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.

  • Unreal Stunner Mesh Rhinestone Mini Dress

    Step out to stun in this mesh mini dress for a sultry look tonight! Designed with gleaming rhinestones, this mini-length dress features a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, side ruched seams that flatter your figure along the bodycon silhouette, and a flocked velvet pattern on mesh fabric. Complete the look with statement earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, padded bust
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Side ruched seams, bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Flocked velvet pattern, rhinestones
    • Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5318

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sweeter Than Ever Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

    Stay sweeter than ever in this adorable puff sleeve LBD! Pair with some classic stilettos and you've got yourself a lewk babe!

    Fit & Features

    • Short puff sleeves
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Back zipper closure
    • Dual vertical seam detailing down the front
    • Short, curve hugging fit
    • Stretchy woven fabric

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0649

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Flocked Velvet Charm Mini Dress

    Charm them all with pretty velvet! Dress features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, spaghetti straps and a mini length silhouette. The all over flocked floral print is composed of a velvet fabric that is contrasted with a smooth knit fabric. Garment offers a form hugging fit with 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: 05101-0245

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $28.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Camilla Foil Print Satin Dress
    Special Occasion

    An elevated twist on the classic skater dress, our elegant Camilla dazzles in a foil-print satin floral. She features adjustable cross-back spaghetti straps leading to a lightly padded seamed bodice, an open, lace-up tie back with wire boning at sides, and an A-line inverted-pleat skirt with back zip and pockets at either hip. Camilla is fully lined and made from a shiny, densely woven material with little to no stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0179

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rosalyn Sequin Beaded Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Turn every head in the Rosalyn sequin beaded mini dress, designed with an off-the-shoulder neckline and statement bow back. Its chic, A-line silhouette makes it the perfect style for nights that call for sparkle and allure.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • All-over sequin and beaded embroidery
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, no-slip strip, sheer woven tie-back design
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, dressed-up dinners, romantic date nights, rooftop parties, and glam nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000195

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $65.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Chic Pleated Mesh Faux Leather Belted Mini Dress

    This chic pleated mesh belted mini dress will elevate your fall style! It features a ruffled mock neckline, long sheer balloon-style sleeves with cinched hems, a high waist seam with a tie-front faux leather belt, ruching down the side seams, and a short, form-hugging silhouette with a ruffled hem. Style with knee-high boots and a crossbody purse.

    Fit & Features

    • Ruffled mock neckline
    • Long sheer balloon sleeves, cinched ruffled hems
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, tie-front faux leather belt
    • Ruching down the side seams
    • Mini-length form-hugging fit, ruffled hem
    • Sheer pleated mesh fabric, partial knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1793

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Textured Knit Crew Neck Mini Dress

    From brunch to the farmers market, rock this mini dress with a pair of heeled sandals and a cute cross-body! 

    Fits & Features

    • Crew Neckline
    • Sleeveless Bodice 
    • Cut Out Design At Back With Button Detail At Nape
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Textured Knit Fabric & Design 
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0735

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $11.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Don't You Want Me Dress

    They're gonna want you AND your dress! This tank dress features adjustable shoulder straps with a back tie closure and ruched sides. It's structured with a bodycon fit and hits at the mid-thigh. Fully lined and made of a comfy, textured jersey knit fabric for dressing up or down.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0258

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $30.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Bombshell Babe Mini Dress
    Bombshell alert! Make a bold statement in this sultry mini dress! It features a bubble gum pink hue, a strapless sweetheart neckline and princess seams that accentuates curves in all the right places. Dress is composed of a lined faux patent leather fabric that offers a slight stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3634

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Inner Glamour Satin Ruffle Mini Dress

    Unleash your inner glamour with this satin mini dress! It features a square neckline, spaghetti straps, an accent ruffle sash, a bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem - designed to flatter any figure and make a statement. Complete the look with an embellished clutch for a night out!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Side ruffle sash
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5286

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Love For Lace Skater Dress
    Showcase your undeniable love for lace with this alluring skater dress! It features a sheer lace top, long fitted sleeves, a sweetheart neckline with lined cups, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, and a crepe skirt with a high waist seam and a flirty, flowy fit. The dress offers moderate stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0248

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Curves Ahead Open Back Dress
    Bring sexy back in this plunging LBD! It features a chic black hue, a plunging V neckline and narrow straps that lead to a bold open back with a caged design. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a curve flattering fit and moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust,  24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3452

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Edna Glitter Ruffle Party Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Steal the show with the Edna glitter mini dress perfect for school dances or dressy parties! She features a cowl square neckline, spaghetti straps, and a bodycon silhouette for an alluring profile with a flirty ruffle trim mini-length hem. The short party dress is crafted from a glitter knit fabric with endless shimmer and has a stretchy knit lining. Sparkle on the dancefloor in this mini-dress and complete the look in a bejeweled necklace.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Ruffle trim mini-length hem
    • Glitter knit fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1985

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lacie Satin V-Neck Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

     Perfect for parties and celebrations alike, Lacie brings head-turning style to your next event! She features a sleeveless v-neckline, spaghetti straps, lace-up open back with tie closure, high-waist seam, and hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm. Her flirty fit and flare short-length hem is perfect for showing off new rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless v-neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Lace-up open back, tie closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Short, skater silhouette
    • Smooth satin fabric
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1066

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Seraphina Formal Pearl Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the luxe and shine like the rare pearl you are in our dazzling Seraphina dress! Pair her unmatched beauty with slingback stilettos and a glitzy clutch to complete your evening look! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Plunging V-Neckline | Mesh Inset 
    • Tank-Like Straps 
    • Pearl and Heat Stone Embellishments 
    • Mini Skirt Length Silhouette
    • Lined Smooth Knit Fabric 
    • Form Hugging Fit | Slight Stretch 
    • Hidden Back Zipper Closure 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0408

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Glow With It Glitter Mini Dress
    Get with the glow of this glitzy glitter mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, a wrap front V neckline, padded cups, a high waist seam, ruched side detailing, and a short, curve hugging fit. The lined glitter knit fabric offers plenty of stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0395

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Luxe Lace-Up Velvet Mini Dress

    Bring the luxe vibes to your next date night with a special someone in this smooth velvet mini dress. It features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, an open back with an alluring lace-up strappy design for a customized fit, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look by draping a faux leather jacket over your shoulders.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Backless, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
    • Mini-length hem
    • Fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4864

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glitter Lace High Neck Mini Dress

    Be a vision in lace and glitter with this elegant mini dress! 

    Fits & Features

    • High Neckline
    • Unlined, Fitted Long Sleeves 
    • Open Back With Scalloped Trim 
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Lined, Glitter Lace Composition With Floral Detailing
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0206

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sequin Seduction Mini Dress

    Claim the room while you sparkle like no other! This eye catching sequin dress showcases a beautiful sequin pattern.

    Fits & Features

    • Wired Deep V Neckline I Padded Cups
    • Spaghetti Straps Lead To Raceback With Zip Closure
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Mesh Knit With Scroll Pattern Sequins I Fully Lined 
    • Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0392

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sami Sequin And Lace Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Create a twirl worthy moment in the ever so glam Sami dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, a floral lace bodice and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a double layered skater length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined lace and crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

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

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0035

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • 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: 05101-0099

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brooke Satin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the spotlight moment, the Brooke mini dress turns every glance into admiration. Crafted in luxe satin with a strapless cowl neckline and sculpted pleated waist, this mini’s all about curve-hugging polish and effortless allure.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin-lined fabric
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Back lace-up and zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Dual pleated waist accents
    • Draped pleated waist detail
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Cocktail soiree, birthday dinner, upscale date night, bachelorettes, glam celebrations, Vegas

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000403

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kalani Iridescent Rhinestone Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    You'll bring the glitz and glamour to your formal party look in the sultry Kalani mini dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a corset-style bodice with structured cups, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, iridescent rhinestones in a linear embellished design, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The mesh fabric offers a moderate stretch with a knit lining. Complete the outfit with rhinestone fringe earrings for even more sparkle.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Corset bodice, underwire bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden side zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Iridescent rhinestones, linear embellished design
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1186

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cecilla Formal Pleated Tulle Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Twirl the night away in a formal party dress that brings the glam to your event! Cecilla features a sleeveless square neckline with padded cups, tiered ruffles, and a swiss dot pattern. The dress is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with heels and a rhinestone clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, padded cups, no-slip strip
    • Tiered ruffles
    • Swiss dot pattern
    • Lined tulle fabric
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0741

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale