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Updated Oct 14, 202426 Beautiful Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guests Over 50
Look and feel your best in these versatile dresses that offer both style and comfort.
Photos, left to right: Mac Duggal, Phase Eight, Adrianna Papell
Are you attending a wedding with a cocktail attire dress code? You're in luck. There are plenty of options for cocktail dresses for wedding guests over 50. That said, it's helpful to have a good understanding of what cocktail attire actually is before shopping. As one of the most popular and versatile wedding dress codes, it's a step above semi-formal, but not nearly as formal as black-tie optional or black-tie. It's not very restrictive and it allows you to get creative with your options.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don't want your dress to resemble something that a mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom might wear. The mothers of the couple will typically be in something more formal than the rest of the guests, so with cocktail attire, this isn't too difficult. Just stay on the more casual side and avoid gowns. The following cocktail dresses for women over 50 are stylish, mature and appropriate for the dress code—and, as a bonus, they're versatile enough to wear again.
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In this article:
- The Best Cocktail Dresses for Women Over 50
- The Best Plus-Size Cocktail Dresses for Over 50 Wedding Guests
The Best Cocktail Dresses for Women Over 50
For wedding guests over 50, cocktail dresses can include more casual maxi dresses (not gowns), midi dresses or shorter options like knee-length dresses. Opt for any color (aside from white) and have fun with patterns and prints. This is a chance to show off your personality through your outfit, so make sure you're dressed to impress, but also have fun with it.
Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Mikado Fit-and-Flare Midi Dress
Photo: Adrianna Papell
Sophisticated and timeless, this fit-and-flare dress is made of a beautiful mikado fabric that's great for an event like a wedding. The boatneck and pleated skirt give it an almost vintage look but also make it work for virtually any season. Just add a silky throw over your shoulders for cooler weather.
Size Range: 0–20
Kay Unger Tatum Floral Lace Midi Cocktail Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
This lace midi dress hits right below the knee and offers a classic silhouette. It has a higher neckline with a V-neck back and the petal lace is a beautiful touch, especially on the sleeves. We love the sangria shade for a fun pop of color.
Size Range: 0–18
Sachin & Babi Lola Dress
Photo: Sachin & Babi
It can be hard to find cocktail dresses for older women with long sleeves, but this is a beautiful option. It features a pretty floral pattern that isn't overwhelming, with a v-neck, princess seams and a classic A-line skirt. This could be great for transitional weather, like an early spring event.
Size Range: 0–22
Tadashi Shoji Ruched One-Shoulder Crepe Midi Dress
Photo: Neiman Marcus
This midi dress manages to show off a little skin without feeling too revealing. It has an off-the-shoulder look and a side slit, and the ruching along the bodice makes it feel a lot more comfortable. It comes in a gorgeous emerald shade that's great for a fall or winter wedding.
Size Range: XS–XL
Azazie Atelier Shelly Wine Ruffle Midi Dress
Photo: Azazie
This special occasion dress for guests over 50 is elegant and timeless. The wine color makes it work for fall or winter weddings and the overall lace embellishment is really pretty. It also has ruffled sleeves that give it even more of a feminine look.
Size Range: 0–30 or custom sizing
Mac Duggal Brocade Cap Sleeve Mini Dress
Photo: Mac Duggal
A cocktail attire dress code is a great time to play around with fun prints. This mini dress features an all-over floral brocade print that offers a luxurious texture. The ruffle hem dress gives it a more playful vibe and makes it stand out even more.
Size Range: 0–12
Phase Eight Lucinda Chiffon Print Maxi Dress
Photo: Phase Eight
Gowns aren't necessary for cocktail attire, but a maxi dress like this one falls on the more casual side of things thanks to the lightweight chiffon material. Between the breezy fabric, watercolor floral print and halter neck, this is a perfect dress for a destination wedding somewhere tropical. This is also available as a petite wedding guest dress for women over 50.
Size Range: 2–16 regular or petite
Adrianna Papell Velvet Sheath Dress
Photo: Adrianna Papell
If you're shopping for a winter wedding, this sheath dress is a great option. It's made of velvet, which is typically heavier and warmer, suiting colder weather. It's available in a rich hunter-green hue with longer sleeves that have a flouncy hem.
Size Range: 0–20
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Metallic Jacquard Belted Shirtdress
Photo: Neiman Marcus
This metallic jacquard shirtdress is another wedding guest dress for women over 50 that's great for a fall or winter event. It has a bit of shine, a pretty floral-like pattern and an eye-catching texture. The belted waist gives it some shape and it has an overall sophisticated look.
Size Range: 2–20
Karen Millen Tailored Satin Bow Detail Cap Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
Made of a satin that almost has a shimmery finish to it, this dress is great for almost any season. It has a feminine oversized bow detail that makes it stand out and it's available in a gorgeous shade of blue or red. This is glamorous and fun without being too youthful.
Size Range: 2–12
Phase Eight Sabrianna Print Midi Dress
Photo: Phase Eight
One thing that stands out about this dress for wedding guests over 50 is the mix of colors. It comes in a beautiful emerald green shade with touches of metallic gold that are subtle but still obvious enough to add a pretty shimmer. The cowl neck and belted waist make this one feel elegant and chic.
Size Range: 2–16
Pisarro Nights Beaded V-Neck Cocktail Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
This beaded cocktail dress is a lovely option for wedding guests over 50 who prefer some more sparkle. It's covered in a textured, beaded printed overlay with longer sleeves and an above-the-knee hemline. This would look nice with silver heels.
Size Range: 2–18
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon A-Line Floral Appliqué Boucle Dress
Photo: Neiman Marcus
It's hard to say what is more beautiful about this dress: the detailed floral appliqué or the flattering A-line silhouette. This is perfect for a spring wedding but could also work for fall and winter, and the overall texture makes it extra special.
Size Range: 2–18
The Best Plus-Size Cocktail Dresses for Over 50 Wedding Guests
When shopping for plus-size wedding guest dresses you want to consider the venue and the time of year. For fall and winter weddings, you may want a heavier material, like velvet or crepe, to stay warm. For spring and summer, look for more lightweight dresses that are breezy and cool. Some cocktail dresses are also versatile enough to work any time of year with or without the addition of a light layer. And even though you're keeping the dress code in mind, also pay attention to the venue. Something outdoors during the day may call for a brighter color or floral pattern, while something indoors in an elegant space at night could swing to the more elegant and sophisticated side of things.
Adrianna Papell Plus-Size Beaded Dress
Photo: Adrianna Papell
An embroidered floral print with beading is what makes this plus-size cocktail dress for women over 50 stand out in a crowd. A boat neckline and illusion panels are other pretty details, and longer sleeves make this dress great for spring, fall or winter.
Size Range: 14–26
Lane Bryant Lena V-Neck High-Low Midi Dress
Photo: Lane Bryant
This budget-friendly pick is also super versatile. With a classic high-low hem and simple details, like a V-neck and tie waist, this can be worn during any season and to any type of venue. You can even dress it down for other types of events if you want to.
Size Range: 12–28, regular or petite
Tadashi Shoji Plus-Size Bodycon Lace and Crepe Midi Dress
Photo: Neiman Marcus
This dress offers a classic silhouette and look: the torso features black lace over a tan fabric, while the bottom is a form-fitting black skirt. It has cap sleeves and a higher neckline that make it feel more modest and sophisticated and the fabric has some comfortable stretch to it.
Size Range: 16–22
Mac Duggal Embellished Cape Sleeve Cocktail Dress
Photo: Mac Duggal
A dress with metallic detailing can be especially great for a fall or winter wedding, and this one has enough glamor and shimmer to make it perfect for an event around the holidays. The pattern is unique and the cape-like sleeves offer a little extra warmth.
Size Range: 14–24
Karen Millen Plus-Size Cotton Cutwork Woven Halter Midi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
This gorgeous dress for wedding guests over 50 has cut-out accents, an intricate floral pattern and a high neckline. The comfortable cotton fabric hugs curves for a flattering fit. Pair this dress with strappy wedding guest shoes and minimal jewelry.
Size Range: 14–20
Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Cocktail Dress
Photo: Kiyonna
This lace cocktail dress offers a beautifully defined shape and a pretty and feminine lace pattern throughout. The deep V-neck looks nice on everyone and three-quarter sleeves make it feel more versatile throughout the year. The plus-size cocktail dress for over 50 guests is available in four different shades: berry, emerald green, navy and black.
Size Range: X–5X
City Chic Lula Dress
Photo: City Chic
This satin dress has a flowy skirt and puff sleeves, with a midi length that hits at mid-calf. The back is open with a bow tie detail that makes it just a bit revealing but in a subtle way. The teal color is pretty and versatile, but it's also available in black or bright pink.
Size Range: 12–24
Adrianna Papell Plus-Size Short Sleeve Beaded Cocktail Dress With Popover
Photo: Adrianna Papell
This cocktail dress for over 50 guests in plus size is accented by a gorgeous hand-beaded silver design. The sheath silhouette and details will make you feel so elegant. Pair with minimal accessories, as this dress brings lots of bling.
Size Range: 14–26
Tadashi Shoji Plus-Size Pleated Floral Lace Midi Dress
Photo: Neiman Marcus
All of the interesting detail here is what makes this dress feel extra special. The lace panels are intricate and detailed and the pleated skirt has a beautiful delicate look. We also love the off-the-shoulder sleeves that are a bit fluttery and the illusion netting shoulders on this cocktail attire for women over 50.
Size Range: 16–22
Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Chiffon Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
This cocktail dress is proof that sometimes simple really is best. Made of lightweight and breathable chiffon, this features a flowy skirt and blousy sleeves, as well as a pretty V-neck and wrap-style top. It's a classic in a great way.
Size Range: 14–24
Karen Millen Plus Size Premium Viscose Jersey Bandeau Split Maxi Dress
Photo: Karen Millen
While this still fits the cocktail dress description, it's definitely on the more formal end of the spectrum. A one-shoulder neckline with a cut-out and a side slit will leave you looking and feeling like a Grecian goddess. This cocktail dress for wedding guests over 50 could be worn any time of year.
Size Range: XL–XXXL
Kiyonna Lillian Embroidered Cocktail Dress
Photo: Kiyonna
The feminine details on this wedding guest dress for women over 50 are what makes it more unique. The floral print skirt and wrap-style top are pretty classic, and the double-layer flutter sleeves have just a bit of lace that makes them more fun. This is a beautiful choice for almost any time of year as well.
Size Range: X–5X
City Chic Entwine Maxi Dress
Photo: City Chic
Go for easy glamor with this maxi dress. It doesn't actually fall to the floor, so it doesn't feel as formal as some other options out there—instead, it has a feminine tulip skirt. The off-the-shoulder neckline and the delicate straps that crisscross in the back are other favorite details of this plus-size cocktail dress for women over 50.
Size Range: 12–24
