A woman in a sophisticated LOVERS AND FRIENDS Kate black tie strap mini dress sits elegantly on a marble counter in a modern bar or lounge. Surrounded by tall plants and stylish decor, she poses gracefully with one leg crossed over the other, wearing black high-heeled shoes with bows, epitomizing party-ready glamour.

@LOVERSFRIENDSLA / INSTAGRAM

The Dress Edit

PSA: These Are The Best Short Designer Dresses For Party Season

Midi and maxi silhouettes are amazing, but I’m all about short designer dresses for party season. If you are too, you’re going to adore this edit. I’ve scrolled through hundreds of dresses to find the chicest and prettiest designer minis for the countless evenings out ahead. I also couldn’t help myself and shopped for new season shoes and bags to go with them! So, whether your holiday events calendar is filling up fast, or you’re looking for a mini dress for a specific special occasion, I have you covered. My advice? Add anything you love to your cart now – these sought-after styles are destined to sell out quickly!

A woman poses against a gray background in a MAC DUGGAL lilac short-sleeved tulle mini dress, perfect for a party. She holds a small heart-shaped silver handbag and wears metallic pointed shoes. Her eyes are closed, and her head is tilted slightly back.

MAC DUGGAL Short-Sleeve V-Neck Ruffled Tulle Mini Dress

Wearing the stylish SHOW ME YOUR MUMU Jasmine black halter mini dress, a person stands on a patio holding a glass of champagne against a white wooden backdrop. Their chic look is completed with black sandals, and their long hair is elegantly tied back as they enjoy the sunny day outdoors.

SHOW ME YOUR MUMU Jasmine Halter Mini Dress

The Prettiest Short Designer Dresses For Party

I love sequin silhouettes as much as the next person, but when it comes to short designer dresses for party season, I’m all about pretty silhouettes. For example, I’m powerless to refuse a romantic pastel dress like the short-sleeve V-neck ruffled tulle mini by Mac Duggal. Firstly, it has the cutest lilac hue, puffed sleeves, and tiered ruffles throughout. Secondly, it looks incredible with silver accessories for parties. I’ll be styling mine (yes, it’s already in my cart) with the Potischa pumps by Christian Louboutin and the mini crystal-embellished bow tote by Judith Leiber Couture.

Meanwhile, you can never go wrong with a little black dress. My choice for this party season is the Jasmine halter mini dress by Show Me Your Mumu. The halter neckline is so chic and seriously flattering. Additionally, the black silk fabric and slinky, relaxed fit will never go out of style. And, neither will the crystal-embellished satin pumps by Dolce & Gabbana which will go perfectly with this dress. Finish the look with the mini crystal embellished bow-detailed top handle toe by Judith Leiber Couture. A great investment, this bag will serve you so well throughout this party season and beyond.

 

Shop more Short Designer Dresses For Party Season selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • RACHEL GILBERT Ochre Ruched One-Shoulder Bubble Hem Mini Dress

    $795
  • SAINT LAURENT Open Back Velvet Skater Mini Dress

    $4,250
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Ganette Velvet Mini Dress

    $345
  • ELLIATT Trompe Dress

    $200
  • ASTR THE LABEL Golda Dress

    $138
  • LOVERS AND FRIENDS Mary Kate Mini Dress

    $228
  • MAEVE Puff-Sleeve Keyhole Embroidered Mini Dress

    $178
  • FOR LOVE & LEMONS Della Mini Dress

    $198
  • SUPERDOWN Abigal Mini Dress

    $78
  • MAJORELLE Lois Mini Dress

    $278
  • MAC DUGGAL Short-Sleeve V-Neck Ruffled Tulle Mini Dress

    $498
  • TOM FORD Cutout Stretch-Knit Mini Dress

    $2,490
  • ALEX PERRY Gathered Asymmetric Stretch-Velvet Mini Dress

    $220
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Paulinette Iridescent Sequin Mini Dress

    $995
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Finta Sequin Mini Dress

    $495
  • REBECCA VALLANCE Diana Bow-Detailed Sequined Woven Mini Dress

    $790
  • VALENTINO GARAVANI Sequined Crepe Mini Dress

    $7,500
  • GIVENCHY Strapless Asymmetric Bow-Detailed Cady Mini Dress

    $4,450
  • HUTCH Twofer Mini Dress

    $218
  • SOVERE Gleam Mini Dress

    $219
  • LOVERS AND FRIENDS Cori Mini Dress

    $178
  • BRONX AND BANCO Courtney Mini Dress

    $750
  • MICHAEL COSTELLO Mr. Gibson Mini Dress

    $188
  • LOVERS AND FRIENDS Poppy Mini Dress

    $358
  • ELLIATT Revolve Enchantment Bow Dress

    $231
  • SHOW ME YOUR MUMU Jasmine Halter Mini Dress

    $148
  • BARDOT Fleurette Flower Mini Dress

    $209

Floral Embellished Short Designer Dresses For Party Season

Okay, so I lied, I have two top picks for black, short designer dresses for party season. But who could blame me when the Fleurette flower mini dress by Bardot exists? Firstly, this dress wows with a unique strapless neckline decorated with 3D floral appliques. Secondly, it looks just as amazing with black heels as it does with metallic ones. Hint: the Bari 101mm metallic leather sandals by Schutz and the Monaco mini bag by Balenciaga were made to go with this dress.

Finally, when only a colorful dress will do, choose the adorable, pink trompe mini by Elliatt. It also has the sweetest floral applique details, plus, a flattering square neckline and wide shoulder straps. Compliment the vibrant pink hue with a white bag and shoes. The textured leather shoulder bag by Jil Sander and the Callamu 50 patent leather mules by Manolo Blahnik will work perfectly.

Shop All Short Designer Dresses For Party Season

A woman in the BARDOT Fleurette black flower mini dress, its strapless bodice adorned with large floral appliqués, poses confidently with her hands on her head. Her bold geometric earrings add flair against a plain backdrop, allowing the party-ready ensemble to take center stage.

BARDOT Fleurette Flower Mini Dress

Wearing the fashionable ELLIATT Trompe pink floral embellished mini dress, a person stands before a bar lined with shelves of bottles. The vibrant pink ensemble stands out against the sophisticated setting, enhanced by a trendy grid-patterned ceiling that sets the perfect party atmosphere.

ELLIATT Trompe Dress

Notes From A Fashion Editor: Here's What To Wear To A Cocktail Party This Season