Best Cocktail Dresses That Look Elegant for Women Over 50

Parties happen all year long and not just during the holidays so it’s good to have a flattering cocktail dress to wear for special occasions. But, if you’re a woman over fifty, like me, it’s challenging to look glamorous like our younger counterparts. We have bulges, flabby arms, and other imperfections that need to be covered up. This post was originally published on 11/21/2017 and updated on 12/20/2019.

Cover up your flaws

One thing I look for and can’t always find at a store is a cocktail dress that has sleeves. Most are skimpy and sleeveless, made for tight little twenty-year-olds or movie stars with a standing appointment at the plastic surgeon.  You can’t go wrong with a 3/4 length sleeve and it’s less likely to fall in your soup.

I tend to like a V neckline the best, but not a “down to your belly button” V. That style is in vogue right now, and even over 50 actresses wear them. To me, it’s like having your dress on backward. Unless you have silicone holding the girls up, and lots of toupee tape, it’s not the best option.

A few older women can get away with a short skirt but most of us are better off with a mid-knee or mid-calf dress.

Stockings have become passé. If you wear them, especially if your dress is short, make sure they match your skin tone. Avoid cheap stockings with colors like “suntan.” Wolford support tights look natural and give you support at the same time.

Where to shop

Nordstrom is one of my favorite stores and makes it easy to find a cocktail dress. They always have top quality clothes, great customer service and a tailoring service that is second to none. You can even bring in clothing that doesn’t come from their store and they’ll fix it for you. See Nordstrom’s current cocktail dresses here.

I also looked for dresses that are available in larger sizes because not too many of us wear a size 2 anymore or even a size 10. The advantages of shopping for clothes online are that there is more variety than what you may find at your local store and you don’t have to look in a dressing room mirror, which always emphasizes all your flaws.

Tell me what you think of these gorgeous cocktail dresses!

And you’ll need some stylish shoes to go with your dress

If you’re into wearing stilettos with your cocktail dress, good for you, but I’d rather be comfortable. Here are shoes with low heels so your feet won’t be aching after a long night partying. Click on the images below for more information.

Find more of my favorite online stores for beauty and fashion over 50

What do you look for in a cocktail dress, or do you love pants, instead?  Please leave a comment below.