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.

  • Mesh It Up Sweetheart Corset Mini Dress

    Party it up tonight! Flaunt your curves in this mesh mini dress featuring adjustable spaghetti straps, ruched underwire cups along the sweetheart neck, and a corset bodice with piping. The empire waist leads to a bodycon silhouette and short-length hem with a ruching effect throughout. Complete the look in stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Ruched cups with underwire
    • Corset style bodice, piping, back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Empire waist, bodycon silhouette, mini hem
    • Ruching effect throughout
    • Mesh-lined knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4439

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Living For Lace Sheer Mini Dress

    Create a sheer moment in this sultry lace dress! This must-have date night dress features a partially sheer lace bodice with a crew neckline and a plunging V-neck mesh inset. The back features a matching sheer mesh back. The slim-fit bodice leads to a mini-length silhouette with a mini side slit. Complete your look with stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless crew neckline
    • Lace bodice 
    • Plunging mesh inset
    • Sheer unlined mesh back 
    • Mini-length silhouette with side slit 
    • Crepe and lace fabric, form-hugging fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0889

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Stunning Style Satin Skater Dress

    Showcase a chic and stunning homecoming dress like this sleek satin skater dress also perfect for graduates, brides, and semi-formal events! The short dress features a sleeveless wrap-front V-neckline, a flattering high waist seam, and a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette and a cute wrap design. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and block heels and you'll be twirling all night long!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless wrap-front V-neckline, pleated detailing
    • High waist seam
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Short skater skirt, wrap design
    • Fit and flare silhouette
    • Satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1173

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dazzle And Glow Glitter And Rhinestone Mini Dress

    Bring the glow in a glitter dress that shines from all your best angles! The mini dress features a plunging V-neckline, rhinestone embellished shoulder straps, an asymmetrical hem, and is composed of a glitter knit fabric. Complete your shimmering night-out look with a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Rhinestone embellished shoulder straps
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Asymmetrical hem 
    • Glitter knit fabric
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4889

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Coleen Sequin Striped Bodycon Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Steal the show and possibly some hearts in the striking Collen sequin mini party dress to make your radiant entrance! She features a sleeveless V-wired sweetheart neckline, sleek bungee spaghetti straps, a flattering bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The party dress is designed with a light-catching sequin striped pattern on mesh fabric and includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in glam rhinestone earrings with the sequin mini dress for clubbing in Vegas or a birthday!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-wired sweetheart neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Sequin striped pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1798

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Marla Velvet Corset Illusion Dress

    Special Occasion

    On the short Marla party dress, velvet is the star of the show! Showcase timeless glamour in her off-the-shoulder neckline, corset mesh-illusion bodice with flexible boning inserts, and a sultry, faux wrap hem that gives you the appearance of an hourglass figure. The formal dress is composed of a lined velvet knit fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look with a gorgeous rhinestone clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Strapless bra recommended
    • Corset mesh-illusion bodice, flexible boning
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Faux wrap mini-length hem
    • Lined velvet knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1170

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $62.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Glitzy Moves Sequin Mini Dress

    Make major glitzy moves in this glam sequin mini dress! It features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a short, fitted, A-line silhouette. The lined knit fabric features all-over sequin embroidery for a gorgeous shine. Style this sequin mini dress with platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, fitted, A-line silhouette
    • Sheer knit fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • All-over sequin embroidery
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2126

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Marie Cowl Neck Sequin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Oh-so-alluring, create a bold formal look in the Marie sleeveless sequin mini dress. She features a draped cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, an open back with a lace-up strappy design for a customized fit, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Complete the outfit with classic stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
    • Lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1119

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sleek And Flirty Satin Skater Dress

    Sleek and flirty, this smooth satin skater dress is a stunning choice. It features a sleeveless cowl neckline with pleated detailing, spaghetti straps, and an open-back lace-up design. The high waist seam flows out to a short skater skirt with hidden side pockets perfect for keeping your hands warm. Style this dress with sparkly rhinestone earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline, pleated detailing
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Open back, lace-up design, tie closure
    • High waist seam, short skater skirt
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Luxe satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1724

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Monique Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Dazzle them all this Homecoming season in the stunning Monique mini dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps that lead to an alluring open back with a strappy design, a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette, and all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Style with stilettos and a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Dual bungee spaghetti straps
    • Open back, strappy design
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1091

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Bold Night Out Ruched Mini Dress

    Dare to go bold for your next night out with a halter dress that shows off curves in all the right places! The dress features a halter neck with a sweetheart bust with padded cups, tank shoulder straps that lead to a cross-back design, a ruched body, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a curve-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Halter neck
    • Sweetheart bust, padded cups
    • Tank shoulder straps, cross back design 
    • Ruched body
    • Mini-length silhouette 
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4096

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Julianna Sleeveless Sequin Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase your sweet side with a pretty sparkle in the Julianna sleeveless party dress! She features a square neckline, spaghetti straps, a cross back lace-up strappy design, a high waist seam, and a short party skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Complete the look with rhinestone chandelier earrings and embellished heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back lace-up strappy design, tie closure
    • High waist seam, short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1076

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kiari Formal Off the Shoulder Ruffled Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the charm in a ruffled dress that stuns for your next special occasion. Kiari features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a ruffled overlay, elastic off-the-shoulder straps, and vertical seams that lead to a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined scuba knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline 
    • Ruffled overlay 
    • Off the shoulder straps
    • Vertical seams
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Lined scuba knit fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0371

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Of The Moment Wrap Front Mini Dress

    So sultry and of the moment, this wrap front mini dress is perf for a girl's night out on the town! Featuring a flattering, curve-hugging fit with a stretchy knit fabric, this mini dress is a must-have. Pair with some bold statement earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Spaghetti straps
    • Cowl neckline
    • Wrap front detail creating tulip hem
    • Short, curve-hugging fit
    • Stretchy knit fabric

     

    Black dress: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0538

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Fearlessly Flashy Sequin Mini Dress

    Don't be afraid to be a little flashy bae! This sequin dress is bringing us life! The mini dress is designed with a square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, and a short, form-fitting silhouette that offers a moderate stretch. The fully lined mesh fabric is embroidered with sequins showcasing a swirling vintage pattern. Style this dress with sparkly earrings and a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Embroidered sequins, vintage pattern
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1501

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Talulla Formal One-Shoulder Sequin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Channel a look that is over the top with a formal mini dress that brings the glitz! Talulla features a one-shoulder neckline with a secure no-slip strip, a fitted long sleeve, sparkling sequins throughout, a mini-length silhouette, and a draped train accent. The mini dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete the look with chrome heels and door-knocker earrings. Be sure to shop this dress in the other luxe fabrications!

    Shop Crepe Dress: Emily One-Shoulder Pleated Asymmetric Mini Dress

    Shop Velvet Dress: Zhuri Formal One-Shoulder Velvet Dress

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, no-slip strip at the bust
    • Fitted long sleeve
    • All-over sequin embroidery
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Draped train accent
    • Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0716

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Gorgeous And Glitzy Bodycon Dress

    This glitter mesh bodycon dress will have you looking gorgeous and glitzy for every party! It features a sweetheart neckline, long sheer bishop sleeves, ruched detailing to enhance your natural curves, and a short, form-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, padded cups, no bra required
    • Long sheer bishop sleeves, cinched hems
    • Ruching to enhance curves
    • Mini-length, form-hugging fit
    • Glitter mesh fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1116

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rosalie Pearl Rhinestone Bodycon Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Rosalie embellished mini dress is ready for the plans that call for extra shine. Pearl and rhinestone detailing gives the bodycon mini dress a high-impact finish while the scoop neckline keeps the shape sleek. 

    Fit & Features

    • Allover pearl and rhinestone embellishments
    • Lined mesh fabric
    • Scoop neckline with spaghetti straps
    • Bodycon fit
    • Mini length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, bachelorettes, date nights, birthday dinners, Vegas, parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000800

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: ROYAL

    Available Size: XXS, M, L

  • Josie Ruffle Detail Satin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Short and sassy, the Josie satin mini dress will step up your formal looks! This saying dress dares to be flirty and bold with a strappy lace-up back and a ruffled side trim that brings some drama. 

    This dress brings the fun and the fashion. If you love a bold, playful look, explore our stylish short prom dresses or make an entrance in our stunning short wedding guest dresses in short and mini lengths.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Square neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
    • Mini-length hem, form-fitting silhouette
    • Wrap-front skirt, ruffle side detail
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    School dances, date nights, bachelorettes, weddings, dinner parties, birthdays, milestone celebrations, cocktail soirees, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and photoshoots

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1142

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Romantic Ruffle Detail Mesh Bodycon Dress

    This stunning little black mini dress will showcase some major romantic vibes! It features long sheer loose sleeves with tapered smocked hems, a V-neckline, ruffle trim detailing, and a short, curve-hugging fit. Pair this bodycon dress with some statement earrings and a chic clutch for your next date night with bae.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer peasant long sleeves
    • V-neckline with a ruffle trim
    • Back zipper closure
    • Side ruched seams
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Mesh-lined fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0934

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Paris Satin Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Form-fitting and chic, Paris brings the flirty allure to every party! She features a sleeveless boat neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a mesh corset-style illusion bodice with flexible boning, and a wrap-style mini-length skirt. The formal dress is composed of a buttery smooth satin-lined fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look in lace-up heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, boat neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper closure, bra-friendly design
    • Sheer mesh illusion corset bodice, flexible boning 
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Wrap-style skirt, mini-length
    • Satin-lined fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1028

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Wrap Around My Heart Dress

    You're looking like hot stuff this evening, babes! This dress has a wrap bodice with a deep V neckline, spaghetti straps, and ruching on the side. A wrap skirt creates an asymmetrical hemline for a party perfect ensemble. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3609

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $12.97 $31.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Subtle Glam Vibes Long Sleeve Glitter Mini Dress

    This chic long sleeve glitter mini dress will showcase those subtle glam vibes you love! It features a cowl neckline, long balloon-style sleeves with cinched hems, ruching down the side seams, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your curves. The textured glitter knit fabric has plenty of stretch. Style with a gemstone collar necklace and strappy heels for a dressy dinner.

    Fit & Features

    • Cowl neckline
    • Long balloon sleeves, elastic cinched hems
    • Ruched side seams
    • Mini-length hem
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Textured glitter knit fabric, knit lining at the bust, plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2531

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dancing Diva Satin Skater Dress

    Get ready to twirl all night long in this flirty homecoming satin skater dress! The mini dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a high waist seam, a short skater skirt with a wrap-front layered design, and a fab fit and flare silhouette. Style this short party dress with rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Dual spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • High waist seam
    • Short skater skirt, wrap-front layered design
    • Fit and flare silhouette
    • Smooth satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2216

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale