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.

  • Very Necessary Crepe Mini Dress
    You've got your essentials, and then you have the pieces that you can always count on. This little black mini is one of them! Dress features a darted bodice with deep V, back zip, and architectural structured short sleeves, and a seamed slim pencil skirt. Dress is made from a lightweight woven material with moderate stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0352

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Golden Glow Mini Dress
    Get your glow on girl! Radiate golden hour in this perfect mini. The dress features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, an adorable tie front V neckline, a square back, a waist front cut out, a hidden side zipper and hook and eye closure, and a flowy skirt with a ruffle hem. The dress is composed of a lightweight woven fabric with a sheer skirt lining and has no stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0262

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Show It Off Backless Mini Dress
    Show off with confidence in this sexy little black mini dress! It features a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps that lead to a plunging lace V back, a wrap and pleated detail on the front of the bodice, and a body-hugging fit throughout. Dress is composed of a stretchy crepe fabric. 

    Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0007

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Here For A Good Time Cut Out Mini Dress

    Okay, party babe! This mini dress is all about making sure you look and feel good! 

    Fits & Features 

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • V Neckline I Padded Bust 
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Side Cut Outs With Bar Accents & Studded Rhinestones 
    • Nylon Fabric 
    • Curve Hugging I Moderate Stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0775

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Crochet Bae Mini Dress
    Bae is lookin' fire tonight! This black mini dress features a lined crochet bodice with a scalloped V neckline, spaghetti straps, a square back with an exposed zipper closure, and a high waist seam leading to a body-hugging ponte knit skirt. 

    Model is 5'8" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 33.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3611

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Light Up The Night Neon Dress
    Light up the night in this fun mini dress! It features a neon yellow hue, a square neckline, narrow shoulder straps and a curve hugging fit to showcase your curves! Dress is composed of a double lined smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0058

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Brighten Up My Day Mini Dress
    Brighten up the day with this pretty yellow mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, halter straps with a racer back with a keyhole cut out and a back button closure, seam detailing, and a short, asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric 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: 05103-0023

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Bell Sleeve Mini Dress

    Keep it sweet and charming in this pretty mini! It features a mock neck, bell sleeves and a mini length silhouette. The back features a small keyhole with a double button closure. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0198

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $35.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Vixen Side Stripe Mini Dress

    Channel the look of your fave '90s-era cool girls in this of-the-moment mini. Dress features spaghetti straps, a square neckline, and stripes running vertically from bust to hem at either side. Dress slips on and  is made from an ultra-soft woven material with moderate stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0044

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $24.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jessamine Lace-Up Corset Satin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Polished texture and romantic detail give the Jessamine mini dress a formal, dressed-up edge. A lace corset bodice, square neckline, and ruched satin skirt shape the fitted silhouette, while the lace-up back adds a striking finish. The result feels sleek, feminine, and ready for a night out.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer lace bodice with nude-tone lining
    • Sleeveless square neckline, adjustable tank shoulder straps, padded bra cups
    • Corset-style bodice with structured boning
    • Open lace-up back, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Ruched waist, satin bodycon mini skirt
    • Runs true to size


    Where to Wear:

    Night outs, date nights, cocktail parties, rooftop parties, nights in the city, and anniversaries.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001006

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $79.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ravishing Ruffles Mini Dress

    Keep it lovely in pretty ruffles! This twirl worthy dress is perfect for creating a chic look!

    Fit & Features

    • Off The Shoulder Neckline 
    • Tiered Ruffles
    • Brushed Knit
    • Wide Shorts Lining
    • Lined
    • Relaxed Fit
    • Moderate Stretch 

     


    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0592

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Renata Velvet Open Back Bodycon Dress

    Special Occasion

    A little velvet, a little sheer detail, and plenty of visual interest. This velvet bodycon mini dress combines mesh shoulder panels, a faux wrap skirt, and an open back for a look that feels elevated. It’s a refined take on statement dressing with just the right amount of drama.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet fabrication, knit lining, high stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline, draped cowl accent
    • Padded bra cups, sheer mesh cap sleeves
    • Corset bodice with flexible boning
    • Faux wrap bodycon mini skirt
    • Open back with button closures, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, formal celebrations, dressed-up date nights, holiday parties, cocktail soirees, dressy occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001261

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: NAVY, BLACK

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

  • Maizie Taffeta Faux Pearl Button A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    For a cute yet elevated party look, the Maizie taffeta dress is the one you're after! She features a sleeveless crew neckline, exquisite faux pearl button-down back closures, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a flattering A-line silhouette with a flirty ruffled short-length hem. The dress is crafted from a shimmery taffeta woven fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look for dressy birthdays or celebrations with a chic embellished headband and block heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless crew neckline
    • Faux pearl button-down back closures
    • Hidden side pockets
    • A-Line silhouette, ruffled short-length hem
    • Shimmery taffeta woven fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2071

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sleeveless Faux Leather Metallic Dress

    Keep it sleek with head turning faux leather girl! This mini dress is what you need for your next night out! 

    Fit & Features 

    • V-Neckline 
    • Tank Straps
    • Faux Leather 
    • Metallic Finish 
    • Lined
    • Form Hugging Fit 
    • Slight Stretch 


    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0505

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Flirty Flair Ruffle Trim Bodycon Mini Dress

    Bring the flirty flair to your date night look with this trendy ruffle trim bodycon mini dress! It features a sleeveless V-neckline with an adorable ruffled trim, spaghetti straps, a bodycon silhouette that will hug your curves, and a mini-length hem with long ruffled accent trims that cascade down the side. The smooth-lined knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, ruffled trim
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Curve-hugging bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem, long ruffled accent trims
    • Lined knit fabric
    • Plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2540

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Neon Appeal Mini Dress
    Make a flirty appeal in neon! This must have mini dress features a neon coral hue, a square neckline, narrow shoulder straps and a mini length. The fitted dress is composed of a lined scuba fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0094

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.00 $27.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cressida Glitter Lace Up Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    A little shimmer, a little drape, and the whole look gets an instant upgrade. This glitter knit bodycon mini dress combines a fitted silhouette with a draped waist accent and lace-up back for a finish that feels sharp, current, and extra in the right way. The result is glam with a little attitude.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter knit fabrication, knit lining
    • Square neckline, padded bra cups, adjustable straps
    • Corset bodice, flexible boning, glitter-embellished
    • Draped waist accent
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthdays, red-carpet events, cocktail soirees, Vegas, bachelorettes, dressy celebrations

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001000

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $74.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: LAVENDER, DENIM

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

  • Kali Satin Heat Stone Dress
    Special Occasion

    Wrap yourself in elegance as you bring the shine to the evening in our glam Kali dress! She features a rich burgundy color, a daring wrap V neckline, fitted long sleeves and a narrow waistband seam accent. Her waist leads to an asymmetrical mini length silhouette that reaches a mid-thigh length. The gold heat stones are set in a vertical stripe pattern to flatter curves. Dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Dress is lined with a smooth knit fabric. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye closure.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4122

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Werk It Mini Dress
    Yes girl, werk it and serve looks in this sultry mini! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline with padded and structured cups, a square back with an exposed zipper closure, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers moderate stretch.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0183

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Strappy And Sultry Mini Dress
    Draw all the eyes with this strappy and sultry ivory white hot mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a wrap front creating a V neckline, an open back with criss cross strap details, a high waist seam, and a short, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric with moderate stretch and includes a short knit lining.

    Model is 5'8" with a 33" bust, 24" waist, and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0049

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • High Drama Lace High Neck Cutout Mini Dress

    Floral lace gives this mini dress its standout texture, while the high neckline frames a front keyhole cutout for a sharp contrast of coverage and skin. The open back adds another bold detail, and the tiered hem brings soft movement to the silhouette. Style it with sleek heels and sculptural jewelry for a polished statement finish.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer floral lace fabric with nude-tone knit lining, high stretch
    • Sleeveless mock neckline
    • Keyhole cutout at the bust
    • Open back, top button closures
    • Tiered mini-length hem
    • Fitted A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001694

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $52.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

  • Anne Velvet Dress With Floral Shawl

    Special Occasion

    The Anne dress delivers high-impact glamour with a playful twist. This velvet bodycon dress features a sculpted sweetheart neckline, sheer plunge detail, and a dramatic organza puff shawl that transforms every entrance into a moment worth remembering.

    Fit & Features

    • Velvet fabric
    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, sheer mesh insert
    • Includes an organza floral shawl
    • Bodycon mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Birthday events, cocktail parties, bachelorettes, fashion-forward occasions, hoco, special date nights, vacations, honeymoons, anniversaries, Vegas, girl's night

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000943

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $74.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

  • Adeline Formal Sequin Strapless Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Embellished with light-catching sequins, the Adeline formal midi dress deserves to shine at banquets and fancy soirees! She features a sultry strapless neckline with a wired V-notch and padded bust for structured support, a flattering bodycon silhouette, and a sassy center back slit along the midi-length hem. The formal midi dress is designed with a captivating sequin scroll embellished pattern on lightweight mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with an emerald necklace and heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless wired V-notch neckline
    • Padded bust
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Center back slit, midi-length hem
    • Sequin scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1937

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mylah Beaded Sequin Floral Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made to catch every glimmer as you move, the Mylah dress brings a romantic dose of shine to a playful skater silhouette. Beaded floral sequins illuminate the tulle fabric, while the sweetheart neckline and pleated skirt create a polished, party-ready finish.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer tulle fabric with knit bust and skirt lining, minimal stretch
    • Beaded and iridescent sequin-embellished floral pattern
    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
    • Thin adjustable tank straps, corset-style bodice, flexible boning
    • Open lace-up back, lower zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Short skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size


    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, galas, and formal parties.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001173

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $129.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: PEACH

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

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free