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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Hannah Glitter Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle up the night in the pretty Hannah glitter mesh party dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a wrap-front design, adjustable spaghetti straps, a flattering high waist, and a flirty and flowy party skirt. The sheer mesh fabric includes a lining and has gorgeous all-over glitter detailing. Complete the look with rhinestone earrings and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Wrap-front design, padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper closure
- High waist, short party skirt
- Sheer mesh fabric, lining, glitter detailing, petticoat
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0453
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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On To The Next Satin Dress
Create a sultry look in satin! This body-con style dress features a V neckline and spaghetti straps that lead to a square back with a zipper closure. The dress features a triple empire detail below the cup and a hem that hits above the knee. Dress is composed of a satin material that offers slight stretch and a form fit.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0249
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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On The Guest List Strapless Lace-Up Satin Mini Dress
Feel like a VIP when you show up in this satin mini dress to the club or party! This mini dress is sure to turn heads with its strapless sweetheart neckline and lace-up back. The padded bra cups provide support and the attached scarf adds a touch of elegance. The A-line silhouette and mini-length hem add a trendy and flattering touch. Complete the look in high heels.
Fit & Features
- Satin fabric, bust knit lining, minimal stretch
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Padded bra cups
- Attached scarf
- Lace-up back
- A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5682
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Aline Woven Glitter Lace Up Party Dress
Special Occasion
Glow this evening in our Aline dress that brings the glamour to your special event. She features a sweetheart neckline with a v-neck mesh inset, a sexy lattice back, and a party-length silhouette with hidden side pockets. Complete your glowing evening outfit with a sleek clutch and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline with V-neck mesh inset
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Party-length silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Woven glitter fabric
- Form hugging fit
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0487
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Decadent Style Flocked Velvet Mini Dress
Showcase a decadent style in this flocked velvet mini dress! Crafted on mesh fabric with a regal velvet pattern, this mini-length dress features fitted long sleeves, a mock neckline with back button closures, a bodycon silhouette, and a mini-length hem. Complete the look in statement heels for a birthday dinner or cocktail hour!
Fit & Features
- Fitted long sleeves
- Mock neckline, back button closures
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Flocked velvet pattern
- Mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2770
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $5.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Prettiest Sparkle Glitter Knit Skater Dress
Show off the prettiest sparkle in this adorable glitter knit skater dress! It features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back strap design, a high waist seam, and a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. Style with block heels and a rhinestone embellished evening bag.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back strap design
- High waist seam
- Short skater skirt
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2063
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Let The Party Begin Sequin Mini Dress
Let the party commence! The qween has arrived! This dazzling party dress is designed with a mock halter neckline, a sleeveless bodice, and a form fitting silhouette. Dress is composed of a mesh material that showcases a scroll sequin pattern that reflects rose gold. Offering slight stretch, the dress features a full lining and a zipper closure at the back.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0145
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Knit Mini Dress
This mini dress is composed of a very soft knit material. It is form fitting, hugs your curves and has a maximum stretch, and the hem meets mid thigh. It features a round neckline and spaghetti straps that lead to a round back. This dress will pair well with sneakers and a jean jacket or a leather jacket and heels! Play dress up with it, it goes with everything!
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0232
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $16.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Just A Kiss Mini Dress
Just a kiss of glam is just the touch you need! This dress features a v neckline, spaghetti straps, and a form fitting silhouette. Dress has an asymmetrical hem that hits mid thigh. Back of dress features a rhinestone bar detail. Composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3629
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dainty Darling V-Neck Mesh Dress
Make your next event a little more darling in this dainty and divine swiss dot mesh mini dress featuring sheer peasant sleeves, a v-neck, and side ruching that accentuates your curves along the form-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with a faux pearl handbag for afternoon tea!
Fit & Features
- Sheer peasant sleeves, v-neck
- Side ruching, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Swiss dot mesh fabric, partially lined
- Minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2039
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sassy Straps Crepe Mini Dress
Keep it sassy and fab with this head turning mini dress! it features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wrap V neckline, a bold open back with bar strap accents and a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Zipper not included.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0276
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Glam Girl Mini Dress
Hey girly! Have a major glamorous moment in this glitter knit mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, tank-like shoulder straps, a V neck and back, a lined and padded bust, flattering vertical detailing down the bust, a hidden back zipper closure, a high waist seam, and a short, form hugging fit with a front slit. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric with a full knit lining.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0014
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Arya Taffeta Bow Strapless Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Fashion is the gift that keeps on giving and the Arya party mini dress is the perfect present! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline with non-slip grip lining, a statement bow that has arm holes and ruched sides, side and back ruched seams to accentuate your curves along her bodycon silhouette, and a flirty mini-length hem to show some leg! The party dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete the look with earrings and chic heels for a school dance, banquet, or dressy celebration!
Fit & Features
- Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining
- Statement bow, armhole accents, ruched sides
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side and back ruched seams, bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining, minimal stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1583
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Waverly Formal Glitter And Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Make the A-list with a formal party dress that brings all the glitz to your night out! Waverly features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built-in no slip strip, flexible boning in the bodice, padded cups, a sequin and glitter pattern throughout, a lace-up back, and a party length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with chrome heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Built-in no-slip strip
- Padded cups, flexible boning
- Sequin and glitter pattern
- Party length silhouette, hidden side pockets
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0718
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $44.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Regal Chick Off The Shoulder Dress
Bring the royalty allure in this off-the-shoulder dress featuring a chic off-the-shoulder neckline, padded bust, long sleeves, and a bodycon short-length hem. The dress showcases a burnout velvet scroll pattern. Complete the look in platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline
- Long sleeves
- Padded bust, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Velvet scroll pattern, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2118
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $24.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Charlotte Asymmetrical Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
If you want a trendy and chic eye-catching look, the Charlotte sleek satin mini dress is for you! She features a one-shoulder neckline with a single long fitted sleeve, a high waistband with a dramatic floor-length side draped panel, and a short, wrap-front skirt with a curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with sparkly earrings and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, long fitted sleeve
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waistband, floor-length side draped panel
- Mini-length, form-hugging fit, wrap-front skirt
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0668
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Get Your Glow On Mini Dress
Get that glow going with this sparkling glitter mini dress!
Fit & Features
- Square Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Vertical Seams
- Glitter
- Lined
- Form Hugging Fit
- Slight Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0418
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Darleen Brocade Lace-Up Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Fit for the spotlight yet timeless in detail, the Darleen short formal dress brings a touch of modern romance. Crafted from rich brocade with a corset bodice and lace-up back, this skater silhouette moves effortlessly—finished with a peek of tulle trim that keeps every twirl picture-perfect.
Fit & Features
- Brocade woven fabric, tulle trim stretch knit lining
- Sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset-structured bodice, flexible boning
- Back lace-up design, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- Skater silhouette, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Winter formals, weddings, holiday parties, celebratory dinners, birthday events, special night-out occasions, engagement parties, family celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000549
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Decadent Beauty Flocked Floral Velvet Skater Dress
Arrive on the scene in this flocked floral velvet skater dress featuring a flattering sweetheart neckline, flirty spaghetti tie straps, and a short-length hem perfect for styling with block heels.
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
- Flocked floral velvet pattern, mesh lined fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
- Spagehtti tie straps
- Back zipper hook-eye closure
- Skater silhouete
- Short-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2609
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Celebrate All Night Velvet Dress
The perfect velvet short dress for an all-night celebration! The dress features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with ruffle trim, padded bust, and side and back ruched seams that accentuate your curves along the form-hugging silhouette. Complete your dressy look in clear strap heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neck, ruffle trim
- Padded bust
- Side and back ruched seams
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Velvet fabric, lined, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1819
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $20.97 $45.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Captivating Glitter Open Back Dress
Lock down a glowing look with this sparkling open back mini dress bby!
Fit & Features
- Crew Neck
- Long Sleeves
- Strappy Open Back
- Glitter
- Lined
- Form Hugging Fit
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0306
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $38.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Liliane Sequin Velvet Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Liliane sequin velvet mini dress has party written all over it! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline adorned with shoulder straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a flirty front slit along the mini-length hem. The formal mini dress is crafted with dazzling sequins on velvet fabric for the perfect shimmer and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in lace-up heels for a birthday party or GNO!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline
- Shoulder straps
- Bodycon silhouette
- Front slit, mini-length hem
- Sequin velvet fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra friendly design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1356
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Michelle Sequin Mesh Party Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a gorgeous and glam look this holiday season in our pretty Michelle party dress! She features a high neckline with a back zipper closure, a high waist, a flirty skater skirt, and lined side pockets. The dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with an all-over intricate sequin pattern and a knit lining. Pair this dress with strappy heels and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- High neckline
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist
- Skater skirt
- Lined side pockets
- Sheer mesh fabric with a sequin pattern
- Knit lining
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0419
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Casual Cut Out Mini Dress
This cute and casual cut out mini is perf for your next day out. The dress features an off the shoulder elastic banded square neckline, short sleeves, a trendy front cut out at the waist, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a stretchy knit fabric with a knit lining.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0211
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance