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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Kyla Velvet Cutout Skater Short Dress
Special Occasion
Decadent and daring, the Kyla velvet corset skater dress is made for entrances that stop the room. With its sculpted bodice, open back, and twirl-ready skirt, it delivers luxe drama for making an entrance.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric
- Pleated sweetheart neckline
- Wide shoulder straps
- Corset-designed bodice, drop waist seam
- Cutout back
- Skater silhouette, short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, milestone celebrations, red-carpet occasions, holiday soirees, date nights, birthday dinners, semi-formal events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000481
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Devin Sequin One-Shoulder Marabou Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Lines of sparkling sequins add glamorous diva allure to the Devin party dress to memorize at a dressy banquet or cocktail party! She features a classy one-shoulder neckline, a long blouson sleeve with a fab marabou feather cuff, an elasticized cinch waist, and a short form-hugging silhouette. The party dress is crafted from sequin-embellished mesh fabric with a sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with statement hoop earrings and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Long blouson sleeve, marabou feather cuff
- Elasticized cinch waist
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Sequin-embellished mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1762
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Janelly Floral Mesh Rhinestone Party Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the flirt factor in the Janelly party dress for prom, banquets, and sweet sixteen celebrations! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a wire insert, a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a rhinestone embellished waist trim that leads to her voluminous skater short silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a fab floral mesh textured design with multiple tulle and woven linings. Complete the look in sassy platform heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wire insert, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Rhinestone waist trim, skater short silhouette
- Floral mesh textured design, tulle and woven linings
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1444
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Now You See Me Crepe Mini Dress
All the attention will be on you stepping into the club wearing this crepe mini dress featuring long sleeves, a mock neck, front mesh inserts, and a bodycon silhouette. Style with rhinestone hoops to complete the look.
Fit & Features
- Long sleeves, mock neck
- Front mesh inserts
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Crepe fabric, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4770
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Yvette Deep V Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle and shine in our glamourous Yvette! You'll be looking your absolute best in her glistening silhouette.
Fits & Features
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Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Midi Length Silhouette I Side Slit
- Glitter Woven Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Glitter May Transfer
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: 05001-0343
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
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Midnight Drama Sequin Mini Dress
Bring the drama as you dance the night away until the stroke of midnight in this gorg mini! The dress features a mock neck, long fitted sleeves, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, and a short, mid-thigh length with a form hugging fit. The sheer mesh fabric is adorned with all over sequins in an intricate pattern and includes a stretchy partial knit lining.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8692
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $21.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Fiona Crepe Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Slip right into the enchanting Fiona and make a lasting impression!
Fits & Features
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Wired V Neckline I Padded Cups
- Fitted Long Sleeves With Puff Shoulders
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Midi Length Silhouette With Slit At Front
- Crepe Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0331
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Wired V Neckline I Padded Cups
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Chic Burnout Chiffon Bubble Hem Skater Dress
A chic skater dress with flirty details everyone will admire! The short dress boasts an alluring plunge V-neckline and an open-back design. Complete the look with heels.
Fit & Features
- Burnout chiffon fabric with woven lining, no stretch
- Plunge V-neckline, center cutout
- Tie-shoulder straps
- Open back, horizontal elastic bar strap
- High waist
- Short bubble hem, skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3662
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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Satin Sweetheart Ruffle Mini Dress
Sleek and stunning, this satin mini is your new fave for sure.
Fits & Features
- Ruffle Detail Shoulder Straps
- Square Back With Hidden Zip & Hook Eye Closure
- Sweetheart Neckline With Wired Bust
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Satin-Like Fabric I Knit Lining
- Plenty Of Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0259
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Brooke Cowl Neck Sequin Tulle A-Line Party Dress
Special Occasion
Party-perfect and all about dancing, the Brooke sequin tulle party dress makes a remarkable impression at birthdays, prom, and graduation parties! The cowl neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps create a flattering silhouette, while the flexible boning provides support. The short-length hem and intricate sequin pattern add a touch of glamour to this tulle and stretchy knit-lined party dress! Complete the look in block heels and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sequin pattern, tulle fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cowl neckline, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning
- A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2141
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $76.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alayah Feather Trim Velvet Formal Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the dramatic allure and chic style to your next fancy party in the Alayah feather trim velvet formal mini dress. She features an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline with a long bell sleeve with a fabulous marabou feather trim, flattering ruching down the back, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette that will hug your figure. The luxe velvet fabric includes a smooth knit lining. Complete your look with rhinestone fringe earrings.
Fit & Features
- Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline
- Long bell sleeve, marabou feather trim
- High waist seam, ruching down the back
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Velvet fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1602
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Curves Ahead Knit Mini Dress
Show off your va-va voom curves in this curve hugging mini dress! It features a mock neck, fitted long sleeves and a mini length silhouette accented with a mini side slit. Dress is composed of a lined ponte knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0240
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Emilliana Lace-Up Floral Embroidered Skater Dress
Special Occasion
With the most darling detail, the Emilliana skater dress will be the most adorable in the room! The short dress boasts a flirty lace-up back that turns heads and a beautiful floral embroidery pattern.
Fit & Features
- Floral embroidery, mesh fabric, mesh and stretchy knit linings
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Back lace-up, cutout, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning
- Skater silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, weddings, dressy celebrations, date nights, garden parties, graduations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000021
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Hailee Formal Satin Pleated A-Line Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Pretty and elegant details make the Hailee formal satin dress a stunning option for wedding guests or fancy celebrations! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross along the back, a pleated bust, and a flattering pleated A-line silhouette and midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a smooth silky satin woven fabric that brings the luxe! Complete the look with statement earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross back
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated bust
- Pleated A-line silhouette, midi-length hem
- Silky satin woven fabric, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1933
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Bold Statement Strapless Ruffle Mini Dress
Little black dress, bold statement! Step out and stun in this strapless mesh mini dress featuring a sweetheart neckline, a ruched and lightly padded bust, and a front ruffle trim along the bodycon silhouette. Complete the look in platform heels for a dressy birthday party!
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Ruched and lightly padded bust
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front ruffle trim
- Mini-length hem
- Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2545
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Cool Cat Leopard Off Shoulder Mini Dress
Leopard prints FTW. You'll be having a moment everywhere you go in the Cool Cat off shoulder mini dress!
Fits & Features
- Smocked Off Shoulder Neckline
- Roomy Cuffed Long Sleeves
- Elastic, Smocked Skirt
- Subtly Pleated, Mini-Length Hemline
- Form-Hugging Fit WIth Plenty Of Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0397
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tanya Pearl-Trim Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase that beautiful back in our simply stunning velvet Tanya dress! She features a round neckline, long sleeves, a seamed bodice, a dramatic open back with rows of pearls and clear rhinestones snaking the periphery, and a slim pencil skirt. Tanya has a bodycon construction and is made from a tactile velvet material with moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0137
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Romina Floral Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Shine takes the lead with a floral sequin design that catches every angle. The Romina bodycon mini dress keeps the look sleek with a V-neckline, slim straps, and a lace-up open back. It brings the kind of high-impact detail that makes the outfit feel instantly done.
Fit & Features
- Knit fabric with lining, moderate stretch
- Floral sequin design
- V-neckline with padded bust
- Dual spaghetti straps
- Open back with lace-up detail, lower zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length bodycon fit
- Runs true to size
Where To Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, fancy date nights, bachelorette parties, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000899
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN, NAVY
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
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Sultry Radiance Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Entice them all with sultry radiance in this stunning sequin mini dress! It features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline with a wired notched design, a padded bust, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up design for a customized fit, and a mini-length hem with a form-fitting bodycon silhouette. The lined mesh fabric features all-over sequin embroidery in an eye-catching scroll pattern. Complete your look in this mini-length dress with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunging V-neckline, wired notched design
- Padded bust
- Spaghetti straps, open back, lace-up design, tie closure
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1996
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $22.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Show It Velvet Mini Dress
Show a little, or show a lot!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Spaghetti Straps
- Wrap-Like Skirt With Pleated Accents
- Asymmetrical Hemline
- Velvet Composition
- Form-Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0268
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Twinkling Moments Glitter Mini Dress
Create a moment that will enchant in this twinkling mini dress! It features a plunging wrap V neckline, long sleeves with lightly padded shoulders, a mini length silhouette with envelope hem and ruching on the left seam. Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric with geometric design. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Zipper not featured.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0124
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $15.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Taste Of Lace Mini Dress
Take a chance with a hint of lace for your next night out! This sexy mini dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, spaghetti straps and a bold open back with delicate lace trim. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0207
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Tanya Twill Strapless Bow Party Dress
Special Occasion
The Tanya party dress vows to make sure you look absolutely striking for your special day! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining, a delicately pleated waist sash that leads to the statement satin bow on the back, and a short form-hugging silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a lightweight twill woven fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in rhinestone block heels to add a hint of glamour!
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated waist sash, back statement satin bow
- Form-hugging silhouette, short-length hem
- Lightweight twill woven fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Strapless bra or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1609
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rhea Formal One Shoulder Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your sophisticated demeanor in the Rhea formal dress to bring effortless beauty to dinner parties, mixers, and date nights! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, dual asymmetrical spaghetti straps, a form-hugging silhouette, and a flirty slit along her midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a crepe knit fabric with a moderate stretch. Style with sparkly hoop earrings and heels to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Dual asymmetrical spaghetti straps
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Slit accent
- Midi-length hem
- Crepe knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1351
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free