sure to light up your night with dazzling style. Complete the look with strappy stiletto heels and earrings for a classic GNO!

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless V-neckline
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Mini-length hem, cascading ruffles
      • Sequin-knit mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5216

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $6.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance