Short Cocktail Dresses
The invite says cocktail, but your dress can still have a little fun with it. This short cocktail dress edit is full of strapless, cowl neckline, corset bodice, off-the-shoulder, and long sleeve silhouettes that go from sleek to statement. Choose mesh, slinky jersey, silky satin, velvet, or lace, then add your kind of drama with floral print, rhinestones, sequins, beading, or a side sash. Black, red, burgundy, navy, and emerald green keep the mood polished for birthday soirees, sorority formals, and guest of wedding plans—aka every excuse to dress up and take too many photos. Finish with heels and a mini bag, then let the dress handle the rest.
Now Trending
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.
-
Kayleigh Satin Mini Dress With Sash
Special Occasion
The Kayleigh satin bodycon mini dress stuns with sculptural pleating and a dramatic side sash that flirts with every step. Its strapless silhouette delivers sleek, scene-stealing polish—perfect for a night that calls for turning heads.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated bodice, side sash
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, black tie parties, date nights, birthdays, dinner parties, cocktail soirees, rooftop hotel bars, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000332
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Candance Strapless Corset Sash Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A sparkling mini dress features a strapless corset bodice with flexible boning and a flirty front sash design that flaunts your figure along the bodycon fit. Perfect for the school dance or a celebration.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Strapless neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning, front sash
- Bodycon mini-length fit
- Sequin beaded glitter embellishments
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2427
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Flawless Behavior Lace-Up Glitter Party Dress
Step out with flawless behavior thanks to this glitter party dress! Sparkling glitter fabric will have you shining all night long in this V-neck dress featuring a bodycon silhouette and mini-length hem to accentuate your curves and a lace-up adjustable back so you can customize the style. Complete the look with a rhinestone necklace and clutch!
Fit & Features
- Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Dual spaghetti straps
- Lace-up
- Bodycon silhouette
- Pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5468
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
All The Luxe Vibes Velvet Mini Dress
This smooth velvet mini dress brings all the luxe vibes to your look! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a corset-designed bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, ruching down the side seams, a wrap-front skirt with an asymmetrical hem, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style with strappy heels for a night out.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, ruching down the side seams
- Wrap-front skirt, asymmetrical hem
- Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1839
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Loraine Sequin Blazer Short Dress
Special Occasion
Business meets glamorous with the Loraine blazer dress perfect for making a stunning entrance at holiday parties! She features long fitted sleeves, shoulder pads to provide structure, and a satin collar V-neckline that leads to her faux wrap skirt with a tie-front closure and short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of knit fabric with all-over sparkling sequin embroidery. Style with statement earrings to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Unlined long fitted sleeves, shoulder pads
- Satin collar V-neckline, inner tie design
- Faux wrap skirt, side tie-closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Sequin embroidery
- Sheer knit fabric, woven lining, no stretch
- Bra-friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1167
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Glitter Mesh Mini Dress
Glimmer and shimmer with so much flair in this mesh mini.
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps
- Square Neck & Back
- Ruched Side Detailing
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Glitter Mesh Sheer Fabric With Knit Lining
- Curve-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0310
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $11.97 $30.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Velvet Vixen Mini Dress
Be an ultimate fashion vixen in this sexy velvet mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, double spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, a V neckline, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a velvet fabric, offering moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0117
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Sequin Shine Skater Dress
Bring the shine in this shimmering skater dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps, a built in no slip strip, padded cups and a flared mini length skater silhouette. The all over gleaming sequins are set in a scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a relaxed fit.
Model is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 35.5 hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8483
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Thalia Floral Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made to catch the light from every angle, the Thalia dress pairs a curve-skimming bodycon mini silhouette with intricate floral sequin embellishments and a sleek strapless neckline. The lace-up back adds a flirty finish made for homecoming, birthdays, bachelorette plans, and glam nights out.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Tonal and iridescent sequin embellishments, floral pattern
- Strapless straight-across neckline, no-slip strip
- Padded bust
- Lace-up back, open lower back
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, glitzy parties, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000792
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
-
Tracey Velvet Button Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Made for your slow-spin moment under the lights, the Tracey velvet dress blends corset-inspired structure with soft velvet movement. The wired sweetheart neckline, covered button front, and flared mini skirt create a look that feels both vintage-glam and effortlessly current—your go-to for any night worth remembering.
Fit & Features
- Luxe velvet fabric, sewn-on lining
- Square neckline, wired notch accent, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Skater silhouette, hidden side pockets
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Holiday party, cocktail soiree, wedding guest, semi-formal event, birthday dinner, celebratory night out, glam date night, formal dances
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000526
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Sparkling Cutie Strapless Bodycon Sequin Mini Dress
You'll be a sparkling cutie in this bodycon mini dress crafted with an iridescent sequin embellished mesh fabric that shimmers and highlights your shine at parties and events. The short dress features a strapless straight-across neckline and a bodycon silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Iridescent sequin embellished pattern
- Strapless straight neckline
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5583
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Lucienne Metallic Floral Corset Dress
Special Occasion
Metallic florals give the Lucienne dress its luminous finish. The corset bodice pairs structured boning and molded cups with a textured overlay, while the tiered A-line skirt adds soft volume. The layered details create a polished statement from bodice to hem.
Fit & Features
- Metallic floral jacquard textured pattern
- Mesh fabric lined with tulle and a smooth woven lining
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Molded padded bra cups, underwire insert
- Corset bodice with flexible boning
- Gathered waist with tiered A-line mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, weddings, fancy birthday brunches, shower celebrations, afternoon tea experiences, daytime soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000885
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $99.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLUE
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Maisy Gingham Lace-Up Bubble Dress
Special Occasion
Playful polish meets polished charm in the Maisy mini dress, a gingham taffeta A-line skater dress made for twirling into the spotlight. With its structured bodice, delicate spaghetti straps, and voluminous skirt, this silhouette feels equal parts flirty and refined—perfect for those what are you wearing moments.
Fit & Features
- Gingham pattern, taffeta fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Scoop neckline, spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Drop waist seam
- A-line skater silhouette
- Bubble mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, garden party, bridal showers, engagement brunch, birthdays, graduation celebration, sorority formal, baby showers, outdoor soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000655
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WHITE, PRINT
Available Size: M
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Stunning Element Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Mini Dress
You'll be the main event in this mesh mini dress showcasing flirty details like a ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline, a ruched bodycon silhouette that defines your curves, and a mini-length hem. Complete the look with ballet flats for a bridal shower or date.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Ruffle off-the-shoulder neckline
- Ruched bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3984
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
My Good Side Glitter Velvet Dress
This glitter velvet dress shows all of your good sides! It features a one-shoulder neckline, a single long sleeve, and a ruched side seam accentuating your curves along the form-hugging, short-length hem. Complete the look with a clutch purse for a semi-formal event.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Single long sleeve
- Ruched side seam
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Glitter velvet fabric, lined, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1923
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Cross Back Satin Mini Dress
You slick chica, you. You'll be looking real smooth in this satin mini!
Fits & Features
- Square Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps That Criss Cross At The Back
- Ruching Details At The Side
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Satin-Like Composition I Fully Lined
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Hunter & Charcoal: Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0519
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $12.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Mayva Taffeta Bow A-Line Short Dress
Special Occasion
Glam up your wardrobe with the Mayva taffeta short dress perfect for HOCO or dinner banquets! She features a sleeveless, plunge V-neckline adorned with bow shoulder straps, a V-cut back design to show some skin, hidden side pockets to keep your hands warm, and a flattering a-line silhouette that falls delicately into a short-length hem. Exude luxury and sophistication at every event in this party dress crafted from a taffeta woven fabric with a subtle sheen effect. Complete the look with a statement jewelry set.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, V-cut back
- Bow shoulder straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- A-line silhouette, hidden side pockets, short-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, subtle sheen effect
- Multiple tulle and stretchy knit linings
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1875
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Iridescently Pretty Mini Dress
You'll be a glowing iridescent beauty in this pretty glitter knit mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline, a low back, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of an iridescent glitter knit fabric that offers plenty of stretch and includes a knit lining.Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3543
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
-
Gianna Halter Open Back Skater Dress
Special Occasion
A modern take on timeless elegance, the Gianna jacquard halter mini dress stuns with its textured finish and flirty open back. A tied bow detail and flared skirt bring just the right mix of polished and playful.
Fit & Features
- Jacquard woven fabric, stretch knit lining
- High halter neckline
- Open back with tie straps, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- Skater silhouette, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, cocktail parties, milestone celebrations, birthday dinners, date nights, holiday soirees, nights at the theatre
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000534
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Gabriella Floral Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Whimsical and chic, the Gabriella floral mesh party dress will bring the flirtatious vibes. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a built-in padded bust, a corset-designed bodice with a sheer waist, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a high waist seam, and a short party skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined sheer mesh fabric with an all-over embroidered floral print design. Style with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Built-in padded bust
- Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning, sheer waist
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, partial knit lining, minimal stretch
- Embroidered floral print design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1042
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Shea Pearl Beaded Long Sleeve Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Sweet and alluring, the Shea formal mini dress is crafted with all-over faux pearl and beaded embroidery in a detailed swirl pattern on the airy mesh fabric. It features a boat neckline, sheer long fitted sleeves with flared hems, a bold open back to turn heads, and a short bodycon silhouette to flaunt your curves.
This dress is made for the spotlight. Want more ways to stand out? Shop our vibrant pink prom dresses or find a chic, event-ready look in our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with partial knit lining
- All-over faux pearl and beaded embroidery, swirl pattern
- Boat neckline
- Sheer long fitted sleeves with flared hems
- Open back, top bar strap
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2567
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Allison One-Shoulder Velvet Bow Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A sleeveless sequin mini dress features a statement one-shoulder neckline with a velvet bow and a flattering bodycon silhouette. Perfect for the school dance or a banquet.
Fit & Features
- Sequin pattern, mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- One-shoulder neckline
- Velvet bow on adjustable strap
- Padded bra cups
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2226
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Carmela Metallic Shine Party Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be leading the dance floor in our sparkling Carmela! Twist, twirl, and bust a move in her flowy skater skirt while showcasing all the shine from every angle. Style her up with some rhinestone heels and a pair of earrings to match!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- V Neckline I Padded Bust I Mesh Inset
- Mini Length Hem I Skater Silhouette
- Mesh Inset At Back With Triple Row Detail I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Mesh Lined Metallic Threaded Fabric I Fully Lined
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0417
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Sleeveless In Seattle Dress
Spend your sleepless party nights in this simple yet sexy LBD! It has a deep V neckline leading to an empire waist seam, spaghetti straps, and a faux wrap skirt creating an asymmetrical hem. Dress has a body-hugging fit and is composed of a ponte knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.Model is 5'7" with a 32.5" bust, 22.5" waist and 34.5 hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3235
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free