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.

  • Cut To The Chase Bandage Dress

    Let's cut to the chase - this little black dress couldn't get any sultrier! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a square neckline, bold and sexy side cut outs with bar accents, and an exposed back gold zipper and hook and eye closure. The dress is composed of a bandage knit fabric that offers a curve hugging fit and plenty of stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 06005-6240

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Sparkle Is The Answer Glitter Ruffle Mini Dress

    When the occasion calls for sparkle, this glitter mini dress is the answer! With an alluring square neckline, spaghetti straps, and a cross back, this bodycon silhouette creates an irresistibly chic look down to the tiered ruffle mini-length hem. Complete the look in strappy block heels for a holiday dinner party or birthday!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps, cross back
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Tiered ruffle mini-length hem
    • Glitter knit fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2688

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Keep It Luxe Rhinestone Velvet Mini Dress

    Keep your party look luxe and glamorous with this embellished velvet mini dress! It features a one-shoulder neckline with a long fitted sleeve, an asymmetrical sheer mesh waist insert to show off a hint of skin with iridescent rhinestone embellishments for some added sparkle, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The smooth velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style with lace-up heels.

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline
    • Single long fitted sleeve
    • Asymmetrical sheer mesh insert at the waist
    • Mini iridescent rhinestone embellishments
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4672

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • One Wish Glitter Knit Mini Dress

    If i had one wish it would be to see you sparkle all night long babe! This glittering mini dress is designed with a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps that are adjustable, and a form fitting silhouette. Bodice of dress has a padded cup design, and is fully lined. Composed of a velvet material that is embossed with small stripes of glitter that reflects multiple colors! 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0444

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Colleen Taffeta Strapless Bubble Hem Dress

    Special Occasion

    Adorable is an understatement with the Colleen party skater dress on the scene! She strikes the crowd with her sweetness in her strapless sweetheart neckline, flexible boning inserted along the bodice for a structured fit, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a sassy bubble short-length hem. The party dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete the look in gorgeous rhinestone earrings for a school dance or banquet!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Flexible boning inserts along the bodice
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater silhouette, bubble short-length hem
    • Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1895

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
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  • Chic Romance Bodycon Mini Dress

    This curve-hugging mini dress will look chic for a romantic dinner date. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a V-wired center design, a pleated fabric overlay at the bust, thin shoulder straps, and a short, fitted, bodycon silhouette. The smooth ponte knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the outfit with strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, V-wired center design
    • Pleated fabric overlay at the bust
    • Thin shoulder straps
    • High waist seam, mini-length hem
    • Fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Ponte knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4649

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lace Amour V-Neck Skater Dress

    Breeze into your date in this lovely lace skater dress to bring romance! The dress features a sleeveless V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, a fit and flare silhouette, and a tiered ruffled short hem. Complete the look in chic block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neck
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Fit and flare skater silhouette
    • Tiered ruffled short hem
    • Lace fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1559

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Alisha Pleated Floral Printed Party Dress

    You'll make a stunning entrance in our beyond gorgeous Alisha party dress! Her flirty flowy skater skirt will let you twist and twirl on the dance floor. Her caged back design adds a fun twist to the dress. Strut it at your next dance and have all eyes on you babe. Glam her up with some rhinestone earrings and platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • High rounded neckline
    • Tank shoulder straps
    • Caged back design with cut-outs
    • Back zipper closure
    • High waist
    • Flowy pleated skater skirt with pockets
    • Floral print

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust,  24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0429

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Vanessa Formal Crepe Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep it classically chic in our elegant Vanessa midi dress! Her off the shoulder neckline is perfect for pairing with a statement necklace and midi length showcases glowing gams! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Off The Shoulder Neckline 
    • Wrap Sweetheart Bust 
    • Princess Seams 
    • Midi Length Silhouette | Wrap Style
    • Lined Crepe Fabric 
    • Form Hugging Fit 
    • Moderate Stretch 


    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0397

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Chic And Spotted Mini Dress

    Get a chic and spotted look in this adorable trendy little mini! The dress features an off the shoulder neckline with short cuffed sleeves with ruffle trim detailing, a front keyhole cut out with a tie closure, a stretchy smocked back, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a lightweight woven fabric with a cute all over animal print.

    Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0342

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Abbi Taffeta Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Our beautiful taffeta sleeveless Abbi dress brings us back to vintage-inspired style! She features a round neckline, padded cups, a cut out at the Back as well as two zippers. One at the upper and one the lower back. Abbi is a perfect party length and has pockets! She has a lining with a tutu underneath, this gives the dress an elegant poof. One is never under dressed in a little black dress!

    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: 05001-0037

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Stylish Satin Skater Dress

    Make a stylish statement in this sleek satin skater dress. It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a lattice back with a tie closure, a square neckline with a high waist seam, hidden slanted side pockets, and a flirty, flowy skater skirt. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin-like fabric.

    Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0038

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $18.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cute Sensation Short Sleeve Cutout Mini Dress

    Treat your curves to this bodycon mini dress! This dress features short puff sleeves and cutout sides, adding a cute and sensational touch to your look for dressy occasions.

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh lined fabric
    • Short puff sleeves
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Side cutout accents
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000296

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Dominique Floral Velvet Off The Shoulder Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Enchant in a velvet dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, floral-accented trim, and a curve-hugging mini-length hem. Complete your formal outfit with a rhinestone clutch.

    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

    • Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, no-slip strip
    • Floral accented trim at the bust, short sleeve cuffs
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Ruching
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2306

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Luxe Enchantment Glitter Tube Ruffled Skater Dress

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabric with knit bust lining, moderate stretch
    • Strapless elasticized straight neckline, no-slip strip
    • High waist seam
    • Tiered ruffled design
    • Skater silhouette
    • Mini-length shark hem 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3603

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Garden Paradise Floral Velvet Lace-Up Mini Dress

    With a flocked floral velvet pattern, this mini dress lets you escape to a garden paradise! It features a sweetheart neckline, a padded bust, spaghetti straps that lace up along the back for a customized style, and a sexy bodycon silhouette and mini-length. Complete the look with a choker necklace for a night out!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Spaghetti straps, lace-up back
    • Zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Padded bust
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Flocked floral velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5401

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sheer Surprise Velvet Mesh Dress

    Step and stun in this short dress for a night on the town! It features long sleeves, a mock neck with dual button closures, a keyhole cutout, a burnout velvet scroll, and sheer mesh inserts throughout the body-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with statement earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Long sleeves
    • Mock neck with dual button closures
    • Back keyhole cutout
    • Body-hugging, short-length hem
    • Burnout velvet scroll and sheer mesh inserts
    • Partial lining, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1929

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • City Slicker Satin Mini Dress

    A sleek mini, inspired by the trendy city girl in mind! 

    Fits & Features

    • Cowl Neckline
    • Adjustable Self Tie Shoulder Straps
    • Square Back
    • Satin-Like Composition I Fully Lined
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Form-Flattering Fit I Minimal Stretch 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0350

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $12.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Casual Cut Out Mini Dress

    Cute and casual, this mini dress needs to be in your closet! It features an elastic banded off the shoulder square neckline, long fitted sleeves, a front waist cut out, and a short, curve hugging fit. Dress is composed of a ribbed knit fabric with plenty of stretch.

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

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0260

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $12.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Glistening Satin Mini Dress

    Glisten and gleam in your next favorite little dress! This sweet mini features a deep V neckline that is wired, spaghetti straps that are adjustable and lead to a square back, and a double vertical seam that leads down to mini slits at either side of the hem. Hem of dress hits above thigh. This mini is composed of a satin-like material that offers a form fitting silhouette with moderate stretch, also has a zipper closure center back.

    Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0214

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $40.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Enticing Always Bodycon Mesh Mini Dress

    Your night is looking so enticing in this bodycon mesh mini dress! Designed with a semi-sheer design, you'll be the most alluring girlie. 

    Fit & Features

    • Semi-sheer mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
    • Sheer fitted long sleeves
    • Crew neck
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-6032

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • All Eyes On You Lace Tube Wrap Mini Dress

    Low effort, major impact—this lace mini does the most in the best way. The curve-loving fit and side tie detail give your night-out look that unforgettable vibe.

    Fit & Features

    • Lace lined fabric
    • Strapless tube neckline
    • Faux wrap skirt with tie detail
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000119

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rhythm And Shine Sequin Mesh Dress

    Move to the rhythm and shine under the lights in this sequin mini dress to captivate the club! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neck, spaghetti straps, a built-in padded bust, a mesh insert bodice with satin trim, and a bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with a metallic clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neck, spaghetti straps
    • Built-in padded bust
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Mesh insert bodice, satin trim
    • Bodycon, mini-length hem
    • Sequin fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4729

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Georgina Metallic Ruched Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    With all that shine, you know you gotta show it off! Work your charm in our dazzling Georgina dress! 

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti Straps I V Neckline 
    • Midi Length Silhouette I Ruching At The Side I Front Slit 
    • Woven glitter fabric
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • Moderate Stretch 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0367

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free