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.

  • Late Night Vibes Velvet Flocked Mini Dress

    Have a flawless look that will radiate chic vibes all night in this sheer velvet flocked mini dress. It features a sheer mesh bodice with a partial knit lining at the bust, a crew neckline, long fitted sleeves, a sheer waist insert, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your curves. The sheer mesh fabric features an all-over floral velvet flocked pattern and includes a knit skirt lining. Complete your look with a pair of strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh bodice, partial knit lining at the bust, sheer waist insert
    • Crew neckline, long fitted sleeves
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Floral velvet flocked pattern
    • Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2626

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Drew One-Shoulder Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Flaunt your gorgeous self in the jaw-dropping drew midi dress! She features a one-shoulder design with a cutout accent, knotted strap, and side ruching to highlight your curves. Her midi-length hem elongates your figure and the lined fabric offers a moderate stretch. Add the perfect finishing touch to your look with sparkly earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder design, cut out accent 
    • Knotted shoulder strap
    • Side ruching 
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Midi-length hem
    • Lined fabric with moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0867

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Amalia Bow A-Line Satin Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    The gorgeous Amalia satin short dress is a real head-turner with a simply chic A-line silhouette and a statement bow along the back! 

    Fit & Features

    • Satin fabric, sewn-in woven lining
    • Square neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Low back, statement bow 
    • A-line silhouette, short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, brides, wedding showers, bridal showers, engagement parties, cocktail soirees, date nights, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, photoshoots, dinner parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2793

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dazzle The Night Glitter Mesh Mini Dress

    Razzle and dazzle all night in this glitter mesh mini dress to sparkle at every party! The dress features a foldover off-the-shoulder neckline, ruched long fitted sleeves, and ruched side seams that hug your curves along the bodycon mini-length hem with a faux wrap-front design. The sheer glitter mesh fabric includes a smooth sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Foldover off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Ruched long fitted sleeves
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Ruched side seams, bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem, faux wrap-front
    • Glitter mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1797

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Elena Corset Satin Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sculpted elegance meets subtle shimmer in the Elena, a dress designed to own the spotlight with quiet confidence. Featuring a sheer mesh corset bodice with flexible boning, intricate embroidery, and sequins, this satin bodycon silhouette flows into a wrap slit midi hem that moves with effortless allure.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin-lined fabric
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Sheer mesh corset bodice, flexible boning, embroidery, sequins
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon wrap slit silhouette, midi-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, weddings, birthdays, date nights, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, red carpet occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000786

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: NAVY-2

    Available Size: XS, S

  • Audrina Sequin Lace-Up Corset Bodycon Dress

    Special Occasion

    The silhouette is sleek; the lace-up back is keeping things interesting. This sequin bodycon mini dress hugs the figure with a structured shape, while the sweetheart neckline and lace-up back look for a playful, trend-right finish. It’s polished, flattering, and very now.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin-embellished, lined mesh fabrication
    • Sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Padded bra cups
    • Lace-up back, zipper and hook-and-eye closure
    • Bodycon mini silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    HOCO, birthday parties, bachelorettes, Vegas, date nights, glam events

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001125

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE, NAVY

    Available Size: S, L, XS, M

  • Macie Formal Satin Lace-Up Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Experience the perfect blend of beauty and elegance with this Macie satin skater dress at homecoming and formal parties! Featuring a sleeveless plunge V-neckline and an open lace-up back for a customized fit, this dress will flatter your figure and add glamour to your look. Enjoy a classic skater silhouette in a short-length hem made from luxurious satin-knit fabric. Complete the look with gorgeous rhinestone jewelry to add an elegant shine!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, padded bust, curved underbust seam
    • Open lace-up back, tie closure
    • High waist seam, skater silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Luxe satin-knit fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
    • Bra optional
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1898

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Twirl-Worthy Satin Halter Skater Dress

    This silky satin skater dress features a trendy V-neckline with a halter strap, an open back with an adorable tie-back bow design, and a short skater skirt with a flirty fit-and-flare silhouette. Get ready to be twirling all night in this perfect dress styled with rhinestone earrings and block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Satin-knit fabric, knit bust lining, moderate stretch
    • Deep V-neckline, halter strap
    • Open back, tie-back bow design
    • Pleated high waist
    • Short skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3665

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $7.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Down To Party Mini Dress

    Stick to the necessities, like this cute bodycon!

    Fits & Features

    • Flattering V Neckline I Princess Seams 
    • Narrow Spaghetti Straps
    • Sexy Bar Cut-Out Detail At The Waist
    • Fitted Bodycon 
    • Moderate Stretch 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0210

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ruffle And Ready A-Line Mini Dress

    Catch all the compliments in this fluttery fave! With a trendy flared hem and a flowy ruffle sash, this A-line mini dress is your go-to for flirty moments and twirls under the lights.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit fabric with sewn-in knit lining, high stretch
    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Tiered ruffled design, ruffle side sash
    • Mini-length hem
    • A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-001149

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $38.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BLACK

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

  • Miriam Pearl Beaded Formal Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Turn heads with your glitzy aura in the Miriam formal mini dress crafted with lined mesh fabric and all-over faux pearl and beaded embroidery for a gorgeous look. It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, tank shoulder straps, an open back with a lace-up strappy design for a customized fit, and a short flowy A-line silhouette.

    This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
    • All-over faux pearl and beaded embroidery
    • Sweetheart neckline, underbust seam
    • Tank shoulder straps
    • Open lace-up back
    • Mini-length A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2520

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Radiant Glow Feather Trim Glitter Mini Dress

    You'll radiate beauty in this curve-hugging glitter knit mini dress! It features a strapless neckline with a fab marabou feather trim, chic ruching down the side seams, and a mini-length hem with a fitted bodycon silhouette. The glitter knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with strappy stilettos for your next night out.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless neckline, marabou feather trim
    • High waist seam
    • Ruching down the side seams
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Glitter knit fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2483

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Wrapped In Glam Bow Back Sequin Dress

    Serving sugar, sparkle, and everything extra—this strapless sequin mini dress is all about the drama. With a bold tulle bow back and a curve-hugging fit, it’s your party-perfect dress for celebrations or fancy soirees.

    Fit & Features

    • Sequin-embellished, mesh-lined fabric
    • Strapless tube neckline, padded bra cups
    • Chiffon back bow tie, zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Curve-hugging fit
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000843

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $56.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WHITE

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

  • Exquisite Sultry Lace Bustier Wrap Bodycon Mini Dress

    Turn up the temperature in this sultry lace mini dress on date night! Featuring a sweetheart neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps, the sheer lace bustier bodice highlights your curves while the faux wrap skirt overlay and side tie enhance your silhouette along the lace mini-length hem. Complete the look in strappy stiletto heels and earrings!

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit fabric lined, moderate stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper hook-eye closure
    • Sheer lace bustier bodice
    • Faux wrap skirt overlay with side tie, lace mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5577

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Impeccable Shine Glitter Mesh Party Dress

    Shine the brightest this season sparkling in this glitter mesh party dress! It features slightly sheer peasant long sleeves, a sexy plunge V-neckline, ruched side seams that hug your curves along the bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. Complete the look in statement earrings and strappy heels for a dressy celebration!

    Fit & Features

    • Slightly sheer peasant long sleeves
    • Plunge V-neckline
    • Ruched side seams, bodycon silhouette
    • Mini-length hem
    • Glitter mesh fabric, partial sewn-in knit lining
    • Moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2523

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Tracey Mesh Faux Pearl Bodycon Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Cue the compliments! The Tracey party dress will have all eyes on you at bachelorettes, school dances, or birthdays. The formal party dress is composed of an airy mesh fabric with tonal faux pearl embellishments for a chic allure and has a sewn-in knit lining for coverage. She features sheer fitted and ruched long sleeves with slit cuffs, a sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, a cowl overlay, side ruching to accentuate your natural curves along the bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. Finish the look with dangly earrings and heels!

    This dress proves that short and stylish is always a vibe. Want more? Discover our bold short prom dresses or find a celebration-ready fit in our party dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Mesh fabric with sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Tonal faux pearl embellishments
    • Sheer fitted and ruched long sleeves, slit cuffs
    • Sweetheart neckline, padded bust, cowl overlay
    • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Side ruched seams, bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2001

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Lace Bodycon Dress

    Lace your look with hints of glamour!

    Fits & Features

    • Scalloped V Neckline
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
    • Small Front Slit
    • Fully Lined Mesh Composition With Lace Embroidery
    • Exposed Back Zipper Closure 

    Model is 5'9 with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-7444

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • All About You Mini Dress

    Make the night all about you in this alluringly chic mini dress! It features a square neckline, ruffled shoulder accents, long sheer chiffon peasant sleeves with smocked hems, a mesh bodycon silhouette with ruched detailing down the sides, and a mini-length hem. Style this mini dress with strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline
    • Ruffled shoulder accents
    • Long sheer chiffon peasant sleeves, tapered smocked hems
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, ruching down the side seams, mini-length hem
    • Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2719

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Send My Love Glitter Dress

    Send them your love in a glitter dress! Glow from every angle at your squad's next bachelorette weekend or celebrate in this glitzy birthday outfit. The dress features a deep V neckline, spaghetti straps for a sleek detail, a slim fit throughout, and a flattering yet playful envelope hem. The dress is composed of an unlined, glitter knit fabric that offers plenty of stretches. Complete your look with a luxe envelope clutch and metallic heels for a head to toe glow. Glitter may transfer.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless v-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Envelope hem
    • Glitter knit fabric
    • Unlined
    • 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: 05101-0024

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Willa Flocked Velvet Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create an enchanting vibe in the flowy Willa flocked velvet party dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a lace-up back design for a customized fit, a high waistband, and a short party skirt with a chic fit and flare silhouette. The lined mesh fabric showcases an all-over floral flocked velvet design. Complete the look with block heels and a sparkly clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Lace-up back design, tie closure, zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waistband, short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, floral flocked velvet design, full knit lining
    • Flowy fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0989

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Romina Floral Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Shine takes the lead with a floral sequin design that catches every angle. The Romina bodycon mini dress keeps the look sleek with a V-neckline, slim straps, and a lace-up open back. It brings the kind of high-impact detail that makes the outfit feel instantly done.

    Fit & Features

    • Knit fabric with lining, moderate stretch
    • Floral sequin design
    • V-neckline with padded bust
    • Dual spaghetti straps
    • Open back with lace-up detail, lower zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length bodycon fit
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where To Wear:

    Homecoming, birthday celebrations, fancy date nights, bachelorette parties, and glam nights out.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000899

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $59.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: BROWN, NAVY

    Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M

  • Cassie Corset Floral Jacquard Party Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Conversations will light up the room when you enter wearing the Cassie corset party skater dress! With a surplice sweetheart neckline and corset trim bodice, this dress will provide the perfect fit and shape while the hidden side pockets are perfect for holding your phone or lip gloss.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral jacquard pattern with metallic threading
    • Woven fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Wide shoulder straps, padded bra cups
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, birthdays, graduations, day events, semi-formal weddings, garden parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1724

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Spectacular Glow Glitter Skater Dress

    Sparkle your way into the party glowing in this glitter skater dress featuring a classy and chic style everyone will admire! The short dress is designed in an off-the-shoulder neckline with short sleeve cuffs, a fitted bodice, and a short, double-layered ruffled hem. Complete your dressy look in a choker and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder elasticized neckline
    • Short sleeve cuffs
    • Fitted bodice
    • Skater silhouette
    • Short, double-layered ruffled hem
    • Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1732

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sleek Invite Halter Neck Skater Dress

    Caught the vibe instantly and dressed like it. The halter neck skater dress flows effortlessly through the bodice and flares at the drop waist, giving you that polished but not trying too hard feel for when you get a last-minute invite.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleek knit fabric with knit lining, high stretch
    • High halter neckline, tie-back straps, partially open back
    • Flowy bodice
    • Cinched drop waist
    • Mini-length skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001261

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: NAVY

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L