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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Irresistible Charm Velvet Marabou Mini Dress
Unlock an irresistible charm in this velvet mini dress for dressy soirees! It features a sleeveless square neckline with diva-chic marabou trim, spaghetti straps, a front ruched seam, and a flattering bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with a sparkly clutch and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, marabou trim
- Back zipper closure
- Spaghetti straps
- Front ruched seam, bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Velvet knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2497
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $5.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Nikki Formal Satin Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Nikki brings the perfect dose of sleek and bold style to your formal event! She features a sleeveless, square neck, spaghetti straps, and a bodice with flexible boning inserts for a structured fit. Her form-fitting silhouette flaunts your femme figure with a sultry front slit along a midi-length hem. She's composed of a stretch-satin luxe fabric with lining. Complete the look in glitzy heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, square neck, spaghetti straps
- Bra-friendly design
- The bodice has flexible boning inserts
- Form-fitting silhouette
- Front slit, midi-length hem
- Luxe satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1019
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Double The Glam Crepe Skater Dress
Bring double the glamour with a dress that impresses with chic details! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and a layered skater skirt silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with sling-back heels and a statement necklace.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline, V-neck bust
- Long sleeves
- Layered skater silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1165
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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City Slither Mini Dress
You're slicker than than the city life. This snake mini dress features a mini mock neckline, long fitted sleeves, a high waist seam, and a slim fit throughout. Dress is composed of a stretchy, semi-sheer mesh fabric with a partial knit lining.
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-3754
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Mika Floral Mesh Bell Sleeve Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Oh-so-chic, the Mika bell sleeve mini dress is perf for a garden party or formal brunch with the girls. The floral embroidery on airy mesh fabric gives the dress an effortlessly pretty look.
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 partial lining
- Floral embroidered pattern
- Square neck and back
- Long bell sleeves
- Tie-back straps, lower back zipper closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Engagement parties, bridal showers, garden parties, and weekend brunches.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2709
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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Glam Arrival Long Sleeve Sheer Glitter Mini Dress
Make a glam arrival at your next party in this gorgeous glitter mesh mini dress! Catch all the glances with the glitzy sheer glitter mesh fabric that has a partial knit lining. The mini-length dress features a square neckline with a chic cowl-draped overlay and long fitted sleeves. The sheer waist insert and sheer back design add that touch of sexy allure. The bodycon silhouette will flaunt your stunning curves. Style with rhinestone heels!
Fit & Features
- Sheer stretchy glitter mesh fabric, partial knit lining
- Square neckline, cowl-draped overlay
- Long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Sheer waist and back design
- Bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2847
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Be The Sensation Satin V-Neck Mini Dress
You'll be a total sensation in this satin mini dress at the club! The short dress features a sleeveless V-neck, spaghetti straps, and a side pleated seam that runs across the bodycon silhouette. Style the satin mini dress with dainty earrings and block heels to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neck
- Spaghetti straps
- Side pleated seam
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Luxe satin fabric, knit lining at the bust, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4955
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Disco Stunner Sequin Mini Dress
Stun at the disco tech or wherever you're headed in this sequin mini dress featuring a sleeveless dual neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and form-hugging silhouette. Complete the look in sparkly earrings and heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless dual v-necklines
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2296
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $52.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ready For Midnight Sequin Mini Dress
You'll be ready for the clock to strike midnight in this shimmery sequin mini dress! It features a V-neck and back, long balloon-style sleeves, a tie-back design, front ruching, a mini-length hem with a faux wrap design, and a curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The lined knit fabric features all-over sequin embroidery for the prettiest shine. Complete your NYE party look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- V-neck and back
- Long balloon sleeves, elastic cinched hems
- Tie-back design, front ruching
- Mini-length hem, faux wrap-front design
- Fitted bodycon silhouette
- Sequin embroidery
- Sheer knit fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1883
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $25.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Chic Silhouette Bodycon Mini Dress
Show off a sleek and chic silhouette in this stunning mini dress. It features an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline, a puff shoulder with a long fitted sleeve, a high waist seam, and a short, bodycon silhouette to hug your curves. Style with strappy platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline
- Ruched puff shoulder, long fitted sleeve
- High waist seam
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1670
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Midnight Glamour Rhinestone Velvet Mini Dress
Capture that midnight glam vibe in this sexy rhinestone velvet mini dress. It features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a deep V-wired bust, a sparkling rhinestone trim at the bust, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will put your curves on display. The smooth velvet fabric has a moderate stretch. Complete your haute night-out look with rhinestone fringe earrings and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, deep V-wired design
- Rhinestone trim at the bust
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mini-length hem
- Bodycon silhouette
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4722
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $5.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cheers To Chic Vibes Velvet Mini Dress
Show off chic vibes as you celebrate in style in this luxe velvet mini dress. It features a low V-neckline with a wrap-front design, long fitted sleeves, a draped front accent and front sash, ruching down the side seams, a faux wrap-front hem, and a fitted, bodycon silhouette. The smooth velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete your look with gold statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Low V-neckline, wrap-front design
- Long fitted sleeves
- Draped front, front sash
- Ruching down the sides
- Faux wrap-front asymmetric hem
- Mini-length hem, form-hugging fit
- Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1825
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Taya Rhinestone Velvet Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle the night away in the glamorous Taya mini dress! She features a sleeveless wrap-front V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a flattering high waist, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette with a faux wrap-front skirt. The smooth velvet fabric is embellished with all-over rhinestones for a gorgeous look. Complete the outfit with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wrap-front V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper closure
- High waist, faux wrap-front skirt
- Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Velvet fabric, rhinestone embellishments
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0567
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jess Off The Shoulder Dress
Special Occasion
You're known for your moves—make 'em in our dynamite satin Jess dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamless sleeveless bodice with fold-over detail and back zip, and an A-line flared mini with pockets at either hip. Jess is made from a smooth, shiny material with moderate stretch.
Model is 5’7” with a 32” bust, 23” waist, and 34.5” hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0033
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $20.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Heat Wave Mini Dress
It's getting hot in here! Bring in the heat wave in this mini dress! It features a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps, contrast piping for a harness-like effect, and a body-hugging fit. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Includes a hidden back zipper and hook and eye closure.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3195
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $16.97 $41.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Desirae Sequin Feather Short Dress
Special Occasion
Inspired by flappers, embody a 1920s allure in the Desirae short party dress to make your striking entrance! She features long sleeves with feathered cuffs, a V-neckline, a bodycon silhouette, and a short-length feather hem. The formal dress is composed of a mesh sequin patterned fabric with beading and feather accents, a knit lining, and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in glitzy stiletto heels for a holiday party!
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves with feathered cuffs
- V-neckline, bra-friendly design
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, short-length hem
- Beading and feather accents
- Sequin pattern mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1184
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Unforgettable Nights Lace Mini Dress
Make your night one to remember in a dress that stuns from head to toe! The mini dress features a gorgeous floral lace design, a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, and padded cups. The high waist leads to a short-length hem with a mini side slit. The short dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with chrome heels and a moto jacket.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Lightly padded cups
- Floral lace pattern
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High waist, exposed back zipper
- Short length, mini side slit
- Lined mesh fabric, form-hugging fit, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1289
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Living My Best Life Glitter Halter Mini Dress
Live your best life in this glitter mini dress for birthdays or dressy nights out! The short dress features a halter neckline with tie-back closure, a ruched bust seam, a form-hugging fit, an asymmetrical mini-length hem with a flirty side slit, and an adjustable side drawstring so you can customize the style. The mini dress is crafted from a rainbow glitter mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless halter neckline, tie-back closure
- Ruched bust seam
- Form-hugging fit
- Asymmetrical mini-length hem, side slit
- Adjustable side drawstring
- Rainbow glitter mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2709
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $45.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sultry And Stunning Halter Mesh Mini Dress
Sultry and stunning, this mesh mini dress is a must-have for your next GNO! It features a sleeveless square neckline, thin halter straps that tie at the back of the neck, ruching down the sides, and a short, curve-hugging fit. The sheer mesh fabric has a nude knit lining. Style this dress with sleek hoops.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Thin halter straps, tie at the back of the neck
- Ruched sides
- Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, nude knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3907
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Stunner In Satin Mini Dress
Be the absolute stunner you are in this sleek and sultry satin mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, tie shoulder spaghetti straps, a square neck and back, flattering vertical seam detailing at the bust, and a short, form hugging fit that hits mid-thigh. The mini dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with 32" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0136
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Helen Crepe Lace-Up Skater Party Dress
Special Occasion
Twirl all night in the flirty Helen crepe party dress at school dances, birthdays, or banquets! She features a sleeveless square neckline, tank shoulder straps, an eye-catching lace-up back with tie closure, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a flattering skater silhouette with a short-length bonded hem. The party dress is composed of a crepe knit fabric with a bust lining and plenty of stretch. Complete the look in this short skater dress with strappy block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, tank shoulder straps
- Lace-up back, tie closure, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden side pockets, skater silhouette
- Short-length bonded hem
- Crepe knit fabric, bust lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1693
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Classic Glam Mini Dress
Add a touch of classic glam to your look with this chic mini dress. It features an off the shoulder square neckline, short sleeves, a front waist cut out with a scalloped hem, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a sheer glitter lace fabric with a knit lining. Glitter may transfer.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0213
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Rachael Velvet Faux Pearl Party Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate party-girl energy in the luxe Rachael velvet faux pearl mini dress at bachelorettes or formal dances! She features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline adorned with puff short-sleeve cuffs, a ruched and padded bust, and a bodycon silhouette that flaunts your curves down to the hem. The short party dress is designed with colored faux pearl embellishments all over on soft velvet fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a clutch and stiletto pumps.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline
- Puff short-sleeve cuffs
- Ruched and padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Faux pearl all-over embellishments
- Velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2000
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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In The Spotlight Rhinestone Mini Dress
Shine on the spotlight in a mini dress that commands attention! The dress features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, an asymmetrical rhinestone trim, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and door knocker earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Asymmetrical rhinestone trim
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3984
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free