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.

  • So Into You Faux Suede Mini Dress

    You'll be so into this sleek faux suede mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, bungee spaghetti straps that lead to an open lattice back, a square neckline, and a short, curve hugging fit. The faux suede fabric offers plenty of stretch and includes a front knit lining.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0274

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $12.97 $31.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Out For The Night Plunge Wrap Mini Dress

    Step out for the night in this sultry plunge long sleeve mini dress designed to accentuate your curves on a bodycon silhouette with side ruching. Composed of a slinky knit fabric with a moderate stretch. Style with lucite mules and statement earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Long peasant sleeves
    • Plunge v-neckline
    • Wrap mini skirt, side ruching
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Slinky knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1301

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sammy Formal Crepe Cutout Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    For looking sultry and sleek! Sammy is a class act and full of surprise in her sleeveless crew neck style with front and side sultry cutouts and a chic wrap-style bodice. Her curve-hugging silhouette ends below the knee to elongate your figure while the back slit accent adds extra detail. The formal dress is composed of a crepe texture knit fabric with a moderate stretch. Finish the look in stiletto heels and a rhinestone bracelet.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, crew neck, bra-friendly
    • Front cut bust and side cutout
    • Back zipper closure, slit accent
    • Wrap-style bodice
    • Form-fitting silhouette
    • Midi-length hem
    • Crepe texture knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0898

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Athena Glitter Corset Lace-Up Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for twirls that steal the spotlight, the Athena short dress enchants with a glitter tulle skater silhouette and a delicately beaded corset bodice. A lace-up back completes the look with an effortlessly romantic finish.

    Fit & Features

    • Glitter, beaded, sequin embellishments
    • Tulle fabric lined with satin, no stretch
    • Square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, padded bra cups
    • Corset bodice with applique embroidery, flexible boning
    • Lace-up back design, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Skater silhouette with a voluminous bonded short hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, fancy brunches, engagement parties, bridal celebrations, red-carpet occasions

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001251

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $119.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: SAGE

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

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Party Starter Satin Mini Dress

    Get the party started in this sleek satin mini dress! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a structured and padded bust, thin shoulder straps, a high waist seam, ruching down the sides and back, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style with strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Structured and padded bust, ruched detailing
    • Thin shoulder straps
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, ruching down the side seams and down the back
    • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
    • Smooth satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1636

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $10.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Valentina Ruched Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a stylish statement in our lovely Valentina! 

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Plunging V Wire Neckline I Pleating Detail At Bust 
    • Midi Length Silhouette I Ruching Accent I Side Slit 
    • Satin-Like Fabric 
    • 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: 05001-0336

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Julie Velvet Slit Midi Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Julie formal dress blends soft velvet texture with a sculpted, form-hugging silhouette. The square neckline and daring front slit create an elegant balance of sophistication and subtle allure—perfect for when the invite calls for something effortlessly refined.

      Fit & Features

      • Luxe velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • Square neckline, padded bra cups
      • Adjustable shoulder straps
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Front slit
      • Form-hugging, midi-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Weddings, cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, formal celebrations, date nights, holiday soirees, upscale birthdays

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000455

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $59.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: PURPLE

      Available Size: XS, S

    • Laurel Velvet Skater Short Dress With Pockets

      Special Occasion

      Playful yet polished, the Laurel velvet short dress balances a structured bodice with a flirty flared skirt. The open back cutout detail adds a touch of modern allure to a timeless party silhouette.

      Fit & Features

      • Soft plush velvet fabric lined with stretchy knit
      • Sweetheart neckline
      • Wide shoulder straps
      • Cutout back, hook strap and zipper hook-eye closure
      • Hidden side pockets
      • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
      • Runs true to size


      Where to Wear:

      Formal school dances, weddings, birthdays, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, date nights, milestone celebrations, red-carpet occasions, galas

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000482

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $74.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Avery Formal Mesh Bodycon Midi Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Avery formal midi dress is a state-making piece that'll make every head turn! She features a sassy sweetheart neckline with a cowl overlay, a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a figure-hugging ruching and bodycon silhouette that steals the show. The formal midi dress is composed of a lightweight mesh fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete the look in strappy heels for a banquet or fancy dinner date!

      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

      • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl overlay
      • Padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Ruching, bodycon silhouette
      • Midi-length hem
      • Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2063

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Neriah Sequin Marabou Feather Party Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Neriah sequin party mini dress demands diva vibes only! Be of the moment in her strapless neckline featuring a fab marabou feather trim, non-slip grip lining, a padded bust, and a flattering bodycon silhouette with a mini-length hem. The party dress is composed of a sequin-scroll pattern on mesh fabric for the perfect shine and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in this mini dress with rhinestone strap heels for extra sparkle at birthdays or a Vegas weekend!

      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

      • Strapless neckline, marabou feather trim
      • Non-slip grip lining, padded bust
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
      • Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • No bra required
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1812

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $76.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Candle Lit Dinner Velvet Floral Dress

      This velvet floral min dress will look stunning for your next dinner date! It features long sleeves, a v-neck, bodycon silhouette, mini-length, and a front drawstring for a customizable fit. Complete the look in lace-up heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Long sleeves, v-neck
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Front drawstring, back zipper closure
      • Mini-length hem
      • Flocked velvet floral pattern
      • Mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
      • Fits true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1841

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $46.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Nina Tulle Glitter Polka Dot Party Dress

      Special Occasion

      Flirt and flounce in the cute Nina party dress at school dances, banquets, or dressy birthday events! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, tulle overlay over the bust and corset-style bodice, and a flared tulle short-length skirt. The party dress is designed with adorable glitter polka dots all over for a hint of shine and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in this formal short dress with a bracelet and earrings.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Tulle overlay over the bust and corset-style bodice
      • Flared tulle short-length skirt
      • All over glitter polka dots on tulle fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1587

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $56.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Beatrice Formal Glitter Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Always the center of attention. Sparkle from the moment you strut into the party in the Beatrice glitter formal dress! Encapsulate an elegant and chic allure in her one-shoulder neckline with a sheer long sleeve, fitted bodice, and a high waist seam featuring a cascading drape on her mini-length, bodycon silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a glittery mesh fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in stiletto heels and a clutch.

      Fit & Features

      • One-shoulder neckline, sheer long sleeve
      • Strapless bra recommended
      • Fitted bodice, high waist seam
      • Side cascading drape
      • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
      • Glittery mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1136

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $74.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Diamond Girl Sequin Mini Dress

      Shine on in a mini dress that brings the dazzle to your next night out with the squad. The dress features a stunning diamond pattern composed of sparkling sequins, a crew neckline, and a mini length silhouette. Complete your look with rhinestone duster earrings

      Fit & Features

      • Crew neckline
      • Diamond pattern
      • Sequins
      • Fitted long sleeves
      • Mini length silhouette
      • Form hugging fit

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0704

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $21.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Kiabeth Off Shoulder Midi Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Show those shoulders in our elegant Kiabeth midi dress!

      Fits & Features 

      • Fold Over, Off Shoulder Neckline
      • Short And Straight Off Shoulder Sleeves
      • Fitted Bodice With Vertical Seams 
      • High Waist Skirt
      • Mid-length Hem That Hits Mid Calf
      • Crepe Fabric
      • Moderate Stretch, Form Hugging Fit 

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

        Royal: Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.  

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0290

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $39.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Love Like This Dress

        Make them fall in love with this sexy 'n' elegant bodycon dress.

        Fits & Features

        • Elasticized Off Shoulder Neckline 
        • Long, Off Shoulder Sleeves
        • Mini Length Silhouette
        • Unlined Knit Fabric With Glitter Embellishments 
        • Curve Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch

        Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0260

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $13.97 $35.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Effortless Glam Glitter Velvet Strapless A-Line Mini Dress

        Serve effortless glam in this glitter velvet mini dress that catches every light. The strapless neckline and flowy A-line silhouette make it the ultimate party plus one.

        Fit & Features

        • Glitter velvet fabric, moderate stretch
        • Strapless straight-across neckline
        • Ruched fitted bodice
        • Short A-line silhouette
        • Asymmetric hem
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000286

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $40.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Angie Feather Trim Sequin Formal Mini Dress

        Special Occasion

        The iconic style of the Angie feather trim sequin formal mini dress will level up your formal look! She features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a flirty open back with a lace-up strappy design, a mini-length hem with a fabulous marabou feather trim, and a slim-fit silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features iridescent sequin embroidery in a gorgeous scroll pattern. Complete your look for prom or a dressy party with metallic heels!

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
        • Open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
        • High waist seam, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
        • Mini-length hem, marabou feather trim, slim-fit silhouette
        • Iridescent sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
        • Sheer mesh fabric, full-length knit lining, minimal stretch
        • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1952

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $64.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • This Moment Floral Lace Skater Dress

        Stand out for those special moments with a skater dress that captivates with stylish details. The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with a scalloped lace trim, a floral lace bodice, a sheer lace back, and a skater silhouette. The dress is composed of a combination of crepe and lace fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with mules and door knocker earrings. 

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless V-neckline 
        • Scalloped lace trim 
        • Floral lace bodice, sheer lace back 
        • Skater silhouette 
        • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch 
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0624

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $39.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Luxe Vibes Only Sequin Long Sleeve Mini Dress

        Keep your look luxe and glamorous in a sequin dress that slays! This mini dress features a V-neckline, long fitted sleeves, a short, curve-hugging silhouette, and all-over sequin embroidery in a chic scroll pattern. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining. Style with lace-up heels for your next cocktail party.

        Fit & Features

        • V-neckline
        • Long fitted sleeves
        • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
        • High waist seam, mini-length hem, form-hugging fit
        • Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
        • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, minimal stretch
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1749

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $64.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Plus Hot Stuff Asymmetrical Dress

        You're looking like hot stuff this evening, babes! This dress has a wrap bodice with a deep V neckline, spaghetti straps, and ruching on the side. A wrap skirt creates an asymmetrical hemline for a party perfect ensemble. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. 

        Style Number/Barcode: 15103-0027

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $37.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Starry Glow Velvet Glitter Mini Dress

        Cue the shimmer. This glitter velvet mini dress brings the drama with a cowl neckline, flirty slit, and pleated seams that hug just right—your new party dress for nights that need extra sparkle.

        Fit & Features

        • Glitter velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
        • Cowl neckline, padded bra cups
        • Spaghetti straps
        • A-line fit, slit accent
        • Mini-length hem
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000370

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $42.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Disco Babe Glitter Knit Mini Dress

        Shine bright on the dance floor in this eye-catching glitter knit mini dress! It features a square neckline, long loose balloon-style sleeves with tapered hems, ruching down the side seams, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The metallic glitter knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Complete the look with platform heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Square neckline
        • Long balloon sleeves, tapered hems
        • Ruching down the side seams
        • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
        • Metallic glitter knit fabric, plenty of stretch
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1761

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $42.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Sultry Sweetheart Mini Dress

        You'll be a stunning sultry sweetheart in this LBD perf for a night out!

        Fit & Features

        • Long fitted sheer ruched sleeves | Puff shoulders
        • Sweetheart neckline
        • Dart seam detailing
        • Short, form hugging fit
        • Crepe fabric
        • Moderate stretch

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0680

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $14.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance