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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Shine Check Rhinestone A-Line Mini Dress
A little sparkle never hurt the group chat. This rhinestone mesh A-line mini dress brings the drama with a sweetheart neckline, ruched bust, and asymmetric hem made for your next glam plans.
Fit & Features
- Mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- All-over rhinestone embellishments
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust, ruched detailing
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Asymmetric mini-length hem
- A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-001136
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $49.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- New Arrival
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Alara Jacquard Corset Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Romantic structure meets an effortlessly polished silhouette in the Alara formal dress. Textured jacquard shapes the corset bodice and scoop neckline, while the skater skirt adds soft volume for a look that feels both chic and captivating. Remove the straps to make the mini dress strapless.
Fit & Features
- Woven jacquard fabric with floral and butterfly pattern, woven and tulle linings, no stretch
- Removable tank straps to make the bodice strapless, button closures
- Sleeveless scoop neckline, no-slip strip
- Corset-style bodice, padded bust, flexible boning
- Back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Mini-length skater silhouette, ruffled hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, dressed-up dinners, formal parties, and romantic date nights.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001028
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $99.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: HUNTER
Available Size: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Audrina Sequin Lace-Up Corset Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
The silhouette is sleek; the lace-up back is keeping things interesting. This sequin bodycon mini dress hugs the figure with a structured shape, while the sweetheart neckline and lace-up back look for a playful, trend-right finish. It’s polished, flattering, and very now.
Fit & Features
- Sequin-embellished, lined mesh fabrication
- Sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, bachelorettes, Vegas, date nights, glam events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001125
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE, NAVY
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- New Arrival
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Mikaela Sequin Lace Up Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Pretty from every angle, and not by accident. Sequin embellishment gives this bodycon mini dress its shine, while sheer paneling and a lace-up back add a softer, more playful finish. The result feels charming without losing its edge.
Fit & Features
- Sequin and bead embellishments
- Lined mesh fabric
- Scoop neckline, padded bra cups, spaghetti straps
- Sheer bodice paneling with flexible boning
- Lace-up back, zipper and hook-and-eye closure
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, date nights, Vegas, bachelorettes
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001064
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: ROYAL
Available Size: XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Serafina Satin Corset Sequin Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
A little satin, a little sparkle, and suddenly the whole look feels extra special. This sequin bodycon mini dress pairs a structured satin corset bodice with a beaded sequin skirt and lace-up back for a polished mix of shine and shape.
Fit & Features
- Satin strapless corset bodice
- Flexible boning
- Lace-up back
- Bodycon silhouette
- Beaded and sequined, faux pearl-embellished mini skirt
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, big birthday events, red-carpet occasions, dressy date nights, Vegas, bachelorettes
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001166
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $99.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: GOLD
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Mylah Beaded Sequin Floral Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Made to catch every glimmer as you move, the Mylah dress brings a romantic dose of shine to a playful skater silhouette. Beaded floral sequins illuminate the tulle fabric, while the sweetheart neckline and pleated skirt create a polished, party-ready finish.
Fit & Features
- Sheer tulle fabric with knit bust and skirt lining, minimal stretch
- Beaded and iridescent sequin-embellished floral pattern
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust
- Thin adjustable tank straps, corset-style bodice, flexible boning
- Open lace-up back, lower zipper with hook-eye closure
- Short skater silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:Homecoming, birthday celebrations, galas, and formal parties.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001173
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $129.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PEACH
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Eliana Sequin Plunge Corset Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The silhouette is fitted; the attitude is built in. This sequin bodycon mini dress keeps the shape close and polished, while the plunging corset bodice adds a sultry contrast up top. The result feels modern, sharp, and very intentional.
Fit & Features
- Sequin-embellished knit fabrication
- Strapless plunging sweetheart neckline
- Sheer corset-style bodice with boning
- Bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, Vegas, bachelorettes
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001020
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Celia Satin Applique Corset A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Satin polish, with a little extra detail. This A-line mini dress pairs a sheer boned corset bodice with applique accents for a look that feels refined without playing it too safe. The strapless sweetheart neckline keeps the finish classic and clean.
Fit & Features
- Premium satin fabric, tulle and woven linings
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, padded bra cups, non-slip grip lining
- Sheer corset bodice, applique detail, flexible boning
- Back zipper and hook-and-eye closure
- Hidden side seam pockets
- A-line mini silhouette with pleating
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, big birthday events, glamorous parties, red-carpet occasions, formal celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000823
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $169.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Short And Sweet Crepe Mini Dress
Keep the night short and sweet in this fab mini dress! It features a v-neckline, balloon long sleeves, and a wrap-fitted bodice on a bodycon silhouette. Composed of a crepe fabric. Style with sparkly statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline
- Balloon long sleeves
- Wrap-fitted bodice
- Bodycon silhouette
- Short length hem
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1297
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Imani Get Your Attention Mini Dress
Special OccasionMake your entrance and grab everyone's attention in this vibrant Imani orange mini dress! She features a mock neckline, sheer mesh sleeves, an exposed back zipper closure, and all over trendy heat stones for the perfect party look. Imani offers a body-hugging fit and is composed of a lined mesh fabric.
Model is 5'8.5 with a 32" bust, 24" waist, and 35" hips. She is wearing as size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4088
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Casey Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionDazzle and shine as you make a diva-worthy entrance in our Casey dress! She features a white hue, a plunging V neckline, narrow adjustable straps that cross at the back and a mini length skirt. Her all over heat stones are all you need to make a glam entrance! Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4051
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alia Formal Sequin Mini Dress
Special OccasionStand out in sequins as you shimmer under the lights! Alia features a combination yellow with beige color, a sleeveless bodice, a V neckline and all over sequin scroll print. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure and knit lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4066
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.00 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Briella Formal Beaded Mini Dress
Special OccasionBring the glamour in our standout Briella dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a square neckline with racer bust, a double row strap accent and a mini length silhouette. Her all mini beaded design is set in a baroque-inspired geometric pattern to make her a true one of a kind! She is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a minimal 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.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4048
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $48.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Juliana Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionTurn up the heat on your next evening in our dazzling Julian dress! She features a mock neck, fitted long sleeves and a playful mini length silhouette. She features an all over lined natural hue adorned with green foliage and sparkling heatstones. Dress is composed of smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3987
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $32.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lyla Formal Heat Stone Mini Dress
Special OccasionRadiate and sparkle as you bring the glam to your next evening out! Lyla features a sleeveless bodice, a high round neckline with double button closure at the nape of the neck and a racer bust. Her back features an open design to show off plenty of skin and leads to a lower back zipper closure. Her slim fit bodice leads to a mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined semi-sheer mesh fabric adorned with heat stones and gemstones! Dress offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3845
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Zoey Formal Lurex Party Dress
Special OccasionShine in confidence as you sparkle in our gleaming Zoey dress! She features a luxe gold hue, a sleeveless bodice, a wrap V neckline, adjustable narrow straps and a ruched bodice. Her slim fit waist leads to a twirl worthy party length silhouette. Dress is composed of a dazzling lined lurex fabric. She offers a relaxed with plenty of stretch.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4055
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Paisley Formal Embroidered Mini Dress
Special OccasionMake a sweet charming entrance in our breathtaking Paisley dress! She features an all over gray hue, a sleeveless bodice, a sweetheart neckline, a built in no strip, adjustable narrow straps and built in boning. Her bodice features piping details and leads to a mini length silhouette. She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with embroidered floral details and dazzling sequins. She offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3998
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $26.00 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Eliza Formal Heat Stone Dress
Special OccasionShine like one in a million as you dazzle in our Eliza dress! She features a round neckline, long fitted sleeves and and contrasting color blocking stripes that run along the sides. Dress is composed of a mesh fabric that is adorned with sparkling heat stone accents for plenty of shine!
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4049
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Danielle Formal Heat Stone And Pearl Dress
Special OccasionRadiate your rare, one of a kind beauty in our dazzling Danielle dress! She features an all over black hue, a sleeveless bodice, a round neckline and a mini length silhouette. The all over assortment of luxe pearls and heat stone embellishments are set in a stunning baroque design. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3989
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $34.00 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jaelyn Formal Open Back Glitter Dress
Special OccasionEnchant as you create a magical impression in our breathtaking Jaelynn dress! She features a plunging V neckline, ruffled cap sleeves and an open back with a single button closure at the nape of the neck. Her slim fit bodice leads to twirl worthy mini length silhouette! She is composed of a lined mesh fabric adorned with a vintage inspired baroque design and glitter accents throughout! Dress offer a relaxed fit with minimal stretch and includes a back zipper closure.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-4024
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Alexia Fab Fringed Dress
Special OccasionHave fun and look extra fab in our rose gold Alexia dress! Get Gatsby ready with a deep V neckline, adjustable narrow shoulder straps, a subtle high waist seam, a straight across square back with an exposed back zipper closure, and a slim fit. Alexia is decorated in beaded diamond patterns with sequin accents for that added sparkle you love!
Model is 5'7 with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3974
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Deandra Precious Heat Stone Bodycon Dress
Special OccasionDeandra shows off the precious little diamond that you are in dazzling heat stones! Her flattering V neckline complements your bust while her long, narrow sleeves give your arms a slender look. Her fitted appearance is composed of a sheer, black mesh fabric that features a geometric embellishment and includes a black, short dress lining.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3985
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Jayne It's Showtime Sequin Dress
Special OccasionWhen it's time to show off, slip on our black Jayne dress and it's showtime! She features a turtle neck, an exposed back zipper closure, feather accents on the shoulders, fitted long sleeves and sequins throughout for added sparkle and glam. Jayne includes a bandeau and brief knit lining and is composed of a sheer mesh fabric with minimal stretch.
Model is 5'7 with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-3915
Category Name: Short Cocktail Dresses
Price: $52.41 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance