If you're more of a 'jeans and a nice top' fan than someone who likes to wear dresses when they go out, you're probably always on the hunt for a new top to add to your wardrobe, ready for the next occasion. Finding dressy tops for mature ladies may have felt like a struggle in the past, but these days so many retailers over a fantastic selection that will have you spoilt for choice. From blouses and shirts to peplum tops and tunics, there are many styles out there so you can look and feel your best whenever you go out.
Are you looking for a glamorous evening top to wear for a date night with your partner? Or maybe you're after an elegant top for catching up with friends? Perhaps you need a smart blouse for the office or popping about around town? Whatever the occasion, our pick of dressy tops for mature ladies will have you covered.
Best dressy tops for mature ladies
Best bubble hem top
www.wallis.co.uk
The bright pink colour of this top from Wallis is perfect for days and evenings out over spring and summer. It's made from viscose and elastane, which gives the top a jersey feel and it also features a bubble hem to add definition to your waist, making this top both comfortable and flattering.
Sizes available: S-XL
Pros
- Feels soft for a comfortable wear
- Cut-out detailing around the neckline
Cons
- No reviews
Best satin shirt
www.monsoon.co.uk
Perfectly paired with both jeans and trousers, this blouse can be dressed up or down to suit the mood of your occasion. It feels very luxe with its satin sheen and detailed scarf print.
Sizes available: S-XXL
Review: "Beautiful print and can be worn tucked in or loose. Sizing was spot on and the silky fabric looks very luxurious."
Pros
- Made with recycled polyester
- Pull-on style
Cons
- Some may prefer a blouse with buttons all the way up to the neck rather than an open v-neck
Best top with a drawstring hem
www.phase-eight.com
We love the stunning abstract floral print featuring shades of blue, green and white on this phase eight top. It features a drawstring at the waist so you can adjust the fit to your personal preference. Style with black jeans and boots for brunch with friends or smarter trousers and heels for date night.
Sizes available: UK 8-24
Pros
- Wider size range compared to other
- Made using responsibly sourced fabric
Cons
- No customer reviews available
Best lace top
www.debenhams.com
Looking for a top that would work well in your casual wardrobe as well as on occasions that call for a more dressy number? This top from Anna Rose could be exactly what you're looking for. Available in blue, black, midnight and ivory colourways, it has a relaxed fit with crochet and lace detailing to add a sophisticated and feminine finish to your outfit.
Pros
- Choice of four colours
- Versatile so can be worn both casually and dressed up
Cons
- Some may be looking for a top that is more dressy
Best ruffle top
www.wallis.co.uk
Add a splash of colour to your going out attire with this top from Wallis. It's black and white in design but features bursts of pretty flowers in tones of pink, blue, green, yellow, orange and more. The ruffles around the neck and down the front of the top are a nice decorative detail.
Sizes available: UK 8-20
Pros
- Lightweight
- Elasticated wrist cuffs for comfort
Cons
- Some may prefer a top to be brighter and more colourful
Best chiffon top
www.roman.co.uk
An option for when the weather starts to warm up, this feminine floral number would be perfect for any garden parties or barbecues later on in the year. It boasts a chiffon overlay with short floaty sleeves, plus a stretchy inner layer so you can go out in style and comfort.
Sizes available: UK 10-20
Review: "I like this top, it’s a little bit dressy, so nice for going out for a meal or a party, I just wore it with jeans and was very happy the feel and quality of it."
Pros
- Beautiful colour
- Flattering fit
Cons
- Could offer more sizes to be more inclusive
Best tunic blouse
www.phase-eight.com
As much as you want to look good on a dressy occasion, comfort is always key, so you'll be pleased to know that, thanks to its tunic style, this blouse is long enough to be worn with leggings. It's designed with a vibrant purple print and features a v-neckline, button-down detailing at the front and pleated fabric at the back.
Sizes available: UK 8-26
Pros
- Lots of sizes available
- Vibrant colour
Cons
- A pricier option
8.
Peplum Top
Best peplum top
www.jdwilliams.co.uk
Make a statement in this dogtooth peplum top. It has a keyhole cut out at the neck and comes in at the waist before flaring out for a flattering fit. For that extra style detail, there's a patent belt at the front that features a little bow.
Sizes available: UK 10-28
Pros
- Inclusive size range
- Perfect for more formal occasions
Cons
- One review mentions it runs a little short so may not be ideal for busty or tall ladies
Best animal-print top
liveunlimitedlondon.com
Express your wild side with this stylish blue animal print. The style is easy to wear as it is made with a soft jersey and has a fitted shape around the bust with a swingy body to complement your silhouette. The knot-front detailing under the bust gives the waist a 'cinched in' effect, which makes this a great choice for a 'jeans and a nice top' dress code.
Sizes available: UK 12-28
Pros
- Wide range of sizes available
- Funky print
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
Best short sleeved top
www.marksandspencer.com
Prefer a short sleeve top? This M&S one has a funky blue, green and white geometric print. The hemline is gently curved so you can wear it tucked into trousers for the office or over jeans when popping out at the weekend. Wear it on its own on warmer days or throw a blazer on top for those chillier days.
Sizes available: UK 6-24
Review: "Nice and bright, a nice fit and will be worn with several different colours."
Pros
- Has added stretch for comfort
- Adds effortless style to an outfit
Cons
- Some reviewers have mentioned it comes up small so you may want to size up
FAQs
Where to buy dressy tops for mature ladies?
Looking for more inspiration? We've listed some of our go-to retailers below where you'll find a great selection of dressy tops for older ladies, as well as other mature clothing options, that are not only flattering but fashionable, too.
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Wallis: Whether you're in need of something sophisticated for the office or extra special for a party, Wallis will have you covered. From sequinned blouses to printed shirts, they're available in sizes 8-28.
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John Lewis: Ghost, Mint Velvet, Sosandar and Hobbs are just some of the brands you can buy dressy tops from at John Lewis. Whether it’s a date night, formal party or ladies' night out you’re shopping for, you’re bound to find something in John Lewis’ vast collection of evening tops. Sizes start in some brands at a UK 4 and end at a size 26.
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Very: Very is also a retailer that offers many different brands under one roof. They have their own V by Very range, alongside Dorothy Perkins, Quiz, Yours Clothing and New Look to name but a few. Dressy tops are available in sizes UK 4-40.
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Monsoon: Got something really special coming up in the diary? We’d recommend heading to Monsoon for your dressy top. They use a lot of sustainable fabrics in their range that have that luxe feel, with many including embellishment detailing and intricate designs. Their range starts at a UK 6 and goes up to a UK 24.
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M & S: M&S offers a versatile collection of shirts and blouses in a variety of elegant materials, colour choices and sleeve lengths. The size range starts at a UK 6 and ends at a UK 24.
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Phase Eight: Find the dressy tops your wardrobe needs now at Phase Eight. All of their styles are super feminine and can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Available in UK sizes 6-26.
Can you wear a dressy top with jeans?
'Jeans and a nice top' is a fail-safe dress code for so many occasions, so of course you can wear a dressy top with jeans. You can wear a dark pair to make your outfit more formal or opt for a blue wash for a casual yet dressy feel. Because there are so many colours and styles of jeans, mom jeans being one of our favourites, there’s a pair out there for every top.
Really, the question should be what other bottoms can you wear with a dressy top? If you’re heading to the office or any other occasion that would call for more formal attire, you may want to choose tailored trousers to pair with the top of your choice. Alternatively, for drinks or dinner out on the town with the girls or a partner, you may want to choose a pair of leather-look or jersey leggings. Not only do these look stylish but they’re also super comfortable.