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.

  • Chic And Sassy Mini Dress

    Get a chic yet still sassy look with this trendy printed mini! The dress features a mock neck, back button closures at the neck followed by a keyhole cut out, long fitted sleeves with thumb holes, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a brushed knit fabric with plenty of stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0121

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $27.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Aliya Formal Rhinestone Fringe Mini Blazer Dress

    Special Occasion

    Chic with a trendy flair, the Aliya formal rhinestone fringe mini blazer dress will impress at parties. She features a V-neckline with a lapel collar, long fitted sleeves with shoulder pad detailing, a cropped front hem with an intricate rhinestone-embellished fringe trim, an alluring front waist cutout, a high-rise waist, a mini-length hem, and a form-hugging fit. The crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete your posh formal 'fit with rhinestone earrings and strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline, lapel collar, dual hook and eye front closures
    • Long fitted sleeves, shoulder pad details
    • Cropped front hem, rhinestone-embellished fringe trim
    • Front waist cutout, high-rise waist, hidden side zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length hem, form-hugging fit
    • Crepe fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2025

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glow And Shine Sequin Mini Dress

    This sequin mini dress is giving us total glow goals bby! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Scoop Neckline
    • Draped Cowl Back
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Sequin
    • Fully Lined Mesh
    • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch 
    • No Zipper 

     

     

     

     

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0666

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Snake Believe PU Mini Dress

    Actually...this look is the real deal! Sss-sizzle away in our Snake Believe mini dress 

    Fits & Features

    • Narrow Spaghetti Straps
    • Scoop Neckline I Square Back 
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Lined, Patent PU Fabric With Snake Print Pattern Throughout
    • Curve-Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
    • Zipper Not Featured 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0645

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $11.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • On The List Satin Mini Dress

    You are on top of the list for most fashionable tonight babe! This satin mini dress is a hot fire item that has people giving you the V.I.P treatment!

    Fit & Features

    • Scoop neckline
    • Spaghetti straps that cross over at the back
    • Form fitting silhouette 
    • Short hemline
    • Satin material
    • Moderate stretch
    • Rhinestone bar detailing center back

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0425

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $38.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Satin Satisfaction Sleeveless Mini Dress

      Satin is what you need to live the luxe life girl! This sexy mini features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and a mini length silhouette with a mini side slit. Dress is composed of a satin 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: 05101-0213

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $40.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sultry And Strappy Mini Dress
      This sultry and strappy mini dress will become your new LBD for sure! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that cross and tie in the back, a square neckline, and side ruched detailing creating a high slit with an asymmetrical hem. The black dress is composed of a knit fabric with a form hugging style and plenty of stretch.

      Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3461

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $13.97 $34.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Leonie Glitter Lurex Long Sleeve Bodycon Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Leonie mini dress is made for styling with statement accessories or keeping the look chic. Glitter lurex mesh, long sleeves, and an off-the-shoulder neckline bring dimension to the fitted bodycon silhouette. Finish it with metallic or rhinestone heels for an elevated look.

      Fit & Features

      • Glitter lurex mesh fabric with partial knit lining, high stretch
      • Off-the-shoulder foldover neckline
      • Sheer long fitted sleeves
      • Ruched detailing
      • Mini-length bodycon silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      HOCO, birthday dinners, date nights, bachelorettes, cocktail parties, and dressy events.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001074

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $59.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: RED, BLACK

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

    • Faux-Ever Yours Mini Dress

      This faux fur dress was forever made to be yours! It features an off the shoulder neckline with a faux fur overlay, long sleeves, and a short, fitted look. The black dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers plenty of stretch, a flattering, form hugging fit, and includes a knit lining.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8374

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $15.97 $37.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Darla Rhinestone Corset Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Darla mini dress is defined by its mix of structure and sparkle. Rhinestones trace the corset bodice and continue through the layered tulle skirt for a dimensional finish. The strapless sweetheart neckline keeps the embellishment in focus.

      Fit & Features

      • Rhinestone embellishments
      • Layered tulle fabric lined with stretchy knit
      • Strapless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining
      • Built-in padded bra cups and underwire insert
      • Corset bodice, flexible boning inserts
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Skater mini silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      HOCO, big birthday events, glamorous parties, red-carpet events, pageants

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000801

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $129.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: PINK

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

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Not So Basic Mini Dress

      Sure, you probably have your share of mini dresses. Now it's time for an of-the-moment upgrade! This ultra-chic mini features an off-the-shoulder elasticized neckline, gathered bodice and sleeves, a back zip, banded waist with back smocking, and pencil skirt with gather-drape detail. Dress is made from a mid-weight woven material with little to no stretch.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0165

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $46.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Alara Jacquard Corset Skater Dress

      Special Occasion

      Romantic structure meets an effortlessly polished silhouette in the Alara formal dress. Textured jacquard shapes the corset bodice and scoop neckline, while the skater skirt adds soft volume for a look that feels both chic and captivating. Remove the straps to make the mini dress strapless.

      Fit & Features

      • Woven jacquard fabric with floral and butterfly pattern, woven and tulle linings, no stretch
      • Removable tank straps to make the bodice strapless, button closures
      • Sleeveless scoop neckline, no-slip strip
      • Corset-style bodice, padded bust, flexible boning
      • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
      • Mini-length skater silhouette, ruffled hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, weddings, dressed-up dinners, formal parties, and romantic date nights.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001028

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $99.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: HUNTER

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

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Cady Formal Velvet Wrap Dress

      Special Occasion

      Wrap yourself in luxe velvet as you own the night in our Cady dress! She features a plunging V neckline, long fitted sleeves and a curve hugging wrapped mini length silhouette. She is composed of a soft to the touch velvet knit fabric adorned with glitter accents throughout. Cady offers a curve hugging fit to highlight curves.

      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: 05001-0139

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $20.97 $39.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Glow Up Neon Strapless Mini Dress
      Glow up bby in this head turning mini! The neon pink dress features a straight strapless neckline and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a curve hugging lycra-like fabric that offers a moderate stretch and includes a full knit lining.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0041

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $10.00 $28.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Ready For It Mini Dress
      Get ready to have a total trendy look with this cute little mini! It features a slight sweetheart neckline, long sheer chiffon puffed sleeves with smocked cuffs, and a stretchy, smocked dress with a short, mid-thigh length hem with a front drawstring.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0507

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sultry And Fierce Satin Mini Dress
      Sultry and oh so fierce, this satin mini is the one for you. It features a sleeveless bodice, bungee spaghetti straps, a square neck and back, and a short, curve huggng fit. The dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric with plenty of stretch.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0376

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $10.97 $27.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • On The Button Denim Mini
      Streamlined and sweetly sophisticated, this lavender mini draws all eyes to you. Dress features a soft V neckline, button front, and adjustable spaghetti straps. Dress is made from a cotton-denim fabric and has minimal stretch. 

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0116

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $16.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Sparkling Stunner Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

      Sparkle and stun in this sequin mini dress, which features a sultry V-notched sweetheart neckline and a sassy bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with earrings and heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sequin embellished fabric
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • V-notched sweetheart neckline
      • Back zipper closure
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Mini-length hem
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5888

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $22.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Ribbed Knit Cut Out Midi Dress

      Ward off the chill with this cozy for keeps midi-length dress.

      Fits & Features

      • Plunging V Neckline
      • Long Sleeves
      • Large Cut-Out Detail At Back
      • Soft Knit Fabric I Fully Lined
      • Ample Stretch
      • Zipper Not Included

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0361

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $13.97 $33.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sweetheart In Satin Mini Dress
      You're such a sweetheart and always have the best style, so you'll love this trendy mini! The dress features short flowy ruffle sleeves, a sweetheart neckline with a ruched tie front, a low scoop back with a continued ruffle detail and a top tie back closure, a high waist seam, and a short mid-thigh length. The dress is composed of a smooth lightweight satin-like fabric with no stretch.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0272

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $18.97 $47.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Strappy And Stunning Mini Dress
      You'll be a stunning little mama in this royal blue mini dress! It has a wrap bodice with a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps creating a strappy lattice back, a low scoop back, ruching at the waist, and a wrap skirt with a subtle asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric 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: 05103-3496

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $10.00 $36.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Slay It With Style Mini Dress
      Slay your look with so much style in this sexy little black mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a scoop neckline, an open back, seam detailing, and a short, form hugging fit to flatter your curves. The dress is composed of a shiny latex fabric 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: 05103-0218

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $10.00 $34.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Elisa Formal Floral Jacquard Bubble Hem Skater Dress

      Special Occasion

      Create a dreamy look worthy of your next formal affair in the Elisa floral jacquard bubble hem skater dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, a chic corset-designed bodice with flexible boning detail, a high waist seam, a short skater skirt with pleated detailing, a fabulous bubble hem, and a fit and flare silhouette. The luxe woven fabric features a lovely floral jacquard pattern with a gold stitched trim. Complete your gorgeous look in this short dress with a dainty rhinestone necklace and stiletto heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Strapless sweetheart neckline, built-in padded bust
      • Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning detail, back zipper, hook and eye closure
      • High waist seam, short pleated skater skirt, elastic bubble hem
      • Fit and flare silhouette
      • Floral jacquard pattern, gold stitched trim
      • Woven fabric, smooth woven lining, no stretch
      • No bra required
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2056

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $64.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Sleek Satin Snake Print Mini Dress

      Sleek as it is sexy, this snake print mini was made for nights out. The dress features a collar, a half button down front, long sleeves with buttons to cuff, and a wrap, tie front detail with a mid-thigh length hem. The garment is composed of a lightweight satin-like fabric with 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: 05101-0418

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $48.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance