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.

  • Kali Satin Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion

    Wrap yourself in elegance as you bring the shine to the evening in our glam Kali dress! She features a regal royal blue color, a daring wrap V neckline, fitted long sleeves and a narrow waistband seam accent. Her waist leads to an asymmetrical mini length silhouette that reaches a mid-thigh length. The gold heat stones are set in a vertical stripe pattern to flatter curves. Dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye closure.

    Model is 5'6.5" 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: 05001-4123

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Petaled Lace-Up Floral Sequin Mini Dress

    Floral shine gets a fresh update. This sequin mini dress pairs a strapless neckline with a lace-up back and ruffled hem for a look that feels current from every angle. It brings trending bloom to birthdays, hoco, or parties.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral-printed mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • All-over sequin embellishments
    • Strapless straight-across neckline, no-slip strip
    • Lace-up back
    • Chiffon ruffle hem
    • Bodycon mini-length fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001432

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PINK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Violetta Formal Glitter And Lace Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a sparkling entrance with a party dress that is perfect for those twirl-worthy moments! Violetta features a sleeveless crew neckline, a partially lined lace bodice, a tie-waist ribbon belt, and a party-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a glitter lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with a clutch and heels. 

    Fit & Features 

    • Sleeveless crew neckline
    • Partially lined bodice
    • Tie-waist ribbon belt
    • Party length silhouette
    • Glitter lace fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, slight stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0796

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kim Rise And Slay Halter Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Shine and slay in this eye-catching piece!

    Fits & Features

    • Halter neck bodice
    • Flattering V neckline
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Sparkling heat stone embellishments I Textured mesh knit
    • Form-fitting with moderate stretch
    • Zipper not included 

     

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

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0184

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sophia Velvet A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    A moment of modern romance, the Sophia mini dress captivates with its strapless velvet bodice and flirty rosette tulle hem. Designed in a sculpted A-line silhouette, it’s the kind of dress that turns every entrance into an occasion.

    Fit & Features

    • Luxe velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Flexible boning inserts along the bodice
    • A-line silhouette
    • Rosette tulle trim mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, holiday parties, cocktail soirees, engagement parties, formal celebrations, anniversaries, date nights, fashion-forward events, formal dances, luxe receptions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000594

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lyla Sequin Mesh Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep your look sultry and glam in the Lyla sequin mesh mini dress. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps, a lace-up back with a tie closure, and a short, form-fitting silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has all-over sequin embroidery and includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete the outfit with rhinestone statement earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back, tie closure
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sequin embroidery
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0784

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Look At Her Wow Satin Mini Dress

    This mini dress will have them all wowed with its stunning details! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a ruched side seam, and a wrap silhouette with an asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with clear heels and a rhinestone clutch for that next GNO!  

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Ruched side seam
    • Wrap silhouette 
    • Asymmetrical hem
    • Mini length 
    • Lined satin fabric, form-hugging fit, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-1141

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Camilla Satin Bow Back Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A dressy plan deserves a silhouette that knows exactly what it’s doing. The Camilla strapless midi dress pairs a sweetheart bust with soft ruching and a fitted mermaid shape for a polished, curve-skimming look. The bow-back detail gives the finish just enough charm.

    Fit & Features

    • Lined mesh fabric
    • Strapless satin sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Twist-front bust detail
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Ruched fitted bodice
    • Open back with bow tie detail
    • Midi-length hem with mermaid-style silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, cocktail soirees, formal celebrations, fashion-forward events, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways, date nights, dinner parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000929

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WINE, NAVY

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

  • Corrine Velvet Bow Strap Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Playful yet polished, the Corrine short dress brings a touch of flirtation to your evening lineup. Crafted from luxe velvet with bow-tied shoulder straps and a softly flared mini skirt, this look moves with you—whether you’re toasting at dinner or twirling on the dance floor.

    Fit & Features

    • Luxe velvet fabric lined with tulle and stretchy knit
    • High square neckline
    • Bow accent shoulders
    • Low-cut back detail, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Skater silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Holiday party, weddings, cocktail soiree, birthday dinners, special date nights, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, nights at the theatre

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000540

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Caroline Velvet Bow Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A study in contrast and charm, the Caroline velvet bodycon midi dress stuns with a strapless silhouette and a statement satin bow neckline. Finished with a back slit for ease of movement, it’s equal parts playful and polished.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet-lined fabric with stretch
    • Strapless satin bow neckline, padded bra cups
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Center back slit
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Midi-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, holiday soirees, formal celebrations, cocktail parties, nights at the theatre, fancy date nights

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000446

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ruched And Ruffled Satin Mini Dress
    This black mini dress is all about those sexy but girly vibes! It features a deep V neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a square back, a wrap front with a row of buttons on the side, and an asymmetrical hem with a ruffle trim. Dress has a body-hugging fit and is composed of a satin knit fabric with plenty of stretch.

    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist, and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0057

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Opal Floral Chiffon A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The floral chiffon and lace trim make the styling feel sweet without overdoing it. This floral chiffon mini dress features a structured bodice, visible boning, and an A-line mini silhouette for a softly shaped look. Pair it with delicate heels and simple jewelry to keep the finish refined.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral chiffon fabric, smooth lining
    • Lace trim strapless neckline
    • Structured bodice with boning
    • A-line mini silhouette
    • Lace-up back detail
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Bridal celebrations, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, birthday brunches, vacations, honeymoons, formal celebrations, semi-formal events, hoco

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000757

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WHITE, PRINT

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

  • Prue Formal Embroidered Sequin Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Stun at your special event with a formal party dress that brings the glam! Prue features a sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, and bungee spaghetti straps. The sheer bodice features an illusion lace, embroidered floral design, sequins, and flexible boning piping accents. The slim-fit bodice leads to a party-length silhouette composed of a lined tulle mesh fabric. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch. 

    Fit & Features 

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
    • Bungee spaghetti straps 
    • Sheer illusion lace bodice
    • Embroidered floral design with sequins
    • Flexible boning 
    • Party length silhouette 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0731

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $156.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Graceful In Lace Dress
    Make a graceful impression in chic lace! It features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, padded cups, narrow straps and an unlined floral lace panel with a lower back keyhole. Her slim fit bodice leads to a double layered skater skirt. Dress is composed of lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch. Includes an exposed silver zipper closure.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8529

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Miss Me Ruched Mini Dress

    They'll be missing you in this flirty mini dress! It features a plunging wrap V neckline, fitted unlined long sleeves and an asymmetrical mini length silhouette with a ruched accent. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Back is sheer and unlined. Includes a hidden back zipper closure. 

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0275

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $15.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Secret Obsession Lace Skater Dress

    It's no secret that we are obsessed with lace! Perfect for any occasion and any season, this dress features a sheer lace bodice with a V neckline, long fitted sleeves, and a discreet back zipper closure. A lining, and delicate scallop lace trim completes the bodice. The flattering skater skirt is composed of a crepe-like fabric with a minimal stretch. Skirt has no lining. 

    Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust,  23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8648

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Allison Formal Strappy Back Glitter Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a twirl-worthy entrance at homecoming in the stylishly sweet Allison formal glitter skater dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a built-in padded bust that eliminates the need for a bra, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and an open back with an on-trend strappy lattice design. Her high waist seam flows out to a short skater skirt with hidden side pockets and a flirtatious fit and flare silhouette. The glitter woven fabric includes a full-length knit lining. Complete your look with rhinestone platform heels of course!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust, princess seams
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Open back, strappy lattice design
    • High waist seam, short skater skirt, hidden side pockets, fit and flare silhouette
    • Glitter woven fabric, full-length knit lining, moderate stretch
    • No bra required
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1892

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Clementine Formal Scalloped Lace Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Create an enchanting moment with a formal party dress that brings the elegance to your celebration! Clementine features a sleeveless scoop neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, lace-up back, and a pleated party skirt. The dress is composed of a lined scalloped lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with metallic heels and a sleek clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline, padded cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back 
    • Pleated party length
    • Floral lace fabric
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0463

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rebecca Party Pleated Dress
    Special Occasion

    Get the party started in the Rebecca dress! She features a square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that are detachable, padded cup inserts, as well as non slip strip lined at the neckline that helps support the dress to stay up and not slide down. She also has vertical wiring at both sides of each breast of the bodice. The bodice meets the skirt at high waist and is pleated to offer a flowy effect with a hem that hits just above your knees. The best part of all, she has pockets! The backside of this dress has a hidden zipper and the back line is straight with an elasticity for a little stretch. This dress is composed of a satin like material that has a beautiful sheen to it. 

    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: 05001-0001

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Loraine Floral Bow Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for the kind of entrance that lingers long after you’ve walked away, the Loraine dress turns every RSVP into a fashion moment. Crafted from floral print taffeta woven fabric, this strapless, ruched bodycon mini silhouette is finished with a statement back bow with train for a look that feels equal parts polished and unforgettable.

    Fit & Features

    • Taffeta fabric with floral print, sewn-in knit lining
    • Strapless neckline
    • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Ruched bodycon mini silhouette
    • Statement back bow with train
    • Fitted bodycon silhouette with sculpted shape
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, bridal celebrations, fancy brunches, formal celebrations, sorority formal, dates, birthday events, baby showers, engagement photoshoots, rehearsal dinners

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000612

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $89.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PINK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Skylar Butterfly Sequin One-Shoulder Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Ethereal and iridescent, the Skylar butterfly sequin party dress will give off the dreamiest vibes! She features a sleeveless asymmetric one-shoulder neckline with a built-in padded bust, a thin tank shoulder strap, dual adjustable spaghetti straps at the back, a high waist seam, a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette, and all-over butterfly applique accents and sequin embroidery. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full woven lining and a tulle underskirt. Complete the look with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, padded bust, tank shoulder strap
    • Dual adjustable spaghetti straps at the back, zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, short skater skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Butterfly applique accents, iridescent sequin embroidery
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full woven lining, tulle underskirt, no stretch
    • Bra optional
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1442

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Zoey One-Shoulder Ruched Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Slay the scene in the sultry-chic Zoey dress! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a bold front keyhole cutout at the center of the bust, ruched detailing, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette with a tie at the hem. Complete the look with sparkly statement earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Front keyhole cutout at the bust
    • Ruching
    • Mini-length, form-hugging fit
    • Side tie at the hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0765

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Major Glowup Off The Shoulder Mini Dress

    Glow up in a mini dress that makes a stylish statement on your next night out! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, off-the-shoulder straps, a sweetheart bust with padded cups, a keyhole at the bodice, ruching, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels and hoops. 

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline, built-in no-slip strip
    • Off the shoulder straps
    • Sweetheart bust, padded cups
    • Keyhole
    • Ruching
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1156

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Amiyah Glitter Ruffle Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Mila dress is made to steal the spotlight—crafted in glitter knit that catches every flicker of light. With a chic square neckline, tank straps, and a playful ruffled hem, it’s the ultimate party-perfect mini for nights that call for a little extra magic.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Square neckline
    • Tank shoulder straps
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Structured ruffled mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear: 

    Birthdays, formal celebrations, holiday festivities, cocktail parties, romantic date nights, rooftop restaurants, engagement parties, bachelorettes, bridal showers, wedding showers

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000528

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $54.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free