With the arrival of the festive season also comes the arrival of social invitations, parties and celebrations – and of course an excuse to seek out some festive fashion!
With it being summer in the southern hemisphere, events can range from casual outdoor barbecues to evening parties under the stars, so having some versatile party dresses in your wardrobe is a festive fashion must.
There’s no denying that shopping can get a little tricker as we get older and our body shape starts to change, but rest assured, party dresses are not just for younger women. There are some stunning, flattering options for more mature dressers that will still have you feeling young at heart. The secret is to find an evening dress or party dress that leaves you feeling confident and chic.
Here are our tips for picking out the perfect party frock:
Look for sleeves
Many women lose confidence in the appearance of their upper arms as they age. If you’re one of them, opt for an evening dress with ¾ length sleeves. The Grace Hill Mix Lace Shift and Cold Shoulder (above) are great examples of covering your upper arms.
On-trend off-the-shoulder
Alternatively, go for something with a more daring decolletage and choose a dress that sits off the shoulder, it’s a fashion statement that is not going anywhere soon, and actually works for women of all ages. There are options with or without sleeves that will give you a completely chic look for any evening event.
Go long
Midi dresses are still very much in fashion and for many older women are a more comfortable option than shorter styles. It’s a length that also works really well with flats, slides or low-heeled shoes if you’d prefer to avoid heels for the evening.
Which hue?
Of course, black is generally a slimming and flattering colour and perfect for evening wear, but it doesn’t always seem appropriate for a summer event. Consider opting for a white dress, or even a pair of chic white pants with a colourful, flowing top. Wearing prints can be useful for drawing the eye away from problem areas and bringing attention to areas that you feel more confident about.
Shown below: The Grace Hill Side Gather Top, Signature Slim Pants and Flutter Dress
Set the right foundation
Choosing the right underwear can help bring shape and support to your body and create a flattering silhouette in your party dress. Shapewear will tuck, flatten and lift in all the right places, so it’s worth investing in some great-fitting pieces to go with your dress.
Plus-size evening dresses
If you’re a plus-size dresser and typically avoid heading to the shops, you’ll be pleased to know that plus-size women are increasingly well-catered for with beautiful party dresses. Don’t be afraid to try something new or a style you wouldn’t normally go for, as a well-tailored plus-size dress is designed to be flattering in all the right places.
Choose flattering cuts
Dressing for your body shape applies no matter what age you are. Follow our guide for tips to finding the right outfit for you.
Accessorise
A colourful scarf or bold necklace can add interest and colour to an outfit without being too overpowering. Choose jewellery the complements your outfit, but there’s no need to bring out too much bling – just a few elegant pieces that add a touch of class. If you prefer to opt for a simple evening dress, think about adding in a bold handbag or statement pair of heels.
With party season right around the corner, now is the time to get your festive fashion sorted! Following a few simple guidelines will help you narrow down the right options for you and ensure you feel confident for your big night out.
