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A black-tie dress code is pretty self-explanatory, but cocktail attire? That's where things start to get a bit tricky. Not quite formal but no where near casual, the best way to describe the dress code is somewhere in the middle. What's considered appropriate is up to interpretation and the event you're attending, but as a rule of thumb: stick to midis or tea-length dresses that hit just about knee-length. Mini need not be ruled out either, but just make sure the silhouette you wear is suitable for the occasion. As for prints? Florals, polka-dots, and stripes are totally acceptable as long as they have a dressy look to them.

Since cocktail dress shopping is confusing, I scoured the internet, read online reviews, and consulted well-dressed ladies in my life for the top brands with age-appropriate styles. Whether you're attending a wedding this summer that calls for a semi-formal dress code or have been invited to a garden party, here are the best cocktail dresses for older women.

The Priya Dress

The drapey fit of this cowl neck dress will not only make your body look killer, but it's crafted with wrinkle-resistant fabric, so you'll never have to worry about looking schlumpy. And that tangerine shade? Bold, but not in a in-your-face kind of way.

One shopper raves: "This is a gem of a dress. Very simple, quietly elegant and the bias cut flows over the body in a very flattering way. The fabric is light, but has enough weight to drape beautifully. I feel great in this dress, and like many of my MMLF pieces it is so well made."

Material: 100% polyester

Size Range: XS-XXL

Colors: 4

Tiered A-Line Crinkled Silk Midi Dress

Lightweight, comfortable, and flouncy, this pleated silk dress is one you can wear practically everywhere this summer.

One shopper says: "This is the most flattering dress I have put on in years. It is so lightweight it feels like wearing nothing but it skims the body to show its shape without accentuating flaws. The shoes you wear will determine how dressy this dress is the day you wear it. It can be anything."

Material: 100% silk

Size Range: XXS-3X

Colors: 3

Belted Tri-Color Midi Sheath Dress

This color-blocked dress is great for work days in the office, but it's even better for every kind of cocktail party. Just switch up the accessories, and you'll be golden.

Material: 92% polyester, 8% polyurethane

Size Range: 0-10

Metallic Floral Brocade Corset Midi Dress

Markarian makes the kind of dresses that can seamlessly transition between cocktail and formal. Consider this pencil midi: the blue multicolor metallic floral brocade combined with the body-shaping pencil silhouette makes it timeless.

Material: 91% Polyester, 9% Metallic fibers

Size Range: 0-16

Amari Crêpe Cocktail Dress

Between the mid-length style and bateau neckline that elegantly exposes your collarbones, this Kelly green cocktail dress is an all-around winner.

Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex

Size Range: 0-16

Poppy Red Blythe Dress

Here's an example of a mini that's perfectly suitable for cocktail parties. The hem ends mid-calf, but the ruffled high-neck silhouette and swingy shape makes this modest style ideal for just about every event on your calendar. And if that's not enough to convince you, the dress has nearly 600 reviews vouching for it.

One shopper raves: "I can’t even begin to describe how perfect this dress is! The bright red color is an attention getter, but the simple shape is flattering on any figure. The high neck with the small ruffle gives the most flattering line and the bow on the back ruffle is elegant but gives the back of the dress the perfect detail."

Material: 97% polyester, 3% spandex

Size Range: XXS-XXXL

Colors: 4

V Neck A Line Dress With Self Tie Belt

Donna Karan has a great selection of stylish occasion dresses that are modest and conservative, but not dowdy in the least. This champagne number, crafted from lightweight gauze, hits just below the knee and has a contrast self-tie belt that shapes your figure. Wear with gold jewelry as the model has here, and you'll be a vision.

Material: Gauze

Size Range: 2-14

Halter Neck Dress

An LBD is a wardrobe workhouse year-round. We know that already. However, in order for an LBD to really stand, you're going to need to look for one designed with thoughtful details. Take this style, for example. It's minimal, but it also has waist-hugging silhouette with flatting ruching and a chained halter neckline. See what I am trying to say?

Material: Twill

Size Range: 2-14

Floral Lace Trim Mesh Cocktail Dress

This curve-hugging cocktail dress features transparent mesh panels with lace floral details, allowing the wearer to show off their skin in a tasteful way.

One shopper says: "Just can’t say enough…fits perfectly, comfortable, elegant, hot and could be worn in any setting, work to a wedding, to a party to church. Absolutely stunning!"

Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane

Size Range: 0-14

Colors: 3

Sequin Corded Lace Cocktail Dress

A sequins dress is always a good idea, especially when it's as flattering as this refined style.

One shopper says: "Beautiful quality and flattering style. Holds the rolls!"

Material: 55% rayon, 40% nylon, 5% spandex

Size Range: 4-16P

Colors: 2

Diana Shirred One-Shoulder Asymmetric Dress

A hit for women of all ages, this one-shoulder dress has a built in bodysuit that hugs the body comfortably and ruching that disguises areas of your body you'd rather not put on display.

One shopper says: "Truly amazing dress! I purchased this postpartum when I wasn't super comfortable in my body. It's clingy in all of the right places to give you shape, and the ruching hides what you don't want to emphasize. Perfect kind of stretchiness to adapt with my body at that point. This review has been provided as part of an incentive program."

Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex

Size Range: XS-XL

Sleeveless Ruffle Crepe Dress

Just because you've reached a certain age doesn’t mean you can't stand out. This magenta dress topped with a ruffle is conservative, but it will surely get heads turning at every event you're invited to.

Material: Polyester

Size Range: 0-10

Floral Silk Midi Dress

There are summer florals, which are bright, lively, and colorful, and then there are winter florals, which are rich and more subdued. This lovely Erdem dress falls right in the middle: the main periwinkle color combined with moody purple florals makes this piece seasonless.

Material: 100% silk

Size Range: UK6-UK20

Organza Strappy Occasion Dress

Sometimes you want a dress that can go from Sunday brunch to office to cocktail party without a second thought. This strappy number from Boden (a favorite brand for older women!) is that dress.

Material: 100% polyester

Size Range: 0-22

Cape Georgette Cocktail Dress

Bring the drama with this elegant body-hugging silhouette offset by a cascading cape. It's a conversation starter, but in the best possible way.

One shopper says: "This dress is so beautiful. I wore it to a cocktail party. So feminine and classy. People really had a reaction to it. It is also very comfortable to wear and I love how you have a bit of a covering in case the weather is a little chilly. I love this dress for sure."

Material: Polyester

Size Range: 00-18

Colors: 5

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