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.

  • Floral Goddess Skater Dress

    Be a stunning floral goddess in this beyond gorg skater dress. It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a multi strap cross back design, a wired V neckline, a high waist seam, and a flirty and flowy skater skirt. The dress is composed of a scuba knit fabric with a flocked floral print to really catch the light.

    Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0031

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hello Gorgeous Wrap Mini Dress
    Hey gorgeous! Flatter those curves in this blush pink wrap mini dress! It features a deep V neckline that wraps and ties at the waist, narrow shoulder straps, and a wrap skirt that creates a tulip hem. Dress offers a comfortable slim fit and is composed of a stretchy, crepe knit fabric. 

    Model is 5'8" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 33.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-4018

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Daytime Affair Ponte Skater Dress
    Get ready for a fab daytime affair in this light blue skater dress! It features a fitted bodice with a deep V neckline, double shoulder straps that cross at the back, princess seams, and a high waist seam leading to a flowy skirt with a double layer hem. Dress is composed of a ponte knit fabric with a moderate stretch. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8794

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Stevie Bustier A-Line Satin Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make everyone gasp with your beauty in the Stevie bustier satin party dress at the school dance or birthday event! Crafted from a smooth satin woven fabric to give your look an elevated luxe. She features a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a bustier bodice with a built-in padded underwire bust and flexible boning for a flawless silhouette. The drop waist seam and skater silhouette create a timeless look, while the mini-length hem adds a touch of playfulness. Complete the look with a necklace set, clutch, and heels! 

    Fit & Features

    • Satin woven fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Built-in padded underwire bust, flexible boning
    • Skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2206

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Wrapped In Glamour Crepe Mini Dress

    Wrap yourself with a glam mini dress that stuns from all your best angles! The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, a tank shoulder strap, and a wrap mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with hoops and heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, sweetheart bust
    • Tank shoulder strap
    • Wrap silhouette
    • Mini length 
    • Lined crepe fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3866

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • The Glow Up Glitter Mini Dress

    Light up the night with some serious glitter shine! Go for that glow-up look with this chic mini dress! 

    Fits & Features

    • Plunging Wired V Neckline
    • Ruched Bodice
    • Spaghetti Straps | Cross Back 
    • Glitter
    • Form Hugging Fit
    • Moderate Stretch
    • Fully Lined 

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

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0600

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Classic Chic Vibes Mini Dress

      Elevate your everyday style with this mini dress that will give you those classic chic vibes! It features a V-neckline with a wrap-front design, shirring at the bust, flowy half-length sleeves, a cinching high waist seam, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with heels and a cute clutch.

      Fit & Features

      • V-neckline, wrap-front design
      • Shirring at the bust
      • Flowy half-length sleeves
      • Cinching high waist seam
      • Mini-length, form-hugging fit
      • Knit fabric, ruched detailing
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0997

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $32.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Reese Formal Strapless Marabou Glitter Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      Glam up your evenings with the Reese formal glitter midi dress for Homecoming or formal celebrations! She features a strapless neckline with a fabulous marabou trim, a bodycon silhouette that hugs your curves, and a front slit along her midi-length hem. The formal knee-length dress is composed of a glitter crepe knit fabric offering endless sparkle and moderate stretch. Style the midi dress with platform heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless neckline, marabou trim
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Front slit
      • Midi-length hem
      • Glitter crepe knit fabric, moderate stretch
      • Sticky or strapless bra recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1945

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Simply Sultry Sleeveless Mini Dress

      Simply sultry, this sleeveless mini dress is your new go-to for a girl's night out! It features a square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back strappy design, ruched detailing, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with sparkly statement earrings and heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless square neckline
      • Bungee spaghetti straps
      • Cross-back strappy design
      • Ruching
      • Short, form-hugging fit
      • Brushed knit fabric, plenty of stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3851

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $32.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Fall For Floral Skater Dress

      Fall for floral this season with this undeniably adorable skater dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a dual cross back, a plunging wired V neckline, a high waist seam, and a flowy skater skirt. Dress is composed of a knit fabric and showcases a flocked floral pattern of velvet against the knit background.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0109

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $38.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Talia Applique Tulle A-Line Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Talia formal dress is all about the close-up. An embellished sweetheart bodice and floral appliqué bring dimension to the tulle mini dress, balanced by a softly layered skirt. The effect is intricate, current, and anything but basic.

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, non-slip grip lining
      • Embellished bodice with floral appliqué detail, flexible boning
      • Layered tulle A-line mini skirt
      • Fitted through the bodice with a flared shape
      • Back zipper closure
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      HOCO, big birthday parties, glamorous occasions

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001254

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $119.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: SAGE

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

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Petra Crepe Off Shoulder Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      With a fold-over, off-shoulder neckline and fitted long sleeves, our Petra exudes class and elegance. Her midi-length hem features a back center slit for you to glide around with ease. Accessorize her with a gorge envelope clutch and a fab pair of heels! 

      Fits & Features

      • Off Shoulder Fold-Over Neckline 
      • Back Zipper Closure
      • Fitted Long Sleeves
      • Midi Length Hemline | Fitted Skirt 
      • Center Back Slit 
      • Crepe Fabric | Fully Lined
      • Form Hugging Fit | Plenty Of Stretch 

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0398

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $31.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Heather Heat Stones Mesh Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      We are LIVIN' for this dress! You'll be shining as bright as the night sky in our gorge and fab Heather!

      Fits & Features

      • Elastic Shoulder Straps
      • Plunging V Neckline & Back
      • Mini Length Silhouette 
      • Fully Lined, Textured Mesh Fabric
      • Heat Stone Embellishments 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: 05001-0187

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sleek Satin Wrap Shirt Dress

      Wrap yourself in sleek satin to make a stunning statement! The shirt dress features a flat collar with a plunging V neckline with subtle pleated detailing, long sleeves with a single button cuff and a mini length asymmetrical silhouette. Dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch.

      Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0484

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $17.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Fall Into Floral Mini Dress

      Fall in love with floral in this mini dress that is oh so chic. It features a mock neckline, long sheer sleeves with elastic banded cuffs, and a stretchy smocked body with a short hem. Dress offers a form hugging fit. Zipper not included. 

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0342

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $5.97 $52.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Shimmer And Glimmer Mini Dress
      Shimmer and glimmer the night away in this dazzling mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, bungee spaghetti straps, a square neck and back, and a short, curve hugging fit with a hem that hits mid-thigh. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers moderate stretch and includes a stretchy knit lining.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0212

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $12.97 $32.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Glitter & Glam Mini Dress

      Embrace all the glitter and glam in this mini dress!  

      Fits & Features

      • High Mesh Neckline & Long Sleeves
      • Inset Deep V Design
      • Cut-Out With Button Closure At Back
      • Velvet, Rainbow Glitter Knit Body 
      • Mini Length Silhouette
      • Form-Flattering  

       

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0240

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $15.97 $38.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Mesmerizing Metallic Floral Skater Dress

      Mesmerize them all in this head-turning skater dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V-neckline, spaghetti straps and a double-layered skater silhouette. The all over metallic floral print reflects from all over angle! Dress is composed of lined scuba knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

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

       

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8656

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $18.97 $46.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Fun And Flirty Halter Neck Skater Dress

      This adorable skater dress is perf for twirling and giving off those fun and flirty vibes at your next party! It features a sleeveless deep V-neckline with halter straps that lead to a tie-back design, an open back, dual high waist seams, and a short skater skirt with a fab fit and flare silhouette. The plisse woven fabric includes a full knit lining. Complete your look with a lariat necklace and platform heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless deep V-neckline
      • Halter straps, tie-back design
      • Open back
      • Dual high waist seams
      • Short skater skirt, fit and flare silhouette
      • Plisse woven fabric, full-length knit lining, minimal stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2908

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $5.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Off My Mind Ponte Bodycon Dress

      Leave your worries behind cause you'll be looking and feeling so sultry in this little black dress at the party! It features an off-the-shoulder neckline, non-slip grip lining, a lightly padded bust, a bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem with a slit accent. Complete the look with a statement clutch.

      Fit & Features

      • Off-the-shoulder neckline
      • Non-slip grip lining, back zipper closure
      • Lightly padded bust
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Mini-length hem with front slit
      • Lined Ponte fabric, moderate stretch
      • Fits true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1713

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $37.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Mesh Me Up Mini Dress

      Make a sheer statement! Flaunt a little skin, but keep it classy with the Mesh Me Up mini dress!

      Fits & Features 

      • Plunging V Neckline
      • Sheer Long Sleeves With Elastic Cuffs
      • Mini Length Silhouette I Ruching Throughout
      • Mesh Fabric I Lining At The Skirt & Front Bodice
      • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0537

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $32.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Adalee Formal High Slit Satin Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Keep it simply stunning in satin as you make your entrance in our Adalee dress! Her high slit brings an extra dramatic detail! 

        Fit & Features 

        • Cowl Neckline 
        • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
        • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
        • Midi Length Silhouette With High Slit 
        • Lined Satin 
        • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch 

        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: 05001-0300

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $44.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Metallic Moment Mini Dress

        YASS! We are here for your Metallic Moment, babe 

        Fits & Features

        • Wrap V Neckline
        • Fitted Long Sleeves
        • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
        • Ruching At The Side
        • Asymmetrical Mini Length Hem
        • Lined, Shiny Metallic Fabric
        • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0697

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $48.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Chrome Chic Metallic Ruched Halter Mini Dress

        Step into the spotlight in a mini dress that brings the shine! The dress features a luxe metallic knit fabrication, a mock halter neckline, and ruching. Complete look with clear heels. 

        Fit & Features

        • Metallic knit fabrication, stretchy knit lining
        • Mock halter neckline, button closures
        • Ruching
        • Short length hem
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5938

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $34.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free