10 flattering cocktail dresses for over 50s

If blue is your colour, this ombre dress with cascading blue hues will surely make a statement. Perfect dressed up with a blazer or cardigan in winter or wear as it is in the summer months. Featuring a flattering waistband and a pleated skirt which falls mid-calf, the Phase Eight Piper Ombre Maxi Dress has to be our favourite cocktail dress.

Customer review: "Beautiful dress. The only negative is it could snag quite easily."

Crafted from a premium satin fabric with a subtle animal jacquard finish - the Joanna Hope Satin Jacquard Green Floral Keyhole Maxi Dress is cut to a flattering tea shape with an empire waist seam. We love the beautiful flowing kimono sleeves and lovely floral print on green fabric. As it's selling fast, we've shortlisted it as the best popular cocktail dress at the moment.

Customer review: "Beautiful dress, was worn to my niece's wedding. Received many compliments on how good it looked."

Karen Millen never disappoints when it comes to elegant high-quality dresses, and this Soft Tailored High Low Midi Dress comes in eleven colours so that you can pick your favourite (or two)—designed in a mid-length with a fitted waist, a high neck and an asymmetrical hem for a unique touch. We've selected it as the most versatile on our list, as we believe this could be worn to a number of events.

This stunning Teal Embellished Twist Waist Stretch Dress from Roman comes in three bold colours that scream sophistication. Embellished with delicate beading around the neckline, this short-sleeved piece has a twist detail around the waist that is flattering and elegant.

Customer review: "Love everything about this classy pencil style dress, however, would recommend sizing up as there is no stretch in the fabric only in the lining, and it has a back zip fastening. Apart from that would love to own this in every colour."

Available in three pastel colours, this beautiful Green Sequin Wrap Maxi Dress is perfect for occasion wear across all seasons. It is both flattering and bold and designed with fluted cuffs, a wrap design, and tie fastening. Adding timeless elegance and glamour with added sequins, it's an eye-catching choice for your next event.

This stunning Adrianna Papell Beaded One-Shoulder Dress is the perfect way to make a statement if you want something with a real wow factor. An eye-catching take on the little black dress, this asymmetrical dress with sequins is the ideal way to liven up a social event.

Customer review: "Bought for a new year party and just loved it, it had enough sparkle but not ott glitter and the fit was just perfect. Highly recommend!"

The Bailey Pleated Dress, another showstopper from Phase Eight, is perfect for your next cocktail party. A belted waist creates a flattering silhouette. Not only is the choice of colour simply stunning, but the waterfall details and pleated skirt make this dress truly special.

Customer review: "Good colour and quality. Item packed well."

Perfect for summer functions, this gorgeous Soft Tailored Short Waterfall Mini Dress from Karen Millen comes in eleven different colours to choose from. The cut-out accents are a lovely detail, and the self-tie belt allows you to control the fit as you desire. A floaty and flattering skirt adds some movement as you walk.

This gorgeous off-the-shoulder, fit-and-flare Pleated Sweater Dress from Guess is a staple that you can go back to again and again. A classic silhouette that's flattering on all shapes, this cocktail dress is what we think of immediately when we think of a showstopping cocktail dress.

Looking for a sophisticated dress with a funky fresh print? This cobalt blue Clarisse Jacquard Skater Dress with a red leopard print design from Phase Eight will look fantastic for any formal occasion. Made with a fit and flare silhouette and a feminine V-neck, this dress falls effortlessly over your shape.

Customer review: "So beautiful - I had the best look ever. So elegant."