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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Jess Off The Shoulder Dress
You're known for your moves—make 'em in our dynamite midnight blue satin Jess dress! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamless sleeveless bodice with fold-over detail and back zip, and an A-line flared mini with pockets at either hip. Jess is made from a smooth, shiny material with moderate stretch.Model is 5’9” with a 32” bust, 24.5 waist, and 35” hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0002
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Velvet Burnout Mini Dress
This Semi sheer dress features a high crew neckline, long sleeves, and a sheer bodice that features a halter style underlay that cuts out at the midriff. Hem hits mid thigh and includes a partial mini skirt lining. Dress is composed of a mesh material with a velvet flocked burnout design. This dress is form fitting and offers moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8848
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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In Lust With Lace Mini Dress
You'll be in lust with this gorgeous lace mini. The dress features a sleeveless bodice, tank-like shoulder straps that lead to a sheer back with a zipper closure, a V neckline, a padded bust, sheer waist insets, and lace detailing along the sides. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch and a form hugging fit.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0011
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Luxe Affair Velvet One-Shoulder Mini Dress
Make your next formal party a luxe affair in this smooth velvet mini dress designed with an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline with a partial sweetheart bust and a long fitted sleeve. The ruched faux wrap-front design will accentuate your curves along the bodycon silhouette.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric with front knit lining, moderate stretch
- Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, sweetheart bust with no-slip strip, long fitted sleeve
- Ruched bodice, high waist seam
- Ruched faux wrap-front design
- Mini-length hem
- Bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5862
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lara Formal Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle in our dazzling Lara sequin dress! She features an off the shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with padded cups, long bishop sleeves. and a mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with shimmering sequins throughout. The dress offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone hair clips.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline with a built-in no-slip strip
- Sweetheart bust
- Padded cups
- Long bishop sleeves
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Sequins
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0525
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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Dazzle Diva Glitter Open Back Dress
Dazzle like the diva you are in this shimmering mini dress!
Fits & Features
- Crew neckline
- Fitted long sleeves
- Dramatic open back with draped accent
- Glitter mesh fabric I Fully lined
- Form hugging fit with moderate stretch
- Zipper not included
- Glitter may transfer
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0121
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $15.97 $40.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Julissa Floral Sequin A-Line Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Floral sequins give this mini a fresh, trend-forward finish. The strapless neckline keeps the shape clean, while the lace-up back and front slit add modern detail to the A-line silhouette. The result feels polished, playful, and distinctly current.
Fit & Features
- Floral sequin embellishment, mesh-lined fabric
- Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bra cups
- Lace-up back with satin laces, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning inserts along the bodice
- A-line mini silhouette
- Front slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, fancy brunches, engagement parties, daytime soirees, shower celebrations, anniversaries, dressed-up dates
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001011
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PERIWINKLE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Roxie Beaded Lace Asymmetrical Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Every detail is designed to catch the eye. This embellished lace midi dress combines a close fit with a sheer skirt overlay and uneven hemline for added movement. It makes a memorable impression and easily elevates that special moment!
Fit & Features
- Beaded lace fabrication
- Sleeveless v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Sheer asymmetrical handkerchief hem
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, Formal dances, gala dinners, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, fancy date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001085
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $149.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: YELLOW, IVORY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kelsey Taffeta One-Shoulder Bow Party Dress
Special Occasion
Your fabulous presence will be the perfect gift in the Kelsey mini party dress arriving on the scene! Turn heads in her one-shoulder neckline with dual adjustable spaghetti straps, and a pleated bodycon silhouette that creates the illusion of an hourglass figure. She features a statement side bow with a train that gracefully glides against the floor for a dramatic flair! The formal party mini dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look with stiletto pumps for dressy celebrations and holiday soirees!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
- Statement side bow with train
- Pleated bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1981
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sweet And Flirty Sequin Lace Skater Dress
Sweet and flirty, this adorable skater dress is perfect for Homecoming season! It features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a high waist seam, and a short skater skirt with a fit and flare silhouette. The lined lace fabric features all-over sequin embroidery for the prettiest shine. Complete the look with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High waist seam
- Short skater skirt, fit and flare silhouette
- Sheer lace fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1787
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $21.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Such A Stunner Sequin Mini Dress
You'll look like such a stunner in this radiant sequin mini dress! It features a sleeveless deep V-neckline with a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a short, form-hugging fit, and sequins embroidered in a chic intricate pattern. Style this dress with sparkly earrings and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless wired deep V-neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Mini-length, form-hugging silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, embroidered sequins, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0980
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Rose Formal Taffeta and Lace Party Dress
Special Occasion
Stun as you impress in a dress that brings the charm! Rose features a plunging v-neckline with tank-like straps, an empire waist that flatters curves, and a gorgeous partially open back with lace trim. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Plunging v-neckline
- Vertical seams at the bust
- Empire waist
- Partially open back with floral lace trim
- Party length silhouette with subtle pleats
- Hidden side pockets
- Taffeta fabric, form-hugging fit
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0468
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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Heartbreaker Vixen Mini Dress
Break some hearts in this sultry mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging sweetheart neckline with bustier-like padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps and a curve hugging mini length silhouette that sits mid-thigh. Includes an exposed back zipper closure. Dress is composed of a lined coated faux leather fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0430
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $37.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jia Satin Halter Dress
Special Occasion
Dance the night away in our beautiful Jia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps leading to a halter tie neck, a deep V neckline with padded cups and flattering vertical seams running down the bust, and a high waist seam. Her open back has a lower back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her skater skirt has hidden side pockets and a flowy fit that gives off all the flirty vibes. The dress is composed of a satin-like fabric with a full lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0161
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Glam Invite Glitter And Sequin Mini Dress
Your invite just found its plus one. This glitter mini dress pairs curve-defining ruching with a drop waist, sequin trim, and a flirty hanky hem made for dancing past the group photo.
Fit & Features
- Glitter knit fabric, high stretch
- Sleeveless V-neckline, sequin trim
- Spaghetti straps
- Ruched detailing
- Drop waist design with sequin trim
- Mini-length hanky hem, A-line fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-001144
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $42.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Carina Tulle Polka Dot A-Line Party Dress
Special Occasion
You can't help but feel like a modern day princess in the Carina tulle party dress perfect for dressy celebrations or any fancy affair! She features a sleeveless surplice V-neckline, wide shoulder straps with ties, an adorable smocked tie waist with belt loop accents, and a flattering A-line silhouette and a tiered ruffled short-length hem. The party dress is crafted from a voluminous tulle polka dot fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in statement rhinestone heels and jewelry!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless surplice V-neckline
- Wide shoulder straps with ties
- Smocked tie waist belt, belt loop accents
- A-line silhouette, tiered ruffled short-length hem
- Tulle polka dot fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1961
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tilda Formal Sequin Slit Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Beautifully designed with sparkly sequins, the Tilda formal midi dress brings shine to award banquets, weddings, and dressy birthdays! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, and dual adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, a form-hugging silhouette, and a skin-flaunting front slit along the midi-length hem. The formal knee-length midi dress is composed of a sequin-scroll pattern on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look in sassy block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Dual adjustable spaghetti straps, lightly padded bust
- Form-hugging silhouette, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit, midi-length hem
- Sequin-scroll pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- Bra optional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1646
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Heather Formal Glitter Floral Lace Tiered Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Glow up in a formal glitter dress that is fit for a queen. Make a mesmerizing impression at homecoming in our Heather dress that features a plunging v-neckline, a floral lace fabric with glitter accents, and a twirl-worthy tiered skater silhouette. Complete your elegant look with rhinestone heels and fringe duster earrings.
Fit & Features
- Plunging v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Scoop back
- Floral lace fabric
- Glitter
- Tiered skater silhouette
- Horsehair hem
Model is 5'8" with 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0435
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Trendy Obsession Rosette Ruffle Mini Dress
This chic rosette ruffle mini dress will be your new trendy obsession! It features a sleeveless V-neckline with ruching at the bust, spaghetti straps, a rosette accent below the shoulder with a long cascading ruffled trim, a mini-length hem, and a bodycon silhouette. The smooth knit fabric offers plenty of stretch. Perfect for date night, style this mini-length dress with lace-up heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, ruched bust
- Spaghetti straps
- Rosette accent, long ruffled trim
- Mini-length hem
- Bodycon silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, sewn-in lining, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2553
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $37.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ada Formal Sequin Feather Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Homecoming dresses like the Ada formal sequin midi dress will make you stand out from the crowd! She features a plunge V-neckline with a wire insert, a V-cut back, a padded bust, gorgeous feather trim shoulder straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a flattering front slit along her knee-length hem. The mid-length dress is composed of a shimmering sequin pattern on mesh fabric that brings radiance to your evening and has a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look for HOCO or a gala in this formal midi dress with block heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunge V-neckline, wire insert
- V-cut back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Feather trim shoulder straps
- Bodycon silhouette, front slit, midi-length hem
- Sequin pattern, mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1705
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sparkle Bright Sequin Marabou Dress
Sparkle and shine in this shimmering sequin mini dress perfect for holiday parties and events! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with marabou trim, long fitted sleeves, and a form-hugging silhouette with ruching down the sides. The lined knit fabric features all-over sequin embroidery for a glamorous vibe. Style with rhinestone jewelry to complete the look!
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder neckline, padded cups, marabou trim
- Long fitted sleeves
- Form-hugging silhouette, ruched detailing down the sides
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Mini-length hem
- Sequin embroidery
- Sheer knit fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1862
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Issa Celebration Glitter Mini Dress
Celebrate in style with a glitter blazer, perfect for that upcoming holiday party or birthday! The mini dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, sleek bungee straps, and composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your night out look with the matching blazer and chrome heels!
Shop Matching Blazer: Issa Celebration Glitter Blazer
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Bungee straps
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined glitter knit fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Moderate stretch
- Matching blazer sold separately
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0805
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $12.97 $30.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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A Casual Slay Long Sleeve Mini Dress
Oh you know, just a casual slay. This dress has all the features that we are obsessed with! A deep v neckline, an empire waist, matching buttons down the center, and long sleeves that are balloon style which adds a bohemian flare. Dress is composed of a linen material offers no stretch, and showcases a striking snake skin pattern. Lined at the skirt.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0473
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $20.97 $52.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lust & Lace Mini Dress
Once they see you in this dress, they'll be lusting for you! This allover lace piece features thin shoulder straps that meet at a back sheer lace panel with an exposed zipper closure. It has a V neckline and padded chest for superior comfort and security. Dress is made of lace and features partial lining with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0041
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance