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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Dramatic Affair Velvet Burnout Mini Dress
Make your next dressy occasion a dramatic affair in this luxe velvet mini dress! It features a one-shoulder neckline with a sheer mesh long balloon sleeve, a chic velvet burnout scroll pattern down the body of the dress, and a mini-length bodycon silhouette. The lined knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone hoops and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Single long sheer mesh balloon sleeve, tapered cuff
- Velvet burnout scroll pattern
- Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
- Lined knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1919
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $38.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Out of This World Satin Mini Dress
This mini dress is on a whole other level girl! Dress to impress for your next date night in this mini dress that features a plunging v-neckline, rhinestone embellished spaghetti straps, and a sexy waist cutout. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless plunging v-neckline
- Rhinestone embellished straps
- Sexy waist cutout
- Mini length silhouette
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-1630
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Touch Of Lace Cowl Neck Midi Dress
Trust us when we say, you're going to want to add the Touch Of Lace midi dress to your LBD collection!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
- Cowl Neckline With Lace Underlay
- Midi Length Silhouette I Wrap Skirt
- Jersey Knit Fabric
- Curve Hugging Fit I 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: 05101-0598
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $35.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Avery Strapless Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Let the sequins lead and keep the styling sleek. The Avery bodycon mini dress pairs floral shine with a satin twist bust and back cutout for a polished statement. Add strappy heels and rhinestone jewelry to make the look shine.
Fit & Features
- Double-lined mesh fabric
- Floral sequin embellishments
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bra cups
- Satin twist bust detail
- Back cutout with hook strap, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, Vegas, bachelorettes, clubbing, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000802
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
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Draped in Glamour Glitter Mini Dress
Adorn yourself with a glam mini dress that brings the dazzle and shimmer to your evening. The dress features a glitter body throughout, a crew neckline, and a daring open back draped with a cowl neck accent. Complete your look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet and chrome heels.
Fit & Features
- Crew neckline
- Long sleeves
- Open back with draped cowl neck detail
- Mini length silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric
- Form hugging fit
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0873
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $16.97 $40.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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The One For You Mini Sweater Dress
This chic knit mini sweater dress is def the one for you! Pair with some statement earrings and strappy mules and werk it bb!
Fit & Features
- One shoulder neckline
- Single long fitted sleeve
- Short, curve hugging fit
- Ribbed knit fabric
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 06005-0540
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Melissa Formal Metallic Party Dress
Special OccasionMake it a picture perfect moment in our Melissa dress! She features a beautiful metallic lace detailed bodice, a v-neckline, and adjustable spaghetti straps that tie in the back, her spaghetti straps meet in the back to a square back with a zipper. She has an inner lining, as well as padded cups and her chiffon skirt meets at the waist with a party length silhouette.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0042
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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Sequined Bombshell Halter Mini Dress
Dress to impress in this glitzy mini dress. This dress features a halter styling with a cowl neckline. It features a fitted waist, a leg slit, allover sequin embellishment and moderate stretch for the perfect fit.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0086
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Style Icon Ruffled One-Shoulder Mini Dress
Elevate your status to style icon in this ruched mesh mini dress featuring a one-shoulder neckline and off-shoulder strap with a flowy ruffled accent. The short asymmetric bodycon silhouette will flaunt your gorgeous curves.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- Asymmetric one-shoulder neckline
- Off-shoulder strap, ruffle accent
- Ruching, back zipper closure
- Asymmetric mini-length hem
- Bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-4141
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lovely Lace Off The Shoulder Mini Dress
Strut your stuff in this pretty little lace dress. It features an off the shoulder design, unlined long sleeves, and a mini-length silhouette. Crafted from scalloped lace fabric and lined with a soft rib knit, this dress offers a moderate stretch fit. Zipper not included.
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0231
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.97 $26.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cut Above The Rest Dress
Set the bar in this trendsetting dress! It features a navy hue, a sleeveless bodice with a square neckline, narrow shoulder straps, a waist cut out and a curve hugging mini length skirt with an asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric with moderate stretch.Model is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 37" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3605
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Vampy Vixen Corset Cutout Bodycon Mini Dress
Unlock your inner sexiness in this corset bodycon mini dress for a perfectly snatched look at the cub!
Fit & Features
- Smooth knit fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Cutout sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded underwire bra
- Corset bodice, flexible boning, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000004
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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Such A Diva Glitter Knit Mini Dress
This glitter knit dress was made for a fashion diva! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a cowl neck and a square back, a high waist seam, ruched side detailing with drawstrings at the hem, and a short, curve hugging fit. The knit fabric offers moderate stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0556
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $12.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ever Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle and impress them all as you shine in our sparkling Ever dress!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline
- Plunging Wired V-Neck Bust
- Sequins
- Scroll Print
- Lined Mesh
- Form Hugging Fit
- Minimal Stretch
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: 05001-0275
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $31.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Riley Lace Floral Two Piece Dress
Make it a night to remember in our beyond gorgeous Riley two piece dress! She features a lace top with a square neck and back, long fitted sheer sleeves, and a cropped hem. Her foiled floral printed satin party skirt has a high rise waist and a woven lining with a tulle hem for added flare.
Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size three.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0023
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Pretty & Posh Halter Party Dress
Too pretty, too posh! This dress features a contrasting bodice and and a skater design. It has a halter neck tie closure, a satin skirt and an open back. Fully lined with no stretch.
Model is 5'6.5" 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: 05001-0098
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $49.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Jaelene Strapless Bodycon Mini Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
The dancefloor isn't ready for your sparkling vibes in the Jaelene sequin party dress at the school dance, birthday, or after party! The strapless sweetheart neckline and built-in padded underwire bust provide a flattering silhouette, while the pipe trim adds a touch of sophistication. Show off your curves with the bodycon fit and dance the night away in the mini-length hem. Complete the look with high heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sequin scroll pattern, mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Built-in padded underwire bust
- Bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2079
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Speak My Language Sequin Dress
Do you speak the language of sparkle? This shimmering beauty of a dress is perfect for you! The sequins dress features a sleeveless square neck, bungee spaghetti straps, an open back with lattice straps, and a form-hugging, short-length hem. Complete the look with statement earrings and heels!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Open-back with lattice straps
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Short-length hem
- Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4674
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Katherine Formal Lace-Up Glitter Party Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour to your event with a party dress that shines from every angle! Katherine features a sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, vertical princess seams at the bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a lace-up back. The slim-fit bodice leads to a flared mini-length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a lined woven glitter fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and rhinestone earrings for maximum shine.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Princess seams, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Mini length silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Lined woven glitter fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0582
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Snake Print A-Line Mini Dress
Get on the animal print trend without being too flashy in this snake print A-line mini dress. It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps that lead to a halter back, a V neckline, and a short, flowy fit. The dress is composed of a chiffon fabric with a woven lining and has no stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0383
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $12.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Hot Commodity Mini Dress
You'll be quite the hot commodity in this stunning mini. The dress features a sleeveless bodice, buckle detail shoulder straps, a bustier style top with padded cups, a square back with a zipper closure, vertical seam detailing running down the front, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric with 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: 05103-0293
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Knot Just Another Mini Dress
This sleek and sexy mini is not just another casual dress. It features long fitted sleeves, a plunging V neckline leading to a trendy knot front detail, a high waist with an elastic banded back, and a flowy wrap front short skirt. The dress is composed of a lightweight woven fabric with no stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0242
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Magical Moments Skater Dress
Make magical moments in this classic chic skater dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, a sheer lace back with a zipper and hook and eye closure, a high waist seam, and a flowy skater skirt. The black dress is composed of a sheer lace fabric with a nude knit lining.Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8472
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $39.50
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dazzle Queen Off the Shoulder Sequin Mini Dress
Dazzle like the queen you are in a dress that illuminates the night! The dress features an off the shoulder neckline, a built-in no slip strip, off the shoulder strap accents, sparkling sequins throughout, and a mini length silhouette. Complete your look with chrome heels and a dainty rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline
- Built-in no slip strip
- Off the shoulder strap accents
- Sequins
- Lined mesh fabric
- Mini length silhouette
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0782
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $17.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance