Short Cocktail Dresses

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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.

  • Striking Sequins Ombre Mini Dress

    Shine and stand out in the Striking Sequins mini dress! With gleaming sequins throughout and an ombre-styled design, you'll be bringing the glam everywhere you go. 

    Fits & Features
    • Spaghetti Straps
    • V Neckline
    • Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At Back 
    • Form-Hugging Fit 
    • Little To No Stretch
    • Fully Lined
    • Ombre-Sequined Mesh Knit 
    Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0380

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $47.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Golden Glam Glitter Mini Dress

      Glow on in luxe shine to make a stunning impression! The mini dress features a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, built in padded cups, tank-like shoulder straps and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0174

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $17.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Maria Glitter Bow Off-The-Shoulder Skater Dress

      Special Occasion

      Made for your spotlight entrance, the Maria glitter dress captures movement and elegance in every step. With a structured corset bodice, flirty skater silhouette, and a shimmering glitter woven fabric, her off-the-shoulder bow neckline is the perfect RSVP-ready detail.

      Fit & Features:

      • Glitter woven fabric, tulle and knit linings
      • Sweetheart bow off-the-shoulder neckline, padded bra cups
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Corset bodice with flexible boning
      • Hidden side pockets
      • Skater silhouette, short-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, weddings, red carpet events, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, rehearsal dinners, formal occasions

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000012

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Lennon Satin Feather Trim Formal Skater Dress

      Special Occasion

      Vivacious and chic, the Lennon satin formal skater dress will dramatically level up your party look! She features a sleeveless subtle sweetheart neckline with a fabulous ostrich feather trim, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a fitted bodice with flexible boning inserts to provide structure. Her high waist seam flows out to a short pleated skater skirt with hidden side pockets and a flirty fit and flare silhouette with a tulle lining. The smooth satin woven fabric includes a full woven lining. Style with lace-up heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, ostrich feather trim
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden back zipper, hook and eye closure
      • Fitted bodice, flexible boning inserts, high waist seam
      • Short skater skirt, pleating, hidden side pockets, fit and flare silhouette
      • Satin woven fabric, woven and tulle lining
      • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1622

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $129.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Ellie Sleeveless Satin Party Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Keep it luxe in a satin dress that brings the flare in our chic Ellie dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flared party-length silhouette with trendy side pockets to pose in! Complete your head-turning look with rhinestone earrings

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless V-neckline
      • Vertical seams at the bodice
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Party-length silhouette
      • Hidden side pockets
      • Satin fabric
      • Form-hugging fit 

       

      Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust,  25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0474

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Capture The Spotlight Heat Stone Mini Dress

      Be the center of attention in this showstopping mini dress. Glisten and dazzle everywhere you go!

      Fits & Features

      • Mock Neckline
      • Unlined, Fitted Long Sleeves
      • Mini Length Silhouette
      • Lined, Mesh Fabric With Heat Stone Embellishments Throughout
      • Curve-Hugging Fit
      • Moderate Stretch 

       

      Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0550

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Leila Velvet One-Shoulder Midi Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      Designed to flatter from every angle, The Leila formal dress is equal parts sultry and refined. Cut from plush velvet, this form-hugging silhouette features a one-shoulder sweetheart neckline and a wrap front slit that moves beautifully with you through every entrance and exit.

      Fit & Features

      • Soft velvet-lined fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • One-shoulder sweetheart wired neckline
      • Wrap front slit
      • Form-hugging silhouette
      • Midi-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, black tie galas, cocktail soirees, holiday parties, formal celebrations, birthday dinners, fancy date nights, receptions

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000510

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: WINE

      Available Size: XS, S

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Butterfly Babe Metallic Mini Dress

      Sparkle and gleam like the social butterfly that you are with a magical Halloween costume! This mini dress features a sweetheart neckline, zipper closure at the back, and spaghetti straps that are adjustable and lead to a square back. The dress has a built in bra with padding and wire, a full lining, and a curve hugging fit. It is composed of a metallic pink glitter material that offers moderate stretch. Pair this mini with the matching accessories to create a magically inspired look!

      Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0295

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $33.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Stunning Flocked Velvet Mini Dress
      Keep it stunning in this luxe mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, spaghetti straps that cross at the back and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with a flocked velvet design. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Zipper closure not included.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0257

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $39.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Va Va Venom Knit Dress

      You don't bite, but you're ready to pounce! Channel your wild side in this bold mini. Dress slips on, has a curve-hugging fit, and features spaghetti straps and a scoop neck. Dress is made from a ultra-soft brushed knit fabric with a fair amount of stretch. 

      Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0169

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $24.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Joelle Satin Corset Skater Dress

      Special Occasion

      Made for the nights you won’t forget, the Joelle satin skater dress pairs a structured corset bodice with a twirl-worthy moment. With delicate straps, a lace-up back, and a pleated fit-and-flare silhouette, it’s the perfect mix of polished and playful.

      Fit & Features

      • Premium satin fabric
      • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, V-wired center insert
      • Pleated bust, built-in padding, corset bodice, flexible boning
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Lace-up back design, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
      • Hidden side pockets, short pleated skater silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, birthday celebrations, weddings, and dinner parties.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000566

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $59.97 $129.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Tegan Taffeta Corset Party Bubble Dress

      Special Occasion

      Bring the flirt factor in the Tegan taffeta party dress perfect for school dances, banquets, and dressy birthdays! She features a sleeveless square neckline, tank shoulder straps, a corset bodice with flexible boning, and an adorable short-length bubble hem. The party dress is composed of a taffeta woven fabric with a sewn-in knit lining. Complete the look in platform heels and earrings!

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless square neckline, tank shoulder straps
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Corset bodice, flexible boning
      • Short-length bubble hem
      • Taffeta woven fabric, sewn-in knit lining
      • Regular bra or sticky bra recommended
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1591

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Kara Glitter Satin Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      Light up the night in the stunningly gorgeous Kara glitter satin mini dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a deep V back with ruched detailing, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete your look with rhinestone statement earrings and fab new heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • V neckline, padded cups
      • Princess seams, front high waistband
      • Deep V back with ruching
      • Back zipper closure
      • Short, form-hugging fit
      • Glitter satin fabric
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0577

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $39.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Glitter Gloss Open Back Mini Dress

      Glitter and glow in this mini-length dress!

      Fits & Features

      • Plunging V neckline
      • Long sleeves
      • Cut out strappy design at back
      • Glitter knit fabric I Lining at the bodice
      • Form-fitting silhouette offers little to no stretch
      • Zipper not included
      • Glitter may transfer

         

        Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0280

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $15.97 $40.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Velvet Darling Asymmetrical Mini Dress

        Make it a velvet affair in this glam mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V neckline, spaghetti straps, and a mini length asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Zipper not included.

        Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0158

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Floral Goddess Skater Dress

        Be a stunning floral goddess in this beyond gorg skater dress. It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a multi strap cross back design, a wired V neckline, a high waist seam, and a flirty and flowy skater skirt. The dress is composed of a scuba knit fabric with a flocked floral print to really catch the light.

        Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0031

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $17.97 $44.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Hello Gorgeous Wrap Mini Dress
        Hey gorgeous! Flatter those curves in this blush pink wrap mini dress! It features a deep V neckline that wraps and ties at the waist, narrow shoulder straps, and a wrap skirt that creates a tulip hem. Dress offers a comfortable slim fit and is composed of a stretchy, crepe knit fabric. 

        Model is 5'8" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 33.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
         

        Style Number/Barcode: 05102-4018

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $32.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Daytime Affair Ponte Skater Dress
        Get ready for a fab daytime affair in this light blue skater dress! It features a fitted bodice with a deep V neckline, double shoulder straps that cross at the back, princess seams, and a high waist seam leading to a flowy skirt with a double layer hem. Dress is composed of a ponte knit fabric with a moderate stretch. 

        Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist, and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8794

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $10.00 $45.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Stevie Bustier A-Line Satin Party Dress

        Special Occasion

        Make everyone gasp with your beauty in the Stevie bustier satin party dress at the school dance or birthday event! Crafted from a smooth satin woven fabric to give your look an elevated luxe. She features a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a bustier bodice with a built-in padded underwire bust and flexible boning for a flawless silhouette. The drop waist seam and skater silhouette create a timeless look, while the mini-length hem adds a touch of playfulness. Complete the look with a necklace set, clutch, and heels

        Fit & Features

        • Satin woven fabric lined with stretchy knit
        • Sweetheart neckline
        • Adjustable spaghetti straps
        • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
        • Built-in padded underwire bust, flexible boning
        • Skater silhouette
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2206

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Wrapped In Glamour Crepe Mini Dress

        Wrap yourself with a glam mini dress that stuns from all your best angles! The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, a tank shoulder strap, and a wrap mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with hoops and heels. 

        Fit & Features

        • One-shoulder neckline, sweetheart bust
        • Tank shoulder strap
        • Wrap silhouette
        • Mini length 
        • Lined crepe fabric
        • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3866

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $6.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • The Glow Up Glitter Mini Dress

        Light up the night with some serious glitter shine! Go for that glow-up look with this chic mini dress! 

        Fits & Features

        • Plunging Wired V Neckline
        • Ruched Bodice
        • Spaghetti Straps | Cross Back 
        • Glitter
        • Form Hugging Fit
        • Moderate Stretch
        • Fully Lined 

          Black: Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small

          Red: Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0600

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $44.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Classic Chic Vibes Mini Dress

          Elevate your everyday style with this mini dress that will give you those classic chic vibes! It features a V-neckline with a wrap-front design, shirring at the bust, flowy half-length sleeves, a cinching high waist seam, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with heels and a cute clutch.

          Fit & Features

          • V-neckline, wrap-front design
          • Shirring at the bust
          • Flowy half-length sleeves
          • Cinching high waist seam
          • Mini-length, form-hugging fit
          • Knit fabric, ruched detailing
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0997

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $32.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Reese Formal Strapless Marabou Glitter Midi Dress

          Special Occasion

          Glam up your evenings with the Reese formal glitter midi dress for Homecoming or formal celebrations! She features a strapless neckline with a fabulous marabou trim, a bodycon silhouette that hugs your curves, and a front slit along her midi-length hem. The formal knee-length dress is composed of a glitter crepe knit fabric offering endless sparkle and moderate stretch. Style the midi dress with platform heels.

          Fit & Features

          • Strapless neckline, marabou trim
          • Bodycon silhouette
          • Front slit
          • Midi-length hem
          • Glitter crepe knit fabric, moderate stretch
          • Sticky or strapless bra recommended
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1945

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $29.97 $59.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Sale
        • Simply Sultry Sleeveless Mini Dress

          Simply sultry, this sleeveless mini dress is your new go-to for a girl's night out! It features a square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back strappy design, ruched detailing, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with sparkly statement earrings and heels.

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless square neckline
          • Bungee spaghetti straps
          • Cross-back strappy design
          • Ruching
          • Short, form-hugging fit
          • Brushed knit fabric, plenty of stretch
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3851

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $19.97 $32.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free