Choosing what to wear for a special occasion is tricky no matter what age you are, but as HELLO!'s resident shopping editor, I'm here to help you by perusing the virtual aisles for some top picks. I've even looked towards the royals (my other specialist subject!) for some expert guidance as well.
And talking of experts, there was one person I really wanted to reach out to when it comes to the royals, and that's Samantha, she's the woman behind the popular Royal Fashion Daily Instagram account (formerly known as Royal Fashion Police). She's a marvel at documenting royal outfits, so I was desperate to know what the 50+ royals can teach us about getting dressed up for a special event.
© Getty ImagesSamantha notes that it's all about choosing the right dress! She advises that you opt for "well-fitted, structured pieces like tailored coats and dresses that highlight your shape."
She added: "Don’t be afraid of vibrant colours - Queen Mary often wears bright blues, reds, and greens that make a statement. Add clean, minimal accessories to keep the look polished but not fussy and Opt for elegant, simple hairstyles to complement the outfit without overpowering it."
How I chose the best occasion wear dresses for older women
- Flattering: I want this to be a stylish edit but I also want to make sure the dresses will be flattering, too. From long sleeves to high necklines and modest midi cuts, these are all the styles that flatter a variety of body shapes.
- Cost: I've tried to choose dresses that you can wear time and time again so if they're a little more expensive, I'm hoping the investment will be worth it in the long run. I also looked at some of my favourite brands, and the ones that I trust.
- Age appropiate: As you know, this edit is all about dresses handpicked with an age category in mind. I've tried to pick a mix of styles - after all, just because you've reached a certain age, doesn't necessarily mean you have to change your style. I'm hoping you'll get the inspiration that works FOR YOU.
© Getty Images- Long sleeved editor's pick: Boden Tulle Ruffle Maxi Dress, £159 / $249
- Short sleeved editor's pick: Nobody's Child Lola Midi Dress, £97.50 / $250
- Midi length editor's pick: Aspiga 'Astrid' Velvet Dress, £265 / $375
- Embellished style editor's pick: M&S Per Una Chiffon Sequin Mini Tiered Dress, £65 / $155
- Modest pick: Hobbs London 'Willow' Dress, £199 / $445
- V-neck editor's pick: Rixo 'Elsie' Chiffon Dress, £315 / $485
- Black tie editor's pick: OddMuse London Halter Neck Maxi, £165 / $250
© Getty ImagesBest occasion dresses for women over 50
1/18
Aspiga 'Astrid' Velvet Dress
© AspigaWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Subtle frill at neckline
- On trend colour
I'm a big fan of Aspiga's dresses. Not only do they look good, but they're incredibly designed as well. I think this dress would be a fantastic occasion dress thanks to its jewel-like hue. Team with a pair of pointy kitten heels and a statement clutch bag.
2/18
Boden Tulle Ruffle Maxi Dress
© BodenWhy I love it:
- Party ready
- Long, sheer sleeves
- Waist cinching waistband
- Fit and flare design
This dress is guaranteed to make you feel good and it'll always be there for you - it's so timeless. The sheer sleeves will ensure you feel comfortable and you'll be able to dance all night in this dress. There are also other colours to choose from.
3/18
Queens of Archive 'Dolly' Dress
© Queens of ArchiveWhy I love it:
- Elegant
- Deep navy velvet
- Embellishment
I've found the ideal dress for you if you want to look poised and elegant. Queens of Archive is a fabulous brand and the likes of Holly Willoughby, Ferne Cotton and Lisa Snowdon are all huge fans. The 'Dolly' dress exudes glamour.
4/18
LK Bennett Uma Rio Red Crinkle Mesh Viscose Dress
© LK BennettWhy I Love It:
- Long sleeves
- Textured fabric adds subtle dimension
- Perfect for many occasions
A va va voom red dress is the perfect option when it comes to occasionwear over winter and this is crafted from beautiful crinkle chiffon. I love that the sheer top section adds all the drama you need.
5/18
Rixo 'Elsie' Chiffon Dress
© RixoWhy I love it:
- Lightweight
- Midi length
- Perfect for all seasons
Who doesn't love an easy polka dot dress? I am a huge fan of Rixo and this dress will never date. The Elsie 'starry night navy' dress is available in regular and petite.
6/18
Marks & Spencer Per Una Chiffon Subtle Sequin Mini Tiered Dress
© M&SWhy I love it:
- Tummy-friendly
- Great with tights
- Elegant long sleeves
If this dress is familiar, it's because it's the dress Dawn French wears in the M&S Christmas advert for 2025. The stunning smock dress is from the Per Una range and it's crafted from subtly sequinned chiffon for a touch of sparkle. It's cut to a relaxed fit with a removable lining.
7/18
NEXT x Friends Like These Black Lace Yoke Long Sleeve Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress
© NEXTWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Long sleeves
- Available in other colour ways
This dress will be a wardrobe saviour for years to come and what's more, it's available in regular, petite and curve sizing. I love this dress from Next because it looks fashionable and comfortable - the perfect balance of the two.
8/18
Nobody's Child Black Velvet & Satin Mix Lola Midi Dress
© Nobody's ChildWhy I love it:
- Flattering angel sleeves
- Underbust seams
- Looks more expensive than it is
How dreamy is this dress? The black satin and velvet combo is sexy, but the cut makes it a little demure. The cut is flattering on the tummy area and the frills on the short sleeves and the V-back gives some added drama. It would appear that this dress is bra-friendly if you choose wisely. The site recommends you take your usual size.
9/18
River Island Black Slash Neck Maxi Dress
© River IslandWhy I love it:
- Interesting neckline
- Timeless
- Super affordable
River Island is a great place to find occasion wear if you ask me. I saw plenty of dressy options available, but I chose this black satin dress because I can imagine it would work really well on a lot of women - especially if you you're not really a dress person. Amp up the accessories with this dress.
10/18
Reiss Adina Tuxedo Blazer Dress
© ReissWhy I Love It:
- Tuxedo tailoring
- Satin lapels
- Short hemline
A little bit masculine, a little bit feminine - this 'Adina' dress strikes the perfect balance. The sheer fabric on the sleeves gives it a touch of sex appeal, too.
11/18
Hobbs London 'Willow' Dress
© HobbsWhy I love it:
- Long sleeves
- Modest
- Available up to a size 22
This is a real classic dress that would suit ladies who don't feel comfortable with anything too risque or too loud.
12/18
Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Scuba Crepe Bandeau Midi Dress
© Karen MillenWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Long sleeves
- Can be worn with bling accessories
Karen Millen has always been a strong favourite here at HELLO! HQ and this long-sleeved sexy red dress wins brownie points for the flattering fit and the party-ready embellishment. It's a bestseller for a reason.
13/18
Mint Velvet Black Round Neck Long Sleeved Embellished Midi Dress
© Mint VelvetWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Short sleeves
- Flattering fit-and-flare shape
Is this not the most exquisite dress? Mint Velvet is a firm favourite with the fashion crowd and lots of the occasion wear dresses tend to sell fast. I love this one, because it brings just the right amount of drama. Keep it looking modern with fuss-free accessories.
14/18
Phase Eight 'Tessa Glitter Mini Dress
© Phase EightWhy I love it:
- Shift dress style
- Mini length
- Available up to a size 26
If you're looking for a short dress for a special occasion over the holidays, this new-in dress at Phase Eight is stunning. It will take you from the office to the party seamlessly as well. Featuring a shimmering silver pattern that catches the light, this dress is designed for dancing!
15/18
Needle & Thread Joelle Crepe Midaxi Dress
© Needle & ThreadWhy I love it:
- Midaxi length
- Long sleeves
- Timeless
- Detachable slip lining
Needle & Thread is a royal occasion wear-approved brand and this dress is part of the new collection so I couldn't resist showing it off to you. It's a little bit different from your typical Needle & Thread dress but it's designed in a soft crepe with a defined waist, midaxi hemline and slight volume through the sleeves.
16/18
Live Unlimited Curve Sparkle Jersey Dress
© Live UnlimitedWhy I love it:
- Chic V-neck design
- Can be worn with flat shoes or heels
- Available up to a size 28
- Perfect for a party
If you prefer a V-neck dress that you can wear for Christmas Day, this is it. I think this would look gorgeous with a black box clutch and possibly some bedazzled earrings.
17/18
Nadine Merabi 'Regan' Black Dress
© Nadine MerabiWhy I love it:
- Dramatic embellishment
- Flattering shape
- Brand with a cult following
If you want glamour, you've got to check out Nadine Merabi - you can't go wrong. This is a brand that's loved by celebs, royals and fashionistas.
18/18
OddMuse London The Ultimate Muse Halter Neck Maxi Dress
© OddMuse LondonWhy I love it:
- Maxi length
- Halter neck style
- Figure skimming
- Plain and unfussy
I realise not everyone wants to wear florals, lace and velvet. If you're looking for some more slinky numbers, we have an edit of long satin dresses for women, as well. This one works perfectly for a black tie wedding.
How to style an occasion dress if you're an older woman
Accessories are super important when it comes to styling a dress for a special occasion. Don't let the bag you choose be an after thought. I would stick to a clutch bag for a special occasion, leave those crossbody styles for more casual ensembles. Footwear can always be a tricky one - try and wear shoes that you love and most importantly, shoes that you feel comfortable in. You might prefer a wide-fit shoe or a mid-heel sandal. If you want to wear flat shoes, try and search for a glamorous pair and be mindful of the length of the dress if you decide to wear flats. If you want to go to the next level, pick a fascinator if you're off to the races or choose a statement pair of earrings. Remember, photographs are often from the waist up so it's always good to have a focal point around the face.
