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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Kaitlyn Jacquard Party Short Dress
Special Occasion
Short and sweet, the Kaitlyn party dress is dance floor ready and brings the flirty charm! She features a sleeveless v-neckline with dual adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, and a high-waist seam leading to her tiered, ruffled short hem. The formal dress is composed of a sleek jacquard satin fabric with a knit lining and no stretch. Complete your dressy look in sparkly block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lightly padded bust, bra optional
- Back zipper closure
- High-waist seam
- Tiered, ruffle short-length hem
- Jacquard satin fabric, knit lining, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1130
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ivanka Taffeta Rhinestone Bubble Hem Dress
Special Occasion
Add a flirty flair to your formal wear in the Ivanka taffeta short dress! She features a V-neckline with a wired insert and foldover design, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust, a flattering pleated waist, and an A-line silhouette with a bubble-style short hem. The formal mini dress is composed of a smooth taffeta woven fabric with colored rhinestone embellishments for a sparkly look and has a sewn-in stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with glitzy flat sandals for a sweet sixteen, wedding, or school dance!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wire insert, foldover design
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, padded bust
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated waist, A-line silhouette, bubble-style short hem
- Colored rhinestone embellishments
- Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1980
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ashton Glitter Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
For the kind of entrance that feels effortless yet unforgettable, the Ashton dress brings just the right amount of shimmer to the room. Designed in glitter fabric with an off-the-shoulder neckline, bodycon midi silhouette, and sleek front slit, it’s a polished statement made for formal evenings alike.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit stretch fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Flexible boning inserts along the bodice
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front high slit
- Bodycon midi-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, cocktail parties, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, date nights, anniversary dinners, birthdays, shower celebrations, milestone parties, award nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000720
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XS
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Audrey Strapless Taffeta Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Always make a classy entrance in the Audrey formal party dress at semi-formal and dressy events. The short dress showcases a strapless sweetheart neckline leading to a fitted bodice with a chic drop waist seam while the skater silhouette flatters your figure. Complete the look with earrings and block heels.
This dress brings the fun and the fashion. If you love a bold, playful look, explore our stylish short prom dresses or make an entrance in our stunning short wedding guest dresses in short and mini lengths.
Fit & Features
- Taffeta woven fabric
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Drop waist seam
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2579
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mesh Affection Cold Shoulder Dress
Capture the attention of the club in this mesh cold shoulder dress! It features sheer long sleeves with split cuffs, spaghetti straps, an empire waist seam, and a curve-hugging silhouette with side ruching and a mini-length hem. Complete the look in sassy heels.
Fit & Features
- Cold shoulder neckline
- Sheer long sleeves, split cuffs, spaghetti straps
- Empire waist seam
- Curve-hugging, side ruching
- Mini-length hem
- Mesh-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4599
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rosalie Sequin Embroidered Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for the spotlight, the Rosalie satin mini dress stuns with a sculpted off-shoulder neckline and sequin floral embroidered detailing that catches every glance. The lace-up back and body-hugging fit bring a sultry finish that feels as unforgettable as the night itself.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bust, off-the-shoulder straps
- Structured boning
- Floral embroidered applique, sequin and beaded embellishments
- Open lace-up back, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, winter formal, birthday celebrations, dinner parties, and formal nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000072
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Going Out Satin Slit Mini Dress
By the way, you'll be going out tonight in this stunning satin dress! It features a sleeveless square neck with a pleated, foldover design, spaghetti straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a front-side slit accent. Style with a mesh rhinestone handbag to complete the look.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, pleated foldover design
- Spaghetti straps
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front side slit accent
- Mini-length hem
- Smooth satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4877
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Julissa Knot Front Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and glitter like the night sky in our statement Julissa!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline With Twist Front Design
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Ruching Along The Sides & Center Back
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Fully Lined, Mesh Knit Fabric With Heat Stone Embellishments All Over
- Curve Hugging Fit With Ample Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0249
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $25.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Davina Satin Bodycon Sash Mini Dress
Special Occasion
For the entrance that feels effortlessly commanding, the Davina dress showcases sleek satin with a one-shoulder draped neckline and a sculpting bodycon silhouette. Ruched detailing contours the fit while a dramatic side sash adds fluid movement that elevates every step.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin, sewn-in knit lining
- Draped one-shoulder neckline
- Attached side sash
- Bodycon silhouette with ruched shaping
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, birthday dinners, cocktail parties, formal celebrations, date nights, bachelorettes
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000688
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: MOCHA, LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
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Brenda Velvet Cutout Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Designed for those slow-motion, all-eyes-up moments, the Brenda formal dress glows in luxe velvet with a sculpted bodycon fit that traces every curve. The cowl sweetheart neckline, front slit, and cutout twist back create an effortlessly refined silhouette that delivers chic drama from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Soft stretch velvet fabric lined with knit
- Cowl neckline with tank-style straps, padded bra cups
- Back cutout detail at the back with twist-knot design
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front slit, midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, galas, formal celebrations, holiday parties, New Year's Eve, cocktail soirees, birthday dinners, fashion-forward events, art gallery openings, formal receptions, red-carpet occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000586
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M
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Dazzle Goddess Demask Sequin Mini Dress
Glow on, girl! This sequin dress brings the highlight to your next night out with shimmering sequins. The dress features a luxe demask sequin print, a trendy square neckline, and a curve-hugging mini-length silhouette. Complete your look with sleek stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Demask sequin design on a sheer mesh fabric
- Knit lining
- Moderate stretch
- Mini length silhouette
- Form-hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0864
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $18.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Anita Mock Neck Ruched Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Accentuate all your curves in the Anita midi dress!
Fits & Features
- Mock Neckline
- Long Fitted Sleeves
- Ruching Throughout Front
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Jersey Knit Composition
- Bodycon Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
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: 05001-0319
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Shay Tropical Printed Bead Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for the nights when blending in simply isn't on the itinerary, the Shay mini dress brings bold glamour to every RSVP. This beaded mesh dress features a sculpted strapless silhouette, intricate tropical-inspired print, and a twisted sweetheart neckline that catches attention from every angle.
Fit & Features
- Printed tropical design, beaded embellishments, mesh-lined fabric
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, non-slip grip lining
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Bachelorettes, birthday dinners, date nights, cocktail parties, fashion-forward events, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000783
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XXS, XS, S
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Silvia Floral Bow Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Romantic with a confident twist, the Silvia floral print taffeta woven mini dress is designed for entrances that linger a little longer. The strapless neckline, bodycon mini silhouette, and statement back bow with train create a polished look that feels intentional, elevated, and unforgettable.
Fit & Features
- Taffeta structured woven fabric, lined, floral print design
- Strapless neckline
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini silhouette with tailored shaping
- Statement back bow detail with train
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Bridal celebrations, engagement parties and photoshoots, dressy baby showers, formal garden parties, cocktail receptions, fancy brunch birthdays, formal dances, vacations, resort destinations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000504
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLUE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Adina Velvet Long Sleeve Open Back Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The velvet mini dress features a crew neckline with a twist accent, a cutout above the bust, an open lower back design, long fitted sleeves, and a chic side slit at the mini-length hem. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with knit lining, moderate stretch
- Crew neckline with twist accent, cutout at the bust
- Open lower back
- Long fitted sleeves
- Mini-length hem with side slit
- Bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2410
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Trendy And Ruched Mini Dress
Step up your style with this trendy mini dress that is perf for the cooler months! It features a deep V-neckline, long bishop sleeves, a high waist seam, and a ruched skirt with a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette and a front adjustable drawstring. Pair this dress with chic mules.
Fit & Features
- Deep V-neckline, pleated detailing
- Long bishop sleeves, smocked hems
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, short, form-fitting silhouette
- Ruching, front adjustable drawstring
- Woven fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4061
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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A Sultry Moment Mesh Mini Dress
Have a sultry style moment in this chic mesh mini dress. It features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, sheer short drape sleeves, ruching at the bodice, ruching down the sides, and a short, curve-hugging bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline
- Sheer short drape sleeves
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Ruching at the bodice
- Ruching down the sides
- Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1157
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Choose To Sparkle Mini Dress
Choose to sparkle this weekend! This glittering mini features a scoop style neckline, spaghetti straps and a short hemline. Dress is composed of a mesh knit material and is fully lined. Glitter shows a diamond pattern and reflects silver and various colors when the light is caught. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0204
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Wrapped in the Moment Mesh Mini Dress
All eyes on you, always. This mesh mini dress stuns with a flattering wrap design and dramatic side sash that brings instant spotlight appeal. Perfect for weddings, celebrations, or your next major date.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric with partial lining
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Ruched bodice with side draping
- Mini-length hem with attached sash
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001082
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $24.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Twila Satin Lace-Up Corset Skater Dress
Special Occasion
The satin skater dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline supported with tank-like shoulder straps, a corset bodice accented with flexible boning for additional support, a lace-up back design, and a short pleated skater hem. Complete formal outfit with chandelier earrings.
Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Lined satin-like fabrication
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded bra cups
- Tank shoulder straps
- Corset bodice with flexible boning
- Lace-up back design
- Short pleated skater hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2568
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Totally Smitten Satin Strapless Skater Dress
Everyone will be totally smitten over you in this gorgeous satin skater dress at cocktail parties or weddings! It features a strapless square neckline with a v-wire insert, a pleated bust, hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm, and a short-length hem. Complete the look in rhinestone heels and a bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Strapless square neckline
- V-wire insert, pleated bust
- Hidden side pockets
- Skater silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Lined satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2345
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $5.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lucia Metallic Lace Party Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be the center of attention in the stunning Lucia party dress! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline with a padded bust and a structured bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an alluring open back with a lace-up strappy design for a customized fit. Her high waist seam flows out to a short party skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. The lined lace fabric features a metallic thread woven throughout. Style this dress with glitzy earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline
- Padded bust, structured bodice, flexible boning
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, open back, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- High waist seam, lower back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Short party skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer lace fabric, metallic thread woven throughout
- Full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1043
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Gabrielle Rhinestone One-Shoulder Mini Dress
Special Occasion
All shimmer, all sophistication—the Gabrielle mini dress is made to command attention. Crafted from rhinestone knit fabric with a draped cowl neckline and sculpted wrap-style mini hem, it’s the perfect mix of modern glamour and timeless polish.
Fit & Features
- Rhinestone-embellished, knit-lined stretchy fabric
- One-shoulder neckline with drape
- Flexible boning inserts
- Bodycon silhouette
- Wrap-style mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Cocktail parties, birthdays, date nights, bachelorettes, Vegas, glam soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000513
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK, ROYAL
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Chic Romance Floral Satin Lace-Up Skater Dress
Showcase a chic romantic aura in this floral satin jacquard skater dress featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline, flexible boning at the bodice for added structure, and lace-up sides for a snatched silhouette. The short skater skirt adds a sweet feminine vibe to the stunning style.
Fit & Features
- Floral satin jacquard woven fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, no-slip strip
- Flexible boning
- Lace-up sides
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Short-length skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3651
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale