The Best Cocktail Dresses and Evening Clothes for Women Over 50 in 2025

Cocktail dresses or evening clothes are essential items in your wardrobe for parties, weddings, or other special occasions. But, if you are a woman over 50, it isn’t always easy to find an outfit that is attractive and fits, especially if your figure isn’t perfect, like most of us.

We have bulges, flabby arms, and other imperfections to cover up. Most dresses in stores are designed for younger women or look matronly. Many are made of inferior synthetic fabrics or are badly sewn together. You could walk for miles before you find an evening dress in a store worth spending money on.

Online stores offer more variety and less hassle than shopping in stores that have low inventory or don’t carry your size. They don’t have the advantage of letting you try things on, but most allow you to return items that do not work for you.

What makes an evening look glamorous?

• Fabric choices: Satin, velvet, silk, and chiffon add luxury.
• Flattering Silhouettes: A-line dresses, wrap dresses, and well tailored pantsuits.
• The Power of Details: Beading, lace, and embroidery for a sophisticated touch.
• Confidence is Key: Your posture and attitude will enhance any outfit.

Cover up your flaws

Knee-length, midi-length, and maxi dresses with sleeves and subtle embellishments are usually best for older women. Sleeves cover up flabby arms and longer dresses cover gnarly knees.

Classic evening dresses that never go out of style

• The little black dress is something every woman should have because it’s so versatile. Try Adrianna Papell, Macy’s, or White House Black Market.

• Wrap dresses are universally flattering and perfect for formal occasions. Silk wrap dresses are ultra alluring. Try Diane Von Furstenberg or Ann Taylor.
• The flowing gown is ideal for galas, weddings, or fancy dinner parties. Empire dresses are figure-forgiving and belted options give you a tailored look. Try Tadashi Shoji or Alex Evenings.

Chic Alternatives to Dresses

• Elegant pantsuits are perfect for a sophisticated and powerful look. You may even try a female tuxedo. Satin and crepe will give you a dressy finish. Bloomingdales or Macy’s offer flattering styles.
• Jumpsuits with a glamorous twist create a flattering monotone look that can be layered with an elegant jacket or paired with a statement belt or heels for added elegance. Look at Bloomingdale’s or Nordstrom.
• Statement skirts and dressy blouses can also look stunning. Midi or maxi skirts in tulle, satin, or embellished with sequins with a top with lace, ruffles, or draping can stand out in a crowd. Try Alex Evenings or Quince.

It is also best to stick to classic and elegant designs. When you see older female celebrities wearing evening attire at award shows, some hit the mark, but many do not. The trend seems to be necklines cut down to the belly button. That may work for someone who is completely flat, but most women over 50 do not want to show off wrinkled decollete, or saggy breasts.

Unless you had a boob job made out of concrete, you may have a wardrobe malfunction that could be embarrassing.

Color trends and patterns for ageless glamour

Timeless colors include black, navy, emerald, green, deep red, and champagne. They will give you an aura of sophistication without making you look like you are trying too hard. Jewel tones such as sapphire, ruby and amethyst complement mature skin tones.

Gold and silver accents sewn into your clothing add shine and take your attire to the next level.

Florals tend to look more casual than dressy. They can also look dated. However, subtle silky florals, elegant brocades and soft shimmer can be exquisite.

What you wear underneath your party clothes will make a difference

A well-fitting bra, shapewear, or a slip will smooth out bumps and keep you intact.

Make your legs look fabulous

Older women with great legs may get away with wearing mini-skirts, but the rest of us look best when we show less skin.

Nylon stockings have become passé, but if you wear them, match them to your skin tone. Almost no one looks good in “suntan,” so don’t be tempted to bring out your old Leggs. Wolford support tights and body suits are fun and fabulous. They come in sheer and opaque. Plus, they will support you so you can dance all night.

Where to shop for evening clothes to fit older women

Nordstrom is one of my favorite stores for cocktail dresses and offers a large selection of high-quality evening attire. It also has attentive customer service and offers free alterations if you are a Nordy Club member.

This black dress from Nordstrom is a great example of a classy cocktail dress.

View Nordstrom’s current cocktail dresses here.

I am an apple shape, so most of my weight is in my stomach. I found the cocktail dress below at Macy’s. It works for my body type and was also affordable!

Find more gorgeous cocktail dresses at Macy’s, here.

Investment pieces can be worn for decades. Brands such as St. John, Escada, and Oscar de la Renta are worth the price if you frequently attend formal events.

Zara, Nordstrom, and Mango are good to shop for affordable evening clothes.

Some local boutiques offer unique and one of a kind pieces so you won’t accidentally show up and find someone in the same outfit.

Sometimes you can find second-hand designer pieces and accessories at thrift and vintage stores. Just make sure they don’t make you look like your Grandma.

Most of the dresses you see below are available in larger sizes. The advantage of shopping for clothes online is that there is more variety and you can filter out exactly what you want without having to look at yourself in an ugly dressing room mirror. If you don’t like the dress once you’ve tried it on, most trusted stores will let you mail it back to return or exchange it.

What do you think of these gorgeous cocktail dresses?

You’ll need stylish shoes to go with your dress

Don’t feel you must wear stilettos with your cocktail dress. It’s elegant and safer to wear comfortable shoes so you don’t risk falling. Look for:

• Kitten heels, block heels, or embellished flats.
• Strappy Sandals that are metallic or nude will elongate your legs.
• Luxury loafers that are embellished will allow you to dance all night.

The evening shoes below have low heels so your feet won’t be aching after a long night of partying.

Lifestride has comfortable shoes in all styles, including evening. These Mary Janes will keep you standing without pain for hours.

Other brands that offer comfortable evening shoes are Naturalizer, Stuart Weitzman, and Sam Edelman.

More evening shoes to check out

Find a wide variety of fabulous evening shoes at Zappos, here.

Accessories that elevate any evening look

Statement jewelry such as bold earrings or stand-out flashy necklaces can be exciting, but so can simple and delicate jewelry.

Clutch bags that are metallic, beaded or velvet will give you a polished look. Quince has a collection of Italian leather clutch bags that can be worn evening and daytime.

Elegant wraps and shawls in cashmere, faux fur, or silk will keep you warm and look fashionable.

Gloves & hair accessories can add a touch of old-Hollywood glamour. However, you are a modern woman, so be careful not to look old-fashioned.

The power of a great hairstyle & makeup

Your beautiful evening attire will look shoddy if your hair is unkempt or your makeup is overdone. A flattering hair style with soft waves, red lips, and subtle makeup will give you a radiant glow and make you look younger and more vibrant.

What’s your go-to glamorous outfit? Please leave a comment below.