Reviewers Dish on Cocktail Dresses They Love for Women Over 50

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Whether you’re headed to a wedding, a party, or a fancy date, there’s one thing that every fashionable woman could use in her closet: A chic cocktail dress. But how do you find that perfect one with the right fit, style, and preferred price point? Shopping for the right dress can be a challenge no matter your age—but if you’re specifically looking for the best cocktail dresses for women over 50, we’ve got you covered.

Though we’re firm believers that you can wear whatever you want at any age (every body is beautiful!), we know that everyone has cocktail dress preferences. Thankfully, we found options in a slew of styles, colors, and price points for every type of occasion, so no matter your dress criteria, there’s a perfect cocktail dress for you. There are sleeveless and high-low options that make for beautiful summer dresses or flowy wedding guest dresses—but if you’re looking for something with more modest coverage for the colder months ahead (or even trying to get a jump on your holiday attire!), we also have plenty of elegant midi and maxi dresses, as well as silhouettes with longer sleeves. In need of a classic little black dress? We found a few of those, too, that women of all ages will stun in.

Ahead, check out all the best cocktail dresses for women over 50 that are flattering, stylish, and comfortable. From long-sleeved to sleeveless to tea-length to mini, these top-rated picks are sure to help you look (and feel!) your best.

Short Sleeve Lace Floral Cocktail Dress

Lace always adds a touch of class—and the intricate lace detail on this beautiful dress is no exception. We recommend this versatile lace cocktail dress because of its short sleeve detailing, and the round neck offers great coverage. Plus, it comes in 15 different colors to choose from.

What a reviewer says: "The dress looks very elegant, the length is perfect and the lace sleeves offer enough coverage of my upper arms."

Bell Sleeve Cocktail Dress

If you’re looking for more coverage of your arms, this modest cocktail dress features a tasteful 3/4-sleeve length with its elegant flared bell sleeves. The A-line midi fit comes together with a decorative bow belt that accentuates the waistline. And did we mention this dress also comes in several gorgeous jewel tones? We see a holiday dinner in its future!

What a reviewer says: "[This dress] is so pretty on and very modest and classy yet is fitted in all the right areas to accentuate your curves and femininity. It fits beautifully, is comfortable, and is just the right length. Lots of compliments!"

V Neck Short Sleeved Midi Dress

If you want a dress that skims your curves without veering into bodycon territory, try this v-neck dress in a rich red hue. The form-flattering silhouette hugs your body, while the ponte knit fabric is thick enough to lay smooth without ever feeling too constricting.

What a reviewer says: "Perfect date night dress! It fits in all the right places and really complements my body. I love red and I love the length of this dress."

Halter Dress

If you want to show off your shoulders, try a halter neckline. Halters draw attention up, which works with both small and large busts. Plus, this fit and flare stunner is available in seven gorgeous shades!

What a reviewer says: "Purchased this dress for the holidays. You never know what you're going to get online but this dress is amazing. It's true to size…I wear a size 12 and the large fit perfectly. I have a tummy, but the fit and flare style camouflaged it. It is really flattering and perfect for dancing!"

Off-the-Shoulder Short Sleeve Ribbed Bodycon Midi Dress

If you’re looking for a more figure-hugging option (that comes in 23 colors and patterns!), Ezbelle’s hot off-the-shoulder bodycon dress fits the bill. With more than 7,000 Amazon ratings and nearly five stars overall, it’s a customer favorite too.

What a reviewer says: "I absolutely love this dress. The material is soft and stretchy. I bought it in my size and felt like it fit great; it just hugged my curves and my tummy a bit. Although it hugged my body, it wasn’t tight."

Wildflower Embroidered Dress

Looking for an elevated, plus-sized dress? This top-rated dress from Kiyonna is a great option. A beautiful floral pattern floats atop a slip dress with elbow-length illusion sleeves. Plus, a pleated hem adds a bit of flounce to the party frock.

What a reviewer says: "I bought this for an evening wedding. It’s a beautiful cocktail dress that fits just as it looks on the model."

Satin Midi Slip Dress

The classic slip dress silhouette gets a refresh with a bold pattern and side-slit design that allows you to show off a bit of leg without having to wear a mini. Plus, a slip dress works in any season: Wear it in the summer with heels and a cute clutch, then add a leather jacket and tall boots once temperatures drop.

What a reviewer says: "I've made a point to buy this dress in multiple colors over the past few seasons because I love the fit and the fabric so much. It looks so luxe and sophisticated, I've been looking for excuses to wear it out more often!"

Tiffany One-Shoulder Midi Dress

This asymmetrical dress comes in a midi length with a form-flattering silhouette—but the star of the show is undoubtedly the beautiful one-shoulder neckline that adds a touch of sophistication. Besides the bold red shade, it also comes in 13 other colors.

What a reviewer says: "Gorgeous and flattering... The waist is structured and defined, making it look more slender. The length is perfect, and the shoulder detail takes the dress from fancy to elegant."

Sequin Lace Midi Dress

Looking for a little sparkle? This lovely midi dress is embellished with sequins for a touch of glitter that’s fitting for holiday parties (or just whenever you feel like sparkling). It also offers a fit-and-flare silhouette for those who prefer a fuller skirt and is available in four colors.

What a reviewer says: "I’m 63 years old, curvy but fairly fit, and so many of the cocktail style dresses seem too flashy or young. This dress is form-fitting, but I don’t have to suffer through pantyhose or Spanx to wear it. Love the light sparkle of the sequins and the all-over lace...It is a great dress for this price, and I’m a picky shopper."

Off-the-Shoulder High-Low Cocktail Skater Dress

With more than 4,000 five-star reviews and a 4.2-star rating overall, this best-selling cocktail dress comes in 16 colors and patterns. The high-low style shows off legs without being too revealing in the back, while the off-the-shoulder bodice accentuates the décolletage.

What a reviewer says: "Fits like a glove and material is thick so everything looks smooth! Beyond happy," raved one Amazon reviewer. "The shoulders stay put and don’t ride back up. Shows off my waist and shoulders...It is form-fitting, so it keeps its shape without feeling too clingy."

Deep V-Neck Ruffle Sleeves Cocktail Dress

This highly-rated dress (it has over 11,000 Amazon ratings!) features a flattering A-line silhouette with a ruffle embellishment and ruffled cap sleeves. It comes in 12 colors, so you’re sure to find a hue you love, but we recommend it especially to those looking for a little black dress with a twist.

What a reviewer says: "I wore this for my 50th birthday party, and I received many compliments. I am a plus-size gal. I was self-conscious about wearing this dress, but it photographs beautifully. Nice stretchy but thick material."

Gathered Waist Gown

Whether you sport this gorgeous maxi to a wedding or a work event, you'll be reeling in the compliments. The classic sheath silhouette gets a revamp with ruffled sleeves and a gathered waist that's easy to dress up or down. Plus, the boatneck top makes for the perfect opportunity to show off your favorite necklace!

What a reviewer says: "Took the dress out of the box and not a wrinkle, which means it will wear well. It is so soft! Fits perfectly!"

Reinette Black Midi Dress

Both Andrea Zendejas, senior accessories editor for Cosmopolitan, and Danielle Fume, associate fashion editor for Cosmopolitan, love this beautiful cocktail dress—a great option if you want to show off your arms. With a super flattering faux-wrap silhouette and midi length, this dress is also available in seven stylish colors
(including a siren red).

What a reviewer says: "This dress was very flattering. It is an A-line fit that sits at the waist and falls nicely over the mid-section. I wore it to a wedding and got many compliments."

Overlay Cocktail Party Dress

With more than 14,000 reviews and a 4.2 rating on Amazon, this might be one of the best—and most affordable—cape style cocktail dresses you'll find! If you're looking for a dress with extra arm coverage but don't want to opt for a number with full sleeves, the transparent overlay is a stylish solution.

What a reviewer says: "True to size and looked great on. Comfy and stylish. Wore to my son's wedding and got lots of compliments!"

Sleeveless High-Low Lace Cocktail Dress

Available in 34 colors and a wide range of sizes, this vintage-inspired cocktail dress is beloved by Amazon shoppers for a reason. In fact, it has a nearly five-star rating overall from over 21,000 customers.

What a reviewer says: "This dress is soft to the touch, a little stretchy, and fits wonderfully. I got the dark blue one, and it’s the perfect color."

Asymmetrical Midi Dress

You don't have to wear a low-cut dress to make a splash! The high neck on this midi is ultra chic. Complete with a slightly asymmetrical neckline and a bodice that's not tight on the hips, try this top-rated option if you want to show off your shoulders and arms.

What a reviewer says: "I needed a formal dress for a gala. This dress was perfect for the event. It was great quality and fit perfectly. I was a little unsure of the asymmetrical shoulder, but it actually made the dress stand out more, and I received many compliments."

Rhinestone-Trim Bell Sleeve Dress

The classic little black dress gets an update with rhinestone trimmed bell sleeves and a glitzy neckline that add a subtle touch of glam to your look. Designed to hit just above your knees, this A-line option shows off your legs without being too revealing.

What a reviewer says: "Absolutely stunning. Very flattering and flowing. So many compliments, and the rhinestones on the edges are the perfect touch!"

V-Neck Wrap Dress

If you want the appearance of a wrap dress without worrying about a tie coming undone, this beautiful pick is so affordable and comes in a slew of stylish colors and patterns (16, to be exact!). And shoppers love it too; it has over 1,200 five-star reviews and a 4.2-star rating overall.

What a reviewer says: "The dress hugs in all the right places. It hides my mommy pooch very well, I can control the amount of cleavage that shows, and it hangs just above the knee."

Eloise Dress

With billowy sleeves, a breezy handkerchief hemline, and a subtle cut out detail that shows off your décolletage, this midi is a versatile option that will highlight your waist. There are plenty of ways to style this stunner, making it a dress you'll reach for over and over. However, several reviewers noted that this dress runs large, and recommended sizing down.

What a reviewer says: "Elegant dress, received so many compliments. This dress is very giving [and] allows for stretch."

Vintage Cocktail Dress

If you're a sucker for outfits with a retro feel, opt for this patterned number complete with two side pockets. Not only does this 1950s-inspired silhouette come in both polka dot and floral prints, but you can also shop full-sleeve versions that are perfect for chillier temps.

What a reviewer says: "It fits me perfectly and the stitching is beautiful. Pockets are roomy. You cannot see through the material and it does have some give in the fabric. Looks and wears expensive, but the best part is that it isn't."

How to choose the best cocktail dress for women over 50

When looking for a cocktail dress, there are a number of things to keep in mind:

Pay attention to the fit. As far as cocktail dresses are concerned, there are a number of styles and designs to choose from. Both Zendeja and Flume recommend looking for something that makes you feel confident and that has great tailoring so you can feel put together without needing alterations.

Consider the material. If you’re looking for a seasonal cocktail dress, choosing lightweight fabrics for the summer and heavier wools for the winter is a no-brainer. But if you’re looking for something year-round, breathable fabric with short or billowy sleeves should do the trick.

Be mindful of the price. If you have a set price in mind, try to adhere to it as closely as possible—few things are worse than falling in love with a dress out of your price range. If you’re looking to splurge, think of how many times you’re likely to wear the dress to see if it’s worth the price.

How we chose the best cocktail dresses for women over 50

We consulted Andrea Zendejas, senior accessories editor for Cosmopolitan, and Danielle Fume, associate fashion editor for Cosmopolitan. We also sifted through countless online reviews, ratings, and product specs to find the most flattering and stylish cocktail dresses for women over 50.

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