Special occasions -- from drinks with the girls to date night -- call for short (knee-length or shorter) dresses with some specialness to them.
1. One-Shoulder Dress

Nordstrom.comThis elegant goddess-style dress in red will set off your hourglass figure or give you curves if you don't already have them. Best of all, it has a spectacular rosette on the shoulder to frame your face. From Tadashi Shoji.
2. Beaded Cocktail Dress

Nordstrom.comSparkle in this beaded Aidan Mattox cocktail dress in a flattering blue shade. The easy silhouette gets a touch of sexy from cold shoulders (perfect for women who want to cover up their arms a bit.)
3. Silver and Black Slip Dress

Shopbop.comAdd sparkle with metallic ruched fabric and flattery with a cool chevron stripe design with this Dallin Chase dress.
4. Blue Cutaway Shoulder Dress

Nordstrom.comWow the cocktail crowd with this gorgeous blue JS Boutique cutaway shoulder beaded dress.
5. Lace Cocktail Dress

Nordstrom.comWear sexy, but demure, black lace in a ladylike (and flattering silhouette) from Donna Morgan.