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.

  • High Low Ruffle Hem Satin Dress

    Look party-ready with this elegant and sultry high-low dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti Straps That Cross At Back
    • Square Neckline I Vertical Darts At The Bust
    • High-Low Hem With Ruffle Trim Detail 
    • Satin-Like Composition I Fully Lined
    • Body-Hugging Fit
    • Moderate Stretch

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0438

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Devora Formal Glitter Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glitz and glamour with a formal dress that shines from all your best angles! Devora features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with padded cups, tank shoulder straps, hidden side pockets, a party-length silhouette with a ruffled accent at the hem. The dress is composed of a woven glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone earrings and heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups
    • Tank shoulder straps
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Party-length silhouette, petticoat, ruffled hem
    • Woven glitter fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, slight stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0725

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $139.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sweet Babe Laced Mini Dress

    You are sweeter than ever when you wear lace! This mini dress features a scalloped v neckline, long sleeves that are sheer, and a double banded waist inset. Back of dress is sheer and has a zipper closure. The skirt is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0143

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $15.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Tahlia High Halter Open Back Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek up top, daring in the back, and just shiny enough to make it fun. The Tahlia high halter dress features a cowl keyhole bust detail and open back for a finish that feels current, polished, and a little unexpected. The result is sultry with a sharper, trend-right edge.

    Fit & Features

    • Rhinestone-embellished, lined mesh fabric
    • High halter neckline with tie straps
    • Cowl keyhole bust detail
    • Open back
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, date nights, Vegas, bachelorettes

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001208

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: CHARTREUSE, PLUM

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Elisa Boat Neck Ruffle Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    This mini is shaped to balance a sleek fit with a little extra volume at the hem. This ruffle mini dress combines a boat neckline, sleeveless tank-style straps, and ruched sides for a bodycon silhouette with a defined finish. The open back keeps the look clean from every angle.

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh-lined knit stretch fabric, built-in knit shorts lining
    • Boat neckline, sleeveless tank-style straps
    • Ruched side seams
    • Bodycon mini silhouette
    • Open back design, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Crinolin ruffle mini-length hem trim
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, birthday dinners, fancy brunches, date nights, cocktail parties, vacations, honeymoons, semi-formal events

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000810

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

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

  • Carrie Satin Rose Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    A sweet pick for upcoming weddings and fancy soirees! The Carrie satin party mini dress features a classic strapless sweetheart neckline with non-slip grip lining, a padded bust, and a front statement rose with cascading ruffle, a bodycon silhouette, and a flirty mini-length hem. She's composed of a smooth silky satin fabric with moderate stretch. Complete the look with fluttery faux lashes for a doll vibe!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bust
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Statement rose with cascading ruffles
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1683

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Love The Lace One-Shoulder Mini Dress

    You'll absolutely love the lacy details of this chic mini dress! It features a one-shoulder neckline with a single long sheer balloon sleeve, a high waist seam with an alluring side cutout, ruching down the side seams, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The sheer lace fabric includes a partial knit lining. Complete the look with strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline
    • Single long sheer balloon sleeve, elastic cinched hem
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, side cutout
    • Ruching down the side seams
    • Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
    • Sheer lace fabric, partial knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1694

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Winona Heat Stone Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Take yourself out in our Winona mini dress! She is designed with a mock neckline, long sleeves, and beautifully designed heat stone embellishments. Her bodice is sheer where the stones show a scalloped deep v design and leads into a lined mini skirt. Her arms and upper back are sheer as well, and she has a zipper closure that leads from lower back to neck. She is composed of a mesh material that offers moderate stretch and from fitting silhouette. 

    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: 05001-0206

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ambition Sleeveless Mini Dress

    Go for that charming look with this stunning dress!

    Fits & Features

    • V Neckline I Padded Cups
    • Narrow Shoulder Straps
    • Floral Applique Detail On Sides
    • Curve-Hugging, Mini Length Silhouette
    • Lined Crepe Composition
    • Moderate Stretch
    • Back Zipper Closure 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0026

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Journee Metallic Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Look like a champagne dream in Journee. She features a v neckline, twisted rope style straps, padded cup inserts, and a hidden zipper located at the center back. Her bodice has a relaxed fit that meets her skirt high waisted flowy skirt. Journee is fully lined and includes a tulle skirt beneath. She is composed of a beautiful shimmering crimped material that offers a relaxed fit with moderate stretch. Hand over the bubbly!

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0026

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Andrea Formal Glitter Lace Dress
    Special Occasion

    Shine and sparkle as you radiate in our glow-worthy Andrea dress! She features a white hue, an off the shoulder neckline, unlined elastic short sleeves, a sweetheart bust with a scalloped lace trim and padded cups. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette to show off your fab heel game! Dress is composed of a lined scalloped lace fabric featuring a gorgeous floral pattern and glitter accents throughout. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. Glitter may transfer.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4037

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Long Sleeve Glitter Mini Dress

    Bring the glam with this glittering must have! It features a crew neck, fitted long sleeves, a small keyhole at the back with a single button closure. The slim fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette that hugs curves in all the right places! Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3489

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Baby Spice Strapless Mini Dress
    Channel your inner spice with this baby blue dress! The mini dress has a strapless, sweetheart neckline paired with flattering princess seams, a back zipper closure, and a short, bodycon fit. The garment is composed of a patent faux leather fabric that you can't resist!

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3527

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Double Take Lace Bodycon Mini Dress

    Serving the kind of look that gets a double take from across the room. This lace bodycon mini dress hugs in all the right places with a ruched drape, side sash, and an open back that knows exactly what it’s doing.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer lace fabric with knit lining, high stretch
    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Halter strap
    • Open back, lower tie-back spaghetti straps
    • Ruched draped front design, side sash
    • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000801

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BROWN

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

  • Vicky Jacquard Halter Bubble Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for twirl-worthy moments, the Vicky jacquard halter mini dress pairs a sculpted bodice with a voluminous bubble hem for a look that’s equal parts playful and polished. The lace-up back adds an alluring finish for your most memorable nights.

    Fit & Features

    • Jacquard fabric with floral texture
    • Halter neckline with adjustable tie back
    • Fit and flare mini-length silhouette
    • Bubble hem detail
    • Lace-up open back
    • Runs true to size 


    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding showers, birthdays, anniversaries, red carpet events, industry parties, photoshoots, date night

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000555

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $88.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Subtle Shine Satin Short Dress

    The perfect satin dress for when you want subtle shine! This sleeveless dress features a one-shoulder neckline, rhinestone spaghetti strap, a side pleated seam that leads to the bodycon, asymmetrical short-length hem. Style with strappy block heels for the club!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Rhinestone spaghetti strap
    • Side pleated seam
    • Bodycon, asymmetrical short-length hem
    • Lined silky satin fabric
    • Moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4648

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sultry Sleek Satin Mini Dress

    This sultry sleek satin mini dress is a perfect choice for a GNO! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps, a high waist seam, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. Style with strappy platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Padded bust, pleating, structured underwire
    • High waist seam, back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Smooth satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4512

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Paola Strapless Twill Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek and streamlined, our pretty Paola twill dress will let you dance the night away! She features a strapless neckline, a seamed bodice with back zip, and a swing-y A-line mini skirt with inverted pleats and pockets at either hip. Paola is lined and made from a mid-weight woven material with a touch of stretch.

    Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist, and 35 hips. She is wearing a size 3.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0062

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nancy Off The Shoulder Floral Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make an enchanting entrance in a mini-dress that wows! The curve-hugging crepe knit formal dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, short sleeves, floral rosette accents at the neckline, and a fitted mini-length hem. Complete the formal outfit with a sleek 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

    • Lined crepe fabrication
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Short sleeves
    • Rosette accents at the neckline
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2593

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Chantel Bow Tie V-Neck Floral Ruffle Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Waltz through the school dance like the main character in the Chantel floral skater dress! Made from a textured chiffon fabric adorned with a floral pattern and bonded seams to create a flirty and flouncy allure. She features trendy bow tie shoulder straps, a plunge V-neckline and back to flaunt some skin, and a flattering ruffled skater silhouette perfect for twirling. Complete the look with a necklace and earrings set and clutch!

    Fit & Features

    • Texture chiffon fabric, floral pattern, bonded seams, woven lining
    • Plunge V-neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bow tie shoulder straps
    • Ruffled skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3422

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kiki Formal Off The Shoulder Sequin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Glow in our shimmering Kiki dress that elevates your formal evening with her enchanting sequins. Kiki features a flattering off the shoulder neckline with off shoulder straps, glitzy sequins throughout and a mini length silhouette with a mini side slit detail. Complete your A-list worthy evening outfit with a rhinestone hairpin to style hair with and metallic platform heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline with off shoulder straps 
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Relaxed fit waist 
    • Sequins
    • Mini length silhouette 
    • Mini side slit
    • Form hugging fit

     

    Model is 5'8" with 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size three

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0402

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $30.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Baby Girl Skater Dress

    Steal some hearts this season. This strappy cocktail dress features a flirty open back with double-crossover shoulder straps, while a tiered bottom hem offers the perfect amount of flounce. Constructed of ponte jersey fabric for an elegant-yet-comfy feel with a moderate amount of stretch. Pair this party-ready number with your favorite statement heels for a vixen vibe.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0117

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Lianne Floral Skirt And Top

    Special Occasion

    Perk up classically elegant florals with a little sparkle-dusted lace in our lovely Lianne skirt and top set. She features a glitter-embellished tank-style top with lace crochet overlay, a lightly padded bust, and a rounded neck that closes with a single button at nape of neck. Taffeta-style floral skirt has an A-line silhouette and features a back zip and a double-layer curved hem. Lianne has a partially lined tank and a fully lined skirt with minimal stretch.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0046

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Bloom With It Mini Dress

    Get with this blooming floral mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, a V neckline, and a short, form hugging fit with a ruffle hem. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that 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: 05101-0254

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance