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Last Updated on November 24, 2023 by Steal the Style
Whether you wear them to prom, homecoming, or graduation, short semi-formal dresses are perfect for your special event. Pair them with a classic bolero or tights in winter, or wear them in summer with bare legs.
From embellished and beautiful to cute and flirty, a selection of short party dresses celebrates your unique style.
Casual Dresses
Women often find themselves in situations that require a casual dress code. Whether walking along the street boutiques, strolling through the park, or just going out for drinks with friends, they want to look fashionable without getting too dressed up. This can include wearing skinny jeans with fitted tops or t-shirts and low heels or sneakers.
The dressy-casual category is a versatile balance of formal and informal styles that works for women in many settings. It is perfect for networking events, fundraisers, or dinner dates at a restaurant. It can even be worn to clubs and parties that don’t have strict dress codes, as long as the women avoid short dresses or anything too casual.
Sundresses and day dresses work well in this category because they typically have a more relaxed feel, which is acceptable for casual wear. Jersey t-shirt dresses, tiered babydoll styles, button-front designs, and puff sleeves achieve this look. Breezy fabrics like cotton and linen blends and breathable prints like stripes, ditsy florals, or gingham add to the laid-back vibe. One-piece outfits also achieve this look, such as sweater dresses and jumpsuits that belt in the middle to add formality. Regarding shoes, flats and ballet flats work best for a dressy casual style, but sneakers are acceptable as long as they are clean.
Junior Dresses
Junior party dresses are an excellent option for teens to show off their style. They can wear these short dresses to prom, homecoming, graduation parties, and other semi-formal events and birthday celebrations. These dresses can also be worn in the summer with bare legs, cute sparkly tights, and a classic bolero when the weather gets cooler. Junior party dresses are also ideal for younger girls to wear to cocktails and other special occasion parties.
Choose a dress in a color that suits your style and event. For example, a black party dress is an elegant choice for formal occasions and can be dressed in lace or sequins. A sexy red party dress is another excellent option for bold parties and is the perfect complement to your favorite lip color.
Browse our collection of short dress party styles to find a gorgeous design that fits your personality, body type, and budget. From embellished semi-formal short party dresses to edgy high-low designs and a beautiful assortment of little black dresses, you will find the perfect dress for every occasion.
Semi-Formal Dresses
Whether you want to go for a black party dress that is classic and sexy or something more feminine in pink or red, there are options for semi-formal occasions. Adding embellishments such as lace, beading, and sequins can take a short dress up to a formal level. Pairing it with a cute jacket in winter and pretty sparkly shoes can make you feel glamorous for a party or graduation.
There are a variety of different necklines to choose from as well. While a V-neck looks great on almost all body types, a strapless sweetheart neckline can show off your shoulders and arms to a stunning effect. Sleeves are also available to add more depth to a look. Having more sleeves can help you stay warm in the winter and allow you to wear your favorite coat with it as well.
If you have a date or are going out with friends, a sexy short dress is ideal. It will show off your shape while allowing you to dance all night without feeling weighed down or restricted. Famous designers craft our dresses, so you can rest assured that you’ll wear something chic and flattering for your evening out.
Cocktail Dresses
Short cocktail dresses are excellent for semi-formal parties and other special occasions. They tend to hug certain body lines beautifully and show off your curves while still leaving enough room for movement. These gowns can be dressed up or down with the right accessories. Rock a sexy dress with heels and statement jewelry for a glamorous party look, or keep it simple with pretty flats and dainty earrings.
Adding lace or beading, you can also give a casual cocktail dress a dressier vibe. A high-low hemline can also add a more formal touch to your short party dress. These details can elevate your look and make it more appropriate for a more formal occasion like a wedding.
A junior cocktail dress is versatile for prom, homecoming, and graduation parties. Still, they can also be worn to dances, birthday parties, and other events as you head into post-graduation life. Wear one with a sparkly pair of heels for a night out, or throw on a blazer and pretty boots for a date night look.
You can also give a cute little cocktail dress a bold and daring look by choosing a sleeveless style or a strapless sweetheart neckline. Sleeveless short dresses are ideal for summer or fall, but you can wear them in winter by layering them with a blazer and some pretty sparkly tights.