Happy Holiday Dresses

During the first 15 years or so of marriage, I bought a new dress for the holiday season every year. They were a present from my mother-in-law, who wanted me to have something nice to wear to the la-dee-da Christmas dinner-dance at her country club, the annual charity dinner-dance she supported and, of course, Christmas dinner with her family. It made my mother-in-law happy to see me turned out nicely (for once!) and so I happily obliged. However, I always felt a twinge of guilt, knowing I'd probably never wear the dresses again. Generally speaking, I'm not a formal dresser. I stopped buying "holiday dresses" after my mother-in-law passed away. Since then, there's always a little black dress in my closet to shimmy into on those rare occasions when I'm invited to a fancy holiday affair. But that's me. I know some women absolutely relish the opportunity to dress up for the holidays. For them, the online stores are brimming with dresses in festive colors and with glittery embellishments. Since colors look wonderful on women over 50, I'm drawn to dresses in the trendy jewel tones, like the Jones New York Matte Jersey Dress (was $124, now $59) above. For this post, I've selected some of the different dress styles in jewel colors that I think will flatter women over 50. These aren't formal dresses for a Christmas gala, but rather pretty designs for sipping spiked eggnog at cocktail parties. I've also included a few in basic black because black is always sophisticated and stylish.


JEWEL COLORS RULE
There are two reasons I love the Jones dress above: 1) it's styled perfectly (fitted and feminine around the bust, with a comfortable flared skirt) for over 50 women, and 2) it's on sale. If you're reading this post before Nov. 15th, you might want to click on the Jones dress photo to see all the dresses currently on sale.


Or, take a peek at this scarlet Connected Apparel Pleated Faux Wrap Dress (was $60, now $42) from Beall's. The wide scoop neckline, 3/4 sleeves and side gathering are all flattering elements for women over 50. Add a glittery necklace and a knockout pair of shoes and you'll be ready to deck the halls. This dress is also available in eggplant.





Here's a pretty purple (machine washable!) sheath called simply L.A. ($84)





I love everything about this next dress--gorgeous color and a ultra-feminine, flowing design.





Halston Heritage Wrapped Bodice Dress with Sash ($295)


This next dress comes in a blue similar to the dress above. Yellow makes me look jaundice, but what a gorgeous color!




Nanette Lepore Love Story Shift Dress ($378).




Garments with trendy lace or embroidery are also perfect for the holidays, like this sapphire Sue Wong Passementerie Embroidered Dress Women ($416)






BASIC BLACK
Here are a few of the many, many little black dress styles for 2011. Naturally, your body shape will dictate which dress is right for you. For example, women over 50 with hourglass figures or womanly shaped bodies will probably look great in this Jones New York Mock Neck Dress with Sash, (was $129, now $59.99)







The woman with a pear-shaped figure will probably want a dress with a fuller skirt like this Jones New York Satin Pleated Dress, ($119). Pretty jewelry and a colorful shawl and shoes will add a holiday splash of color.





Or this Nantucket dress ($76) from Shabby Apple. Now through November 24th, Save 15% on All Black Dresses at Shabby Apple When You Use Code BlackOut.





Dresses with a peplum like this next one are great for tummy concealment.



Alice + Olivia Victoria Peplum Dress ($264)



This fall, every time I opened a fashion magazine I saw Stella McCartney's little black dress with the sheer and polka dot sleeves. Here's an equally beautiful Diane von Furstenberg Enny Dress ($375). I think this would look smashing on a petite or tall and trim 50-something woman.