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Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Julie Player

Best Christmas party outfits for women over 50, according to a 50-something style expert

Best Christmas party outfits for women over 50: Me+Em, John Lewis, Phase Eight, JD Williams Monsoon.

If you're looking for the best Christmas party outfits for women over 50, you've come to the right place. A season packed full of social engagements, we asked a 50-something fashion editor to share her style tips for approaching the festive period with style and confidence.

The shops might be full of glitzy dresses, but if you're not even sure about where to start, deciding on a Christmas party outfit can be incredibly stressful - regardless of age. A great starting point is to go through past outfits, either in real life or via pictures and select the looks that made you feel great. Use these silhouettes as a starting point for your quest. Next think about colour, print and fabrication, as these will play both into comfort and how you come across on the night.

Personal Stylist and Content Creator Claire Hall says. “I am a firm believer in dopamine dressing, so choose an outfit that makes you feel your most fabulous! That said, it is important to not veer too far away from your usual style otherwise you'll end up not feeling yourself and that can have a disastrous effect on your confidence.”  She continues. “I love to wear jumpsuits and my go-to party outfit will always be an elevated jumpsuit with a wide leg. Brands like Phase Eight and Next offer fantastic party jumpsuits each season.”

Best Christmas party outfits for women over 50

The ideal outfit for a woman over 50 to wear to a Christmas party will both look great and feel comfortable. This will boost your confidence and allow you to relax and enjoy the celebrations. Whether it’s a flattering jumpsuit or one of the best cocktail dresses you can be confident you’ll have something to wear when those invitations arrive. Over 50 Fashion Editor Julie Player has picked 6 outfits that fit the bill.

1. BEST OFFICE PARTY OUTFIT FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Celebrating with your colleagues is a fun way to let off steam after a busy year, but finding the right outfit that will impress while remaining appropriate can be tricky. The answer to nailing the best Christmas party outfits for women over 50 is to elevate your daytime look with a couple of key party pieces. Luckily there are lots of autumn/winter fashion trends 2023 that can be adapted to suit both. Try a pair of wide leg trousers which you can wear with trainers and a white shirt for a smart/casual office look and then switch to a pair of metallic shoes and add a trophy jacket for the evening event.

2. BEST OUTFIT FOR FAMILY CELEBRATIONS FOR WOMEN OVER 50

“Every year the whole family get together and celebrate and we love any excuse to dress up” says freelance fashion editor Julie Player. “Growing up my sister and I got to choose a new dress every year especially for the occasion and I still get an excited buzz when I find the perfect outfit for our family gatherings. I love finding the best Christmas jumpers but avoid anything too gimmicky instead choosing a cosy knit with some added embellishment.” Separates are a good option for building multiple outfits. Festive jumpers work just as well with jeans and boots for boxing day dog walks.

3. BEST OUTFIT FOR A GALA DINNER FOR WOMEN OVER 50

When deciding on the best special occasion outfits for woman over 50 consider wearing a bold colour that will stand out in a sea of little black dresses. Bright colours are perfect for making a statement and showing off your personality. Try hiring your gown or learn to sell clothes online on sites such as Vinted or Ebay after the event as an affordable solution. Go for a style that shows off your best assets. Wrap dresses will flatter every figure type and there are many eveningwear versions on the high street this Christmas that give A-lister style without breaking the bank.

4. BEST DRESS OUTFIT FOR WOMEN OVER 50

To find the best Christmas party dress, it's important to identify which areas of your silhouette you want to highlight, and work around drawing attention to that area. Wrap dresses are universally flattering but there are lots of other complimentary designs to consider. Empire line styles that swing from under the bust are great for skimming over a midriff, while a shorter hemline will show off your legs. Patterns play an important part too, an all-over busy print generally helps to glide over your silhouette, although a placement print or added embellishment can help draw the eye to the areas you want to highlight.

5. BEST CO-ORD OUTFIT FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Opting for a co-ordinating top and bottom set that can be worn together or separately with other items in your capsule wardrobe is a great way to achieve multiple outfit options. There are many co-ords to choose from this season with a relaxed aesthetic that's perfect for a drinks party or wearing for a trip to the theatre. Look out for sequinned trousers with matching tops that give the appearance of a jumpsuit and look great with dressy flats. If you prefer heels and are looking for the most comfortable shoes for women over 50, try platforms. “Comfortable heels to dance the night away in actually do exist,” says Claire. “I'm a big fan of Esska who make fabulous platform heels in an array of metallic colours.”

6. BEST TROUSER OUTFIT FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Invest in a pair of tuxedo style trousers that you can use as the basis of many evening outfit combinations. This traditional menswear style looks sleek and understated when worn as a suit with a matching jacket but can be teamed with a more glamorous sequinned blazer and heels for a dressy event. Make your legs look longer by choosing a high-waisted style and balance out a fuller bust or broader shoulders with a wide leg design.

What to look for in a Christmas party outfit for women over 50

Investing in evening wear that will look good for years to come makes financial sense. Classic items from your capsule wardrobe can be elevated with key party pieces. 

Woman&home fashion director Paula Moore says: “I try to invest in quality basics like a great pair of black trousers that I can wear for the day and then add a sequinned blazer and high heels for an evening out. For a big event I will look at designer dress rentals too and go for something that makes a statement” When it comes to party dressing for woman over 50 our experts agree that the outfit must feel as good as it looks. “Comfort is non-negotiable. You must feel comfortable and be able to 'party' in your clothes otherwise you just won’t be happy. Tight waistbands, scratchy sequins and too much frou-frou are a no-no for me.” Paula adds. “There’s nothing worse than a strapless bra that slips down or shoes that you can’t dance in.”  Finding an outfit that looks fabulous and feels comfortable may seem like an impossible task, but there are lots of options that tick both boxes. Look out for sequinned trousers with an elasticated waist or dresses to hide a tummy that are floaty and made from a lightweight fabric if you are planning to make the most of the Christmas buffet. Think about the best party underwear for woman over 50, and the best shapewear options that will enhance your figure and increase your confidence.

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