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.

  • Take A Shine To Velvet Mini Dress

    All eyes will be on you in this glistening piece! It features adjustable spaghetti straps falling into a scoop neckline. Crafted from velvet and featuring glittering embellishments, this dress offers a fully lined, form-hugging fit that offers little to no stretch. Zipper is included at center back. 

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

     

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0450

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $33.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Effortlessly Lovely Strapless Corset Skater Dress

    Appear like a sweet vision in this strapless skater dress for dressy events like showers or weddings! Made with taffeta fabric, this dress is perfect for any special occasion. This dress features a flirty and feminine look with its ruffled strapless sweetheart neckline and skater silhouette. The padded bra cups provide support and enhance your bust, while the flexible boning creates a flattering shape. Complete the look in statement heels, earrings, and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Taffeta fabric lined with woven fabric, no stretch
    • Strapless sweetheart ruffled neckline
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Padded bra cups
    • Flexible boning
    • Skater silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-3353

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Effie Formal Heatstone Bodycon

    Special Occasion 

    Get ready to glow in this chic bodycon for your next night out! Effie features a sleeveless scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, sparkling heat stones throughout, dual ruched drawstrings, and a mini-length silhouette. Complete look with rhinestone heels

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Heat stones 
    • Dual ruched drawstrings
    • Mini length silhouette 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0660

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $45.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Fab and Fierce Fringe Open Back Mini Dress

    Keep it fab in a fringe dress that impresses with each turn for your night out! The dress features a scoop neckline, a daring matching scoop back with a fringe accent, and a mini length silhouette. The dress is composed of a retentive crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit and a moderate stretch. Complete your look with black rhinestone heels

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Scoop open back 
    • Fringe 
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Crepe fabric
    • Form hugging fit
    • Moderate stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-1059

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sleek Satin Floral Mini Dress

    This sleek satin floral mini dress is perf for a date night out with bae! It features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back, lace-up design, ruched detailing with side drawstrings, and a short, curve-hugging fit. The lightweight satin fabric has a pretty all-over floral print for a romantic look. Style this dress with dainty earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back, lace-up design
    • Ruching, side drawstrings at the hem
    • Mini-length, form-hugging silhouette
    • Satin fabric, floral print, no stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0636

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $6.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • O-Ring Waist Cut Out Mini Dress
    Chic with a trendy edge to the look, this mini dress will amp up your style. It features long sleeves with elastic cuffs, a deep V neckline, a hidden back zipper closure, a waist cut out with a front O-ring detail, and a flowy short skirt with a hidden back zipper. The dress is composed of a chiffon fabric and includes a stretchy knit lining.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0241

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Walk The Mock Neck Mini Dress

    Talk the talk and walk the walk in this must have mini dress! It features a sleek, form hugging silhouette with a mock neck, long sleeves with thumb-hole slits, and a mini length. Brushed knit offers plenty of stretch.

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0123

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $11.97 $29.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Pretty In Lace Mini Dress

    This pretty little dress perfect for a semi formal event is composed of sheer lace, includes a full lining, and features a mock neck, cap sleeves and a mini length. Closes with a back zipper closure.

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8829

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $15.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Drinks With The Girls Mesh Mini Dress

    Chic and stunning, this curve-hugging mesh mini dress is perfect for getting drinks with the girls! It features an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sheer fitted sleeves, a ruffle overlay with a ruffled accent down the center, front ruching, and a short, bodycon silhouette. Style with your fave pair of strappy stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neckline
    • Long sheer fitted sleeves
    • Ruffle overlay, ruffles down the center
    • Front ruched detailing
    • Mini-length hem, fitted bodycon silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1763

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Flocked Velvet Mock Neck Mini Dress

    Look a vision of luxe in this classy mini dress!

    Fits & Features

    • Mock Neckline
    • Long Sleeves
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Mini Length Silhouette
    • Fully Lined, Textured Knit Fabric With All Over Intricate Flocked Velvet Print
    • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0148

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $13.97 $35.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Juliette Corset A-Line Mini Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Made for twirling through celebrations and collecting compliments along the way, the Juliette mini dress feels equal parts romantic and polished. Crafted from airy chiffon fabric, this A-line dress features a sheer crochet applique corset bodice, lace-up back detail, and cascading tiered ruffles that bring beautiful movement to every step.

      Fit & Features

      • Chiffon fabric, partial knit stretchy lining
      • Strapless neckline
      • Sheer crochet applique corset bodice, flexible boning
      • Lace-up back detail, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
      • A-line fit
      • Tiered ruffled mini-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, weddings, birthdays, vacations, bridal celebrations, bachelorettes, date nights, cocktail parties, and milestone celebrations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000728

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $69.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: BLACK, WINE

      Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL

    • Playing Nice Lace Bodycon Dress

      The kind of dress that makes the mirror selfie mandatory. This lace mini dress brings the drama with a twist bust, ruched bodycon fit, and ruffle hem made for birthday dinners, date nights, and parties.

      Fit & Features

      • Lace fabric, sewn-in knit lining
      • Strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
      • Twist bust
      • Ruched bodycon fit
      • Ruffle trim mini-length hem
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001259

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $42.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: YELLOW

      Available Size: XS, S, M, L

    • Serena Metallic Long Sleeve Mini Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Immensely iconic, the Serena metallic party mini dress embodies timeless glamour with a modern flare! She features fitted long sleeves, a cowl sweetheart neckline, and a flattering bodycon silhouette with a front ruched seam for a figure-enhancing appearance, and a mini-length hem. The formal party dress is crafted from a shimmering foil metallic fabric that shimmers with every step! Complete the look in sleek stiletto heels for a holiday party!

      Fit & Features

      • Fitted long sleeves
      • Cowl sweetheart neckline
      • Bodycon silhouette, front ruched seam
      • Mini-length hem
      • Foil metallic fabric, stretchy knit lining
      • Bra-friendly design
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1904

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Party's Here Glitter Mini Dress

      You'll be the center of attention and life of the party in this captivating number! 

      Fits & Features

      • Square Neckline 
      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
      • Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At The Back 
      • Glitter Knit Composition I Smooth Knit Lining
      • Bodycon Fit I Moderate Stretch
      • Mini Length Silhouette 
      • Glitter May Transfer 

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0420

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $34.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Tie Front Long Sleeve Mini Dress

        Accessories and thigh-high boots are the way to go with this essential mini dress!

        Fits & Features

        • Square Neckline & Back 
        • Long Sleeves With Elastic Detailing At The Cuffs & Shoulders 
        • Mini Length Silhouette 
        • Tie Front Detail Along Skirt
        • Brushed Knit Fabric 
        • Ample Stretch 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0374

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $14.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Gloria Glitter Mini Dress
        Special Occasion

        You shine naturally, but a little extra sparkle never hurt. Take our glitter-bonded Gloria mini for a spin! She features an off-the-shoulder neckline, seamed V bodice with lightly padded cups, back zip with hook-and-eye closure, and a gently pleated, A-line skirt with pockets at either hip. Gloria is lined and made from a woven material with little to no 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: 05001-4144

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $54.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Leilani Faux Pearl Belted Blazer Dress

        Special Occasion

        Revamp the LWD with the Leilani formal blazer dress perfect for fashion-forward brides, birthday girls, or party guests! Adorned with intricate faux pearl embellishments and rhinestone-trimmed buttons, she features long sleeves, shoulder pads for structure, a lapel collar neckline, a faux leather belt with faux pearl trim buckle, faux flap pockets, and a short form-hugging silhouette. The formal blazer dress is crafted from a woven fabric with a sewn-in woven lining offering a sophisticated style. Complete the look with a chic shoulder bag and heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Faux pearl-embellished long sleeves, shoulders, shoulder pads
        • Lapel collar neckline
        • Double-breasted faux pearl rhinestone trim buttons
        • Faux leather belt, faux pearl trim buckle
        • Faux flap pockets, form-hugging silhouette, short-length hem
        • Woven fabric, sewn-in woven lining, no stretch
        • Bra-friendly design, runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2045

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $59.97 $119.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Hearts Racing Ruched Mini Dress

          Set hearts racing with a mini dress that brings sultry appeal! The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with U-shaped underwire, spaghetti straps, ruching throughout, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate. Complete look with rhinestone heels

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
          • U-shaped underwire 
          • Spaghetti straps
          • Ruching
          • Mini length silhouette
          • Smooth knit fabric 
          • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3860

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $19.97 $36.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Sale
        • Sequined Charmer Mini Dress

          Be prepared for double-takes in the Sequined Charmer mini dress!

          Fits & Features 

          • Crew Neckline
          • Long Sleeves With Ribbed Cuffs
          • Dual Button Closure At Back Neck
          • Adjustable Lattice Detail & Zipper Closure At Back
          • Mini Length Silhouette
          • Sequined Mesh Composition I Fully Lined At Body & Skirt
          • Curve Hugging Fit I 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: 05101-0450

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $26.97 $66.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Plus Ruche AF Mini Dress

          Don't sugarcoat it! Step up with your boss babe personality in this sexy mini dress that has a flattering off the shoulder neckline paired with long fitted sleeves and a curve enhancing, fitted appearance. The mini dress is composed of a full ruched mesh fabric paired with a nude, smooth knit lining.

          Style Number/Barcode: 15103-0023

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $48.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Glitter & Lace Bodycon Dress
          Our two favorite things! This blush pink bodycon mini dress has a flattering V neckline paired with a lightly padded bust and our always sexy, lace back featuring a low cut out and exposed silver zipper. The fitted dress is composed of a glitter lace fabric paired with a smooth knit lining that offers a moderate stretch.

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8627

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $15.97 $38.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Kourt Formal Sequin Lace-Up Midi Dress

          Special Occasion

          Debut a sparkling opulence in the Kourt formal sequin dress perfect for banquets or cocktail parties where you are sure to shine! She features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a lace-up back designed to turn heads, and a flattering bodycon silhouette, front slit, and a midi-length hem. The formal dress is composed of a sequin-scroll embellished pattern that shimmers under any lighting on mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Complete the look with a statement ring set.

          Fit & Features

          • Sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
          • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
          • Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
          • Sequin-scroll embellished pattern
          • Mesh fabric, stretchy knit lining
          • Sticky bra recommended
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1654

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $29.97 $79.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Glitter Velvet Front Slit Mini Dress

          Is it really the holiday season if you don't have a glitter AND velvet mini dress in your closet? 

          Fits & Features

          • Surplice V Neckline I Square Neckline
          • Spaghetti Straps 
          • Mini Length Silhouette With Front Slit 
          • Glitter Velvet Composition I Fully Lined
          • Curve Hugging Fit I Minimal Stretch
          • Zipper Not Included 
          • Glitter May Transfer

           

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0487

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $35.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Stunning Sequin Diva Mini Dress

          Slay in sequins as you stun them all! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, a scoop neckline and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with sparkling sequins. Dress offers a curve hugging fit with a slight stretch. Be sure to pick up the matching duster to complete your look! 

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

           

           

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0178

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $11.97 $28.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance