The cocktail dress emerged in the 1920s as a semi-formal, short dress designed specifically for cocktail parties (informal evening gatherings where special drinks were served). With the growing popularity of cocktail parties and cultural shifts following World War I, women began seeking shorter, more comfortable dresses. These dresses, typically knee-length or slightly above, became popular for their elegance and unique design suited for these events.
The short dress, or mini-dress, gained popularity in the 1960s, thanks to designers like Mary Quant. This style flourished as women became more socially active, and society’s views on fashion evolved. Short dresses became symbols of freedom and youthful spirit, remaining a favored and popular style in women’s fashion to this day.