Short Cocktail Dresses
The invite says cocktail, but your dress can still have a little fun with it. This short cocktail dress edit is full of strapless, cowl neckline, corset bodice, off-the-shoulder, and long sleeve silhouettes that go from sleek to statement. Choose mesh, slinky jersey, silky satin, velvet, or lace, then add your kind of drama with floral print, rhinestones, sequins, beading, or a side sash. Black, red, burgundy, navy, and emerald green keep the mood polished for birthday soirees, sorority formals, and guest of wedding plans—aka every excuse to dress up and take too many photos. Finish with heels and a mini bag, then let the dress handle the rest.
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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.
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Naya One Shoulder Flower Applique Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A pretty tulle flower applique with classy faux pearl embellishments adds a romantic allure to the Naya formal mini dress! She features a classic one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve with a shoulder pad, this mini dress exudes sophistication. The side waist cutout and bodycon silhouette enhance your figure, while the mini-length hem and crepe fabric add a touch of elegance. Complete the look with a glam rhinestone hair headband and heels for a dressy party or cocktail event!
Fit & Features
- One shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeve, shoulder pad
- Side waist cutout
- Tulle flower applique, faux pearl embellished
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2046
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Wrapped In Satin Mini Dress
Wrap yourself in charming satin to create a memorable look! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, cinching tie waist belt and an asymmetrical mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0376
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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All That Shine Metallic Mini Dress
You were born to shine girl! This mini dress features a high round neckline, fitted long sleeves and dramatically draped cowl back. The slim fit fit bodice leads to a body-hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined metallic knit 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: 05103-0327
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $15.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Golden Girl Heat Stone Mini Dress
Glow on girl in this mini to make your highlight pop! This mini dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging scoop neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps. The slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. The semi-sheer mesh fabric is accented with sparkling heat stones throughout. Dress offers a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0304
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Flirty Ruffle Mini Dress
With a flirty ruffle overlay, this mini tube dress is so sassy! It features a sleeveless strapless square neckline and a short, form hugging fit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric with moderate stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0247
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Glitz And Glitter Mini Dress
Glimmer with all the glitz and glitter in this gorgeous mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a high crew neckline with halter straps, a back keyhole cut out and button closure, and a short, form hugging fit. The pink sparkly dress is composed of a sheer glitter mesh fabric with a full knit lining and offers moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3480
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Who's That Girl Mini Dress
Turn heads and make them wonder in this sultry black mini dress! This LBD features a plunging sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a deep square back, a body-hugging silhouette, and short leg slits on the sides.Model is 5'8 with a 32" bust, 23" waist, and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0031
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Liz Formal Floral Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in florals! Liz features a royal blue crop top with an off the shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust, padded cups and short sleeves. Her matching satin skirt features a high rise waist, hidden side pockets and a pink hued floral print. Top is composed of a form hugging fit crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Skirt includes a petticoat and offers a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0520
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kayleigh Sequin Sweetheart Party Dress
Special Occasion
This body-hugging beauty will have you glistening like never before! The Kayleigh sequin party dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a built-in padded and underwire bust, a sexy bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. The party dress is designed with an eye-catching sequin pattern on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in strappy heels for a birthday or school dance!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded and underwire bust
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Sequin pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1636
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Satin Cowl Neck Mini Dress
Sleek, smooth, and totally elegant...we can't get enough of the satin trend either!
Fits & Features
- Cowl Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- Adjustable Criss Cross Ties At The Back
- Asymmetric Mini Length Silhouette
- Fully Lined
- No Zipper
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0541
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Satin Snake Print Mini Dress
Sleek with a chic snake print, this satin mini is a trendy find. The dress features a sleeveless bodice, bungee spaghetti straps, a square neck and back, and a short, curve hugging fit. The satin-like fabric has moderate stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0383
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.97 $26.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Favorite 'Fit Knit Mini Dress
Your new fave 'fit for sure. This ribbed knit mini dress features long fitted sleeves, a plunging V neckline with a front tie closure followed by a waist cut out, and a curve hugging skirt that hits mid thigh. The knit fabric offers plenty of stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0254
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dream Life Mini Dress
Live up that dream life in this hot pink mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, shoulder straps that lead to an exposed back gold zipper, a U neckline, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a shiny faux leather fabric that offers minimal stretch.Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0055
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kairi Formal Scroll Print Mini Dress
Special OccasionLight up the night as you glow in our Kairi dress! She features a burgundy hue, a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with racer bust, padded cups, adjustable narrow straps and princess seams. Her bodice features a pretty scroll print composed of a mini beaded detail and glitter outline. Create a twirl worthy moment with her multi-tiered mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4009
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ruching Into It Off Shoulder Mini Dress
"Don't rush into a good thing"...but who's going to stop us if we're going to look bomb af in it?

Fits & Features
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Off Shoulder Neckline I Interior No-Slip Tape At Front
- Long Fitted Sleeves
- Self Ties At The Cuffs & Center Front Neckline
- Mini Length Silhouette I Ruching Throughout
- Knit Fabric I Fully Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0748
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $17.97 $45.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Off Shoulder Neckline I Interior No-Slip Tape At Front
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Lattice Sides Suede Mini Dress
YASSS she's so ready for a night out with her girls! Rev up your look with this fiery lace-up mini dress!
Fits & Features
- Mock Neckline
- Zipper Closure At Back
- Lattice Sides
- Faux Suede Composition I Fully Lined
- 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: 05103-0388
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Keep It Edgy Faux Leather Mini Dress
Life's all about being spontaneous. Add this edgy little dress to your cart. You can thank us later

Fits & Features
- High Neckline Design
- Cord Shoulder Straps
- Princess Seams Along The Front
- Square Back With Zipper
- Mini Length Silhouette
- PU Composition I Fully Lined
- Form-Hugging Fit I Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0597
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Snake Print Ruffle Mini Dress
Ruffle up the style game with this on trend snake print mini dress. It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a halter back, a deep V neckline, and a high waist seam with a tiered, ruffled flowy skirt. The dress is composed of a chiffon fabric with a woven lining and has no stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0386
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tied To Style Mini Dress
Make sure your look is totally tied to style with this adorable mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, tie shoulder spaghetti straps, a partial wrap front V neckline, vertical seam detailing down the bust, a square back, a high waist seam, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch and includes a knit lining.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0183
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sequined Sweetheart Mini Dress
You'll be best dressed in this sparkly sequin dress!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Sweetheart Neckline With Padded Cups
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Floral Lace With Smooth Knit Lining I Sequin Detailing Throughout
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Body-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: 05103-0390
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Light Up The Night Mini Dress
Light up the night with this sultry mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a V neckline, ruched detailing with a tie front followed by a front waist cut out, a square back, ruching down each side, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a stretchy knit fabric 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: 05103-0172
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Emerald City Cutout Mini Dress
Journey far and wide in this flirty, feminine mini dress. Dress features gathered ties at front and side, a waist cutout, ruffle detail at hem and gathered cap sleeves, and a back zip closure. Dress is lined and made from a lightweight woven fabric with little to no stretch.Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0131
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $18.94 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Square Neck Leather Mini Dress
Step out in a mini with style! Featuring a square neckline with rounded edges, tank straps, and a form fitting silhouette. Dress is composed of a knit inner lining and a coated faux leather outer that offers moderate stretch. Hem hits mid thigh.Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0476
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $30.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Slay The Day Mini Dress
Slay the day with sultry style in this dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a high neck with back button closures, a back keyhole cut out, sheer mesh insets along the front, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0085
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $12.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free