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.
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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.
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Janice Tulle Halter Short Dress
Special Occasion
Chic couture inspired by Paris fashion week, the Janice tulle short dress gives you a high-fashion look without breaking the bank! She features a sleeveless halter neckline with tie closure, an open back, and a tiered voluminous silhouette. The formal dress is composed of sheer tulle fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and no stretch. Complete your eye-catching look in bow back heels and a clutch!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, halter neckline, tie closure
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Open-back, hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Tiered short-length hem
- Sheer tule fabric, sewn-in knit lining, no stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1352
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Total Stunner One Shoulder Satin Mini Dress
Show off what a total stunner you are with a mini dress that dares to go bold! The dress features a one-shoulder neckline, a plunging V-neck bust, a fitted long sleeve, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of satin fabric with a curve-hugging fit. Complete look with sleek stilettos and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- V-neck bust
- Fitted long sleeve
- Mini length silhouette
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3947
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Meant To Be Ruffled Mini Dress
You and this dress are totally meant to be! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, lace-up back, a mini-length silhouette with a faux-wrap overlay, and ruffles. The dress is composed of a mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with platform wedges and a butterfly necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Lace-up back
- Mini length silhouette
- Faux-wrap overlay
- Ruffles
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0758
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $38.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lira Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Be the center of attention at any event in our lovely Lira! With dazzling heat stones throughout, all eyes will follow you.
Fits & Features
- Crew Neckline
- Unlined, Fitted Long Sleeves
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Mesh Knit Fabric With Shimmering Heat Stones Throughout
- Curve Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch
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: 05001-0183
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $33.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sequin One Shoulder Mini Dress
Start off the night with wowing sequins as you live your best life in this fun sequin mini dress!
Fit & Features
- One Shoulder Neckline
- No Slip Strip
- Fitted Long Sleeve
- Waist Cut Out
- Sequin
- Mini Side Slit
- Form Hugging Fit | Slight Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0575
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $34.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Angelina Ruffle Tulle Sleeves Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Let our fab Angelina be your conversation piece. Adding drama + flair to the conventional LBD, your look will be the furthest thing from basic.
Fits & Features
- Partially Unlined Bodice With Crew Neckline I Inset, Deep V Design
- Ruffle-Tulle Trim Along The Long Fitted Sleeves, Neckline
- Mini Length Silhouette I Subtle Ruching Throughout
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Curve Hugging Fit
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: 05001-0296
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $20.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Casually Chic Slip Dress
A little casual and a lot chic, this slip dress is a must-have. It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a sheer inset under the bust, a square back with a zipper closure, and a short fit. The dress is composed of a lightweight smooth satin-like fabric with no stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0321
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Petal Agenda Floral A-Line Mini Dress
Your calendar just found its plus one. This floral mini dress pairs a sculpted strapless neckline with a flirty A-line silhouette and lace-up back for parties, birthdays, and wherever the plans lead.
Fit & Features
- Woven fabric with floral embroidered pattern, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless straight-across neckline, padded bust, no-slip strip
- Lace-up back design
- Lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001304
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $58.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK
Available Size: M
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Life Of The Party Tiered Ruffled Skater Dress
Be the life of the party in this flirty skater dress boasting on-trend details like a drop waist seam and a short ruffled skater silhouette. Pair with heels.
Fit & Features
- Chiffon and smooth-knit fabrics, minimal stretch
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, bust seam outline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Drop waist
- Short tiered ruffled hem
- Skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3494
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Glamorous Allure Sequin Lace-Up Mini Dress
This gorgeous and chic sequin lace-up mini dress will give you that glamorous allure! It features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a cross-back lace-up strappy design, a mini-length hem, a bodycon silhouette, and sequin embroidery in an eye-catching scroll pattern that showcases an elegant vibe. The sheer mesh fabric features a contrasting nude knit lining. Complete your look with stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- Dart seams, high waist seam, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Sheer mesh fabric, contrasting nude knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2023
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Isabelle Cutout Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Stand out from your squad this Homecoming season in the stunning Isabelle sequin party dress! With her chic details, you'll be sure to catch all the glances. She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and an alluring center cutout at the waist with dual cutouts under the bust. Her high waist flows out to short party skirt with a flowy fit and flare silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Complete the look with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Center cutout at the waist, dual cutouts under the bust
- High waist, short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1074
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Satin Sweetheart Ruched Mini Dress
Keep it sweet and sultry with stunning satin! This bold mini dress is all you need to make a bold statement!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline
- Sweetheart Bust
- Fitted Long Sleeves
- Ruched Side Seam
- Satin
- Lined
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0490
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $37.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Never Too Much Chiffon Skater Dress
There is no such thing as too much! Dress features a plunging V neckline, and spaghetti straps that cross in the back. Bodice is fitted and designed with a flirty lace overlay, and meets high waist with a double tiered hem. Dress composed of a chiffon material that is light weight and offers slight stretch. Zipper located lower back.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0150
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Susanna Formal Lace Party Dress
Special OccasionMake a gorgeous entrance in sophisticated lace! Susanna features an off the shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, short unlined sleeves and a cinching tie waist ribbon. Her belt leads to a flared party length silhouette. Susanna is composed of a lined floral lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a petticoat and back zipper closure.
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: 05001-4129
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mindy Satin Corset Lace-Up Dress
Special Occasion
The Mindy mini dress delivers polished glamour with a modern edge. Designed in stretch satin, this bodycon mini silhouette features a structured corset bodice with boning, a pleated waist drape accent, and an unforgettable lace-up back.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
- Square neckline, wide adjustable shoulder straps
- Corset bodice with flexible boning
- Back lace-up, side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated waist drape accent
- Curve-hugging A-line mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Bridal celebrations, receptions, elopements, courthouse weddings, bachelorettes, birthdays, engagement photoshoots, graduations, date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000760
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WHITE, NAVY
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
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Violet Lace-Up Ruffle Glitter Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Make magic in the Violet glitter mesh party dress for an enchanted evening at dressy birthdays or celebrations! The alluring V-neckline and spaghetti straps draw the eye, while the delicate lace-up back adds a touch of elegance. The ruffled front and bodycon fit create a flattering silhouette, while the glitter mesh fabric adds a touch of glamour to the mini-length ruffled hem with a side ruffle for a truly show-stopping ensemble! Complete the look with stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Glitter mesh fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Spaghetti straps
- V-Neckline, padded bra cups
- Lace-up back
- Ruffles
- Bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2153
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Audrina Formal Ponte Square Neck Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Dressy bridal shower? Casual-chic wedding? Or any event that needs a little white dress. The Audrina formal ponte midi dress evokes sophistication and style to help you look and feel your absolute best! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a wired underbust trim, tank shoulder straps, a form-hugging silhouette, and a back slit accent along her fitted midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a smooth ponte-blend fabric designed to fit your body like a glove and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a beaded clutch and statement heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, tank shoulder straps
- Wired underbust trim, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Back slit accent, fitted midi-length hem
- Ponte-blend knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1624
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Margret Satin Ruffle Party Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate sultry glamour in the Margret satin party dress sure to leave a lasting impression! She stuns in a sleeveless v-neckline, spaghetti straps that lace up along her open-back design, and a curve-hugging, faux wrap mini-length hem with a ruffle. The formal dress is composed of luxurious silky satin fabric. Complete the look in linear earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Lace-up open back
- Faux wrap skirt, ruffle trim
- Curve-hugging, mini-length hem
- Silky satin fabric
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1065
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Bring The Drama Sequin Mini Dress
Yes babe, bring the drama like the fashion diva you are in this stunning mini dress! It features a trendy mock neckline with a sheer top, sheer long fitted sleeves, and a mini length, curve-hugging silhouette with a strapless knit lining. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with all-over sequin embroidering. Pair this dress with glam rhinestone hoop earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Mock neckline and a sheer top
- Sheer long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Sheer mesh fabric with a strapless knit lining
- Sequin embroidering
- Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0884
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $21.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sweet Darling Lace Mini Dress
Make a sweet impression in a lace mini dress that stuns! The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sexy double-row waist cut-out, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a pretty lined lace fabric that offers a relaxed fit. Complete your look with clear mules.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Hidden back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Double-row waist cut-out
- Mini-length skater silhouette
- Sheer lace fabric with a knit lining
- Form-hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0859
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Satin Satisfaction Button Down Dress
Satisfy your love for satin in this sleek head-turning mini dress! Pair with statement mules or a sleek stiletto to complete your vixen-worthy look!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Button-Down Front
- Long Sleeves | Elastic Cuffs
- Lined Satin Fabric
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Relaxed Fit
- Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0545
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sequin Stunner Fringe Mini Dress
Showcase stunning looks in sequins in this fringe detail mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a square back with an exposed zipper closure, and a short hem with longer fringe detail. Dress is composed of a sequin adorned knit fabric with a short knit lining and offers a form hugging fit.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0422
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $21.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Daisy Days Smocked Mini Dress
Keep sweet in a charming floral print! This mini dress features a ruffled mock neck, long unlined chiffon sleeves with elastic cuffs and a smocked body with mini length silhouette. The all over floral print features bright hues to contrast the background. Dress is composed of a smocked and chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0403
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $20.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Tammy Taffeta Lace And Layers Dress
Special OccasionSwitch up the formal scene with this fun formal dress! Our navy blue Tammy dress features a V neckline with spaghetti straps that lead to a stunning lace back, an exposed lower back, hidden side pockets and a flirty double layered mini skirt. She is made from a taffeta fabric that offers a structured look with a hint of sheen. She includes two back zippers.
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: 05001-0012
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale