Weather 
Us has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
It might still be October, but holiday parties, Christmas luncheons and festive family gatherings will be here before you know it. That’s why we’re shopping for elegant holiday party dresses now before those early celebrations and last-minute outfit panics sneak up on Us. Our top holiday picks are ideal for women over 40 who appreciate flattering details and gorgeous styles that’ll make you look sophisticated and rich . . . without the high markup.
To help you on your search, we put together a list of holiday-ready dresses from Amazon, Nordstrom, Macy’s, TJ Maxx and more that are equal parts elegant, flattering and festive. Oh, and you’ll also see exciting party finds for every style, occasion, fit and budget below. From dresses with crushed velvet materials to slimming A-line silhouettes and trendy animal prints, these 17 stylish options are a holiday dream. Psst, the list starts at only $20.
17 Elegant Holiday Party Dresses for Women Over 40
1. Our Favorite: Balance out your silhouette in sophisticated style with this tiered midi dress. You can dance, dine and be your demurest in this ultra-flattering number.
2. Fits Your Frame: Shoppers call this ruffle bodycon dress “flattering,” “forgiving” and “comfortable.” That’s everything we could ask for in a holiday dress, especially one that costs less than $25.
3. Short and Sweet: Bring sparkle and shine to the party in this sequin mini dress. Though it’s a mini, this Grace Karin pick is still incredibly flattering for women over 40. It’s all thanks to the fairly conservative hemline that shows just enough leg.
4. Curve Defining: This ruched long-sleeve dress looks like a pricey style you’d snag at the likes of Prada or The Row. Better yet: It hides the midsection incredibly well due to the gatherings that disguise lumps and bumps.
5. Head Turner: Don’t mind Us, we’re just picking our jaws off the floor after spotting this floral velvet maxi dress. With its rich evergreen hue, romantic floral print and luxe velvet finish, it brings all the drama.
6. Compliments Guaranteed: Fair warning! You’ll receive countless compliments when you rock this tiered maxi dress. With sheer sleeves and a high neck, it delivers a romantic touch to holiday get-togethers.
7. Best Designer: Kay Unger dresses are usually quite pricey, but leave it to TJ Maxx to have a deal we can’t resist. The shimmery midi features a gorgeous statement bow that’s downright adorable.
8. Luncheon Approved: Is your holiday dress code on the relaxed side? This plaid maxi dress strikes the perfect balance between festive and casual, so go ahead and wear it to everything.
9. Endless Elegance: Not many designers master holiday party dresses for over-40 women quite like Julia Jordan. This airy maxi features a high neck and tie back detail that looks like they came straight from the likes of Oscar de la Renta.
10. Timeless Style: You’ll have all the grace of Audrey Hepburn in this black velvet drop-waist dress. All you need are a pair of classic black kitten heels to complete the endlessly elegant look.
11. Keep It Classy: Donna Karan knows how to design holiday style, and this majorly discounted knit maxi sweater dress has undeniable elegance.
12. Layer Ready: Does your winter actually feel a bit more like summer? Not to worry because this flattering and easy-to-layer green midi dress brings all the festive flair without making you sweat.
13. Fan Favorite: There are so many dresses at Anthropologie, but none are as famous as the Somerset maxi. This iteration comes in a gorgeous crushed velvet style that gives the bestselling silhouette a luxe, holiday-ready upgrade.
14. Luxury Defined: Quince shoppers call this mesh mock-neck midi dress “elegant,” “flattering” and “expensive-looking.” We can’t help but agree. It’s ready for just about any holiday shindig.
15. Wild Side: Who said you can’t wear animal print at a holiday party? This Printfresh midi dress proves that festive fashion doesn’t have to mean sequins and sparkles to make a statement.
16. Off the Shoulder: We’re obsessed with the Old Navy x Altuzarra collab, and this off-the-shoulder maxi is the reason why. It delivers all the elegance of a 40-something high-end designer dress without the jaw-dropping price tag.
17. Endlessly Flattering: If there’s a splurge-worthy option on our list, it’s this Tuckernuck midi dress. With a classic A-line silhouette and statement button pockets, it’s a style that’s luxe and functional. Grab it in pretty hues like pistachio, plum, berry and more.
UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping
Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>
If you’re looking for a reason to update your fall wardrobe — you found it. We stumbled upon just-launched fashion deals hiding at Nordstrom with markdowns on polished, rich-mom styles designed to take every ensemble up five notches. From cozy sweaters to polished designer bags, these on-sale pieces stand out in a crowd, and they’re […]
