As I mentioned not long ago in my post, 5 Dresses Every Woman Should Have: every woman should own an evening dress, something special to wear to formal occasions.
Now before you tell me how you would never wear it, hear me out.
You just never know! And when you *do* have an occasion, wouldn’t it be nice to have something ready in your wardrobe? There is nothing worse than “panic buying”, desperately trying to find something suitable at the last minute.
If you should go on a cruising holiday, there is always a formal night.
And what if you have an awards night or other special occasion?
Besides, buying formal dresses for more mature women
More mature women have more of an idea of what they like – and don’t like. Chances are, you won’t want to flash as much flesh as your 19 year old daughter would; and you are probably more interested in finding something that is more “classic” and will stand the test of time, rather than buying an outfit that you will only wear once.
So I’ve done some day dreaming research for you, to show you that it *is* possible.
Classic Black
You can’t beat a black formal dress
It could be something simple and elegant, in a floaty fabric:
Nude – the New Neutral
These days, a nude or blush coloured gown
A high neckline is great for hiding a crepey decolletage, and a feature to look for in formal dresses for older women:
Dreamy Draping
Draping is a classic look, that is also great for hiding any figure faults:
Something with Sleeves
It’s really hard to find formal dresses that actually have sleeves
Designers take note: middle aged women need evening wear too – and a bit of a sleeve is much more flattering when you are well on your way to having tuckshop lady arms.
Glorious Colour
Like wine, women get better with age – so celebrate in glorious colour!
Do be careful with pastels though – as they can look a bit “mutton dressed as lamb”. Make sure the style is sophisticated if you do opt for baby shades:
Which one of these formal dresses for older women, would be your pick? I’m quite taken with the cobalt blue one, myself!
I love the red one with the crossover top. I’ve also found it hard to find dresses that are not strapless! I can’t wear those, I spend all my time hitching them up!
Hi Melissa, that one is probably my second favourite 🙂 .
They are all gorgeous, but I can’t go past black for a formal gown.
Especially if you want something less likely to date 🙂
I’d appreciate more dresses that are knee length, just below the knee, tea length … in other words, not long! Like it or not, at this age (68), they tend to be a nuisance when you’re trying to walk around without looking like you have to think about it!
I remember when long dresses (even for formal) were SO out of style in the 80’s … they do say 80’s fashion is coming back in so perhaps you will get your wish!
Loving the green one. I need a straighter skirt with a slightly higher waist so it would be perfect! (although a little higher neckline for me – I have no boobs to fill it out nicely!)