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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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
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Hope Glitter Velvet Bustier Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The Hope party dress comes to shine in bold and sparkly glitter velvet picture-perfect for school dances or dressy celebrations! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, a bustier bodice with flexible boning, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a flattering short skater silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a shimmering glitter velvet knit fabric that sparkles under the light. Complete the look in platform block heels and earrings!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Bustier bodice, flexible boning
- Hidden side pockets, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Glitter velvet knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1907
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sassy Satin Lace-Up Mini Dress
Showcase your sassy side in this sleek satin mini dress! It features a sleeveless cowl neckline with pleated detailing, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back, lace-up strappy design, a mini-length, wrap-front skirt, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your curves. Style with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless pleated cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- High waist seam, wrap-front skirt
- Mini-length hem
- Fitted bodycon silhouette
- Smooth satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4564
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $43.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Miley Sequin One Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dramatic entrance in the Miley sequin party dress with all eyes all you! She features a one-shoulder sweetheart plunge neckline with a wire insert and long sleeve, a high-waist seam, and a bodycon asymmetrical wrap short hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-knit mesh fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in glitzy earrings for a Christmas or New Year's Eve party!
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder sweetheart plunge neckline with a wire insert
- Long sleeve, strapless bra recommended
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Asymmetrical wrap short hem
- Sequin mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1117
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Stone Cold Mini Dress
Make them stare in this glitzy bodycon dress.
Fits & Features
- Mock Neckline
- Eyelet, Semi-Sheer Long Sleeves
- Zipper At Back
- Eyelet Fabric With Full Knit Lining I Gemstone Accents
- Bodycon Fit
- 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: 05103-0244
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $27.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Florence Off Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Tis' the season for dressing up! Show up to your soirees in our fabulous Florence.
Fits & Features
- Off Shoulder Design
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Sweetheart Wrap Neckline
- Midi Length Silhouette I Front Side Slit
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0337
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Addie Strapless Velvet Asymmetric Ruffled Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the flirtatious allure in the Addie velvet ruffled mini dress perfect for your next party! The short formal dress is designed with a strapless straight-across neckline, vertical seams that run from bust to hem, and a tiered, ruffled, asymmetric hem for that dramatic flair.
This dress was made for selfies! Love a bold look? Browse our chic black prom dresses or stand out in our stylish party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined velvet fabric
- Strapless straight neckline
- Vertical seams from bust to hem
- Back zipper closure
- Tiered asymmetric ruffled hem
- Mini length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2563
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Phoebe Velvet Mock Neck Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Phoebe exudes elegance in a modern silhouette! She brings flirty-sultriness in a long sleeve, mock neckline with dual button closures, shoulder pads, bodycon silhouette, and an asymmetrical mini-length hem. The formal dress is composed of velvet knit fabric with moderate stretch. Complete your dressy look in a glam hair accessory for a stunning updo!
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves, shoulder pads
- Mock neckline, dual button closures
- Bra-friendly design
- Bodycon silhouette
- Asymmetrical mini-length hem
- Velvet knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1414
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Showstopper Sleeveless Velvet Asymmetrical Dress
Wrap yourself in a luxe velvet dress that brings the sophistication to your night out. The dress features a plunging V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a mini length silhouette with an asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a velvet knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Mini length silhouette
- Asymmetrical hem
- Velvet fabric with moderate stretch
- Form hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3683
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Venus Mesh Heat Stone Gown
Special OccasionRadiate the shine of a thousand diamonds in our dazzling mesh Venus gown. She features a twisted single-strap shoulder, and all-over round, square, and oval-shaped heat stones in a diagonal pattern at bust and though waist and in a vertical pattern from approximately below the knee to the bottom of the asymmetric hem. Venus is fully lined and made from a soft, mesh-blend material with plenty of stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4147
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Straight To The Point Mini Dress
Let's get straight to the point - you'll look totally gorg in this mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a straight neckline with a notched V wired trim, seam detailing, and a short, form hugging fit with an asymmetrical hemline. The dress is composed of a nylon ponte knit fabric with plenty of stretch.Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0211
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Meghan High Neck Crepe Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Get a stunning look for your upcoming engagement party, bachelorette outing, or bridal shower in our Meghan crepe mini dress! She features a high neck with dual back button closures, a sheer mesh bodice with a swiss dot design and a keyhole back, a padded sweetheart neckline, and a mini length, curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with dazzling rhinestone earrings and a rhinestone cuff bracelet for a gorgeous vibe.
Fit & Features
- High neck with dual back button closures
- Sheer mesh bodice with a swiss dot design
- Padded sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Crepe fabric with a knit lining
- Moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0497
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Leoni Lace-Up Corset Floral Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The Leoni floral skater dress captures romantic allure with a modern flair that'll have all eyes on you! Designed with a gorgeous lace-up back that turns heads, a corset bodice to snatch your waist, and a voluminous silhouette made for twirling.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, organza fabric, tulle and stretch knit linings
- Square neckline, tie shoulder straps
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Lace-up back, corset bodice, flexible boning
- Drop waist seam
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, big milestone parties, birthdays, garden parties, afternoon tea, semi-formal weddings
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2716
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Chic Affair Ruched Bell Sleeve Bodycon Mini Dress
Make it a chic affair in this curve-hugging mini dress featuring a sweetheart neckline with an alluring bust seam outline and sheer mesh long fitted sleeves with ruched detailing and flared hems for added drama. Style with stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Lined knit fabric, plenty of stretch
- Sweetheart neckline with bust seam outline, ruching
- Sheer mesh long fitted sleeves with flared hems, ruching
- Mini-length bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5857
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Love For Leopard Mesh Mini Dress
Let your wild side come through in this killer mini dress!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Square Neckline & Back
- Mini Length Silhouette I Ruching Along Sides & Center Back
- Leopard Print Throughout With Mesh Overlay I Smooth Knit Lining
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Featured
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0512
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Angie Flocked Velvet Pearl Mesh Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Soft meets statement in the Angie mini dress, a romantic dress designed to captivate. With its flocked rose velvet mesh, faux pearl accents, and ruched bodycon fit, this dress balances sweet femininity with undeniable edge—perfect for nights made to remember.
Fit & Features
- Flocked rose velvet pattern, mesh-lined stretchy fabric
- Faux pearl embellished
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Sheer fitted long sleeves
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closures
- Ruched bodycon fit
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Date nights, cocktail parties, semi-formal weddings, engagement parties, bachelorettes, rooftop hotel bars
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000195
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Chic Sparkle Corset Mini Dress
Bring a chic sparkle to your night-out look with this stunning mesh mini dress! It features a strapless square neckline with an angled design, a corset-designed bodice with flexible boning, side ruching, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has a full knit lining and is embellished with all-over iridescent rhinestones. Complete the outfit with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Strapless square neckline, angled design
- Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Side ruching, short, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- All-over mini iridescent rhinestone embellishment
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1126
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $50.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kateri Crepe Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Our Kateri is a show-stopper! Her body-lovin' fit will hug your every curve.
Fits & Features
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Spaghetti Straps That Lace Up & Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline
- Midi Length Silhouette With Front Slit
- Crepe Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0310
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Spaghetti Straps That Lace Up & Cross At The Back
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All That Shine Mini Dress
Shine bright this weekend with a mini dress that screams sexy!
Fits & Features
- Deep Wired V Neckline With Padding
- Skinny Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace Up At The Back
- Lined Knit Material With Damask Sequin Design
- Curve Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0187
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $45.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lucia Side Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Enter any room and you'll be receiving compliments left and right in our lovely Lucia!
Fits & Features
- Thick Shoulder Straps
- Sweetheart Neckline I Linear Seam Details At The Bust I Square Back
- Midi Length Silhouette With Front Side Slit
- Stretch Satin Fabric I Fully Lined
- Bodycon Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0351
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $8.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Clarissa Rhinestone And Pearl Mini Dress
Special Occasion
All eyes on you—exactly where they should be. With iridescent rhinestones and chic pearl embellishments that catch every light, this curve-hugging mini dress is your RSVP to being unforgettable.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- All-over faux pearl and iridescent rhinestone embellishments
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, structured and padded bust, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, and formal nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000036
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Savannah Sequin Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Twirl the night away in the flirty Savannah sequin party dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a strappy cross-back design, a fitted high waist, and a short flared-out party skirt silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has all-over sequin embroidery in a stunning scroll design. Complete your look with neutral block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Cross-back strap design, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, short party skirt
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0938
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Becky Open Back Sequin Lace Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Looking for a showstopping dress? The Becky sequin lace mini dress brings fab energy in a sultry open-back design and bodycon 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
- Sequin lace fabric lined with stretchy knit
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open back, hook clasp closure, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front slit, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
School dances, Vegas, bachelorettes, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2510
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Darling Drama V-Neck Ruffled Tulle Skater Dress
Set your aura to darling drama in this tulle skater dress for graduation parties and rehearsal dinners! The charming V-neckline and delicate adjustable spaghetti straps add a touch of romance, while the tiered ruffled skater silhouette and short-length hem create a playful vibe. Complete the look with a sparkly rhinestone handbag.
This dress brings the drama. Want more? Turn up the volume in a showstopping ruffle prom dress or make a statement in our sleek party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Tulle fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- V-Neckline
- Tiered ruffled skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3228
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $24.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free