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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Stripes Stunner Velvet Mini Dress
Stun them all with stand out stripes! The mini dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and a sexy waist cut out that leads to a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a semi sheer velvet fabric with metallic stripes throughout. Garment offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'9" with 32" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0512
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Such A Beauty Mini Dress
Girl, you're such a beauty, and this classically chic mini dress will make for the perfect 'fit. It features a sleeveless bodice, a V-neckline with a tie ruched bust detail, adjustable spaghetti straps, a square back with a hidden zipper and hook and eye closure, a trendy waist front cutout with a tie ruched detail, and a flowy skirt with an adorable ruffled mini-length hem. The short dress is composed of a woven fabric with minimal stretch. Style with a cute pair of mules.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless bodice, V-neckline, tie ruched bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Square back, hidden zipper, hook and eye closure
- Waist front cutout, tie ruched detail
- Flowy skirt, ruffled mini-length hem
- Woven fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0263
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $18.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Strike Of Midnight Glitter Mini Dress
Anything is possible at the strike of midnight! This beautifully sparkling mini dress is designed with a strapless and straight neckline, a form fitting silhouette, and a mini hem that hits near mid thigh. Dress is fully lined with a smooth knit material, and outer is composed of a sheer mesh material that offers moderate stretch , and showcases a mesmerizing glitter that reflects a midnight blue. Don't forget to pick up the matching long duster to complete your completely mesmerizing look!Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0385
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $11.97 $28.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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It Girl Mock Neck Mini Dress
Be the it girl of your trendy squad in this adorable mini dress. It features a mock neck, long bubble style sleeves with cuffed hems, and a short, form hugging fit. The dress is composed of a knit fabric with a knit lining and has plenty of stretch for comfortable wear.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0036
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dramatic Flair One Shoulder Dress
Bring the drama with a high fashion flair! Make an entrance in this crepe one-shoulder mini dress featuring a sleeveless bodice, one tank-style strap with a chiffon-draped accent, a high waist seam, and a faux wrap bodycon skirt. Complete the look in rhinestone strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, one-shoulder neckline
- One tank-style strap, chiffon-draped accent
- High waist seam
- Bodycon silhouette
- Faux wrap mini-length hem
- Crepe fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1665
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Metallic Cowl Neck Mini Dress
Wow in this metallic mini! She features adjustable shoulder straps, a cowl neckline, sleeveless bodice, and a mini length, a-line silhouette. Composed of a metallic knit fabric, she offers little to no stretch. Zipper not included.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0654
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sequin Darling Mini Dress
Strut your stuff in this sexy sequined bodycon dress.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- V Wire Front I Padded Bust
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Fully Lined, Mesh Composition I Sequin Embellishments Throughout
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0510
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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All This Allure Open Back Mini Dress
Bring the allure in this mini dress for a night out! The cowl neckline and bodycon silhouette flatters your figure, while the open back with adjustable strap detail adds a daring style on smooth knit fabric. Complete the look in rhinestone heels and earrings!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Bodycon silhouette
- Open back, adjustable strap detail
- Mini-length hem
- Smooth knit fabric, sewn-in lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5471
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Vivid Viper Mini Dress
Be prepared to pave the way to the dance floor in this seductive snake dress!
Fits & Features
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High Neckline
- Fitted Long Sleeves
- Deep V At The Back
- Ruching Along The Sides & Center Back
- Mid Thigh Length Silhouette
- Stretchy Knit I Snake Print Throughout
- 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: 05102-0382
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $32.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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High Neckline
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Metallic Minx Wrap Mini Dress
Show off your shine in this stunning mini dress. You'll be mesmerizing in metallic, girl!
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
- Long Sleeves With Dual Snap Button Cuffs
- Elasticized Waistband
- Wrap, Mini Length, Lined Skirt
- Metallic Fabric
- Form-Flattering Fit I Plenty Of Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0366
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $17.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Velvet Sweetheart Mini Dress
Show your romantic side in this darling velvet mini!
Fits & Features
- Wide Shoulder Straps
- Sweetheart Neckline
- Square Back
- Form-Flattering Fit
- Moderate Stretch
- Velvet Composition I Fully Lined
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0330
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $11.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Charmed Persona Scoop Neck Ruffled Mini Dress
This mini dress will pair well with your charming personality and favorite heels! Perfect for birthday brunch to semi-formal parties, this slinky knit dress features a flattering scoop neckline adorned with delicate spaghetti straps. The bodycon silhouette flaunts your figure while the asymmetrical tiered ruffled hem cascades into a sweet side train for dramatic effect. Complete the look in a dainty choker necklace and heels.
Fit & Features
- Slinky knit lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Spaghetti straps
- Bodycon silhouette
- Asymmetrical tiered ruffled mini-length hem, side train
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-2965
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $6.97 $45.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Simone Formal Satin Tie-Back Cutout Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Slip into the Simone formal satin midi dress for a sultry vibe at banquets or weddings! She features a square neckline adorned with spaghetti straps, a tie-back design, a flirty underbust cutout, a center back slit, and a bodycon silhouette that hugs your curves down to the knee-length midi hem. The formal midi dress is crafted from a luxuriously soft satin fabric with minimal stretch. Complete the look with a mini purse and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neck, spaghetti straps
- Tie-back design, underbust cutout
- Center back slit
- Bodycon silhouette, midi-length hem
- Luxe satin fabric, minimal stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1999
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Vivacious Viper Velvet Burnout Mini Dress
If you're all about "snaking" an entrance, you'll love this statement mini dress!
Fits & Features
- Mock Neckline
- Fitted Long Sleeves
- Zipper At Center Back
- Knit Mesh Composition I Fully Lined
- Snake-Inspired Sparkling Velvet Burnout Design
- Curve-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0474
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Bodycon Bite Dress
Say it with snake—this bodycon style has serious bite. Dress comes in a curve-hugging mini cut and features spaghetti straps and a rounded neckline. Dress is made from a soft brushed knit with a fair amount of stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0230
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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In Love In Lace Crochet Dress
We are obsessed with crochet! This dress features a V neckline with a scalloped trim ande long sleeves that are sheer. The crochet bodice meets skirt high waist and is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch.
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0106
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $16.97 $41.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Naya One Shoulder Flower Applique Mini Dress
Special Occasion
A pretty tulle flower applique with classy faux pearl embellishments adds a romantic allure to the Naya formal mini dress! She features a classic one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve with a shoulder pad, this mini dress exudes sophistication. The side waist cutout and bodycon silhouette enhance your figure, while the mini-length hem and crepe fabric add a touch of elegance. Complete the look with a glam rhinestone hair headband and heels for a dressy party or cocktail event!
Fit & Features
- One shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeve, shoulder pad
- Side waist cutout
- Tulle flower applique, faux pearl embellished
- Bodycon silhouette, mini-length hem
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2046
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $49.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Wrapped In Satin Mini Dress
Wrap yourself in charming satin to create a memorable look! The dress features a sleeveless bodice, a cowl neck, adjustable spaghetti straps, cinching tie waist belt and an asymmetrical mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0376
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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All That Shine Metallic Mini Dress
You were born to shine girl! This mini dress features a high round neckline, fitted long sleeves and dramatically draped cowl back. The slim fit fit bodice leads to a body-hugging mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined metallic knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0327
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $15.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Golden Girl Heat Stone Mini Dress
Glow on girl in this mini to make your highlight pop! This mini dress features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging scoop neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps. The slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mini length silhouette. The semi-sheer mesh fabric is accented with sparkling heat stones throughout. Dress offers a moderate stretch and includes a back zipper closure.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0304
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Flirty Ruffle Mini Dress
With a flirty ruffle overlay, this mini tube dress is so sassy! It features a sleeveless strapless square neckline and a short, form hugging fit. Dress is composed of a crepe fabric with moderate stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0247
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Glitz And Glitter Mini Dress
Glimmer with all the glitz and glitter in this gorgeous mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, a high crew neckline with halter straps, a back keyhole cut out and button closure, and a short, form hugging fit. The pink sparkly dress is composed of a sheer glitter mesh fabric with a full knit lining and offers moderate stretch. Glitter may transfer.Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3480
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Who's That Girl Mini Dress
Turn heads and make them wonder in this sultry black mini dress! This LBD features a plunging sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a deep square back, a body-hugging silhouette, and short leg slits on the sides.Model is 5'8 with a 32" bust, 23" waist, and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0031
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Liz Formal Floral Two Piece Dress
Special OccasionCreate a twirl worthy moment in florals! Liz features a royal blue crop top with an off the shoulder neckline, a wired sweetheart bust, padded cups and short sleeves. Her matching satin skirt features a high rise waist, hidden side pockets and a pink hued floral print. Top is composed of a form hugging fit crepe fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Skirt includes a petticoat and offers a minimal stretch.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size smallSpecial Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0520
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance