Now that the internet provides us with endless options, special occasion dresses for mature women are easier to find than ever. Whether it is a wedding or an important anniversary, having a special occasion to look forward to makes planning ahead exciting. However, finding a comfortable and flattering dress for an important event in your life that will make you look and feel great can be difficult for anyone, no matter your age.
It could be that you're the lucky mother of the bride or you are a guest at a wedding. Or are you on the hunt for something special for an anniversary trip with your partner or a special birthday dinner with family and friends? We've given you the run down of some of the best options to purchase right now. If you're still needing some inspiration, then why not take a look at style influencers such as Kate Garraway, Cat Deeley and Vanessa Feltz.
Best special occasion dresses for mature women at a glance:
• Our favourite dress: Monsoon Belle Bow Sleeve Velvet Midi Dress Blue - Buy now on Monsoon
• Best Party Dress: Kaleidoscope Black Sequin Shift Dress - Buy now on Freemans
Not will you be in pictures from these special days for years to come, but you also need to wear something that is comfortable, flattering, and to your style and tastes. We've shared our pick of the best occasion dresses for women over 60 in a range of styles, from cocktail dresses to midi dresses, so you can hopefully find the perfect dress for you. If nothing here takes your fancy, we'd recommend shopping around with each retailer included as each has a great range of occasion-wear for you to explore.
Best special occasion dresses for mature women
MonsoonThis dress from Monsoon ticks all of the special occasion style boxes. From the rich blue colour and decorative bow details, to the soft-to-touch velvet fabric it's an all around winner. It has been designed with elegant puff sleeves and an empire waistline which makes for a super flattering silhouette for majority of body shapes.
Pros
- Soft fabric
- Machine washable
- Flattering silhouette
Cons
- Price may be expensive for some
Lime green has been a popular colour in 2024 and it's not going anywhere as we venture into a new season. It might seem a daring shade, but it comes with huge stylish rewards that will make sure all eyes are on you for the right reasons. The draped flutter sleeves add a soft romantic vibe to the dress as the fabric gently flows down to the maxi-length hemline.
Pros
- Subtle pleated round neckline
- Bold colour
- Silky fabric
Cons
- Colour might be too bright for some
- Expensive price
Phase EightFestive season is fast approaching so now is a great time to invest in a dress that will serve you no matter what occasion comes along. Metallics are a big trend for autumn/winter so this silver glitter number from Phase Eight is perfect.
A pleated skirt is a great for any body shape as it creates a distracting illusion but still shows off your natural figure effortlessly. We love how the item looks like a top and skirt, as it breaks up the design and gives it a smart yet casual edge.
Pros
- Cap sleeces
- Pleated skirt
- On trend
Cons
- Delicate wash only
Just because the days may be getting darker, doesn't mean that your wardrobe has to. Continue the summer vibes into autumn and winter with this sophisticated ombre dress. The silky fabric comes with small cap sleeves for those who prefer to cover their shoulders and top of their arms.
Pros
- True to size
- Floaty fit
Cons
- Material may be static
Add a romantic edge to your outfit with this tulle dress from Boden. The long sleeve number can be reworked all year round so you get maximum cost-per-wear. What makes this outfit even better is the polka dot pattern which is stitched in the floaty fabric.
Pros
- Available in petite and regular
- Side seam pockets
- Full body lining
Cons
- Fabric can catch easily
Red is set to be a big colour for autumn and winter and this satin dress from Coast is a perfect way to embrace the trend. It almost makes for versatile styling opportunities whether you choose to accessorise with elegant black heels and a bag, or choose to channel more festive vibes with golds.
The waist belt allows you to cinch the dress in at the waist to highlight your natural curves and tailor the fit of the dress to your own comfort.
Pros
- Pleated skirt
- On trend colour
- Adjustable waist belt
Cons
- Drape of top may not be flattering for all body shapes
Marks and SpencerWe're true believers that everyone should have a little black dress in their wardrobe and this M&S option is one to snap up. The polka dot pattern makes it the perfect party number which can be accessorised to suit your own style. We love how the puff sleeves and short hemline balance out the body.
A mini dress such as this may frighten some, however, what if we told you that a hemline which lands above the knee actually makes your legs look longer? And who doesn't want to create the illusion of a taller silhouette?
Pros
- Available in petite, regular and long
- Puff sleeves
Cons
- May be too short for some
- Small fitting
River IslandSequins aren't just for Christmas, they can be worn all year round and this deep red option from high street brand River Island is brilliant. The high neckline and midi-length elongate your body to make you appear taller.
Pros
- Perfect for festive season
- Flattering shape
- Instant wow factor
Cons
- Hand wash only
KaleidoscopeIf you're someone that likes embellishments and to make a style statement this sequin dress from Kaleidoscope if the one for you. The three quarter sleeves effectively accentuate your natural curves due to where they stop on the body. The dress comes with a subtle A-line style so that it flares out towards the hemline. As if that's not enough, it comes with feather cuffs which add just the right amount of va-va-voom to the look.
Pros
- Decorative pattern
- Feather cuffs
- Flattering three quarter sleeves
Cons
- Neckline may not be suitable for all
Joanna HopeAll the components of this dress makes it a recipe for success. Firstly the eye catching contrasting green and blue floral print immediately adds style points to the outfit. The elasticated cuffs on the long sleeves allow for the ultimate comfort and fit so that you don't feel restricted. The empire cut and flowing skirt panel allows it to gently drape along the body.
Pros
- Fully Lined
- Subtle floral print
- Machine Washable
Cons
- May be too covered up for some
Fashion tips from the experts
Susie Hasler runs Styled By Susie, specialising in styling real women on a budget whose body type has changed due to pregnancy, gaining or losing weight, or menopause.
"Many of the mature ladies who I work with prefer to have a little more coverage in the summertime, rather than opting to bare all,” says Susie.
"My clients aren’t too keen on showing their arms or too much cleavage - and there are so many ways you can dress stylishly while not looking frumpy. If you’re not keen on sleeveless styles, try a cap sleeve."
She also recommends opting for a patterned dress if you normally dress head-to-toe in black.
"The tummy area can be troublesome for many women, particularly post-menopause. Dressing in summer clothing can make many ladies feel exposed, and it can become tempting to wear black to hide away.
"However, a pattern is actually going to flatter the figure much more as it glosses over lumps and bumps and is much more summery than black!"
Of course, occasionwear also tends to be more expensive. If you don't want to splash the cash on one-time wear, why not consider renting a dress? Not only will you be able to wear a dress that you might not have been able to afford originally, but you'll be helping the planet too. Win-win!
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle, three cats and a tortoise called Bobby.