The Dos and Don'ts of Cocktail Wear for Mature Ladies

So, you're invited to a cocktail party. And you're initially excited to mingle with other people in a more unusual setting. However, you soon become anxious when you remember the fact that the last cocktail party you attended was perhaps a decade ago. And now, the styles have changed, along with your body, which means you can't just simply put on your old cocktail dress.

So, you're probably looking for inspiration and tips on what goes and what doesn't when it comes to cocktail wear for mature ladies. But the truth is, there aren't any special rules on how to dress for a cocktail party as a mature lady. The best tip is to stick to the usual cocktail attire guidelines and try to think about how they will appeal to your body.

Let's take the classic cocktail dress, for instance. Most cocktail dresses are knee-length, which means they can flatter most types of bodies. However, if you do want to completely hide your legs, some cocktail dresses are a bit longer. As opposed to regular dresses, cocktail dresses often incorporate special touches such as rhinestones, beads, pearls and similar. So, consider how these flashy elements complement your personality.

In addition, try to think whether you have any problem areas you want to hide, like for instance the neck or the upper arms and look for designs that won't make you feel self-conscious and unable to enjoy yourself. Also, consider colour and patterns. Floral patterns in a cocktail dress can often age you, so try to avoid them. Instead, go for a monochromatic design or one that features geometric patterns. Animal prints can be hard to pull off. If you want to stay on the safe side, you can never go with a little black dress. The simpler the dress, the bolder you should go with the jewellery and vice versa.

But if you don't feel comfortable in a dress regardless of how much it covers or shows, you can always opt for a pantsuit. This piece of attire isn't for office purposes only. In fact, pantsuits are perhaps the most flattering type of cocktail wear for mature ladies. They hide the things you want to hide and accentuate the ones you want to show. Plus. a tailored and dressy suit can make you stand out among the see of cocktail dresses. However, avoid business-like suits and opt for more cocktail-like designs made of lightweight fabrics and with softer lines and more elaborate details that give them that special touch.

You can also combine a separate top with a separate bottom for a unique effect. However, this can be a risky combination if you don't know how to match separates. So, in this case, try to look for more neutral designs and colours that will complement each other. You can always make a simple outfit dressier with the help of sparkly jewellery, a sequinned or feathered clutch, and some polished stilettos, kitten heels or ballerinas.