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 High Neck Midi Dress, £189 / $299
- Short sleeved editor's pick: M&S Printed Round Neck Midaxi Dress, £65 / $129
- Midi length editor's pick: Aspiga 'Astrid' Velvet Dress, £120 / $170
- Cape style editor's pick: Phase Eight 'Aspen' Cape Dress, £299 / $665
- Modest pick: Hobbs London 'Ros' Floral Silk Dress, £349 / $780
- V-neck editor's pick: Rixo 'Elsie' Chiffon Dress, £189 / $291
- Black tie editor's pick: OddMuse London Halter Neck Maxi, £165 / $250
© Getty ImagesBest occasion dresses for women over 50
1/18
Boden High Neck Midi Dress
© BodenWhy I love it:
- Classic
- Long sleeves
- Waist cinching waistband
This dress is guaranteed to make you feel good and it'll always be there for you - it's so timeless. The long sleeves will ensure you feel comfortable and you'll be able to dance all night in this dress.
2/18
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.
3/18
Marks & Spencer Printed Round Neck Midaxi Dress
© M&SWhy I love it:
- Tummy-friendly
- Great with tights
- Elegant angel sleeves
Be warned, this will sell out. The floral print make this midi dress a wedding occasion ready piece. The flattering sleeves make this a gorgeous dress, and I love the black base colour, ensuring you can always wear your trusty black accessories.
4/18
Queens of Archive 'Petula' Dress
© Queens of ArchiveWhy I love it:
- Elegant
- Timeless polka dot
- Plenty of drama
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 'Petula' dress exudes glamour.
5/18
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.
6/18
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.
7/18
Next Chocolate Brown Spot Pleated Mesh Print V-Neck Occasion Maxi Dress
© NextWhy I love it:
- V-neck
- Timeless
- Available in petite
This dress will be a wardrobe saviour for years to come and what's more, it's available in regular and petite. I love this dress from Next because it looks fashionable and comfortable - the perfect balance of the two.
8/18
Nobody's Child Purple Puff Sleeve Zola 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 purple puff sleeve midi dress is absolutely beautiful. The cut is flattering on the tummy area and the puff sleeves and the revealing 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 Blue Floral 3D Corsage Midi Dress
© River IslandWhy I love it:
- Interesting design
- Memorable
- 3D elements
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 floral 3D dress because I can imagine it would work really well on a lot of women - especially if you like to make an entrance. Amp up the accessories with this dress.
10/18
Reiss 'Kenzie' Satin Asymmetric Draped Midi Dress in Teal Green
© ReissWhy I Love It:
- Side split
- Satin fabric
- Rich hue
This gorgeous dress features an asymmetric silhouette, defined by a sleeveless side, and it's knotted loosely at the shoulder.
11/18
Hobbs London 'Ros' Floral Silk Dress
© Hobbs LondonWhy 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 Tailored Cape Detail Maxi Dress
© Karen MillenWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Cape design
- Perfect for any brides
Karen Millen has always been a strong favourite here at HELLO! HQ and this cape dress wins brownie points for the flattering fit. It's a bestseller for a reason.
13/18
Mint Velvet Animal Print Zip Jersey Midi Dress
© Mint VelvetWhy I love it:
- Long sleeves
- Animal print
- Flattering fit-and-flare shape
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 'Aspen' Cape Dress
© Phase EightWhy I love it:
- Ethereal style
- Maxi length
- Available up to a size 20
If you're looking for a formal occasion dress for a special occasion during spring or summer, this new-in dress at Phase Eight is stunning. It will be perfect for an abroad wedding as well.
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
Monsoon Bonnie Bow Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
© MonsoonWhy I love it:
- Chic bow design
- Available up to a size 24
- Perfect for a wedding
If you pastel dress that you can wear for a special occasion, this is it. I think this would look gorgeous with a silver box clutch and some bedazzled earrings.
17/18
Nadine Merabi 'Monica' Brown Tuxedo Dress
© Nadine MerabiWhy I love it:
- Dramatic tailoring
- 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, polkda dot and bright colours. 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.
