Short Cocktail Dresses

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.

  • Brooke Satin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Made for the spotlight moment, the Brooke mini dress turns every glance into admiration. Crafted in luxe satin with a strapless cowl neckline and sculpted pleated waist, this mini’s all about curve-hugging polish and effortless allure.

    Fit & Features

    • Stretch satin-lined fabric
    • Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
    • Back lace-up and zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Dual pleated waist accents
    • Draped pleated waist detail
    • Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Cocktail soiree, birthday dinner, upscale date night, bachelorettes, glam celebrations, Vegas

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000403

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kalani Iridescent Rhinestone Corset Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    You'll bring the glitz and glamour to your formal party look in the sultry Kalani mini dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a corset-style bodice with structured cups, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, iridescent rhinestones in a linear embellished design, and a short, curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The mesh fabric offers a moderate stretch with a knit lining. Complete the outfit with rhinestone fringe earrings for even more sparkle.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Corset bodice, underwire bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, hidden side zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Iridescent rhinestones, linear embellished design
    • Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
    • Mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1186

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $49.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cecilla Formal Pleated Tulle Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Twirl the night away in a formal party dress that brings the glam to your event! Cecilla features a sleeveless square neckline with padded cups, tiered ruffles, and a swiss dot pattern. The dress is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with heels and a rhinestone clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, padded cups, no-slip strip
    • Tiered ruffles
    • Swiss dot pattern
    • Lined tulle fabric
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0741

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dot So Mesh Ruched Mini Dress

    We figured you needed an upgrade from your usual LBD   This figure-hugging ruched mini will hug those curves and the sheer polka dot mesh detail is such a trendy chic touch! 

    Fits & Features

    • V Neckline With Lace-Up Front At Bust 
    • Sheer Mesh Back, Fitted Long Sleeves & Shoulders With Swiss Dots 
    • Mesh Lined Fabric I Ruching Throughout 
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch 
    • Zipper Not Featured

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0718

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Party Girl Sequin Mini Dress

    It is time to party girl! Look like a sparkling diva while you have the night of your life!

    Fits & Features

    • Square Neckline
    • Bungee Spaghetti Straps
    • Curve-Hugging Fit
    • Mesh Knit Composition I Sequined Diamond Pattern Design Throughout
    • Fully Lined
    • Moderate Stretch 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0180

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Gleam Queen Glitter Mini Dress

    You'll be leaving your sparkle everywhere you go in the Gleam Queen mini dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Wrap V-Neckline 
    • Spaghetti Straps
    • Velvet Composition I Fully Lined
    • Glitter Diamond-Shaped Design Throughout 
    • Asymmetric Mini Length Silhouette
    • Curve-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 
    • 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: 05103-0431

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $5.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Glitter Spaghetti Strap Mini Dress

    This bodycon features spaghetti straps, a deep v neckline, and a bodycon fit. Dress is composed of a glitter knit material that offers moderate stretch and hem hits right above the knee. Our favorite part is the sheen reflection that the glitter gives off when you catch the light!

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0408

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • A Glow Like Me Neon Dress
    Lock down a glowing look in this fierce mini dress! The neon pink dress features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline and a curve hugging mini length silhouette to showcase curves in all the right places. Dress is composed of stretchy lycra-like fabric.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0099

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $15.00 $32.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Millie Embroidered Strapless Lace-Up Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Designed for evenings that call for elegance with a touch of intrigue, the Millie balances refined detail with a confident silhouette. A strapless beaded sequin floral embroidered bodice meets a smooth satin mini hem, finished with a lace-up back that feels both polished and alluring.

    Fit & Features

    • Floral burnout beaded, sequin, mesh-lined fabric
    • Structured strapless bodice with supportive padded bra cups
    • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Lace-up back detail for adjustable, customized fit
    • Smooth satin skirt with draped cowl waist
    • Mini length with bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Cocktail parties, bachelorettes, date nights, holiday parties, New Year's Eve, rooftop hotel bars, fashion-forward events, birthday dinners

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000627

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Crowd Pleaser Velvet Short Dress

    Strut in and stun in this velvet short dress for a saucy club 'fit! The dress features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, and a curve-hugging, bodycon silhouette. The smooth velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look in silver platform heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neck
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Short-length hem
    • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4799

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Nadene Sequin Rose Short Dress

    Special Occasion

    Striking and exquisite! Nadene showcases beautiful rose blooms that shimmer under the dance floor lights. She stuns in a sleeveless V-neckline with sleek bungee spaghetti straps, a bodycon silhouette, and a short-length hem. The formal party dress is composed of a sequin fabric with a knit lining and minimal stretch. Complete the look in heels and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Back zipper closure
    • Bodycon, short-length hem
    • Rose pattern, sequin fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1252

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Hattie Sequined High Neck Dress

    Special Occasion

    Dazzling details make our elegant navy crepe Hattie dress truly eye catching. She features a high neck, lace and mesh bodice with sequin detail, spaghetti straps, and single-button closure with cutout at nape of neck leading to a back zip. Her waist features crisscrossing solid crepe panels with mesh inserts leading to an A-line, inverted-pleat skirt with pockets at either hip. Hattie is fully lined and made from a mid-weight woven material with a touch of stretch.

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0024

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Opulent Lace-Up Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress

    Every detail adds another layer of impact. Sequin lace brings texture and shine to this mini dress, while ruffle-trimmed straps, a sweetheart neckline, and a lace-up back create a dimensional finish.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer lace fabric with sequin embellishments, smooth knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sweetheart neckline, ruched bust, padded cups
    • Adjustable ruffle-trimmed straps
    • Open lace-up back, lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
    • Mini-length hem with front slit
    • Bodycon silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001501

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $58.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE

    Available Size: XS, S, M, L

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Gorgeous Glam Sequin Mini Dress

    Flaunt your gorgeous and glam look in this sequin mini dress! It features bungee spaghetti straps, a slight scoop neckline, a square back, and a mini length, form-hugging fit. The dress showcases all-over sequin detailing, making it a must-have party dress for NYE. Pair this dress with rhinestone earrings and a faux leather jacket.

    Fit & Features

    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Slight scoop neckline
    • Square back
    • Short, form-hugging fit
    • All-over sequin detailing
    • Mesh fabric with knit lining

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0868

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Good Vibes Satin Mini Dress

    Nothing but good vibes comin' your way. We have a feeling your golden moment will be around-the-clock in this luxe mini!

    Fits & Features 

    • Narrow Spaghetti Straps 
    • Plunging V Neckline
    • Slim Fit Bodice I Mini Length, Wrap Skirt
    • Smooth Satin Fabric 
    • Body-Hugging Fit 
    • Zipper Not Featured

     

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0488

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $35.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Making Moves Cowl Neck Mini Dress

      Make major moves in this stunning and sultry mini!

      Fits & Features

      • Spaghetti straps
      • Cowl neckline
      • Square back
      • Mid-thigh length bodycon fit
      • Stretchy knit composition 
      • Fully lined

       

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0334

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $12.97 $30.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sweet Stunner Woven Skater Dress

      Showcase sweet and stunning looks in this gorgeous woven skater dress. It features a sweetheart neckline, sheer short puff sleeves, a high waist seam, and a flirty, flowy skater silhouette with a cute ruffled hem. Style this dress with wedges for weekend brunch with the girls.

      Fit & Features

      • Sweetheart neckline
      • Sheer short puff sleeves, elastic cinched hems
      • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
      • High waist seam, flowy skater silhouette
      • Ruffled hem
      • Sheer woven fabric with eyelet detailing, woven lining, no stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1102

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • So Sleek Ruched Satin Mini Dress

      Stun in a mini dress that embraces curves in all the right places. The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, a ruched side seam, and a mini length silhouette with an asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a curve-hugging fit. Complete look with a sleek clutch and a rhinestone choker. 

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless V-neckline
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Padded cups
      • Ruched side seam
      • Mini length silhouette
      • Asymmetrical hem
      • Stretch satin fabric, curve-hugging fit 

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0573

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $38.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Lovely Nights Out Satin Asymmetrical Mini Dress

      Dress yourself up, and have yourself a lovely night, because you deserve it bby! What better way to celebrate life than to feel beautiful in a sexy satin mini dress!

      Fit & Features

      • Sweetheart off shoulder neckline
      • Form fitting silhouette
      • Princess seams at the bodice
      • High waist line
      • Asymmetrical hemline
      • Satin material with moderate stretch

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0385

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $38.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Velvet Glitter Mock Neck Mini Dress

        Shine brighter than ever in this glittery number! She features a chic mock neckline, sleeveless bodice, and a mini length silhouette. Composed of velvet, she's decked out in sparkly glitter, offers a form hugging fit with moderate stretch, fully lined, and includes a zipper at back. Glitter may transfer. 

         

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0170

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $34.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Stop And Stun Rosette Ruffle Mini Dress

        Made for the girl who enters the room and owns it. This rosette ruffle mini dress hugs your curves and adds a touch of flirty drama with its open back and flowy ruffled accents, perfect for your next night out.

        Fit & Features

        • Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
        • Boat neckline, open back
        • Rosette detailing, flowy ruffled accents
        • Ruching
        • Ruffled mini-length hem, short side slit
        • Bodycon silhouette
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-000355

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $39.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • She's Glitzy Glitter Ruffled Mini Dress

        Make it a glitzy night out in this beyond-gorgeous glitter ruffled mini dress! A perf pick for dressy occasions, this bodycon dress will ignite a glam spark. It features a sleeveless V-neckline, halter spaghetti straps that lead to a partially open back, a mini-length hem with a flirty tiered ruffled design and flowy cascading ruffled accents, and a bodycon silhouette to flaunt your stunning figure. The sheer glitter mesh fabric includes a full-length lining. Style this party dress with rhinestone spiral heels!

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless V-neckline, dart seams at the bust
        • Halter spaghetti straps, tie-back design
        • Partial open back
        • Mini-length hem, tiered ruffled design, flowy ruffled accents
        • Bodycon silhouette
        • Sheer glitter mesh fabric, full-length knit lining, moderate stretch 
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2832

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $46.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Smooth It Over Satin Mini Dress

        Smooth and sultry, you'll be all over this satin mini dress on every club night! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neck with non-slip grip lining, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lightly padded bust, corset trimmed bodice with mesh insert, and side pleated seams to accentuate your curves along the asymmetrical hem. Complete the look in platform heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Sleeveless sweetheart neck, non-slip grip lining
        • Adjustable spaghetti straps, lightly padded bust
        • Corset trim bodice, mesh insert
        • Side pleated seams, back zipper closure
        • Asymmetrical mini-length hem
        • Smooth satin, lined, minimal stretch
        • Fits true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-4845

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $20.97 $46.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Must V Fate Glitter Mini Dress

        It's written in the stars. You'll be glittering and glowing with the Must V Fate mini dress!

        Fits & Features

        • Plunging V Neckline
        • Long Fitted Sleeves With Padded Shoulders
        • Mini Length Silhouette
        • Body-Hugging Fit 
        • Moderate Stretch
        • Glitter Knit Fabric  

         

        Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small. 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0232

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $14.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance