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.

  • Camilla Satin Bow Back Midi Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    A dressy plan deserves a silhouette that knows exactly what it’s doing. The Camilla strapless midi dress pairs a sweetheart bust with soft ruching and a fitted mermaid shape for a polished, curve-skimming look. The bow-back detail gives the finish just enough charm.

    Fit & Features

    • Lined mesh fabric
    • Strapless satin sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups
    • Twist-front bust detail
    • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Ruched fitted bodice
    • Open back with bow tie detail
    • Midi-length hem with mermaid-style silhouette
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, cocktail soirees, formal celebrations, fashion-forward events, vacations, honeymoons, resort getaways, date nights, dinner parties

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000929

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $69.90

    Availability: In Stock

    Available Color: WINE, NAVY

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

  • Cat Get Enough Velvet Leopard Mini Dress

    Okay, we're pretty obsessed too...sport the spots and flaunt that bod in this killer mini! 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • V Neckline I Back Zip With Hook & Eye
    • Ruched Drawstring At The Side 
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Lined, Velvet Fabric With Leopard Print Throughout 
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0475

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $17.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Luxe Energy Rhinestone Velvet Mini Dress

      Bring that luxe energy to your next night out in this glam rhinestone velvet mini dress! It features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a structured and padded bust that eliminates the need for a bra, an asymmetric sheer mesh insert at the waist for a sultry vibe that continues to the back, a front asymmetric rhinestone trim for added sparkle, adjustable spaghetti straps, a mini-length hem with a high-cut front slit, and a bodycon silhouette. The velvet fabric has a moderate stretch. Style with rhinestone platform heels!

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, structured and padded bust
      • Asymmetric sheer mesh insert at the waist, continues to the back
      • Front asymmetric rhinestone-embellished trim
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper, hook and eye closure
      • Mini-length hem, front slit, bodycon silhouette
      • Velvet fabric, moderate stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5072

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $24.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Flawless Beauty Mesh Mini Dress

      You've got that flawless beauty babe! Showcase that in this gorg mesh LBD! Pair with some rhinestone earrings and strappy mules.

      Fit & Features

      • High rounded neckline
      • Short sheer sleeves
      • Short, curve hugging fit | Sheer mesh panel at hem
      • Sheer mesh fabric | Lining

      Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-1058

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $34.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Metallic Babe Midi Dress

      Be a total babe in this metallic midi stunner! The snake print dress features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a square back, side cut outs with bar strap detailing, and a mid-length, curve hugging fit. The dress is composed of a metallic knit fabric that offers plenty of stretch and includes a short knit lining.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0513

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $38.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Cami Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Create a magical evening in our shimmering Cami dress! Her heat stones twinkle from all your best angles! 

      Fits & Features 

      • Round Neckline 
      • Fitted Unlined Long Sleeves
      • Heat Stones | Diamond Pattern
      • Mesh 
      • Fully Lining
      • Back Zipper | Hook and Eye Closure 
      • Form Fit | Moderate Stretch

      Model is 5'9" 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: 05001-0207

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $27.97 $74.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Madisson Satin Corset Midi Formal Dress

      Special Occasion

      Polished with a little allure, the Madisson satin midi is made for the entrance that feels effortless but unforgettable. A strapless corset bodice shapes the look, while a pleated waist drape and center back hem slit bring just the right amount of movement to the bodycon silhouette.

      Fit & Features

      • Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
      • Strapless corset bodice, flexible boning
      • Back zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Pleated waist drape
      • Bodycon midi silhouette
      • Center back hem slit
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Weddings, bridal celebrations, bridesmaids, engagement parties and photoshoots, cocktail soirees, birthday dinners, honeymoons, vacations, resort getaways, formal events

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000921

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $69.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: WHITE, NAVY

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

    • Exude Elegance Satin Long Sleeve Mini Dress

      Exude elegance in this satin mini dress! Crafted from a subtle satin fabric, this mini-length dress features sheer mesh peasant long sleeves, a V-neckline, and a bodycon silhouette. With a wrap mini-length hem and pleating detail, it's the perfect pick for events and special occasions. Complete the look with earrings.

      Fit & Features

      • Sheer mesh peasant long sleeves
      • V-neckline
      • Bodycon silhouette
      • Wrap mini-length hem
      • Satin fabric, minimal stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2641

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Ruched And Ready Neon Mini Dress
      Take on the night in this sexy mini dress! It features a neon green hue, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline, narrow shoulder straps and a partially open back with ruched detailing. Dress is composed of a curve hugging mesh fabric with plenty of stretch.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0080

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $10.00 $32.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Fresh And Flirty Skater Dress
      Create a fresh and flirty look with this adorable skater dress perf for the season! It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline with a faux button down front, a back zipper and hook and eye closure, a high waist seam, and a flowy skater skirt. The dress is composed of a lined ivory crepe fabric with a fitted and flowy style.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-3604

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $13.97 $35.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Beaded Beauty Satin Mini Dress

      You'll be at the center of the dance floor all night long in this stunning satin dress! It features a sleeveless V-neckline with a wrap-front design, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a high waist seam, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette with a side slit with gorgeous fringe beading. Style with clear heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Sleeveless V-neckline, wrap-front design
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • High waist seam, back zipper, hook and eye closure
      • Mini-length hem, bodycon silhouette
      • Side slit, fringe beading
      • Smooth satin fabric, moderate stretch
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1765

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $49.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Shayleigh Sequin Wrap Dress
      Special Occasion

      Dazzle and dance around in the Shayleigh! She features a deep v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps lead back to a square back,and a self tie wrap around skirt that meets high waist with a skater dress hem that hits mid thigh. Her bodice is fitted and lined with a nude colored smooth material. She is composed of knit material that is covered with stitched silver sequins, material offers no stretch but design of the dress offers a flow that allows you to move around comfortably. Pair with your favorite heels and statement earrings!

       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: 05001-4067

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $56.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Standout Sequins Mini Dress

      Shimmer when you shimmy in this radiant mini! Dress features all-over sequin detail, a deep V seamed bodice with crisscross, looped lace-up back and curve-hugging pencil-style skirt. Dress is lined and slips on. It's made from a cotton blend with a touch of stretch.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0325

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $17.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Mesmerize In Mesh Mini Dress
      Mesmerize them all in mesh with this sexy mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a wrap front creating a V neckline, ruched detailing along each side, and a short, curve hugging fit. The neon green dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with a full knit lining and offers plenty of stretch.

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0003

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $13.97 $33.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Jane Flower Lace-Up Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Jane mini dress catches the light with every step while delicate 3D flower, sequins, and beaded embellishments add a soft, dimensional finish. The cowl neckline and lace-up open strappy back create a silhouette that feels equal parts effortless and elevated—perfect for that “all eyes on you” kind of entrance.

      Fit & Features

      • 3D Flower, sequins, beaded embellishments
      • Mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
      • Cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
      • Lace-up open strappy back
      • Side zipper and hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon mini silhouette
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Prom, bridal celebrations, reception dresses, birthday dinners, graduations, cocktail parties, bachelorettes, date nights, rooftop hotel bars, themed parties

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001151

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $139.90

      Availability: In Stock

      Available Color: WHITE, MINT

      Available Size: S, M, L

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • V Chic Satin Mini Dress

      Stay on-trend with the V chic satin dress!

      Fits & Features

      • Wired V Neckline I Square Back
      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
      • Dart Seams At The Bust
      • Asymmetrical Mini Length Hem 
      • Satin-Like Composition I Fully Lined
      • Form Hugging Fit I 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: 05103-0448

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $36.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Sleeveless Faux Leather Scoop Mini Dress

      Keep it stunning for your next night out in this sultry mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a scoop neckline, a built in no slip strip, flexible boning at the bust and a mini length silhouette that rests at the mid-thigh. Dress is composed of a lined faux leather fabric that offers a curve hugging fit with little to no stretch. Includes a back zipper closure. 

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0331

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $37.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Floral Days Skater Dress
      Make today a gorgeous one in charming florals! This ivory dress features a plunging wired V neckline with lined padded cups, a double row of narrow straps, a lattice back design and a flared skater skirt. The all over floral print features blush pink and lavender hues. The dress is composed of a scuba knit fabric that offers 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: 05101-8706

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $36.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Celina Floral Sequin Skater Short Dress

      Special Occasion

      The Celina is a twirl-worthy stunner, made to light up the room from the first toast to the last dance. Shimmering floral sequins catch the light with every move, while the playful skater silhouette keeps the look fresh, feminine, and unforgettable.

      Fit & Features

      • Floral pattern, sequin embellished fabric
      • Sweetheart neckline
      • Adjustable spaghetti straps
      • Skater silhouette
      • Short-length hem
      • Runs true to size

       

      Where to Wear:

      Homecoming, bridal celebrations, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, fancy brunches, dinner parties

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000552

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $39.97 $89.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Effortlessly Enchant Strapless Bodycon Mini Dress

      Effortlessly enchant everyone you meet in this strapless mesh mini dress at the club! Made from a watercolor printed mesh fabric, this dress is designed with a sleek strapless neckline, flexible boning for a snatched look, and a flattering bodycon silhouette and mini-length hem. Style this dress with stiletto heels.

      Fit & Features

      • Watercolor printed mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
      • Strapless neckline
      • Flexible boning
      • Back zipper hook-eye closure
      • Bodycon fit
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5530

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Ready Or Not Ruched Mini Dress

      Ready or not, you're showing up to slay in this ruched mini dress!

      Fit & Features

      • Long billowy sleeves | Elastic banded cuffs
      • Square neckline
      • Complete stretchy smocked back
      • Front ruched detailing | Dual drawstrings at hem
      • Short, curve hugging fit
      • Smooth woven fabric

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

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

      Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0627

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $17.97 $44.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Petal Agenda Floral A-Line Mini Dress

      Your calendar just found its plus one. This floral mini dress pairs a sculpted strapless neckline with a flirty A-line silhouette and lace-up back for parties, birthdays, and wherever the plans lead.

      Fit & Features

      • Woven fabric with floral embroidered pattern, stretchy knit lining
      • Strapless straight-across neckline, padded bust, no-slip strip
      • Lace-up back design
      • Lower back zipper with hook-eye closure
      • Mini-length A-line silhouette
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001304

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $58.90

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Belinda Halter Floral Rhinestone Ruffle Mini Dress

      Special Occasion

      You'll be an utterly entrancing sight in the Belinda floral mini dress at birthdays or bachelorettes! Crafted from a mesh fabric adorned with shimmering rhinestones and boasting a gorgeous floral print. This dress features a sultry halter V-neckline with spaghetti strap ties, all-over ruching along the bodycon silhouette to flaunt your curves, and a statement ruffled mini-length hem for drama! Complete the look in high heels and earrings.

      Fit & Features

      • Floral print, rhinestones, mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
      • Halter V-neckline, spaghetti strap ties
      • Ruched bodycon silhouette
      • Ruffled hem
      • Runs true to size

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2171

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $9.97 $64.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Sale
    • Matilda Double Tiered Floral Dress
      Special Occasion

      Have a fun and flirty evening in our playful Matilda navy blue dress! She features a racer front bodice with narrow shoulder straps, a padded bust, a V back with a hidden zipper closure, sheer mesh insets on the sides, and a slim fit. Her short,  A-line satin skirt has a double-tiered hem complete with a beautiful, large floral purple watercolor design. Matilda offers little to no stretch. 

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4032

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $20.97 $54.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free