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.

  • Flocked Velvet Mock Neck Mini Dress

    Look a vision of luxe in this classy mini dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Mock Neckline
    • Long Sleeves
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Fully Lined, Textured Knit Fabric With All Over Intricate Flocked Velvet Print
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0148

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $13.97 $35.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Serena Metallic Long Sleeve Mini Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Immensely iconic, the Serena metallic party mini dress embodies timeless glamour with a modern flare! She features fitted long sleeves, a cowl sweetheart neckline, and a flattering bodycon silhouette with a front ruched seam for a figure-enhancing appearance, and a mini-length hem. The formal party dress is crafted from a shimmering foil metallic fabric that shimmers with every step! Complete the look in sleek stiletto heels for a holiday party!

      Fit & Features

      • Fitted long sleeves
      • Cowl sweetheart neckline
      • Bodycon silhouette, front ruched seam
      • Mini-length hem
      • Foil metallic fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • Bra-friendly design
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1904

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Party's Here Glitter Mini Dress

      You'll be the center of attention and life of the party in this captivating number! 

      Fits & Features

      • Square Neckline 
      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
      • Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At The Back 
      • Glitter Knit Composition I Smooth Knit Lining
      • Bodycon Fit I Moderate Stretch
      • Mini Length Silhouette 
      • Glitter May Transfer 

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0420

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $34.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Tie Front Long Sleeve Mini Dress

        Accessories and thigh-high boots are the way to go with this essential mini dress!

        Fits & Features

        • Square Neckline & Back 
        • Long Sleeves With Elastic Detailing At The Cuffs & Shoulders 
        • Mini Length Silhouette 
        • Tie Front Detail Along Skirt
        • Brushed Knit Fabric 
        • Ample Stretch 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0374

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $14.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Gloria Glitter Mini Dress
        Special Occasion

        You shine naturally, but a little extra sparkle never hurt. Take our glitter-bonded Gloria mini for a spin! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamed V bodice with lightly padded cups, back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a gently pleated, A-line skirt with pockets at either hip. Gloria is lined and made from a woven material with little to no stretch.

        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: 05001-4144

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $54.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Leilani Faux Pearl Belted Blazer Dress

        Special Occasion

        Revamp the LWD with the Leilani formal blazer dress perfect for fashion-forward brides, birthday girls, or party guests! Adorned with intricate faux pearl embellishments and rhinestone-trimmed buttons, she features long sleeves, shoulder pads for structure, a lapel collar neckline, a faux leather belt with faux pearl trim buckle, faux flap pockets, and a short form-hugging silhouette. The formal blazer dress is crafted from a woven fabric with a sewn-in woven lining offering a sophisticated style. Complete the look with a chic shoulder bag and heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Faux pearl-embellished long sleeves, shoulders, shoulder pads
        • Lapel collar neckline
        • Double-breasted faux pearl rhinestone trim buttons
        • Faux leather belt, faux pearl trim buckle
        • Faux flap pockets, form-hugging silhouette, short-length hem
        • Woven fabric, sewn-in woven lining, no stretch
        • Bra-friendly design, runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2045

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $59.97 $119.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Hearts Racing Ruched Mini Dress

          Set hearts racing with a mini dress that brings sultry appeal! The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with U-shaped underwire, spaghetti straps, ruching throughout, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
          • U-shaped underwire 
          • Spaghetti straps
          • Ruching
          • Mini length silhouette
          • Smooth knit fabric 
          • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3860

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $19.97 $36.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Sale
        • Sequined Charmer Mini Dress

          Be prepared for double-takes in the Sequined Charmer mini dress!

          Fits & Features 

          • Crew Neckline
          • Long Sleeves With Ribbed Cuffs
          • Dual Button Closure At Back Neck
          • Adjustable Lattice Detail & Zipper Closure At Back
          • Mini Length Silhouette
          • Sequined Mesh Composition I Fully Lined At Body & Skirt
          • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch  

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0450

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $26.97 $66.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Plus Ruche AF Mini Dress

          Don't sugarcoat it! Step up with your boss babe personality in this sexy mini dress that has a flattering off the shoulder neckline paired with long fitted sleeves and a curve enhancing, fitted appearance. The mini dress is composed of a full ruched mesh fabric paired with a nude, smooth knit lining.

          Style Number/Barcode: 15103-0023

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $48.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Glitter & Lace Bodycon Dress
          Our two favorite things! This blush pink bodycon mini dress has a flattering V neckline paired with a lightly padded bust and our always sexy, lace back featuring a low cut out and exposed silver zipper. The fitted dress is composed of a glitter lace fabric paired with a smooth knit lining that offers a moderate stretch.

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8627

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $15.97 $38.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Kourt Formal Sequin Lace-Up Midi Dress

          Special Occasion

          Debut a sparkling opulence in the Kourt formal sequin dress perfect for banquets or cocktail parties where you are sure to shine! She features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lace-up back designed to turn heads, and a flattering bodycon silhouette, front slit, and a midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-scroll embellished pattern that shimmers under any lighting on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a statement ring set.

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
          • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
          • Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
          • Sequin-scroll embellished pattern
          • Mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
          • Sticky bra recommended
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1654

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $29.97 $79.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Glitter Velvet Front Slit Mini Dress

          Is it really the holiday season if you don't have a glitter AND velvet mini dress in your closet? 

          Fits & Features

          • Surplice V Neckline I Square Neckline
          • Spaghetti Straps 
          • Mini Length Silhouette With Front Slit 
          • Glitter Velvet Composition I Fully Lined
          • Curve Hugging Fit I Minimal Stretch
          • Zipper Not Included 
          • Glitter May Transfer

           

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0487

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $35.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Stunning Sequin Diva Mini Dress

          Slay in sequins as you stun them all! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, a scoop neckline and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins. Dress offers a curve hugging fit with a slight stretch. Be sure to pick up the matching duster to complete your look! 

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

           

           

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0178

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $11.97 $28.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Keep It Chic Faux Pearl Velvet Mini Dress

          This faux pearl-embellished velvet mini dress will keep your dressy party 'fits chic and sophisticated! It features a classic sweetheart neckline with tank shoulder straps, corset-designed seams, a mini-length hem, a bodycon silhouette to flaunt your gorgeous curves, and an all-over contrast design of dainty faux pearl embellishments on the luxe lined velvet fabric. Style this short dress with rhinestone duster earrings and silver heels for a holiday soiree!

          Fit & Features

          • Sweetheart neckline, padded bust
          • Tank shoulder straps
          • Corset-designed seams, back zipper, hook and eye closure
          • Mini-length hem, bodycon fit
          • Contrast faux pearl embellishments
          • Velvet fabric, full-length knit lining, plenty of stretch
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2863

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $5.97 $49.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Sale
        • Tonight's Vibe Chain Mock Neck Dress

          Tonight's vibe is all about this edgy-chic mini dress featuring a sleeveless mock neck with a chain link trim, mesh bust and lightly padded cups, and a bodycon silhouette. Complete the look in mules.

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless mock neck with chain link trim
          • Mesh bust, lightly padded cups
          • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
          • Bodycon silhouette
          • Mini-length 
          • Crepe knit fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
          • Fits true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4852

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $44.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Sale
        • Velvet And Mesh Midi Dress

          Glam up your look with this lovely dress! Her midi-length silhouette, soft floral patterns, and flirty thigh-high slit are a swoon-worthy combo.

          Fits & Features

          • Plunging V Neckline
          • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps With Cross Back Detail & Square Back
          • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At The Side 
          • Midi Length Silhouette With Thigh High Slit 
          • Lined, Mesh Fabric With Burnout Velvet Floral Patterns 
          • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate 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: 05001-0297

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $19.97 $49.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Lace And Satin Sleek Mini Dress
          A little lace and a little satin, this must have mini is ever so sleek. The dress features a sheer lace top with long fitted sleeves, a scalloped V neckline, and a front knit lining. The high waist seam leads to a form hugging satin-like skirt that hits mid-thigh. The garment offers moderate stretch.

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0088

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $18.97 $46.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Deb Formal Rhinestone Party Dress
          Special Occasion 

          Stand out in our Deb dress as she radiates charm and beauty! She features a navy blue color, a square neckline with racer bust, padded cups, built in boning and a double row of narrow shoulder straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a pretty party length silhouette with trendy side pockets accented with rhinestone embellishments and a petticoat. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. 

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

          Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

          Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4112

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $49.97 $154.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Ready For My Close Up Mesh Ruffle Mini Dress

          Take the perfect pics in this mesh mini dress for a drool-worthy feed! It features a sleeveless crew neckline, a ruffled shoulder trim, a low-cut back, bodycon silhouette, side and back ruched seams, and a flirty ruffled hem with cascading ruffles. Complete the look in chic stiletto heels for a cocktail party.

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless crew neckline
          • Ruffled shoulder trim
          • Bodycon silhouette
          • Low-cut back, side and back ruched seams
          • Ruffled mini-length hem, cascading ruffles
          • Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2541

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $5.97 $38.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Hey Gorgeous Satin Wrap Mini Dress

          Hey gorgeous! Showcase a sultry vibe on a club night. This silky satin mini dress features a sleeveless, V-notch wire neckline, spaghetti straps, pleating along the bust, and an asymmetrical faux wrap hem. Complete your party look in statement earrings and heels. 

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless, V-notch wire neckline
          • Spaghetti straps
          • Bust pleating, back zipper closure
          • Bodycon silhouette
          • Asymmetrical faux wrap mini hem
          • Silky satin-lined fabric, moderate stretch
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4505

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $38.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Sale
        • Showstopper Glitter Mini Dress

          Sparkle in the spotlight girl in this shimmering mini dress! It features a plunging V neckline, padded cups, fitted long sleeves and a draped cowl back. Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

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

           

           

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0402

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $17.97 $44.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Marisa Metallic Shimmer Party Dress

          Special Occasion

          Lend your going-out look a little sparkle when you don our dazzling Marisa dress! She features all-over glitter embellishment, a deep V front and back linked by short skinny straps, a seamed bodice with lightly padded bust, a back zip atop an A-line, inverted-pleat skirt with pockets at either hip. Skirt has a tulle-trimmed petticoat-style underlay for added volume. Marisa is made from a woven Lurex blend that changes color in the light and offers 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: 05001-0102

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $49.97 $149.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Ribbed Long Sleeve Knit Dress

          Fall back this season with a classic knit dress to pair with your fav layers! 

          Fit & Features

          • Mockneck 
          • Fitted Long Sleeves 
          • Ribbed 
          • Lined Knit
          • Bust Geometric Cut Out
          • Form Fit
          • Moderate Stretch 

           

           

          Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0384

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $29.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Ruffled Up In Satin Mini Dress

          Get ruffled up in this flirty mini dress! It features a plunging V neckline, spaghetti straps, a ruched bodice with button accents and an asymmetrical hem with ruffled trim. Dress is composed of a luxe satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal stretch.

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0280

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $44.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance