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.

  • Gwen Heat Stone Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring all that sparkle and heat in our gorgeous Gwen!  

    Fits & Features 

    • Dual Spaghetti Straps
    • Plunging V Neckline I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Midi Length Silhouette I Side Slit
    • Ruching Along Center Back & Sides 
    • Lined Glitter Lurex Fabric With Heat Stone Embellishments 
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch

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

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0347

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $39.97 $74.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Marvelous Mesh Mini Dress

      Marvel them all with this pretty mini dress! It features a partially unlined bodice, a mock neck, unlined mesh long sleeves with fringed cuffs , a sweetheart bust lining with padded cups and a fringe lace detailed waist that leads to a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of combination mesh, lace and crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes an exposed back zipper.

       

       

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3618

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Brandy Mesh Corset Tulle Party Dress

      Special Occasion

      Twirl the night away in the Brandy party dress sure to capture everyone's attention! She features adjustable straps, a square neckline on a corset-style bodice with flexible boning to enhance your natural shape. Her flare-lined-tulle mini skirt is perfect for busting a move on the dance floor in adorable style. Complete your look with sparkly heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Square neckline
      • Corset-style mesh bodice, flexible boning
      • Flare, lined-tulle skirt
      • Zipper closure
      • Moderate stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0865

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Juniper Formal Embroidered Party Dress

      Special Occasion

      Make a stunning impression with a formal dress that impresses with luxe details! Juniper features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, a partially lined bodice, a gorge embroidered filigree design accented with rhinestones, and a tulle mesh party length silhouette. The dress is composed of a partially lined tulle mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch. 

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Partially lined bodice
      • Embroidered filigree design with rhinestones
      • Mesh tulle party length skirt
      • Lined tulle mesh fabric
      • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0720

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $156.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Jana Rhinestone Party Dress
      Special Occasion 

      Dazzle and charm them all in our lovely Jana dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, a double row of adjustable spaghetti straps and vertical princess seams on the bust. Her waist features a sparkling rhinestone trim that leads to a party length silhouette that is accented with hidden side pockets and pleating details. Dress is composed of a lined textured satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a mini skirt length knit lining and a back zipper closure.

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0008

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $64.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Real Love Glitter Mini Dress

      Show your real love for glitter and glam! This mini dress features a round neckline, long sleeves and a fitted bodice that meets skirt with a horizontal seam mid waist. Hem of dress hits mid thigh and has a wrap design that is ruched on both sides. Dress is composed of a glitter mesh material and lined with a smooth knit material that offers moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0085

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $17.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Aubrielle Formal Glitter Mini Dress
      Special Occasion 

      Bring the glitz and glam as you shine in our Aubrielle dress! She features a rich burgundy color, an off the shoulder neckline with a fold over accent, a ruched detail along the left seam and an asymmetrical mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a glitter embellished crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Glitter will transfer.

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4054

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $46.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Nina Sequin Mesh Bodycon Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Dressed-up plans get a sleek dose of shimmer with the Nina dress. This sequin mesh mini dress pairs a cowl neckline with a bodycon silhouette and padded bra cups for a polished occasion-ready look. The knit lining, back clasp closure, and zipper closure help keep the finish clean and secure.

      Fit & Features

      • Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining
      • Cowl neckline
      • Padded bra cups
      • Bodycon mini silhouette
      • Back clasp and zipper with hook-eye closure
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      HOCO, birthday parties, GNO, bachelorettes, fashion-forward events

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000918

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $69.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: MAUVE

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

    • Gabrielle Glitter Velvet Midi Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      Effortless glamour, redefined. The Gabrielle formal dress shimmers softly with every move, crafted in glitter velvet that hugs your shape to perfection. The sleek side slit adds just the right touch of allure, making this midi the ultimate mix of timeless and unforgettable.

      Fit & Features

      • Glitter velvet-lined fabric with stretch
      • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Side slit
      • Bodycon fit, midi-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Weddings, engagement parties, romantic date nights, anniversary dinners, birthdays, formal occasions, upscale cocktail parties

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000476

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $64.90

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Sparkly Night One-Shoulder Glitter Mini Dress

      A sparkly glitter mini dress features a one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve, and side ruched seams that accentuate your curves along the bodycon silhouette. Perfect for dressy party.

      Fit & Features

      • Glitter fabric lined with stretchy knit
      • One-shoulder neckline
      • Fitted long sleeve
      • Side ruched seams
      • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3505

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Janelle Winner's Circle Mesh Dress
      Special Occasion

      You're a true winner and anyone would be lucky to have you by their side! Our natural Janelle sheer mesh dress truly shines with a wide neckline, long fitted sleeves, an exposed back zipper closure, and a swirled pattern of iridescent heat stones all over. She is composed of a semi-sheer mesh fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Includes a partial skirt knit lining. 

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3984

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Pretty Plans Strapless Bubble Mini Dress

      This is the kind of dress that gets noticed before you even say hi. The smooth satin feel and playful bubble hem bring a flirty, polished vibe that’s perfect for birthdays and special plans.

      Fit & Features

      • Stretch satin fabric, built-in bodysuit for coverage
      • Strapless straight neckline
      • Smooth satin knit fabric
      • Ruched fitted bodice
      • Drop waist seam
      • Bubble hem mini-length silhouette
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000748

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Kailee Faux Pearl Rhinestone Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Kailee party dress flaunts glamour and glitz everywhere you take her! Bring the heat to birthdays, cocktail parties, and nightclubs! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built-in padded bust with underwire support, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a sheer bodice that leads to her bodycon, short-length hem. The formal dress is covered in faux pearl and rhinestone embellishments on partially lined mesh fabric with a moderate stretch. Style with earrings and stiletto heels to complete the look!

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Built-in padded bust, underwire support
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Sheer bodice, bodycon short-length hem
      • Faux pearl and rhinestone embellishments
      • Partially lined mesh fabric, moderate stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1204

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $24.97 $109.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Halston Sequin Mesh Off The Shoulder Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Create a simply stunning look for your special night out in the gorgeous Halston mini dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, long fitted sleeves, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, and a mini-length, form-hugging silhouette. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with an all-over intricate sequin pattern and includes a smooth and stretchy knit lining. Complete your outfit with dazzling duster earrings and sleek heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Off the shoulder neckline
      • Long fitted sleeves
      • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
      • Short, curve-hugging fit
      • Sheer mesh fabric with a knit lining
      • All-over sequin pattern
      • Moderate stretch

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0416

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Marcella Formal Satin Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      You're not afraid to make a statement, and that's why our Marcella satin dress is the one for you! Designed with a sweetheart neckline with a deep v wired center, padded cups, and spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy lace up back detail and a lower back zipper, and hook and eye closure. Her fitted bodice leads to a high waist horizontal seam. Her skirt features a slanted ruche detailing with a slit at the hip that offers a flattering curve hugging silhouette. Marcella is composed of a satin material that offers a form fit with moderate stretch. 

      Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05001-0273

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Madisson Satin Corset Midi Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      Polished with a little allure, the Madisson satin midi is made for the entrance that feels effortless but unforgettable. A strapless corset bodice shapes the look, while a pleated waist drape and center back hem slit bring just the right amount of movement to the bodycon silhouette.

      Fit & Features

      • Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
      • Strapless corset bodice, flexible boning
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Pleated waist drape
      • Bodycon midi silhouette
      • Center back hem slit
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Weddings, bridal celebrations, bridesmaids, engagement parties and photoshoots, cocktail soirees, birthday dinners, honeymoons, vacations, resort getaways, formal events

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000921

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $69.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: WHITE, NAVY

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

    • Smooth Talks Satin Bustier Dress

      Let your curves do the talking in this smooth satin mini-dress at the club! Featuring a strapless curved neckline, flexible boning inserts down the front, and seam details along the bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with a clutch and lace-up heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless curved neckline
      • Flexible boning inserts down the front
      • Seam details, bodycon silhouette
      • Mini-length hem
      • Lined smooth satin fabric, moderate stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4912

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $5.97 $36.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Sweet And Stylish Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

      Stay sweet and stylish this season in this adorable mini dress! It features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, sheer short sleeves, a corset-designed front, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with clear heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, padded cups
      • Sheer short sleeves, no-slip silicone strip
      • Corset-designed front
      • Back zipper closure
      • Mini-length, form-hugging fit
      • Crepe fabric
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1121

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $39.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • That Glam Life Glitter Wrap Dress

      Wrap yourself in shimmering glitter to party the night away in this wrap mini dress! 

      Fit & Features 

      • Plunging V-Neckline
      • Long Sleeves
      • Ruched Side Seam
      • Asymmetrical Hem
      • Glitter
      • Lined
      • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch 



      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0384

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $16.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Jayla Velvet Marabou Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Jayla velvet mini dress is the definition of luxury. Crafted from soft and luxurious velvet, she features a romantic off-the-shoulder neckline trimmed with lavish marabou, fitted long sleeves, a padded bust, side and back ruched seams, and a bodycon silhouette provides a flattering fit. The formal party dress is composed of a soft velvet fabric that brings elegance and offers a sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with rhinestone heels for a dressy date night or celebration party!

      Fit & Features

      • Off-the-shoulder neckline, marabou trim
      • Fitted long sleeves
      • Padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon silhouette, side and back ruched seams
      • Mini-length hem
      • Velvet fabric, sewn-in knit lining, no bra required
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1601

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Velvet Viper Snake Mini Dress

      Slay in statement snake with this sultry mini dress!

      Fits & Features

      • Plunging Scoop Neckline I Square Back
      • Mini Length Silhouette
      • Zipper Not Included
      • Smooth Knit With Velvet Snake Print Throughout 
      • Curve Hugging Fit I Slight Stretch 
      • Complete The Look With The Matching Blazer: (06204-0170)

       

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0303

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $10.97 $26.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • All That Glitter Skater Dress

      Leave a trail of glitter everywhere you walk babe! This dress features a v neckline, pockets, and spaghetti straps that lead to a criss cross design. The bodice is fitted and meets high waist with the skater style skirt. Dress is fully lined and composed of a knit material offers some stretch and flow,  that is adorned with glitter that reflects a multitude of colors. 

      Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

       

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0189

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $47.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Flowy And Flirty Skater Dress

      Make some flirty moves in this adorable flowy skater dress! It features an off the shoulder square neckline with short sleeves, a high waist seam, hidden side pockets, and a twirl-worthy skater skirt. Dress is composed of a nylon ponte knit fabric, offering moderate stretch.

      Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0162

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $32.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Rhine Bright Skater Dress

      Shine bright in this rhinestone accented skater dress. It features a V neckline, wide rhinestone accented shoulder straps with an additional horizontal back strap, and an A-line silhouette that gives her mini skirt just the right amount of flare! Her crepe knit offers plenty of comfortable stretch.

       

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0013

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $36.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance