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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Faux-Ever Yours Mini Dress
This faux fur dress was forever made to be yours! It features an off the shoulder neckline with a faux fur overlay, long sleeves, and a short, fitted look. The black dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers plenty of stretch, a flattering, form hugging fit, and includes a knit lining.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-8374
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $15.97 $37.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Not So Basic Mini Dress
Sure, you probably have your share of mini dresses. Now it's time for an of-the-moment upgrade! This ultra-chic mini features an off-the-shoulder elasticized neckline, gathered bodice and sleeves, a back zip, banded waist with back smocking, and pencil skirt with gather-drape detail. Dress is made from a mid-weight woven material with little to no stretch.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0165
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Cassia Lace-Up Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Satin shine and soft ruching bring the detail into focus. This satin mini dress features a cowl neckline, wide straps, and a lace-up back detail for a polished finish from every angle. The side drape adds subtle movement while keeping the silhouette sleek.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric, knit lining
- Cowl neckline
- Wide straps
- Ruched bodice
- Side drape detail
- Lace-up back detail, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, birthday parties, date nights, cocktail soirees, Vegas, nights out
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000888
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: RED, ROYAL
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
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Cady Formal Velvet Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in luxe velvet as you own the night in our Cady dress! She features a plunging V neckline, long fitted sleeves and a curve hugging wrapped mini length silhouette. She is composed of a soft to the touch velvet knit fabric adorned with glitter accents throughout. Cady offers a curve hugging fit to highlight curves.
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0139
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $20.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Glow Up Neon Strapless Mini Dress
Glow up bby in this head turning mini! The neon pink dress features a straight strapless neckline and a mini length silhouette. Dress is composed of a curve hugging lycra-like fabric that offers a moderate stretch and includes a full knit lining.Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0041
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $28.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ready For It Mini Dress
Get ready to have a total trendy look with this cute little mini! It features a slight sweetheart neckline, long sheer chiffon puffed sleeves with smocked cuffs, and a stretchy, smocked dress with a short, mid-thigh length hem with a front drawstring.Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0507
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sultry And Fierce Satin Mini Dress
Sultry and oh so fierce, this satin mini is the one for you. It features a sleeveless bodice, bungee spaghetti straps, a square neck and back, and a short, curve huggng fit. The dress is composed of a smooth satin-like fabric with plenty of stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0376
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.97 $27.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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On The Button Denim Mini
Streamlined and sweetly sophisticated, this lavender mini draws all eyes to you. Dress features a soft V neckline, button front, and adjustable spaghetti straps. Dress is made from a cotton-denim fabric and has minimal stretch.Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0116
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $16.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brielle Halter Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Designed for the kind of night that starts with compliments and ends with unforgettable photos, the Brielle bodycon mini dress balances a sleek halter neckline with a dramatic draped sash for striking movement. The open back and sculpting silhouette create a polished yet playful look that's ready for every special invitation on your calendar.
Fit & Features
- Lurex knit fabric, knit lining
- High halter neckline with button closures
- Open back
- Center front sash
- Bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, engagement parties, birthday dinners, date nights, bachelorettes, vacations, cocktail parties, fashion-forward events, Vegas, girls night
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000741
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sparkling Stunner Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Sparkle and stun in this sequin mini dress, which features a sultry V-notched sweetheart neckline and a sassy bodycon silhouette. Complete the look with earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sequin embellished fabric
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-notched sweetheart neckline
- Back zipper closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-5888
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $22.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ribbed Knit Cut Out Midi Dress
Ward off the chill with this cozy for keeps midi-length dress.
Fits & Features
- Plunging V Neckline
- Long Sleeves
- Large Cut-Out Detail At Back
- Soft Knit Fabric I Fully Lined
- Ample Stretch
- Zipper Not Included
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05102-0361
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $13.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Sweetheart In Satin Mini Dress
You're such a sweetheart and always have the best style, so you'll love this trendy mini! The dress features short flowy ruffle sleeves, a sweetheart neckline with a ruched tie front, a low scoop back with a continued ruffle detail and a top tie back closure, a high waist seam, and a short mid-thigh length. The dress is composed of a smooth lightweight satin-like fabric with no stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0272
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $18.97 $47.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Strappy And Stunning Mini Dress
You'll be a stunning little mama in this royal blue mini dress! It has a wrap bodice with a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps creating a strappy lattice back, a low scoop back, ruching at the waist, and a wrap skirt with a subtle asymmetrical hem. Dress is composed of an unlined crepe fabric with a 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: 05103-3496
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Slay It With Style Mini Dress
Slay your look with so much style in this sexy little black mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a scoop neckline, an open back, seam detailing, and a short, form hugging fit to flatter your curves. The dress is composed of a shiny latex fabric 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: 05103-0218
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Elisa Formal Floral Jacquard Bubble Hem Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Create a dreamy look worthy of your next formal affair in the Elisa floral jacquard bubble hem skater dress! She features a strapless sweetheart neckline with a padded bust, a chic corset-designed bodice with flexible boning detail, a high waist seam, a short skater skirt with pleated detailing, a fabulous bubble hem, and a fit and flare silhouette. The luxe woven fabric features a lovely floral jacquard pattern with a gold stitched trim. Complete your gorgeous look in this short dress with a dainty rhinestone necklace and stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, built-in padded bust
- Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning detail, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, short pleated skater skirt, elastic bubble hem
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Floral jacquard pattern, gold stitched trim
- Woven fabric, smooth woven lining, no stretch
- No bra required
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-2056
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Sleek Satin Snake Print Mini Dress
Sleek as it is sexy, this snake print mini was made for nights out. The dress features a collar, a half button down front, long sleeves with buttons to cuff, and a wrap, tie front detail with a mid-thigh length hem. The garment is composed of a lightweight satin-like fabric with 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: 05101-0418
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $48.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Very Necessary Crepe Mini Dress
You've got your essentials, and then you have the pieces that you can always count on. This little black mini is one of them! Dress features a darted bodice with deep V, back zip, and architectural structured short sleeves, and a seamed slim pencil skirt. Dress is made from a lightweight woven material with moderate stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0352
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $45.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Golden Glow Mini Dress
Get your glow on girl! Radiate golden hour in this perfect mini. The dress features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, an adorable tie front V neckline, a square back, a waist front cut out, a hidden side zipper and hook and eye closure, and a flowy skirt with a ruffle hem. The dress is composed of a lightweight woven fabric with a sheer skirt lining and has no stretch.Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0262
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $46.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Show It Off Backless Mini Dress
Show off with confidence in this sexy little black mini dress! It features a deep V neckline, narrow shoulder straps that lead to a plunging lace V back, a wrap and pleated detail on the front of the bodice, and a body-hugging fit throughout. Dress is composed of a stretchy crepe fabric.Model is 5'6.5" with a 32" bust, 23.5" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0007
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rose Sequin Corset Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Corset-inspired structure gives the Rose sequin mini dress its standout detail. Visible boning shapes the bodice, while the sweetheart neckline and lace-up back add definition to the fitted bodycon silhouette. Allover sequins and glitter finish the look with polished dimension and shine.
Fit & Features
- Allover sequin and glitter embellishment
- Lined mesh fabric
- Sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset-style bodice with flexible boning
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, big birthday parties, cocktail soirees, bachelorettes, Vegas, dressed-up date nights, red-carpet occasions
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000833
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BROWN, ROYAL
Available Size: 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Here For A Good Time Cut Out Mini Dress
Okay, party babe! This mini dress is all about making sure you look and feel good!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Mini Length Silhouette
- Side Cut Outs With Bar Accents & Studded Rhinestones
- Nylon Fabric
- Curve Hugging I Moderate Stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0775
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $14.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Crochet Bae Mini Dress
Bae is lookin' fire tonight! This black mini dress features a lined crochet bodice with a scalloped V neckline, spaghetti straps, a square back with an exposed zipper closure, and a high waist seam leading to a body-hugging ponte knit skirt.Model is 5'8" with a 33" bust, 24" waist and 33.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-3611
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Light Up The Night Neon Dress
Light up the night in this fun mini dress! It features a neon yellow hue, a square neckline, narrow shoulder straps and a curve hugging fit to showcase your curves! Dress is composed of a double lined smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch.Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0058
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $9.97 $33.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Brighten Up My Day Mini Dress
Brighten up the day with this pretty yellow mini dress! It features a sleeveless bodice, halter straps with a racer back with a keyhole cut out and a back button closure, seam detailing, and a short, asymmetrical hem. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers moderate stretch.Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0023
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $10.00 $29.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free