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.

  • Standout Sequins Mini Dress

    Shimmer when you shimmy in this radiant mini! Dress features all-over sequin detail, a deep V seamed bodice with crisscross, looped lace-up back and curve-hugging pencil-style skirt. Dress is lined and slips on. It's made from a cotton blend with a touch of stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0325

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Mesmerize In Mesh Mini Dress
    Mesmerize them all in mesh with this sexy mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a wrap front creating a V neckline, ruched detailing along each side, and a short, curve hugging fit. The neon green dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a full knit lining and offers plenty of stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0003

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • V Chic Satin Mini Dress

    Stay on-trend with the V chic satin dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Wired V Neckline I Square Back
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Dart Seams At The Bust
    • Asymmetrical Mini Length Hem 
    • Satin-Like Composition I Fully Lined
    • Form Hugging Fit I 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: 05103-0448

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sleeveless Faux Leather Scoop Mini Dress

    Keep it stunning for your next night out in this sultry mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, a built in no slip strip, flexible boning at the bust and a mini length silhouette that rests at the mid-thigh. Dress is composed of a lined faux leather fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with little to no 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: 05103-0331

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Floral Days Skater Dress
    Make today a gorgeous one in charming florals! This ivory dress features a plunging wired V neckline with lined padded cups, a double row of narrow straps, a lattice back design and a flared skater skirt. The all over floral print features blush pink and lavender hues. The dress is composed of a scuba knit fabric that offers 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: 05101-8706

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Celina Floral Sequin Skater Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Celina is a twirl-worthy stunner, made to light up the room from the first toast to the last dance. Shimmering floral sequins catch the light with every move, while the playful skater silhouette keeps the look fresh, feminine, and unforgettable.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral pattern, sequin embellished fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Skater silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, bridal celebrations, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, fancy brunches, dinner parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000552

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Effortlessly Enchant Strapless Bodycon Mini Dress

    Effortlessly enchant everyone you meet in this strapless mesh mini dress at the club! Made from a watercolor printed mesh fabric, this dress is designed with a sleek strapless neckline, flexible boning for a snatched look, and a flattering bodycon silhouette and mini-length hem. Style this dress with stiletto heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Watercolor printed mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
    • Strapless neckline
    • Flexible boning
    • Back zipper hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5530

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ready Or Not Ruched Mini Dress

    Ready or not, you're showing up to slay in this ruched mini dress!

    Fit & Features

    • Long billowy sleeves | Elastic banded cuffs
    • Square neckline
    • Complete stretchy smocked back
    • Front ruched detailing | Dual drawstrings at hem
    • Short, curve hugging fit
    • Smooth woven fabric

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

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0627

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Belinda Halter Floral Rhinestone Ruffle Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    You'll be an utterly entrancing sight in the Belinda floral mini dress at birthdays or bachelorettes! Crafted from a mesh fabric adorned with shimmering rhinestones and boasting a gorgeous floral print. This dress features a sultry halter V-neckline with spaghetti strap ties, all-over ruching along the bodycon silhouette to flaunt your curves, and a statement ruffled mini-length hem for drama! Complete the look in high heels and earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral print, rhinestones, mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
    • Halter V-neckline, spaghetti strap ties
    • Ruched bodycon silhouette
    • Ruffled hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2171

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Matilda Double Tiered Floral Dress
    Special Occasion

    Have a fun and flirty evening in our playful Matilda navy blue dress! She features a racer front bodice with narrow shoulder straps, a padded bust, a V back with a hidden zipper closure, sheer mesh insets on the sides, and a slim fit. Her short,  A-line satin skirt has a double-tiered hem complete with a beautiful, large floral purple watercolor design. Matilda offers little to no stretch. 

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4032

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $20.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Brielle Halter Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for the kind of night that starts with compliments and ends with unforgettable photos, the Brielle bodycon mini dress balances a sleek halter neckline with a dramatic draped sash for striking movement. The open back and sculpting silhouette create a polished yet playful look that's ready for every special invitation on your calendar.

    Fit & Features

    • Lurex knit fabric, knit lining
    • High halter neckline with button closures
    • Open back
    • Center front sash
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, engagement parties, birthday dinners, date nights, bachelorettes, vacations, cocktail parties, fashion-forward events, Vegas, girls night

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000741

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BROWN

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

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Hannah Pearl Beaded Floral Satin Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Chic with a stunning allure, the Hannah pearl beaded floral satin corset mini dress is an iconic choice for homecoming or your next formal party. Crafted with sleek satin woven fabric with a knit lining, she showcases a gorgeous embroidered floral applique accented with mini faux pearls, sequins, and beaded embellishments in an intricately placed design. The short dress features a strapless square neckline, a fitted corset bodice overlay with flexible boning to provide structure, a bold open lace-up back, and a bodycon silhouette to flaunt your curves. Complete the look with stiletto heels.

    This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Satin woven fabric with knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Floral applique with faux pearls, sequins, and beading
    • Strapless square neckline
    • Corset bodice overlay, flexible boning
    • Open lace-up back design, lower zipper closure
    • Bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2243

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Gorgeous Goddess Metallic Mini Dress

    You'll look like a total gorgeous goddess in this sultry metallic mini dress! It features a sleeveless V-neckline, thin shoulder straps, a backless design, a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette, and a metallic sweater knit fabric with center seam detailing down the front. Style this dress with gold hoop earrings and clear heels for a sexy summer look.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Thin shoulder straps
    • Backless design
    • Short, form-hugging fit
    • Metallic sweater knit fabric, front center seam detailing
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 06005-0665

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $4.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Power Moves Metallic Velvet Mini Dress

    Hit 'em with the power shoulders and leave them staring in this boss-babe approved mini! 

    Fits & Features

    • Surplice Deep V Neckline 
    • Long Fitted Sleeves With Puff, Power Shoulders
    • Wrap, Mini Length Skirt With Faux Button Closure
    • Velvet Fabric With Metallic Finish 
    • Form Flattering Fit I Minimal Stretch
    • 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: 05101-0611

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Rose Formal Satin Party Dress
    Special Occasion 

    From the moment you try on Rose, you'll never want to let go! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a no slip strip, built in boning and padded cups. Her flared party skirt features hidden side pocket with an embroidered detail and rhinestone embellishments. She is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a petticoat and back zipper closure.

    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: 05001-4113

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $53.97 $154.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Floral Doll Long Sleeve Mini Dress

    Show your blooming beauty in this flattering mini! 

    Fits & Features

    • Crew Neckline
    • Sheer Fitted Long Sleeve
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Smooth Jersey Knit Fabric I Fully Lined
    • 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: 05101-0590

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Blossom With Beauty Bodycon Dress
    Let your beauty blossom with this beyond gorg bodycon dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a sheer lace back with an exposed zipper closure, a back cut out, a high waist seam, and a short, form hugging fit. The black dress is composed of a scuba knit fabric that offers moderate stretch and showcases an all over floral print with hues of pink, green, and ivory.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8812

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aaliyah Glitter Mesh Lace-Up Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    Shimmer with every step in the Aaliyah short dress, a glitter-dusted skater dress designed to move effortlessly. The ruched sweetheart bodice and lace-up back add a romantic finish that feels polished yet playful.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter mesh-lined fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline, ruched bust seam
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, weddings, engagement parties, fancy brunches, and afternoon tea

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000565

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Satin Boat Neck Mini Dress

    Smooth out your worries about what to wear tonight with this satin number. It features a boat neckline, open back with self ties at the top, zipper at center back, long sleeves, and an asymmetrical mini-length silhouette. Fully lined, this dress showcases a form-hugging fit with little-to-no stretch. Includes zipper at back. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0522

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Taking The Plunge Sweetheart Dress

    Take the plunge in this daring mini dress! It features a plunging wired sweetheart neckline, fitted long sleeves and a curve hugging mini length silhouette that showcases curves in all the right places. Dress is composed of a double lined smooth knit fabric that offers 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: 05103-0354

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $17.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Fab In Floral Lace Back Mini Dress
    Look your absolute best in this fab light blue floral mini dress! It features a plunging V neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a partially exposed lace back with a zipper closure, and a form hugging bodycon fit. Crepe fabric offers moderate stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8813

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Maizie Square Neck Ruffle A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Cute, polished, and ready for date night. The Maizie A-line mini dress combines a square neckline with a fitted drop-waist design and tiered ruffle skirt for a shape that feels feminine and current. The finish is flirty without feeling overdone.

    Fit & Features

    • Woven fabric with knit lining, no stretch
    • Sleeveless square neckline, folded overlay, no-slip strip, padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Structured bodice, back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Angled drop waist
    • Tiered ruffle A-line silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Hidden built-in knit shorts
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, winter formal, birthday celebrations, dinner parties, date nights, and chic nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001118

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: RED

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

  • Korrie Glitter Mesh Dress With Pockets

    Special Occasion

    All sparkle, all spotlight—the Korrie glitter mesh dress is built to shine from every angle. With a corset-inspired bodice and twirl-ready skirt, it’s the perfect mix of structure and shimmer for a night you won’t forget.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter mesh fabric with lining
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Corset-inspired bodice
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater short silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, birthdays, milestone celebrations, red carpet events, cocktail soirees, fancy date nights, holidays

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000569

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $109.90

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Dreamy Velvet Mini Dress

    Keep it dreamy in rich velvet! This mini dress features an off the shoulder neckline that creates a slight cowl neck accent, long sleeves and a relaxed waist that leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Zipper closure not included.

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0485

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $12.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance