Owning a cocktail 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 cocktail dress for your body shape can be a little challenging because of all the choices out there.

Here is our list of the best cocktail dresses for women over 50:

Let’s face it, the cute and sexy cocktail 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.

Let’s Talk Body Shapes

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 cocktail 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

Like many post-menopausal women, your waist is not as well defined as it used to be, and you have a little extra in the middle.

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.

Styles of Cocktail Dresses

So, now that you have figured out your body shape, you can narrow down your cocktail dress options. Let’s take a look at the different types of cocktail dresses that work well for women over 50.

The A-Line Cocktail Dress

The vintage-inspired A-line cocktail dress is a style that flatters many different body types. It looks great on curvier shapes as well as thinner women who want to add some curves to their figure.

A-line cocktail 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 Cocktail Dress

I love lace. It’s so romantic and feminine and can soften any figure. You will find some cocktail dresses entirely designed with lace and others who have accents of lace (like the neckline or sleeves, for example).

Lace cocktail dresses come in a variety of shapes but are oftentimes form-fitting, hugging the body, and accentuating shapely figures.

The Strapless Cocktail Dress

Strapless cocktail 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 Cocktail Dress with Sleeves

There’s something about dresses with sleeves. Cocktail 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 cocktail dresses for women over 50 that I think will fit a variety of shapes and sizes.

TADASHI SHOJI Floral Lace Sheath Cape Dress

This beautiful midi-length floral lace dress with an integrated cape from dress designer Tadashi Shoji can be found at Neiman Marcus. It has a V-neck that is not too low and a back slit and zipper.

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Stretch Sequin Draped Sheath Dress

Are you a fan of sequins? Sequins are always a perfect choice for cocktail 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 Cocktail Dress

Crepe dresses are naturally flowy and perfect for summer cocktail 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 Cocktail Dress

This beautiful ice blue cocktail dress features three-quarter semi-sheer sleeves and allover bead- and sequin-embellished mesh. You can find this dress at Bloomingdale’s.

ADRIANNA PAPELL Floral Velvet Sheath Dress

Elegant velvet dress with ruffle bell sleeves. Adrianna Papell’s sophisticated sheath dress is designed in a pretty velvet floral and styled with flattering ruching at the side and back.

R & M RICHARDS Sequined Cape Sheath Dress

This sophisticated plum cocktail dress epitomizes evening chic with a sparkling sequined cape that drapes elegantly to one side.

LAUREN Ralph Lauren Georgette Flutter-Sleeve Dress

I love red dresses! This A-line garden dress from Ralph Lauren is the perfect red cocktail 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 Plus Size Sequined Chiffon Dress and Jacket

Glamorous, flowy chiffon skirt with godet pleats at hem and sequin top dress perfectly paired with a sparkly sequined stretch jacket.

Ruffle Sleeve Cocktail 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 cocktail 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 cocktail dresses. I prefer to have a simple dress and then pop it with accessories and fabulous shoes depending on the occasion I’m attending.