Short Cocktail Dresses

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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.

  • Kay Formal Sequin Wrap Short Dress

    Special Occasion

     Leave your mark on the night in the Kay formal dress adorned with glimmering, iridescent sequins all over her form-hugging silhouette. She features balloon long sleeves, a plunge v-neckline, and a faux wrap bodycon skirt with a short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric with minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look with a chic hair accessory to glam up your tresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Balloon long sleeves
    • Plunge v-neckline
    • Pasties or adhesive bra optional
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Faux wrap, bodycon, short-length hem
    • Iridescent sequins, lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1164

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Stylish Beauty Strappy Back Mini Dress

    Hey beauty! Showcase a major sultry and stylish vibe in this little black dress! It features spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy back with a tie closure, a cowl neckline, ruched detailing, and a short, asymmetric hem. Pair this dress with a rhinestone choker necklace and rhinestone duster earrings to add some sparkle to your night out look.

    Fit & Features

    • Spaghetti straps
    • Strappy back with a tie closure
    • Cowl neckline
    • Ruched detailing
    • Short, asymmetric hem
    • Curve-hugging fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3740

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Irie Formal Sequin And Satin Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Shine on in a party dress that creates a twirl-worthy moment. Irie features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built-in no slip strip, and padded cups that eliminate the need for a bra. The partially lined bodice features corset seams with flexible boning that provides structure, and sparkling sequins set in a diamond-shaped pattern. The slim-fit bodice leads to a flared satin party skirt. Irie offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with a sphere clutch

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • No-slip strip, padded cups, flexible boning
    • Sequins
    • Fit and flare waist
    • Partially lined bodice 
    • Satin party skirt, additional knit lining 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0775

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Dreamy Lace-Up Satin Skater Dress

    Create a dreamy allure in this satin skater dress for your upcoming social occasions! It features a sleeveless v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lace-up back design with zipper closures, and a tiered ruffled short-length hem. Complete the look with a beaded clutch and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless v-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back design, zipper and hook-eye closures
    • Skater silhouette
    • Tiered ruffled short-length hem
    • Woven satin fabric, knit lining, no stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2204

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kailey Lace Corset Mini Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    It'll be a night to remember when you're in the Kailey lace party dress at dressy birthdays or bachelorettes! She features a strapless corset bodice, flexible boning inserts, a lace-up back, a bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length wrap hem. The party dress is composed of a delicate lace fabric with a stretchy nude knit lining. Complete the look in lace-up stiletto heels and earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless corset bodice
    • Flexible boning inserts
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length wrap hem
    • Lace fabric, stretchy nude knit lining
    • Pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1715

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Rayna Iridescent Rhinestone Mesh Formal Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Catch all the glances as you illuminate the night with the gorgeous radiance of the Rayna formal mini dress. She features a deep V-neckline, shoulder pad inserts for extra drama, sheer long fitted sleeves, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette to hug your curves. The stunning iridescent rhinestone embellishments cascade down the length of the dress in a figure-flattering pattern and form a high waist design. The sheer mesh fabric includes a sleeveless short lining. Style with metallic heels to sparkle at prom!

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline
    • Shoulder pad inserts, sheer long fitted sleeves
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Iridescent rhinestone embellishments, intricate design
    • Sheer mesh fabric, sleeveless short knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1739

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Talia Cutout Sequin Short Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Oh-so-gorgeous, the Talia sequin formal dress was made for glamorous nights out! She features a one-shoulder neckline with dual bungee spaghetti straps, a bold waist cutout that leads from the front to the back, a short, asymmetric-cut hem, and a curve-hugging bodycon silhouette. The fabric features all-over sequin embroidery for the prettiest shine. Complete the look with rhinestone hoop earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps
    • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Waist cutout that leads from the front to the back
    • High waist seam, short, asymemtric-cut hem
    • Fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Sequin embroidery
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1159

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • What A Stunner Mini Dress

    Classic and stunning, this mini dress is a perfect workwear option.

    Fits & Features

    • V Neckline 
    • Long Fitted Sleeves With Shoulder Padding
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • Front High Waist Seam 
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Ponte Knit Composition I Fully Lined
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 


    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0465

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Chloe Glitter A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for your twirl-worthy moments, the Chloe glitter A-line dress catches the light with every step while holding a beautifully structured shape. The strapless neckline keeps it clean and modern, letting the shimmer and silhouette do all the talking.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter woven fabric, woven crinoline lining, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless folded neckline, padded bra cups
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • A-line mini silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, weddings, birthdays, date nights, formal celebrations, graduations, sorority events, fancy brunches

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000693

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE

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

  • Just a Glance Draped Back Mini Dress

    Serving elegance with a side of allure, this draped back mini dress is made for unforgettable nights. With its soft cowl neckline and flirty skirt, it’s a statement piece you’ll reach for again and again.

    Fit & Features

    • Smooth knit-lined stretch fabric
    • Cowl neckline with wide tank straps
    • Draped low back with tie detail
    • Fitted waist with flared A-line mini silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000447

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ruche To The Party Velvet Dress

    With this velvet short dress, you'll be ready for every party! It features long sleeves, a mock neck, a bodycon silhouette, and side and back ruched seams that accentuate your curves. Complete the look in block heel booties.

    Fit & Features

    • Long sleeves, mock neck
    • Back zipper closure
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Side and back ruched seams
    • Short-length hem
    • Lined velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1903

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Enchanting Night Velvet Marabou Dress

    Have yourself an enchanting night in this velvet mini dress perfect for your next dressy affair! It features a sleeveless square neck with a v-wire notch, marabou trim, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, and a bodycon silhouette. Complete the look in a rhinestone choker and heels!

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neck, v-wire notch
    • Marabou trim, lightly padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length
    • Velvet fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1855

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Diedre Formal Glitter Ruched Bodycon

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glow with formal bodycon the brings the glitz! Diedre features a square neckline, ruched long sleeves, glitter accents throughout, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and hoops. 

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline
    • Ruched long sleeves
    • Glitter accents
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Lined mesh fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0783

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Glitz & Glam Lace Skater Dress

    This fun skater dress is all about glitz and glamour! Bring the elegance to your wedding guest look in a dress that wows. The dress features a plunging V neckline with a padded bust for support, narrow shoulder straps that lead to a sheer lace back and a gold zipper closure, a high waist seam, and a short flowy skirt with a double-tiered hem. Dress includes a lining and is composed of a glitter lace fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete your look with rhinestone duster earrings and glitter heels

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless v-neckline with padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Sheer lace back 
    • Mini-length silhouette with a double-tiered hem
    • Lined
    • Glitter lace fabric
    • Relaxed fit, moderate stretch 

     

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0045

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sultry Luxe Velvet Ruffle Mini Dress

    Keep your party look sultry and luxe with this chic velvet ruffle mini dress. It features a sleeveless V-neckline with a fabulous front ruffled trim, adjustable spaghetti straps, ruching down the side and back seams, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette to show off your natural curves. The smooth velvet fabric offers plenty of stretch. Style with rhinestone fringe earrings and metallic heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, ruffled trim
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
    • High waist, ruched side and back seams
    • Mini-length hem
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Velvet fabric, knit lining at the bust, plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2662

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Franny Taffeta Bow Mini Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Franny is sleek and simple from the front and stunning from the back. Turn heads at a formal dance or wedding reception in this short party dress featuring a strapless, square neckline with non-slip grip lining, a hidden side zipper closure, and front and back pleat/ruching that creates the illusion of an hourglass figure. She stuns from the back with her flirty big pink bow tie with a dramatic train that glides against the floor. The formal dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in platform heels and an evening bag. 

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless, square neckline, non-slip grip
    • Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Front and back pleat and ruching
    • Form-hugging, mini-length hem
    • Detachable back pink bow with train
    • Taffeta woven fabric, stretchy knit lining
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1528

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Glitter Goals Mini Dress

    This mini is totally glam goals girl! It features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, spaghetti straps and a cowl back to show off a hint of skin. The relaxed fit waist leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Zipper not included. Glitter may transfer.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0396

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jill Floral Jacquard A-Line Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the kind of entrance that lingers, the Jill floral jacquard A-line dress moves with a soft, sculpted ease that feels both polished and playful. The cutout bar back adds just enough intrigue, balancing the structured silhouette with a hint of unexpected allure.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral jacquard print woven fabric, tulle and knit linings
    • Square neckline, wide shoulder straps, padded bra cups
    • Cutout back with hook-eye strap
    • Drop waist seam
    • Voluminous A-line mini-length silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Bridal showers, engagement parties and photoshoots, birthday brunches, graduations, sorority events, daytime soirees

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000687

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WHITE, PRINT

    Available Size: S, M, L, XL

  • Stylish Flair Floral Velvet Burnout Ruffled Mini Dress

    Bring the stylish flair in this lined mesh mini dress accented with a floral velvet burnout pattern for a pretty look. It features a strapless straight-across neckline with a front bow trim, an adorable short ruffled hem, and a flirty A-line silhouette.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining
    • Velvet burnout floral pattern
    • Strapless straight neckline, front bow trim detail
    • Back zipper closure
    • Mini-length ruffled hem
    • A-line silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3694

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $39.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Daring To Be Bold Crepe Bodycon Wrap Dress

    Dare to flaunt your curves in this crepe cowl mini dress! Sleekly designed with a sleeveless cowl V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a sexy sheer mesh bodice with flexible boning to show your femme figure along the short bodycon wrap silhouette. Complete the look in a pair of sassy platform heels

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl V-neck, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Sheer mesh bodice, flexible boning
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Wrap mini-length hem
    • Crepe fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5012

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ember Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Glitter Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Every jaw will hit the floor when you wear the Ember glitter party dress that flaunts a ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline for dramatic flair and a sexy bodycon fit!

    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

    • Glitter knit fabric lined with stretchy knit
    • Ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Bodycon fit
    • Mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, birthday parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinner, wedding showers, engagement parties, bachelorettes, date nights

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2169

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Bonnie Lace-Up A-Line Dress With Pockets

    Special Occasion

    Shimmer in this sleeveless short dress featuring a stunning lace-up back, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a flirty A-line silhouette. Perfect for the school dance or a celebration.

    Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.

    Fit & Features

    • Shimmer woven fabric lined with woven, no stretch
    • Square neckline, padded bra cups
    • Shoulder straps
    • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Hidden side pockets
    • A-line short-length fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2386

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Luxury Views Satin Sequin Skater Dress

    Add a touch of luxury with this satin skater dress that'll have you sparkling with confidence! This beautiful dress features a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross along the back, a gorgeous sequin-embellished padded bust with a cowl pleated overlay, and a flattering skater silhouette and short-length hem. Complete the look in rhinestone heels for a semi-formal occasion or a school dance! 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure, cross back straps
    • Sequin-embellished padded bust
    • Pleated cowl overlay
    • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
    • Silky satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2721

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ariana Glitter Knit Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sparkle and shine like the gorgeous stunner you are in the flirty Ariana party dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, and a high waist seam with a flowy party skirt silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back lace-up design
    • Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, party skirt silhouette, hidden side pockets
    • Glitter knit fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0705

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale