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.

  • Marianna Strapless Embellished Velvet Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase a fiery look in the sultry and stunning Marianna formal mini dress! She features a strapless neckline with an angled design, a ruched bodice with gorgeous faux pearl and iridescent rhinestone embellishments, a sheer mesh insert at the hem with matching embellishments, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The luxe velvet fabric includes a knit lining and offers a moderate stretch. Style with rhinestone fringe earrings and strappy stilettos for a glam night out.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless neckline, angled design, flexible boning, no-slip strip
    • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Ruched bodice, faux pearls, iridescent rhinestones
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Sheer mesh insert at the hem, matching embellishments
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Smooth velvet fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1329

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sleek And Strappy Satin Mini Dress

    This sleek and strappy satin mini dress will be your new go-to outfit for a night out with the squad! It features a sleeveless square neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy cross-back design, ruching at the back, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette with a sultry front slit. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Dual spaghetti straps
    • Strappy cross-back design
    • High waist seam, ruching at the back
    • Short, form-hugging fit, front slit
    • Satin fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3773

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

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

    Shine for those nights you'll never forget in this shimmering glitter mini dress! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Square Neckline 
    • Spaghetti Straps 
    • High Side Slit
    • Glitter
    • Lined Mesh
    • Form Hugging Fit
    • Moderate Stretch 

     

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0422

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $12.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Flirty Attitude Bubble Hem Mini Dress

    Show off a flirty attitude in this adorable bubble hem mini dress! It features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a tank shoulder strap, a flowy A-line fit, and a mini-length silhouette with the cutest bubble hem for a subtle flared-out look. The sheer chiffon fabric includes a full knit lining. Style with platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Tank shoulder strap
    • A-line fit
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Bubble hem
    • Sheer chiffon fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2439

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Main Character Vibes Velvet Dress

    This velvet mini dress will give you main character energy at the party! The bodycon dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, and a ruched bust and side seams. Complete the look in metallic chunky heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Ruched bust and side seams
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Lined velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1905

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Take The Plunge Crepe Short Dress

    Fashion is all about taking risks! Take the plunge and chic up your look with this crepe short dress. It features a sleeveless mesh V-neck, shoulder straps, V-cut back, and a padded underwire bust atop a corset-style bodice with flexible boning. The front ruched seam flaunts your curves along the crepe bodycon skirt with a flirty hem slit. Style with fringe earrings for a cocktail party!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless mesh V-neck, shoulder straps
    • V-cut back and zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Padded underwire bust
    • Corset-style bodice, flexible boning
    • Bodycon, short hem, front ruched seam, and slit
    • Lined crepe and mesh fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1840

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Meow You're Talking Leopard Mini Dress

    Satin and leopard? Matchmade in heaven. Show your sleek and wild side in the Meow You're Talking mini dress!

    Fits & Features 

    • Cowl Neckline
    • Spaghetti Straps
    • Adjustable Tie At Back I Low Open Back
    • Satin-Like Composition I Minimal Stretch
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • 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: 05102-0338

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ruffle Party Asymmetrical Dress
    It's no party without a little bit of ruffle fun! This blue dress features a wrap bodice with a V neckline paired with a ruffle trim, spaghetti straps leading to a square back, ruching on one side, and a wrap skirt with a subtle asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3491

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $31.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Reveal Your Sparkle Sequin Mini Dress

    Reveal your sparkle in this gorgeous sequin mini dress. Show off your curves with a bodycon silhouette and strapless neckline. The mini-length hem is cinched with a wrap design to make your look even more chic. Complete the look with earrings for a night on the town!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless neckline
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Wrap mini-length hem
    • Sequin fabric, sewn-in knit lining
    • Moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5238

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Juilette Sequin Mock Neck Marabou Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Juliette sequin dress was made to be seen on you at banquets, holiday parties, and fancy events! She features fitted long sleeves with fabulous marabou trim cuffs, a mock neckline, and a flattering bodycon silhouette and knee-length hem. The party dress is designed with a sequin-embellished striped pattern that sparkles on mesh fabric and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with earrings and strappy heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Fitted long sleeves, marabou trim cuff
    • Mock neckline
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, knee-length hem
    • Sequin striped pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Bra friendly design
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1766

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Allison Iridescent Sequin Feather Trim Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    The party won't start until you make an entrance in the Allison iridescent sequin feather trim formal dress! She features a crew neckline, sheer long fitted sleeves with fabulous ostrich feather trims, a mini-length hem, a bodycon silhouette that will hug and flatter your curves, and all-over iridescent sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. The sheer mesh fabric includes a partial knit lining. Complete your look for dances, parties, or any glam affair with clear heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Crew neckline, sheer long fitted sleeves, ostrich feather trims
    • Hidden back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Iridescent sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
    • Sheer mesh fabric, partial knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1613

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Made For This Moment Rhinestone Satin Mini Dress

    This sultry satin mini dress was made for you to have your it-girl moment! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a bustier-style bodice, padded and structured cups, alluring rhinestone embellishments at the bust, and rhinestone-adorned spaghetti straps. The dress features a backless design with tie-back straps, ruched detailing down the sides and back, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The smooth satin fabric includes a full knit lining. Style with hoop earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, bustier-style bodice
    • Padded cups, structured underwire
    • Mini rhinestone embellishments at the bust
    • Rhinestone-adorned spaghetti straps, adjustable
    • Open back, tie-back strap design, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Side and back ruching, mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Woven satin fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4679

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Floral Flair Smocked Mini Dress

    Bring some flair to your fall look with this floral smocked mini! The dress features a slight sweetheart neckline, long sleeves with smocked cuffs, and a short hem with a drawstring at the front. Dress is composed of a smocked woven fabric that offers plenty of stretch and a curve hugging fit.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0393

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hiss Me With That Mini Dress

    Sssslither into this sassy number! It features a snake-inspired print, fixed shoulder straps, sweetheart neckline, and mini-length silhouette. Crafted from soft velvet and paired with a soft knit lining, this form-fitting piece extenuates all the right curves. Zipper not included. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0364

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $11.97 $28.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Take A Shine To Velvet Mini Dress

    All eyes will be on you in this glistening piece! It features adjustable spaghetti straps falling into a scoop neckline. Crafted from velvet and featuring glittering embellishments, this dress offers a fully lined, form-hugging fit that offers little to no stretch. Zipper is included at center back. 

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

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0450

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Adelina Faux Fur Off-The-Shoulder Mini Bandage Dress

    Special Occasion

    This season is perfect for a little luxe glamour. The Adelina dress pairs a sculpting bandage mini silhouette with a plush faux-fur off-the-shoulder neckline for chic nights out, holiday parties, and dressy occasions that call for something extra.

    Fit & Features

    • Bandage knit fabric with knit lining, high stretch
    • Off-the-shoulder neckline, faux fur design
    • Side zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Dressy date nights, dressed-up dinners, weddings, holiday parties, winter formal, and chic nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001179

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $89.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WINE, WHITE

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

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Effortlessly Lovely Strapless Corset Skater Dress

    Appear like a sweet vision in this strapless skater dress for dressy events like showers or weddings! Made with taffeta fabric, this dress is perfect for any special occasion. This dress features a flirty and feminine look with its ruffled strapless sweetheart neckline and skater silhouette. The padded bra cups provide support and enhance your bust, while the flexible boning creates a flattering shape. Complete the look in statement heels, earrings, and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Taffeta fabric lined with woven fabric, no stretch
    • Strapless sweetheart ruffled neckline
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Padded bra cups
    • Flexible boning
    • Skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3353

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Effie Formal Heatstone Bodycon

    Special Occasion 

    Get ready to glow in this chic bodycon for your next night out! Effie features a sleeveless scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, sparkling heat stones throughout, dual ruched drawstrings, and a mini-length silhouette. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Heat stones 
    • Dual ruched drawstrings
    • Mini length silhouette 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0660

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Fab and Fierce Fringe Open Back Mini Dress

    Keep it fab in a fringe dress that impresses with each turn for your night out! The dress features a scoop neckline, a daring matching scoop back with a fringe accent, and a mini length silhouette. The dress is composed of a retentive crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit and a moderate stretch. Complete your look with black rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Scoop open back 
    • Fringe 
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Crepe fabric
    • Form hugging fit
    • Moderate stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-1059

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sleek Satin Floral Mini Dress

    This sleek satin floral mini dress is perf for a date night out with bae! It features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back, lace-up design, ruched detailing with side drawstrings, and a short, curve-hugging fit. The lightweight satin fabric has a pretty all-over floral print for a romantic look. Style this dress with dainty earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back, lace-up design
    • Ruching, side drawstrings at the hem
    • Mini-length, form-hugging silhouette
    • Satin fabric, floral print, no stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0636

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • O-Ring Waist Cut Out Mini Dress
    Chic with a trendy edge to the look, this mini dress will amp up your style. It features long sleeves with elastic cuffs, a deep V neckline, a hidden back zipper closure, a waist cut out with a front O-ring detail, and a flowy short skirt with a hidden back zipper. The dress is composed of a chiffon fabric and includes a stretchy knit lining.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0241

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0123

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $11.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Pretty In Lace Mini Dress

    This pretty little dress perfect for a semi formal event is composed of sheer lace, includes a full lining, and features a mock neck, cap sleeves and a mini length. Closes with a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8829

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $15.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Drinks With The Girls Mesh Mini Dress

    Chic and stunning, this curve-hugging mesh mini dress is perfect for getting drinks with the girls! It features an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sheer fitted sleeves, a ruffle overlay with a ruffled accent down the center, front ruching, and a short, bodycon silhouette. Style with your fave pair of strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Long sheer fitted sleeves
    • Ruffle overlay, ruffles down the center
    • Front ruched detailing
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1763

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale