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.

  • Ruched Mesh Bandage Dress

    Dare to show a little skin in this sultry bandage dress! Style it up with a pair of rhinestone earrings and heels to match!

    Fits & Features

    • Sweetheart Neckline 
    • Back Zipper Wth Hook & Eye Closure
    • Sheer Ruched Long Sleeves 
    • Bandage-Style Bodice
    • Mini Length Silhouette I Built-In Bodysuit
    • Ruched, Sheer Mesh Skirt 
    • Form Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch  

    Style Number/Barcode: 06005-0635

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $21.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Playful In Polka Dots Mini Dress

    Get a playful look in adorable polka dots with this LBD! The short puff sleeves make it all the more trendy.

    Fit & Features

    • Short sheer puff sleeves
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Front ruched detailing
    • Short, curve hugging fit
    • Sheer mesh fabric with all over polka dot print
    • Knit lining
    • Plenty of stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0729

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $38.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Feeling Knit Asymmetrical Mini Dress

    We're feeling this super cute mini dress! Pair with your favorite accessories to complete a chic look! 

    Fit & Features

    • Square Neckline
    • Spaghetti Straps 
    • Asymmetrical Hem
    • Mini 
    • Smooth Knit
    • Form Hugging Fit
    • 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: 05103-0669

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $34.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Metallic Leopard Ruched Mini Dress

    You can never have enough leopard print! This dress features a sweetheart bustier top with padded cups, lace-up detail down the front, a square back, long, unlined sleeves with elastic shoulders, and a ruched mini-length silhouette. The garment is made of chiffon and showcases leopard and metallic detailing throughout. It has a fully lined body and offers little to no stretch. Zipper at back. 

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

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0647

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $48.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Metallic Cut Out Mini Dress

    We stan a glowed up look girl! Elevate your look with this metallic mini dress to pair with your favorite bold heels! 

    Fit & Features 

    • Square Neckline
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Metallic
    • Waist Cut Outs
    • Mini Silhouette 
    • Form Hugging Fit
    • Moderate Stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0511

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $37.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Madilyn Strapless Bow Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

     Look and feel like such a cutie in the Madilyn mini dress that brings flirty allure to semi-formal parties and holiday events! She features a strapless square neckline with non-slip grip lining, flexible boning inserts along the fitted bodice, and dual pleat seams down the front and a slim fit silhouette. Turn-heads with her back bow detail that has a long-length train and a center slit accent along the hem. The formal dress is composed of a smooth woven fabric with lining and minimal stretch. Style with sparkly stiletto heels to complete the look!

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless square neckline, non-slip grip lining
    • Hidden side zipper and hook-eye closure
    • Flexible boning, fitted bodice, dual pleat seams
    • Slim, mini-length silhouette
    • Smocked back with attached bow, train, center hem slit
    • Lined smooth woven fabric, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1534

    Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • A Moment To Remember Crepe Puff Shoulder Mini Dress

    Yes girl! You'll be having a moment everywhere you go in this gorge LBD! Add a pair of rhinestone deets to really heat up your look 

    Fits & Features

    • Deep Sweetheart Neckline 
    • Boning Detail At The Bust 
    • Puff Shoulder Short Sleeves 
    • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
    • Mini Length Silhouette 
    • Crepe Fabric 
    • Form 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: 05101-0711

      Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

      Price: $16.97 $42.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Ruched Strappy Back Mini Dress

      We love a strappy ruched dress! It's the perfect addition to your girl's weekend trip!

      Fits & Features 

      • Plunging V Neckline
      • Fixed Spaghetti Straps
      • Criss-Cross Back Detail With Self Ties 
      • Center Ruching At Front And Back
      • Mini Length Silhouette
      • Curve-Hugging Fit I Ample Stretch

       

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0630

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Sleeveless Velvet Leopard Mini Dress

        Stay on trend with fierce animal print!

        Fits & Features

        • Square neckline
        • Corded straps
        • Mini length silhouette
        • Velvet composition I Fully lined
        • Form hugging fit with slight stretch 
        • Zipper not included

         

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0356

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $24.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Piece Of Pie Mini Skater Dress

        Hey there sweet thing! This mini dress features a deep v neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a square back, and a fitted bodice with a banded hem around the waist. Skirt meets hem and flares out to a skater style design that hits mid thigh. Dress is composed of a knit material that offers slight stretch and a flattering fit! Zipper located mid back.

        Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

         

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0171

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $37.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Lace Up In Neon Mini Dress
        Lace up in bright hues to get your glow on! This neon green dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline and narrow shoulder straps that lead to a cross back design. The relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette.

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

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0045

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $10.00 $33.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Janelle Sequin Lace Up Mini Dress

        Special Occasion

        Statement sparkle takes on a more refined shape in the Janelle bodycon mini dress. The sweetheart neckline softens the fitted silhouette, while the lace-up back adds a fresh directional detail. Allover sequins keep the look high-impact and current.

        Fit & Features

        • Allover sequin embellishment, lined mesh fabric
        • Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
        • Lace-up back, lower zipper and hook-eye closure
        • Bodycon mini silhouette
        • Runs true to size

         

        Where to Wear:

        Homecoming, birthday parties, Vegas, bachelorettes, dressy date nights, going-out

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001025

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $69.90

        Availability: In Stock

        Available Color: ROYAL

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

        Product Badge:
        • New Arrival
      • On To The Next Glitter Mini Dress

        Girl move on with this totally fab glitter mini dress!

        Fit & Features

        • Square Neckline
        • Spaghetti Straps
        • Cross-Back 
        • Glitter 
        • Ruched
        • Fully Lined
        • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch 

         

         

         

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0643

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $35.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Wrapped In Metallic Mini Dress

        You'll find any excuse to go out with this dress in your closet! This dress features spaghetti straps, a wrap v-neckline with padded cups, square elastic back, and a mini-length silhouette with an asymmetrical cut hem. The garment is composed of a smooth metallic knit fabric, form-fitting, and offers a moderate amount of stretch. Zipper not included. 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0628

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $25.97 $36.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Moment Like This Heat Stone Mini Dress

        Wrap yourself up in this flattering mini dress! The spotlight's always going to be on you, honey. 

        Fits & Features

        • Crew Neckline
        • Unlined, Fitted Sleeves
        • Slim Fit Bodice Trails To Mini Length Silhouette
        • Mesh Lined Fabric With Heat Stone & Studded Embellishments All Over
        • Body-Hugging Fit 
        • Zipper At Back 

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0443

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $9.97 $64.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Party Plans Floral Jacquard Skater Dress

        Consider the dress code handled. This floral jacquard skater dress pairs a structured square neckline and open back with crisp pleats made for dances, parties, and every RSVP worth dressing up for.

        Fit & Features

        • Floral jacquard woven fabric
        • Sleeveless square neckline
        • Halter strap, partially open back
        • Back zipper with hook-eye closure
        • Pleated skater silhouette
        • Short-length hem
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05101-001288

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $48.90

        Availability: In Stock

        Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE

        Available Size: XS, S, M, L

      • Julie Sequin Scoop Neck Ruffle Dress

        Special Occasion

        Radiant the dance floor lights in the Julie sequin formal dress perfect for cocktail parties and celebrations! She features long sleeves, a scoop neck, a flirty front ruffle trim, and a short bodycon silhouette. The formal dress is composed of a sequin fabric with a sewn-in knit lining and moderate stretch. Style with platform heels to complete your party look!

        Fit & Features

        • Long sleeves, scoop neck
        • Front ruffle trim
        • Back zipper closure
        • Bodycon silhouette
        • Mini-length hem
        • Sequin fabric, sewn-in knit lining, moderate stretch
        • Fits true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1529

        Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $69.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Velvet Vibe Mini Dress

        Issa vibe  Up your look with a pair of eye-catching rhinestone heels! 

        Fits & Features

        • Spaghetti Straps
        • Deep V Neckline With Wire Trim I Vertical Darts At The Bust
        • Sweetheart Back 
        • Mini Length Silhouette
        • Smooth Velvet Fabric 
        • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 
        • Zipper Not Included 

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

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0736

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $36.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Ruffle Some Feathers Mini Dress
          Ruffle some feathers in this sexy mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a square back, and a short, mid-thigh length hem with flirty feather detailing. The satin-like fabric has minimal stretch.

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0554

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $52.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Heat Up The Night Mini Dress

          Light up the night in a dazzling mini to show off your curves girl! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, a high neck with racer bust, sparkling heat stones with gemstones set in a geometric pattern and a curve hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate 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: 05101-0228

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $44.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • City Heat Faux Leather Corset Mini Dress

          For nights that call for confidence and a little chaos. This coated halter mini brings a sleek, liquid-shine finish and corset-inspired fit that was made to move on a night downtown.

          Fit & Features

          • Coated faux leather fabric, stretchy knit lining
          • Halter plunge neckline
          • Corset-structured bodice, hidden hook and eye fasteners
          • Bodycon fit
          • Mini-length hem
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05103-000613

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $9.97 $49.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Ships Free
        • Rochelle Ruffled Sheer Lace Formal Mini Dress

          Special Occasion

          Showcase your eye-catching beauty in the Rochelle formal mini dress, a gorgeous staple for brides-to-be! Crafted with airy sheer lace fabric with a partial knit lining, she brings that effortlessly chic allure and feminine charm. She features a sleeveless cowl neckline with pleated detailing and a built-in padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to an open cross-back design, a stunning sheer corset-inspired waist with flexible boning for structure, and a tiered ruffled A-line silhouette. Complete your look with rhinestone heels.

          Show off your style in this standout dress. Feeling the short and chic vibe? Discover more fashion-forward short prom dresses or elevate your style with our formal dresses.

          Fit & Features

          • Sheer lace fabric with partial knit lining, minimal stretch
          • Pleated cowl neckline, padded bust
          • Adjustable spaghetti straps
          • Open back, cross-back design, zipper with hook and eye closure
          • Sheer corset waist, flexible boning
          • Tiered ruffled A-line silhouette
          • Runs true to size

          Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2184

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $19.97 $79.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Sale
        • Ruched And Ready Mock Neck Mini Dress

          You'll be ruched and ready to go in this posh mock neck mini dress!

          Fit & Features

          • Mock neckline
          • Hidden back zipper | Hook and eye closure
          • Long sleeves | Elastic banded hems
          • Ruched skirt detailing | Ties at the hem
          • Knit skirt lining
          • Short, form hugging fit
          • Chiffon fabric

          Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0657

          Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

          Price: $18.97 $48.90

          On Sale: Yes

          Availability: Out of Stock

          Product Badge:
          • Clearance
        • Scoop Neck Velvet Mini Dress

          Be a vision in velvet with this smooth and sexy dress!

          Fits & Features

          • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
          • Square Back I Scoop Neckline
          • Structured, Lined Cups
          • Mini Length Silhouette
          • Smooth Velvet
          • Form-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
          • Zipper & Hook And Eye Closure At Back 

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

            Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0651

            Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses

            Price: $9.97 $39.90

            On Sale: Yes

            Availability: Out of Stock

            Product Badge:
            • Clearance