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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Sassy Lace-Up Sequin Mini Dress
Slay in a sequin dress that dazzles up your night! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, and a sexy lace-up back. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that is adorned with a geometric sequin pattern. Complete look with stacked rhinestone rings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Sleek spaghetti straps
- Sexy lace-up back
- Lined mesh fabric
- Geometric sequin pattern
- Mini length silhouette
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3645
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $18.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Chic And Strappy Mini Dress
Chic and strappy, this gorgeous mini is undeniably stylish.
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps Lead To Lattice Back
- Deep V Neckline
- High Waist Seam
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Curve-Hugging Fit
- Crepe Composition
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0275
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Harlee Iridescent Sequin Short Dress
Special Occasion
Short and undeniably stunning, the Harlee iridescent sequin dress shimmers and shines out on the dance floor! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline with non-slip grip lining, bell sleeves, padded bust, and side ruched seams that accentuate your curves along her form-hugging silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin woven fabric with a sewn-in lining and minimal stretch. Complete your dressy look in doorknocker earrings and heels!
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Bell sleeves, padded bust, bra optional
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side ruched seams
- Bodycon silhouette, short-length hem
- Iridescent sequins, sewn-in lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1209
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jaelen Floral Lace-Up Skater Dress With Pockets
Special Occasion
Designed to captivate from every angle, the Jaelen floral skater dress blends timeless elegance with modern allure. The flared silhouette and strappy open back detail bring a playful yet polished finish that’s made for the spotlight.
Fit & Features
- Floral jacquard pattern, woven fabric
- Scoop halter neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Strappy lace-up open back
- Drop waist seam, hidden side pockets
- Skater flared silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, birthdays, fancy brunches, milestone celebrations, date nights, bridal showers, baby showers, garden parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000098
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sweet Sultry Sheer Lace Mini Dress
Keep your date night 'fit sweet and sultry with this lined lace mini dress! It features a square neckline with shirring at the bust, sheer short puff sleeves with ruffled hems, a high waist seam, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The sheer lace fabric includes a nude knit lining. Style with strappy stilettos and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Square neckline, shirring at the bust
- Sheer short puff sleeves, ruffled hems
- High waist seam
- Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
- Sheer lace fabric, nude knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1784
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Dreamy And Sleek Satin Mini Dress
Dreamy and oh-so-sleek, this satin mini dress is perf for nights out with the girls. It features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a lower back lattice design followed by a bold cutout, and a short, bodycon silhouette that will hug your curves. Style with fringe earrings and platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Cross-back strappy design
- Lower back lattice design with tie closure, lower back cutout
- Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
- Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4472
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sarah Off-The-Shoulder Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous and glam, the Sarah sequin midi dress will create a dazzling formal night-out look. She features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with built-in padded cups for all-night dancing support. Her high waist seam hugs your curves on the mid-length, fitted silhouette, and a flirty trumpet wrap hem. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and a chic all-over sequin embroidered design. Style this dress with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, built-in padded cups
- Short fitted sleeves, back zipper closure
- High waist seam, mid-length, fitted silhouette
- Trumpet hem, wrap-front design
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, minimal stretch
- Sequin embroidery
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0666
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Analeah Woven Velvet Bow Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A little festive, a little flirtatious—the Analeah dress brings woven velvet to life with a refined square neckline and a playful back bow that steals every glance. It's A-line mini silhouette and adjustable straps strike the perfect balance between polished sophistication and spirited celebration.
Fit & Features
- Woven velvet fabric with soft structure, sewn-in knit lining
- Square neckline with adjustable straps
- Oversized back bow detail
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- A line mini hem with subtle flare
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Holiday parties, weddings, engagement parties, cocktail receptions, birthday dinners, date nights, anniversaries, formal occasions, fashion-forward parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000582
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $74.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: WINE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Ailani Lace-Up Beaded Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Playful yet polished, the Ailani beaded mesh skater dress lights up the room with every step, while a lace-up back adds an unexpected twist to its flirty silhouette and mini-length hem!
Fit & Features
- Beaded mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Wide shoulder straps
- Lace-up back detail for an adjustable fit, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Skater silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, dances, birthdays, shower celebrations, date nights, parties, dressy brunches, afternoon tea
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000014
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ruched And Luxe Velvet Mini Dress
Elevate your look with this luxe mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline, spaghetti straps and a curve hugging mini length silhouette with ruched detailing. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0298
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Feelin' Glam Rhinestone Trim Mini Dress
Look and feel oh-so-glam in this sleek satin mini dress! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a structured bust with a sparkly rhinestone embellished trim, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Style with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Structured padded bust, rhinestone trim
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Smooth satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4612
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $30.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Zariah Formal Floral Glitter Party Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in a formal dress that makes you feel like one in a million! Zariah features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built-in no slip strip and padded cups, contrast piping with flexible boning in the bodice, a glitter floral pattern throughout, and a party-length skirt accented with hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric with a petticoat and offers a fit and flare silhouette with minimal stretch. Complete the look with chrome heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Built-in no slip strip, padded cups
- Contrast piping with flexible boning, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floral glitter pattern
- High waist, party length skirt, hidden side pockets
- Lined mesh, petticoat
- Fit and flare silhouette, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1067
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sadie Formal Long Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle them all in a sequin dress that brings glamour to your special occasion event. Sadie features a V-neckline with an empire waist, long sleeves, and a flared skater silhouette. The dress is adorned with sparkling sequins throughout and offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-neckline
- Empire waist
- Long sleeves
- Mini skater silhouette
- Sequins
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0484
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Anita Sequin Mesh Corset Party Dress
Special Occasion
Catch light and attention in the Anita sequin party dress at homecoming or birthday celebrations! She features an off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline adorned with sheer short-sleeve cuffs, a padded bust, a sheer corset mesh bodice with flexible boning, and a flirty skater silhouette and short-length hem. The formal party dress is designed with a striking sequin-embellished scroll pattern on airy mesh fabric and has multiple satin and tulle linings for a voluminous effect. Complete the look with earrings and lace-up heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline
- Sheer short-sleeve cuffs, back zipper closure
- Padded bust, sheer corset bodice, flexible boning
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Sequin-embellished scroll pattern
- Mesh fabric, multiple satin and tulle linings
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1090
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jovanna Sequin Marabou Feather Party Dress
Special Occasion
Whether you're a sassy bride or party guest, the Jovanna sequin dress is a gorgeous style for all of your upcoming events! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, sleek bungee spaghetti straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a marabou feather trim along the short-length hem. The party dress is designed with a sequin-scroll pattern on mesh fabric that sparkles under the light and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with statement earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Bodycon silhouette
- Marabou feather trim, short-length hem
- Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1795
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Heart Of Glam Sleeveless Mini Dress
Bae will be totally lovestruck over you in this trendy mini dress! It features bungee spaghetti straps, a square neckline, and a mini length, curve-hugging silhouette. The dress is composed of a knit fabric with a velvet burnout heart pattern for an adorable vibe. Pair this dress with matching heart statement earrings and a chic crossbody for a romantic date.
Fit & Features
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Square neckline
- Short, form-hugging fit
- Knit fabric with a knit lining
- Velvet burnout heart pattern
- Moderate stretch
SHOP ALL HEART OF GLAM COLLECTION
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3765
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Romantically Involved Mini Dress
Get yourself involved with a romantic look!
Fits & Features
- Sheer, High Crew Neckline I Sweetheart Underlay
- Unlined, Fitted Long Sleeves
- Open Back With Button Closure At Neck
- Sheer Mesh Composition With Reflective Velvet Burnout Floral Pattern
- Lined, Mini Length Skirt
- Body-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0199
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Plus Elinor Studded Cocktail Dress
Special Occasion
Put some sparkle in your step with the Elinor—a cocktail dress that shimmers as you walk. She features a V neckline, back zip, side slit, and vertical rows of rhinestones from top to bottom. Elinor is lined and made from a soft, moderately stretchy, mesh tulle-like fabric.
Model is 5'9" with a 38.5" bust, 31" waist, and 52" hips. She is wearing a size 1X.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 15001-0044
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Olga Formal Sequin Strapless Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Turn heads in this Olga formal sequin mini dress to make sparkling entrances at birthdays or holiday parties! Crafted with a strapless neckline and exquisite sequin embellishments of various sizes, this party mini dress is sure to elegantly accentuate your curves. The mini-length hem and bodycon silhouette make this a timeless staple that brings subtle sophistication. Complete the look with stud earrings and a bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, no-slip strip, padded bust
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Various-sized sequin embellishments
- Sheer mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2033
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ophelia Crepe Corset Short Dress
Special Occasion
The Ophelia crepe dress brings sultry romance to parties and dressy date nights! She features a flattering one-shoulder neckline with a pleated bust, a corset-style bodice with flexible boning, pleated side seam, and a bodycon, wrap short-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a crepe fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Style with tights and heels to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline, pleated bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Corset bodice, flexible boning
- Bodycon, wrap short-length hem
- Crepe fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1308
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ravishing Ruffles A-Line Mini Dress
Keep it ravishing with a ruffled mini dress! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, ruffled sleeves, and a mini-length A-line silhouette with tiered ruffles. The dress is composed of a lightweight woven fabric that offers a fitted bodice with a flowy silhouette. Complete look with heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Ruffled sleeves
- Hidden back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Mini-length A-line silhouette
- Tiered ruffles
- Woven fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1225
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Striking In Satin Mini Dress
Strike a sultry look in satin! The mini dress features a sweetheart neckline with a scalloped lace trim, adjustable spaghetti straps, bustier-like cups and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a stretchy satin fabric that offers a curve hugging fit.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0040
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dazzling Sequin Mesh X-Back Dress
Razzle and dazzle in this sequin mesh dress designed to create the perfect entrance! The dress features a sleeveless v-neck, bungee spaghetti straps that shape the open, x-back design, and a bodycon mini-length hem. Style with an envelope clutch to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neck
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Open x-back design
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Sequin pattern mesh, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1828
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Hit The Bar Satin Slit Short Dress
Hit the bar with the girls looking stunning in this satin short dress featuring a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, dual shoulder straps, underwire bust and front slit cut out, and a bodycon silhouette. Complete your sultry look in teardrop earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Dual shoulder straps, back zipper closure
- Underwire bust, front slit cut out
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Smooth satin fabric
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4596
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance