Have a party, a wedding, a formal or semi-formal event to attend? A co*cktail dress is probably what you need. co*cktail dresses are dresses that are dressy yet not too extravagant. They are also sometimes called tea dresses or party dresses. Typically, a co*cktail dress will be knee-length or mid-calf.
Owning a co*cktail dress that makes you feel great is a must at any age and should be a staple in your wardrobe beyond your 50s – always be ready for those party invites. Yet finding the perfect co*cktail dress for your body shape can be a little challenging because of all the choices out there.
Here is our list of the best co*cktail dresses for women over 50:
- Floral-Embroidered Tulle co*cktail Dress – Fit-and-flare silhouette.
- Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Stretch Sequin Draped Sheath Dress – thissequined dressat Neiman Marcus is perfect for all seasons.
- – crepe dresses are naturally flowy and perfect for summer co*cktail parties.
- Adrianna Papell Embellished co*cktail Dress – beautiful ice blue co*cktail dress features three-quarter semi-sheer sleeves and allover bead- and sequin-embellished mesh.
- A-Line Soutache Dress – made of premium soutache fabric and designed with shimmering sequin details.
- Midi Length Embroidered Lace Mock Jacket with Jersey Dress – classically tailored co*cktail dress with ¾ sleeves looks great on almost all body types.
- LAUREN Ralph Lauren Georgette Flutter-Sleeve Dress – Love red? This is your dress!
- Alex Evenings Sequined Lace Contrast Dress – sequin top and knee-length soft flowy skirt make a perfect combo for any occasion.
- Eliza J Ruffle Sleeve co*cktail Dress – Flaunt your figure in this dress!
- Ignite Evenings 2-Piece Embellished Tiered Jacket Dress – Tiered dress which will flatter many different body types.
- Monique Lhuillier Lace Short-Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress – a true classic cut and is sure to become a timeless piece in your wardrobe.
Let’s face it, the cute and sexy co*cktail dresses you wore when you were in your 30s probably don’t fit your shape or lifestyle anymore. Personally, I prefer more elegant and chic dresses now that I am in my 50s.
Our bodies naturally change as we get older. So, trying to fit into the clothing that we used to wear a decade or two ago may leave us frustrated and significantly reduce our self-esteem. Instead of fighting it, let’s try to embrace our changing bodies.
Knowing your body shape is essential when shopping for clothing. Just remember, no body shape is better than another. Welcome your shape and size and learn to love and dress it. The confidence you will acquire will shine through when you are strutting in your fabulous co*cktail dress at your next party.
So, what is your body shape?
Fuller on the Top
Simply put, your bust and/or shoulder measurements are fuller than your hips and bottom.
Fuller on the Bottom
You are fuller at the hips and bottom and smaller on the top.
Fuller in the Middle
There is a little extra in the middle – this could be from numerous things, like Super Bowl food.
Curvy
You are a curvy woman with a full bust, a defined waist, and full hips, resulting in the ultimate hourglass figure.
Not Curvy
There is very little difference between your chest, waist, and hip measurements.
Do you have a tape measure? Especially now that online shopping has become mainstream, it’s imperative that you own a tape measure and know your exact measurements.
So, now that you have figured out your body shape, you can narrow down your co*cktail dress options. Let’s take a look at the different types of co*cktail dresses that work well for women over 50.
The A-Line co*cktail Dress
The vintage-inspired A-line co*cktail dress is a style that flatters many different body types. It looks great on heavier shapes as well as thinner women who want to add some curves to their figure.
A-line co*cktail dresses are flirty and can be knee-length or mid-calf. They can be strapless, halter top, strappy, and also have various sleeve lengths.
The Little Black Dress
Every woman should own a classic little black dress. It’s a staple in all wardrobes and can be a last-minute lifesaver. Black dresses are elegant and tend to ooze finesse and class.
The little black dress comes in a variety of shapes – from A-line to body fitting. Paired with the perfect shoes and accessories, a little black dress will look good on any body type.
The Lace co*cktail Dress
I love lace. It’s so romantic and feminine and can soften any figure. You will find some co*cktail dresses entirely designed with lace and others who have accents of lace (like the neckline or sleeves, for example).
Lace co*cktail dresses come in a variety of shapes but are oftentimes form-fitting, hugging the body, and accentuating shapely figures.
The Strapless co*cktail Dress
Strapless co*cktail dresses are a little more daring, and you don’t need to shy away from them because you are over 50. They actually look great on women who are fuller on the top. Pair it with a short cover-up, like a bolero jacket or shawl.
The co*cktail Dress with Sleeves
There’s something about dresses with sleeves. co*cktail dresses with sleeves are sophisticated and can be a good option for you if you wish to cover your arms. From cap-sleeve to long sleeve, pick the one that makes you feel confident.
I’ve selected 11 co*cktail dresses for women over 50 that I think will fit a variety of shapes and sizes.
Floral-Embroidered Tulle co*cktail Dress
This beautiful fit-and-flare silhouette floral tulle lace and embroidered dress at Neiman Marcus has a high sweetheart illusion neckline and 3/4 sleeves. This is a timeless styled dress that you will have for years to come.
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Stretch Sequin Draped Sheath Dress
Are you a fan of sequins? Sequins are always a perfect choice for co*cktail hour. This sequined dress at Neiman Marcus is perfect for all seasons. Remember to tone down the shiny accessories when you wear a sequin dress.
Corey Chiffon Fit & Flare co*cktail Dress
Crepe dresses are naturally flowy and perfect for summer co*cktail parties. This dress at Nordstrom features a chiffon skirt that offers loads of flare that will give YOU flair! It comes in several colors and size options. You can always add a lace camisole underneath if you find the neckline a little too revealing.
Adrianna Papell Embellished co*cktail Dress
This beautiful ice blue co*cktail dress features three-quarter semi-sheer sleeves and allover bead- and sequin-embellished mesh. You can find this dress at Bloomingdale’s.
A-Line Soutache Dress
This figure-flattering blush colored co*cktail dress is made of premium soutache fabric and designed with shimmering sequin details.
Midi Length Embroidered Lace Mock Jacket with Jersey Dress
The details are in the jacket with this co*cktail ensemble from Alex Evenings. It is offered in Plum, Smokey Orchid, Dove, and Navy.
LAUREN Ralph Lauren Georgette Flutter-Sleeve Dress
I love red dresses! This A-line garden dress from Ralph Lauren is the perfect red co*cktail dress that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion. It is designed with threaded belt loops, and comes with a removable self-belt.
Alex Evenings Sequined Lace Contrast Dress
The sequin top and knee-length soft flowy skirt make a perfect combo for any occasion. This co*cktail dress comes in several colors – from shell pink to navy blue.
Ruffle Sleeve co*cktail Dress
Flaunt your great figure in this fitted stretchy dress from Bloomingdale’s. The flutter ruffle sheer sleeves are simply beautiful and cover your shoulders.
Ignite Evenings 2-Piece Embellished Tiered Jacket Dress
Tiered dresses flatter many different body types. The sequin and beaded details on this set are not overpowering and offer a hint of glamour.
Monique Lhuillier Lace Short-Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress
This romantic lace co*cktail dress from designer Monique Lhuillier is a true classic cut and is sure to become a timeless piece in your wardrobe. Get it from Saks Fifth Avenue.
Invest in Timeless Pieces
I like to purchase timeless pieces when it comes to items like co*cktail dresses. I prefer to have a simple dress and then pop it with accessories and fabulous shoes depending on the occasion I’m attending.
How do you evaluate your body type? Is it easy or difficult to find dresses that flatter your body? Which dress styles make you feel beautiful and confident when you wear them? Please share below and let’s discuss dress styles!
