Cocktail Dresses After 60
Dressing up is fun at any age, however rules of appropriateness and flattery change as our bodies shift. Of course we all know the basic do’s and don’ts of cocktail attire like black is slimming, beware of hemlines (not too high), necklines (not too low) and adding more coverage with age goes without saying. But looking appropriate and smashing are two different things. The magic to having great style is in the small, nuanced details so here are 5 less obvious tips and tricks that will keep you looking appropriate and, more importantly, smashing at cocktail hour:
Choose silhouette wisely
Above all, a show-stopping cocktail dress flatters your shape — fit-and-flare for hourglass, A-line for pear and apple shapes, anything with volume for straight bodies. But shopping when over 60, look for cape-style, cloak-style and dresses with shawls to amp up drama and coverage at once. Also, consider showing off your shoulders with an off-the-shoulder design (one shoulder, or both) or a cold-shoulder style neckline. Women over 60 never complain about their shoulders!Design details are everything
We all know what we like about our bodies, and what we don’t. Look for design details that accentuate or camouflage accordingly, like ruffles that play up curves, ruching that conceals, a peplum waist that covers or a cold-shoulder style that draws attention up and toward the face.Avoid shiny fabrics
Shiny fabrics are fun and festive but tend to accentuate flaws like sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles and scars, making them jump out instead of blend. Pick matte fabrics to enhance appearance and save the shine and bling for shoes, accessories and jewelry instead.Consider patterns and seams
Depending upon what you want to maximize, minimize or balance, patterns and seams can support your goals. Vertical stripes and prints elongate, as do Princess seams. Bold prints have a camouflaging effect and, when worn opposite disproportionately wide shoulders or hips, can balance your shape.Try a Le Smoking tuxedo suit
Dresses aren’t for everyone. Or, maybe it’s time to change things up. Either way, try an Yves Saint Laurent-style Le Smoking tuxedo suit and be the chicest person in the room. The menswear-inspired classic look can be found in lots of fun fabrics these days — velvet, crushed velvet, silk, satin — so there’s no need to play it safe with the predictable wool-silk blend. If suiting feels too daring try a tuxedo dress as a first step, and wear with opaque tights no matter what hem length.
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