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.

  • Lindsey Marabou Crepe Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    Meet your look for formal parties and dances! The Lindsey short dress elevates your night in a sleeveless square neckline with non-slip grip lining, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a marabou feathered bodice atop her bodycon silhouette with a flirty hem slit. The formal dress is composed of a lined smooth woven crepe fabric with minimal stretch. Style with sassy stiletto heels to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, non-slip grip lining
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Marabou feathered bodice
    • Bodycon silhouette, slit accent, short-length hem
    • Lined smooth woven crepe, minimal stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1557

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Tori Formal Heat Stone Feathered Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Showcase your over the top style in our glam formal Tori dress! She features a mini mock neck, a plunging mesh inset adorned with heat stones, long sleeves with heat stones, and a feathered cuff. The dress is composed of a curve-hugging crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete your look with chrome heels and rhinestone hair pins to style tresses with. 

    Fit & Features

    • Mini mock neck
    • Plunging mesh inset 
    • Heat stones
    • Long sleeves with feathered cuff
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Crepe fabric, additional mini skirt length knit lining 
    • Form hugging fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0511

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sassy Sequin Babe Mini Dress

    Keep it sassy in sparkling sequins! This mini dress features a one shoulder neckline with built in no slip strip, a fitted long sleeve, a sexy side waist cut out and a mini length silhouette accented with a mini side slit. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins throughout. Dress offers a curve hugging fit with slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0468

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Blair Formal Off The Shoulder Lace Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Radiate luxe and glamour with a formal lace dress that brings enchanting details to your evening. The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with padded cups, short sleeves, a ribbon tie-waist belt, and a party-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined floral lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes voluminous petticoat for that extra flare! Complete look with heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline
    • Sweetheart bust, padded cups
    • Short sleeves
    • Tie-waist ribbon belt with belt loops
    • Party length silhouette
    • Lined floral lace fabric, petticoat
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0795

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Glitter Goddess Velvet One Shoulder Mini Dress

    Shine on like the goddess you are in this gorgeous glitter velvet mini dress! It features a flattering one shoulder neckline, front padding, a wrap front with ruched detailing, and a short, asymmetrical hemline. The glitter velvet fabric has an intricate broque design. Pair this dress with a stunning rhinestone cuff to add a touch of glam to your look.

    Fit & Features

    • One shoulder neckline
    • Front padding
    • Wrap front with ruched detailing
    • Short, asymmetrical hemline
    • Curve-hugging fit
    • Glitter velvet fabric wtih broque design
    • Moderate stretch

     

    The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3663

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $16.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Wrapped In Basics Mini Dress

    Wrap yourself in basics to make an effortlessly chic statement! This mini dress features a mock neck, short sleeves and a mini length silhouette with an envelope hem. Dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0322

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $28.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Glitz And Shimmer Open Back Mini Dress

    Shine on glitter goddess! This dress features a crew neckline, fitted long sleeves, and a dramatic open back. Composed of a glitter mesh fabric, it offers a curve-hugging fit with a moderate amount of stretch. Zipper not included. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0435

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Make An Entrance Heat Stones Mini Dress

    You'll be making one hell of an entrance in this stunning dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Mock Neckline
    • Fitted Long Sleeves
    • Unlined Sleeves, Partial Chest, Back, And Neck
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Lined, Semi-Sheer Mesh Fabric
    • Scroll & Geometric Patterned Heat Stones
    • Curve-Hugging Fit 

     

    Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.  

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0295

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Living For Lace Mini Dress

    We're living for this lacy look! It features a lined sleeveless lace bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, an open back with sheer panel that leads to a lower back keyhole. The fully lined slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress offers a curve hugging fit.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8525

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Walk The Mock Neck Mini Dress

    Talk the talk and walk the walk in this must have mini dress! It features a sleek, form hugging silhouette with a mock neck, long sleeves with thumb-hole slits, and a mini length. Brushed knit offers 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: 05102-0124

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • On One Studded Mini Dress

    Girl you are on one! This party dress is one for the books. Designed with a boat neckline, long sleeves, and a short mini hemline that meets above the knee. Dress is partially lined at the skirt and composed of a mesh material that offers moderate stretch. A mix of studs, heat stones, and rhinestones adorn this dress in a beautiful pattern that we are obsessed with!

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0225

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $66.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Loved In Lace Mini Dress
    You'll for sure fall head over heels in love with this mesh and lace mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a deep V neckline with a padded bust, an exposed back zipper and hook and eye closure, and a short, flattering, form hugging fit. The natural dress includes a mesh waist, a full knit lining, and crochet lace appliques adorned all over for a beautiful touch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8491

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Caley Glitter Mesh Corset A Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The shimmer finish gives this mini its standout edge. A sculpted bodice with V-wire detail and a flared skirt keeps the shape polished while the textured mesh catches the light. It’s the kind of detail-driven dress that does the work for you.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline with V-wire detail, padded bra cups
    • Glitter sequin mesh fabric, woven lining
    • Corset-style bodice, flexible boning
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets, A-line mini length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, dressed-up dinners, and date nights.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000843

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $129.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WINE

    Available Size: 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Out Tonight Ruffled Bodycon Mini Dress

    The invite said dress cute, so you understood the assignment. This ruffled bodycon mini dress hugs in all the right places with a ruched wrap-front and flirty sash detail that was made for parties, date nights, and last-minute “we’re going out” texts.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleek knit fabric, high stretch
    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Ruched wrap-front design, ruffled sash accent
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000752

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Brenda Satin Bubble Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    For the invite that says dress to impress, the Brenda dress delivers with luminous satin and a playful mini skater silhouette that knows how to own the room. A sweetheart halter neckline, sculpted rosette detail, and tiered bubble ruffled skirt create a look that feels polished, flirty, and unforgettable from every angle.

    Fit & Features

    • Premium satin fabric, sewn-in satin and tulle linings
    • Sweetheart halter neckline, rosette inset, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Corset-structured bodice, flexible boning
    • Skater silhouette, tiered bubble ruffles, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, birthday events, fancy brunches, parties, milestone celebrations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000580

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $89.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PINK

    Available Size: S, L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Hayden Halter Lace-Up Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Flirt with the spotlight in the Hayden embroidered mini dress, designed with a high halter neckline and an open lace-up back that wows from every angle. Its textured floral finish adds just the right touch of luxe.

    Fit & Features

    • Embroidered woven-lined fabric
    • High halter neckline
    • Open lace-up back design
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, engagement parties, baby showers, bridal showers, fancy brunches, birthdays, milestone celebrations, cocktail soirees

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000255

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Taryn Glitter Corset Lace-Up Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for your grand entrance, the Taryn glitter dress brings sparkle and structure with a strapless corset bodice, skater mini silhouette, and a lace-up back that stuns from every angle. Glitter woven fabric layered over tulle and knit linings adds soft volume and shimmer that moves with you.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter woven fabric, tulle and knit linings
    • Strapless corset bodice, flexible boning inserts, padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, engagement parties, date nights, cocktail parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000013

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Dreamy Luxe Satin Mini Dress

    You'll look like an absolute dream in this luxe satin mini dress! It features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with a wrap-front design, short puff sleeves with a ruffled trim, pleating at the bodice, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with embellished hoop earrings and clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline
    • Wrap-front design
    • Short puff sleeves, ruffled trim
    • Pleated detailing at the bodice
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1206

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Bring The Flare Flocked Velvet Skater Dress

    Bring the flare with a cute skater dress that creates a twirl-worthy moment! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, a floral flocked velvet pattern, spaghetti straps, an unlined floral lace back with a lower back keyhole, and a tiered skater silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined scuba crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with block heels and a rhinestone choker. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Floral flocked velvet pattern 
    • Spaghetti stra[s
    • Unlined floral lace back, lower back keyhole
    • Tiered skater silhouette
    • Lined scuba crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1161

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Layla Formal Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the shine to match your glam taste in our sparkling Layla dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, short sleeves, a natural fit waist and a curve hugging midi length silhouette with bold side slit. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sequins throughout. Garment offers a minimal stretch and includes a back zipper closure.

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4093

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Twinkling Moments Glitter Mini Dress

    Showcase your shine in this spotlight-stealing mini dress! You'll be having a moment everywhere you go! 

    Fits & Features

    • Wrap V Neckline
    • Long Fitted Sleeves
    • Asymmetrical Wrap Mini Skirt
    • Glitter Lurex Fabric I Fully Lined
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0432

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $35.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Gia Rhinestone Mini Dress

      Special Occasion 

      We all know diamonds are a girl's best friend, shine in sparkling rhinestones in our glitzy Gia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a built in no slip strip, a plunging wired sweetheart neckline accented with a rhinestone embellished fringe and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with a hook and eye fasten closure

      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: 05001-0241

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $99.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Jess Off The Shoulder Dress
      You're known for your moves—make 'em in our dynamite midnight blue satin Jess dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamless sleeveless bodice with fold-over detail and back zip, and an A-line flared mini with pockets at either hip. Jess is made from a smooth, shiny material with moderate stretch.

      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: 05001-0002

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Velvet Burnout Mini Dress

      This Semi sheer dress features a high crew neckline, long sleeves, and a sheer bodice that features a halter style underlay that cuts out at the midriff. Hem hits mid thigh and includes a partial mini skirt lining. Dress is composed of a mesh material with a velvet flocked burnout design. This dress is form fitting and offers moderate stretch.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8848

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $36.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance