Women love to dress up in elegant cocktail dresses whether it’s for a party, wedding, or another festive occasion. Now that the pandemic is waning, there are many special evenings to celebrate. If you are a woman over 50, it isn’t always easy to find a party dress that is attractive and fits, especially if your figure isn’t perfect, like most of us.
We have bulges, flabby arms, and other imperfections that we may want to cover up. It is frustrating that many of the dresses we see in stores are either designed for younger women or look matronly. Many are made of synthetic fabrics or are badly sewn together. You could walk for miles before you find a dress in a store that is worth spending money on.
This post was last updated on 2/2024.
Cover up your flaws
The suggestions I feature below for my favorite cocktail dresses can be purchased online and are mostly knee-length and have sleeves. That way you can cover up flabby arms or gnarly knees and still look elegant.
They are also classy and elegant. 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.
What you wear underneath will make a difference
The most important factor in how well you look in a cocktail dress is what you have on underneath. Always wear a well-fitting bra, shapewear, or a slip to smooth out bumps and keep you intact.
Make your legs look fabulous
Older women who have great legs may be able to get away with wearing a mini-skirt but the majority of us look best wearing knee-length or midi dresses.
Nylon stockings have become passé, but if you wear them, it is best if they match your skin tone. Almost no one looks good in “suntan” so don’t be tempted to bring out your old Leggs. Wolford support tights look natural and give you needed support at the same time so you can dance all night. You may also be able to wear a pair of tights or sheer black stockings depending on your dress.
Where to shop for evening clothes to fit older women
Nordstrom is one of my favorite stores to shop for cocktail dresses because they have 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.
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 because it is a pleated A-line that has a V-neck, is knee-length, and has long sheer sleeves. It was also affordable!
Find more gorgeous cocktail dresses at Macy’s, here.
On a budget? This Women’s R&M Richards Printed Yoryu Chiffon with Lurex Jacket Dress from Kohl’s is lovely.
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.
Tell me what you think of these gorgeous cocktail dresses!
You can’t go wrong with a little black dress.
You’ll need stylish shoes to go with your dress
Don’t feel you must wear stilettos with your cocktail dress. It is just as elegant and safer to wear shoes that are comfortable so you don’t risk falling. The evening shoes below have low heels so your feet won’t be aching after a long night of partying.
Find a wide variety of fabulous evening shoes at Zappos, here.
What do you look for in a cocktail dress, or do you prefer to wear pants, instead? Please leave a comment below.
Dee Morales says
Excellent advice!!!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Thanks, Dee. Glad you stopped by.
Susan Upson says
I haven’t been to a cocktail party in a decade!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
LOL! Hey, no problem. Not everyone likes to dress up and I totally understand. With party season going full blast some of us party animals need a little help.
kristine j.fisher says
HI, Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
Thanks for your great article.Really this post is very informative & helpful.Really great advice.
These dress are so much pretty & gorgeous.I like them very much.
Also,i want to mention that i read your post regularly.Keep it up.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Thanks, so much Kristine. I always love to hear great feedback. I really appreciate it.
Kate says
Finding a cocktail party dress suitable after 50 can be a real challenge and I really appreciate your advice.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Thanks, so much, Kate. I hope my post helps.
Gracie Mathew says
Cocktail dresses are great. hope to buy some of these somehow. Great Post.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Thanks, Gracie. I hope so too and that we have more chances to wear them soon.
plumandpeaches says
Highly appreciated the content you shared. Loved it.