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.

  • Rianna One Shoulder Heat Stone Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Light up the night with dazzling heat stones as you wow in our Rianna dress!

    Fit & Features 

    • One Shoulder Neckline
    • Ruched Side Seam 
    • Heat Stones
    • Lined Mesh 
    • Midi Silhouette 
    • Form Hugging Fit 
    • Moderate Stretch 

     Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0268

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Stunner In Floral Mini Dress

    Look at you stunner! Radiate effortless gorgeous looks in this floral mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a wrap front V neckline, a square back, a front waist cut out, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a scuba knit fabric that offers 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: 05103-0092

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Hazel Satin Lace-Up Dress With Pockets

    Special Occasion

    Effortlessly sleek yet playfully flirty, the Hazel satin short dress stuns with a ruched bodice, corset-inspired cutout, and a lace-up back made for head-turning exits. A twirl-ready skirt adds movement, giving you the perfect mix of edge and elegance.

    Fit & Features

    • Premium satin fabric with lining
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Cutout bust accent
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater short silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, black tie events, birthdays, milestone celebrations, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, cocktail soirees, holidays

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000567

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $59.97 $129.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glow Chaser Glitter Mini Dress

    Nobody has time for chasing scrubs, instead chase that glow girl! This glittering mini dress is just what you need! 

    Fit & Features

    • Off The Shoulder Neckline
    • Wired V-Neck Bust
    • Long Sleeves
    • Glitter 
    • Fully Lined
    • Form Fitting | Moderate Stretch 
    • Zipper Not Included 

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0556

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Fierce Flocked Velvet Mini Dress

    Keep it fierce and fab in this head turning mini dress! It features a plunging V neckline, fitted long sleeves, and a mini length silhouette that rests at the mid-thigh level. Dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric with a flocked velvet pattern throughout. Garment offers a curve hugging fit with a slight stretch. 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: 05101-0205

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $16.97 $41.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Classic Chic Shirt Dress

    This classic chic mini shirt dress is everything you need and more. It features a collar, a plunging wrap front V neckline, long sleeves with buttons to cuff, a high waist seam, side ruched detailing, and a short fit. The dress is composed of a woven fabric with no stretch.

    Model is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 35.5 hips. She is wearing a size small. 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0293

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • In Love In Lace Crochet Dress

    We are obsessed with crochet! This dress features a V neckline with a scalloped trim ande long sleeves that are sheer. The crochet bodice meets skirt high waist and is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0107

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $41.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cute As A Button Mini Dress
    You'll look cute as a button in this pretty mini dress! The dress features a blue hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline, adjustable narrow shoulder straps, a button down side seam and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a linen fabric that offers a form hugging 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: 05102-3921

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ruffle My Feathers Mini Dress
    Channel effortless warm-weather style in this fun, flirty dusty pink mini dress. Dress has thick straps, a sweetheart neckline with a small V, side smocking, a hook-and-eye zip closure, and a flared hem. Dress is made from a linen-like fabric with generous stretch at sides. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0090

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ruched Mesh Bandage Dress

    Dare to show a little skin in this sultry bandage dress! Style it up with a pair of rhinestone earrings and heels to match!

    Fits & Features

    • Sweetheart Neckline 
    • Back Zipper Wth Hook & Eye Closure
    • Sheer Ruched Long Sleeves 
    • Bandage-Style Bodice
    • Mini Length Silhouette I Built-In Bodysuit
    • Ruched, Sheer Mesh Skirt 
    • Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch  

    Style Number/Barcode: 06005-0635

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Playful In Polka Dots Mini Dress

    Get a playful look in adorable polka dots with this LBD! The short puff sleeves make it all the more trendy.

    Fit & Features

    • Short sheer puff sleeves
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Front ruched detailing
    • Short, curve hugging fit
    • Sheer mesh fabric with all over polka dot print
    • Knit lining
    • Plenty of stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0729

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Feeling Knit Asymmetrical Mini Dress

    We're feeling this super cute mini dress! Pair with your favorite accessories to complete a chic look! 

    Fit & Features

    • Square Neckline
    • Spaghetti Straps 
    • Asymmetrical Hem
    • Mini 
    • Smooth Knit
    • Form Hugging Fit
    • 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: 05103-0669

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Metallic Leopard Ruched Mini Dress

    You can never have enough leopard print! This dress features a sweetheart bustier top with padded cups, lace-up detail down the front, a square back, long, unlined sleeves with elastic shoulders, and a ruched mini-length silhouette. The garment is made of chiffon and showcases leopard and metallic detailing throughout. It has a fully lined body and offers little to no stretch. Zipper at back. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0647

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Metallic Cut Out Mini Dress

    We stan a glowed up look girl! Elevate your look with this metallic mini dress to pair with your favorite bold heels! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Square Neckline
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Metallic
    • Waist Cut Outs
    • Mini Silhouette 
    • Form Hugging Fit
    • Moderate Stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0511

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Madilyn Strapless Bow Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

     Look and feel like such a cutie in the Madilyn mini dress that brings flirty allure to semi-formal parties and holiday events! She features a strapless square neckline with non-slip grip lining, flexible boning inserts along the fitted bodice, and dual pleat seams down the front and a slim fit silhouette. Turn-heads with her back bow detail that has a long-length train and a center slit accent along the hem. The formal dress is composed of a smooth woven fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Style with sparkly stiletto heels to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless square neckline, non-slip grip lining
    • Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Flexible boning, fitted bodice, dual pleat seams
    • Slim, mini-length silhouette
    • Smocked back with attached bow, train, center hem slit
    • Lined smooth woven fabric, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1534

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • A Moment To Remember Crepe Puff Shoulder Mini Dress

    Yes girl! You'll be having a moment everywhere you go in this gorge LBD! Add a pair of rhinestone deets to really heat up your look 

    Fits & Features

    • Deep Sweetheart Neckline 
    • Boning Detail At The Bust 
    • Puff Shoulder Short Sleeves 
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Crepe Fabric 
    • Form 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: 05101-0711

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $16.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Ruched Strappy Back Mini Dress

      We love a strappy ruched dress! It's the perfect addition to your girl's weekend trip!

      Fits & Features 

      • Plunging V Neckline
      • Fixed Spaghetti Straps
      • Criss-Cross Back Detail With Self Ties 
      • Center Ruching At Front And Back
      • Mini Length Silhouette
      • 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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0630

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Sleeveless Velvet Leopard Mini Dress

        Stay on trend with fierce animal print!

        Fits & Features

        • Square neckline
        • Corded straps
        • Mini length silhouette
        • Velvet composition I Fully lined
        • Form hugging fit with slight stretch 
        • 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: 05102-0356

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $24.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Piece Of Pie Mini Skater Dress

        Hey there sweet thing! This mini dress features a deep v neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a square back, and a fitted bodice with a banded hem around the waist. Skirt meets hem and flares out to a skater style design that hits mid thigh. Dress is composed of a knit material that offers slight stretch and a flattering fit! Zipper located mid back.

        Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

         

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0171

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $37.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Lace Up In Neon Mini Dress
        Lace up in bright hues to get your glow on! This neon green dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline and narrow shoulder straps that lead to a cross back design. The relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette.

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0045

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $10.00 $33.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • On To The Next Glitter Mini Dress

        Girl move on with this totally fab glitter mini dress!

        Fit & Features

        • Square Neckline
        • Spaghetti Straps
        • Cross-Back 
        • Glitter 
        • Ruched
        • Fully Lined
        • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch 

         

         

         

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0643

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $35.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Wrapped In Metallic Mini Dress

        You'll find any excuse to go out with this dress in your closet! This dress features spaghetti straps, a wrap v-neckline with padded cups, square elastic back, and a mini-length silhouette with an asymmetrical cut hem. The garment is composed of a smooth metallic knit fabric, form-fitting, and offers a moderate amount of stretch. Zipper not included. 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0628

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $25.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Moment Like This Heat Stone Mini Dress

        Wrap yourself up in this flattering mini dress! The spotlight's always going to be on you, honey. 

        Fits & Features

        • Crew Neckline
        • Unlined, Fitted Sleeves
        • Slim Fit Bodice Trails To Mini Length Silhouette
        • Mesh Lined Fabric With Heat Stone & Studded Embellishments All Over
        • Body-Hugging Fit 
        • Zipper At Back 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0443

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $64.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Julie Sequin Scoop Neck Ruffle Dress

        Special Occasion

        Radiant the dance floor lights in the Julie sequin formal dress perfect for cocktail parties and celebrations! She features long sleeves, a scoop neck, a flirty front ruffle trim, and a short bodycon silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with platform heels to complete your party look!

        Fit & Features

        • Long sleeves, scoop neck
        • Front ruffle trim
        • Back zipper closure
        • Bodycon silhouette
        • Mini-length hem
        • Sequin fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
        • Fits true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1529

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $69.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance