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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Reign In Glamour Beaded Mini Dress
Reign in glamour in this sexy beaded mini dress! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a sheer lace bustier-designed top with lined molded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, front beaded, sequin, and pearl detailing at the top, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Sheer lace bustier-designed top, lined molded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Front beaded, sequin, and pearl detailing at the top
- Mini-length, form-hugging fit
- Sheer lace fabric, ponte fabric, knit skirt lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3807
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Drop Dead Gorgeous Mini Dress
You'll be a total dream in lace with this beautiful little black dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline with a lined padded bust, sheer waist insets, a back double hook and eye closure with a cut out, a hidden back zipper and hook and eye closure, a high waist seam, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a partially sheer lace and crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch.Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8526
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Glimmer And Glitter Mini Dress
Glimmer and glitter the night away in this mini dress that will be sure to make you stand out! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a square neckline, a sheer waist inset with a mini waistband detail, and a short, form-hugging fit. The dress is composed of a sheer glitter mesh fabric with a knit lining and offers moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0311
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $12.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lisa Sequin V-Neck Party Dress
Special Occasion
For a look that glows, reach for the Lisa party dress for homecoming or the next formal event! She features a sleeveless v-neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps, a front v-notch wire insert, a high-waist seam, and a short skater silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a delicate sequin-knit mesh fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in a princess tiara and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Front v-notch wire insert, back zipper closure
- High-waist seam
- Short, skater silhouette
- Sequin-knit mesh fabric, lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1047
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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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 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0199
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $17.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Summer Vibes Gauzy Mini Dress
Feel the heat while keeping it cool in this gauzy olive skater dress. Dress features a deep V at front and back, side bar cutouts, an elasticated waist, and an all-over crinkle effect. Dress is made from a rayon fabric with moderate stretch. Dress is semi-sheer and unlined.Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-3847
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adley Formal Glitter Party Dress
Special Occasion
Bring that glow to your evening with a formal party dress that brings endless shine! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a built-in padded bust, and a fit and flare silhouette with pleating, hidden side pockets. and a mini-length hem. The dress is composed of a woven glitter fabric that offers minimal stretch. Complete look with chrome heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust
- Hidden side pockets
- Fit and flare silhouette with pleating
- Woven glitter fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0923
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Long Sleeve Ribbed Mini Dress
Keep it cozy with this pretty knit dress! It features a plunging V neckline, long puff sleeves and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a ribbed knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit.
Burgundy: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Hunter: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0365
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $28.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Aletta Glitter Bow Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Refined with a hint of after-dark allure, the Aletta glitter knit bodycon mini dress is made for moments that feel elevated yet effortless. A sweetheart padded bust neckline and fitted long sleeves frame the silhouette, while the open back with a statement bow delivers a striking finish.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit-lined fabric with excess glitter for maximum sparkle
- Sweetheart padded bust neckline for shaped support
- Fitted long sleeves
- Open back with statement bow detail
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal cocktail parties, holiday soirees, birthday dinners, celebratory nights out, engagement parties, date nights, city soirees, destination vacations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000601
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK
Available Size: S, M, L, XL
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Embellished Beauty Mini Dress
Strike a pose in this spotlight worthy mini! The dress features a high rounded neckline, long fitted sheer sleeves, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric that offers plenty of stretch, includes a knit lining, and is embellished with studs in a beautiful intricate pattern. Zipper at back.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0265
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sweet Luxe Rhinestone And Pearl Mesh Mini Dress
Dripping in shine and dripping in confidence—this mini dress knows how to keep it luxe. With rhinestone and pearl accents over sleek mesh, it’s your go-to for glam nights out.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- Swirl embroidery, iridescent rhinestone and tonal faux pearl embellishments
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruching
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000241
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Shining Star Glitter Mini Dress
Showcase stunning looks in this beyond gorgeous glitter knit mini dress! It features a wrap front V neckline, high waist seam, and a wrap front skirt with a short asymmetrical hem and ruched detailing. Pair this shimmering dress with a rhinestone collar necklace to add all the more glam.
Fits & Features
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Spaghetti straps
- Surplice V neckline
- Square back with zipper and hook and eye closure
- Wrap front skirt with ruched detailing
- Asymmetrical mini length hem
- Glitter knit fabric with moderate stretch
- Curve-hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0579
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Spaghetti straps
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Alluring In Lace Mini Dress
Show them the way in lace!
Fits & Features
- High Neckline
- Sheer Long Sleeves & Inset Down Center Bodice
- Mid-Waist Skirt | Sheer Lace Inset Detail | Hem Meets Mid-Thigh
- All Over Lace Detail | Knit Lining
- Curve Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
- Back Zip Closure
Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0290
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Give Me A Twirl Crepe Mesh Waist Skater Dress
Let your date give you a twirl in this sweet crepe skater dress at weddings and dressy celebrations! It features a sleeveless plunge V-neckline, tank shoulder straps, a V-cut back, a padded bust, a flirty sheer mesh waist insert with a crisscross design and a short-length layered hem. The crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look in this skater dress with a sparkly rhinestone bracelet and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, tank shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Padded bust, low V-cut back
- Sheer mesh waist insert, crisscross design
- Skater silhouette, layered short-length hem
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2528
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Beth Velvet Ruffle Party Dress
Special Occasion
A daring beauty like the Beth velvet party mini dress will bring modern chicness to your next formal event! She stuns in an off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline atop a corset-style bodice with flexible boning, a bodycon silhouette, and a short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a luxe velvet fabric with a sewn-in lining and moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look with satin gloves and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder ruffled neckline
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Corset-style bodice, flexible boning
- Bodycon silhouette, short-length hem
- Velvet fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1179
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $39.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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My Go-To Asymmetrical Dress
You can't go wrong with this flattering black asymmetrical dress! It features a sweetheart, off the shoulder neckline, a high waist seam, large pleats at the hip that create a wrap skirt with a subtle asymmetrical hem. Dress has an overall slim fit and is composed of an unlined, smooth knit fabric with 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: 05103-3176
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $31.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Can’t Miss This Moment Mini Dress
Your RSVP to every spotlight—this halter mini dress brings the sultriness. The luxe knit fabric hugs you just right, making it your new go-to for date nights to weddings, and cocktail soirees!
Fit & Features
- Luxe knit stretchy fabric, bust lining
- Mock neck halter neckline
- Partial open back
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000468
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aspyn Sequin Sweetheart Marabou Party Dress
Special Occasion
Make the whole room shimmer when you arrive in the Aspyn sequin party mini dress destined for the dance floor! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built-in padded underwire bust, wide shoulder straps, a square back accent, a flattering bodycon silhouette, diva-vibe marabou trim, and a mini-length hem. The party mini dress is composed of a sparkly sequin-embellished mesh fabric with lining and a moderate stretch. Complete the look in gemstone earrings for a bachelorette or Vegas weekend!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Built-in padded underwire bust
- Square back accent, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, marabou trim mini-length hem
- Sequin-embellished mesh fabric, lining, moderate stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1633
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Raina Formal Heatstone Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Heat up the night in this stunning bodycon that shines from every angle. The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, narrow shoulder straps, allover heat stones, and a mini length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a bodycon fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings and rhinestone rings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Narrow shoulder straps
- Allover heat stones
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0515
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $55.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mesh Long Sleeve Deep V Mini Dress
Dress to impress in this mesh mini dress! Add some rhinestone heels and earrings and step out in style.
Fits & Features
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Plunging V Neckline
- Sheer Long Sleeves I Puff Shoulders
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Mini Length Silhouette | Ruching Along The Wrap Skirt
- Mesh Lined Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit | Ample Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0728
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $18.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plunging V Neckline
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So Sleek Velvet Mini Dress
Keep it so sleek in a velvet mini dress! The dress features a sleeveless wrap V-neckline, spaghetti straps, and a mini length silhouette with a mini side slit. Complete your stunning date night look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wrap V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined velvet fabric
- Mini side slit
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0582
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Watch You Grow Floral Velvet Dress
Watch you have a major glow-up strutting into the party wearing the floral velvet dress! The mesh mini dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a ruched padded bust, and a bodycon silhouette with side and front ruched seams that hugs your body like an hourglass. Complete the look with glam earrings and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Ruched padded bust
- Bodycon silhouette
- Side and front ruched seams
- Mini-length hem
- Flocked floral velvet, sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1803
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Captivating Sequin Open Back Dress
Captivate the crowd at the party wearing this sequin mini dress! Featuring a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a sexy open back with a single strap, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. Complete your dressy look in this mini dress with glitter heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open back with a single strap
- Mini-length hem
- Bodycon silhouette
- Sequin embroidered scroll pattern, mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1746
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Arielle Formal Square Neck Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Give off a flirtatious allure in the Arielle formal skater dress that is a chic choice for weddings, parties, or fancy dinners! She features a sleeveless square neckline, thin tank shoulder straps, a matching square back design, a high waist seam, a short pleated skater skirt, and a dramatic fit and flare silhouette. The smooth scuba knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look in this formal short dress with rhinestone duster earrings and metallic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, matching square back design
- Thin tank shoulder straps
- High waist seam
- Short pleated skater skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Scuba knit fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1600
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $47.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale