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.

  • Heat Up The Night Mini Dress

    Light up the night in a dazzling mini to show off your curves girl! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, a high neck with racer bust, sparkling heat stones with gemstones set in a geometric pattern and a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate 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: 05101-0228

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • City Heat Faux Leather Corset Mini Dress

    For nights that call for confidence and a little chaos. This coated halter mini brings a sleek, liquid-shine finish and corset-inspired fit that was made to move on a night downtown.

    Fit & Features

    • Coated faux leather fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Halter plunge neckline
    • Corset-structured bodice, hidden hook and eye fasteners
    • Bodycon fit
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000613

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rochelle Ruffled Sheer Lace Formal Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase your eye-catching beauty in the Rochelle formal mini dress, a gorgeous staple for brides-to-be! Crafted with airy sheer lace fabric with a partial knit lining, she brings that effortlessly chic allure and feminine charm. She features a sleeveless cowl neckline with pleated detailing and a built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to an open cross-back design, a stunning sheer corset-inspired waist with flexible boning for structure, and a tiered ruffled A-line silhouette. Complete your look with rhinestone heels.

    Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer lace fabric with partial knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Pleated cowl neckline, padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back design, zipper with hook and eye closure
    • Sheer corset waist, flexible boning
    • Tiered ruffled A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2184

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ruched And Ready Mock Neck Mini Dress

    You'll be ruched and ready to go in this posh mock neck mini dress!

    Fit & Features

    • Mock neckline
    • Hidden back zipper | Hook and eye closure
    • Long sleeves | Elastic banded hems
    • Ruched skirt detailing | Ties at the hem
    • Knit skirt lining
    • Short, form hugging fit
    • Chiffon fabric

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0657

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $18.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Scoop Neck Velvet Mini Dress

    Be a vision in velvet with this smooth and sexy dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Square Back I Scoop Neckline
    • Structured, Lined Cups
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Smooth Velvet
    • Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
    • Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At Back 

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0651

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $39.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Stripes Stunner Velvet Mini Dress

      Stun them all with stand out stripes! The mini dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and a sexy waist cut out that leads to a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a semi sheer velvet fabric with metallic stripes throughout. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

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

       

       

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0512

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Such A Beauty Mini Dress

      Girl, you're such a beauty, and this classically chic mini dress will make for the perfect 'fit. It features a sleeveless bodice, a V-neckline with a tie ruched bust detail, adjustable spaghetti straps, a square back with a hidden zipper and hook and eye closure, a trendy waist front cutout with a tie ruched detail, and a flowy skirt with an adorable ruffled mini-length hem. The short dress is composed of a woven fabric with minimal stretch. Style with a cute pair of mules.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless bodice, V-neckline, tie ruched bust
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Square back, hidden zipper, hook and eye closure
      • Waist front cutout, tie ruched detail
      • Flowy skirt, ruffled mini-length hem
      • Woven fabric, minimal stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0263

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $18.97 $46.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Strike Of Midnight Glitter Mini Dress
      Anything is possible at the strike of midnight! This beautifully sparkling mini dress is designed with a strapless and straight neckline, a form fitting silhouette, and a mini hem that hits near mid thigh. Dress is fully lined with a smooth knit material, and outer is composed of a sheer mesh material that offers moderate stretch , and showcases a mesmerizing glitter that reflects a midnight blue. Don't forget to pick up the matching long duster to complete your completely mesmerizing look!

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0385

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $11.97 $28.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • It Girl Mock Neck Mini Dress

      Be the it girl of your trendy squad in this adorable mini dress. It features a mock neck, long bubble style sleeves with cuffed hems, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a knit fabric with a knit lining and has plenty of stretch for comfortable wear.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0036

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $34.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Astra Celestial Rhinestone Bodycon Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      A little cosmic detail goes a long way. This rhinestone bodycon mini dress combines sheer mesh with star, moon, and planetary motifs for a look that feels detailed without feeling overdone. It lands somewhere between polished and playful.

      Fit & Features

      • Lined mesh fabric
      • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, tank straps
      • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Celestial rhinestone motif throughout
      • Star, moon, and planetary embellishment
      • Bodycon mini silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Cocktail parties, birthday dinners, date nights, fashion-forward events, Vegas, bachelorettes

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001297

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $119.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: BLACK

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

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Dramatic Flair One Shoulder Dress

      Bring the drama with a high fashion flair! Make an entrance in this crepe one-shoulder mini dress featuring a sleeveless bodice, one tank-style strap with a chiffon-draped accent, a high waist seam, and a faux wrap bodycon skirt. Complete the look in rhinestone strappy heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline
      • One tank-style strap, chiffon-draped accent
      • High waist seam
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Faux wrap mini-length hem
      • Crepe fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1665

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $48.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Metallic Cowl Neck Mini Dress

      Wow in this metallic mini! She features adjustable shoulder straps, a cowl neckline, sleeveless bodice, and a mini length, a-line silhouette. Composed of a metallic knit fabric, she offers little to no stretch. Zipper not included. 

       

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0654

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sequin Darling Mini Dress

      Strut your stuff in this sexy sequined bodycon dress.

      Fits & Features

      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
      • V Wire Front I Padded Bust 
      • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back 
      • Fully Lined, Mesh Composition I Sequin Embellishments Throughout
      • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0510

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $44.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • All This Allure Open Back Mini Dress

        Bring the allure in this mini dress for a night out! The cowl neckline and bodycon silhouette flatters your figure, while the open back with adjustable strap detail adds a daring style on smooth knit fabric. Complete the look in rhinestone heels and earrings!

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless cowl neckline
        • Bodycon silhouette
        • Open back, adjustable strap detail
        • Mini-length hem
        • Smooth knit fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5471

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $49.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Vivid Viper Mini Dress

        Be prepared to pave the way to the dance floor in this seductive snake dress!

        Fits & Features

        • High Neckline
        • Fitted Long Sleeves 
        • Deep V At The Back 
        • Ruching Along The Sides & Center Back 
        • Mid Thigh Length Silhouette 
        • Stretchy Knit I Snake Print Throughout
        • 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: 05102-0382

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $32.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Metallic Minx Wrap Mini Dress

        Show off your shine in this stunning mini dress. You'll be mesmerizing in metallic, girl! 

        Fits & Features

        • Plunging V Neckline
        • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
        • Long Sleeves With Dual Snap Button Cuffs
        • Elasticized Waistband 
        • Wrap, Mini Length, Lined Skirt 
        • Metallic Fabric 
        • Form-Flattering Fit I Plenty Of Stretch 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0366

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $17.97 $44.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Velvet Sweetheart Mini Dress

        Show your romantic side in this darling velvet mini!

        Fits & Features 

        • Wide Shoulder Straps
        • Sweetheart Neckline 
        • Square Back 
        • Form-Flattering Fit 
        • Moderate Stretch
        • Velvet Composition I Fully Lined 

        Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0330

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $11.97 $29.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Camryn Satin Boa Trim Mini Dress

        Special Occasion

        Boa trim gives the Camryn satin mini dress a fashion-forward finish. The strapless neckline keeps the silhouette clean, while the fitted shape creates a sleek contrast to the textured hem. The result feels polished, current, and made for a statement moment.

        Fit & Features

        • Premium satin fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
        • Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining
        • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
        • Fitted bodycon mini-length silhouette
        • Boa feather-trim hem
        • Runs true to size

         

        Where to Wear:

        Homecoming, weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, cocktail soirees, date nights, formal celebrations, birthday dinners, weekend getaways

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001076

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $99.90

        Availability: In Stock

        Available Color: BROWN

        Available Size: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Amalie Floral Corset Mini Dress

        Special Occasion

        Flirty, polished, and made for twirling through every RSVP on your calendar, the Amalie mini dress captures that effortlessly dressed feeling from the very first glance. The floral pattern chiffon fabric, halter neck, and structured corset bodice pair beautifully with the lace-up back and playful A-line mini hem.

        Fit & Features

        • Floral pattern, chiffon fabric, tulle and woven linings
        • Halter neckline with tie straps
        • Lace-up back, side zipper and hook-eye closure
        • Corset bodice with flexible boning
        • A-line mini-length silhouette
        • Runs true to size

         

        Where to Wear: 

        Homecoming, birthdays, bachelorettes, date nights, vacations, destination celebrations

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000733

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $59.90

        Availability: In Stock

        Available Color: BLACK, PRINT

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

      • Charmed Persona Scoop Neck Ruffled Mini Dress

        This mini dress will pair well with your charming personality and favorite heels! Perfect for birthday brunch to semi-formal parties, this slinky knit dress features a flattering scoop neckline adorned with delicate spaghetti straps. The bodycon silhouette flaunts your figure while the asymmetrical tiered ruffled hem cascades into a sweet side train for dramatic effect. Complete the look in a dainty choker necklace and heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Slinky knit lined fabric, moderate stretch
        • Spaghetti straps
        • Bodycon silhouette
        • Asymmetrical tiered ruffled mini-length hem, side train
        • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2965

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $6.97 $45.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Simone Formal Satin Tie-Back Cutout Midi Dress

        Special Occasion

        Slip into the Simone formal satin midi dress for a sultry vibe at banquets or weddings! She features a square neckline adorned with spaghetti straps, a tie-back design, a flirty underbust cutout, a center back slit, and a bodycon silhouette that hugs your curves down to the knee-length midi hem. The formal midi dress is crafted from a luxuriously soft satin fabric with minimal stretch. Complete the look with a mini purse and heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless square neck, spaghetti straps
        • Tie-back design, underbust cutout
        • Center back slit
        • Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
        • Luxe satin fabric, minimal stretch
        • Sticky bra recommended
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1999

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $46.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Vivacious Viper Velvet Burnout Mini Dress

        If you're all about "snaking" an entrance, you'll love this statement mini dress! 

        Fits & Features

        • Mock Neckline
        • Fitted Long Sleeves
        • Zipper At Center Back 
        • Knit Mesh Composition I Fully Lined 
        • Snake-Inspired Sparkling Velvet Burnout Design
        • Curve-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

        Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0474

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $48.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Bodycon Bite Dress
          Say it with snake—this bodycon style has serious bite. Dress comes in a curve-hugging mini cut and features spaghetti straps and a rounded neckline. Dress is made from a soft brushed knit with a fair amount of stretch.

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0230

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $29.90

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0106

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $16.97 $41.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance