With so many people getting vaccinated, it’s a huge relief for life to get back to normal! Of course, this includes going out for dinner and drinks with friends, family or going on a date. I recently went on my first post-Covid trip to Las Vegas with friends. While packing, I was shocked to discover a ton of clothes I forgot I even owned. It was the perfect opportunity to assess my going-out-on-the-town cocktail dresses and I realized there was an opportunity to purchase a couple new dresses for the inevitable dates my single self will go on in the upcoming months. Like me, I’m sure you haven’t thought much about cocktail dresses in quarantine, but thanks to science, summer 2021 is not cancelled! Here are some of the most chic cocktail dresses under $100 for women over 40.
Cocktail Dresses Under $100
High Neck Mermaid Style Dress
I find high neck dresses unexpected and flattering. (I wore one today for lunch and shopping at Saks and Neiman’s!) This elegant mermaid dress from Amazon looks a lot more expensive then it actually is and when worn with confidence, would serve up a showstopping look. The slit and ruffles would make a dramatic entrance! It’s available in nine colors and would be the perfect dress to wear to a wedding or formal event.
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Pencil Midi Length Dresses
For fans of dresses with sleeves, there are many sophisticated styles out there to choose from. This black dress from ASOS features fun swiss dot sleeves and would be an ideal piece to purchase. This is the perfect dress to wear for many different occasions. You can dress it up with heels for a night out, or down with loafers for a day at the office.
A camel colored dress will always be in style! This dress, also from ASOS, has a universally flattering silhouette and tie belt. I imagine the cost per wear on this dress would be worth the investment! Its classic color lets you let your accessories do the talking- this would look fabulous with a cobalt blue bag or fuchsia pumps.
Sleeveless Cocktail Dresses
For hot and humid days, sleeveless dresses are helpful for keeping cool, especially since you can easily bring along a sweater or jacket to cover your shoulders in the evenings. This midi slip dress from Urban Outfitters has a classic empire waist and pretty self tie in the back. I love that it’s navy and not black and has interesting slits at the bottom that will flow as you walk. I would wear this with red lipstick and a bright colored clutch.
For a little more shoulder coverage and a pattern that will never go out of style, this black and white tiered dress from Nordstrom would be a worthwhile purchase, especially for taller women. This dress would fit right in at weddings, at the office, for brunch, you name it! I would style this with simple gold jewelry and black shoes.
Cocktail Dresses with Kimono Sleeves
To keep things interesting, I love kimono sleeves. They lend a satisfying structural element to your look and this white dress from Lulus nails the trend. The midi length, slit and feminine neckline would look terrific on many different body types. It also features a tie back with a long ribbon. This white dress is another simple dress that would be an ideal staple going out dress.
Sheath Cocktail Dresses
For dresses with a more polished look, sheath dresses always come to my mind. This sheath dress from Lulus is available in black, navy and white. The brand made this piece available in a wide range of sizes for all body types, resulting in rave reviews. This is the ultimate staple dress to have in your wardrobe and women are raving over its comfort and versatility! It’s a blank canvas to accessorize as you please.
If you’re after a chiffon moment in a dress that’s comfortable and forgiving, this dress from Amazon is perfect! It comes in an astonishing 27 colorways and patterns. The three quarter length slit sleeve is the star of the show, allowing you to show off bracelets or a watch. It would also look fantastic with a statement necklace or earrings.
Tips for Styling Cocktail Dresses
- Rocking a patterned dress? Keep your accessories to a minimum and let the dress do the talking!
- A neutral colored cocktail dress is a wonderful investment as you can style and accessorize it in a multitude of ways. It will work for various types of events too.
- If you have a bright colored shoe or bag you’re dying to show off, let it be the star of the show against a classic black dress.
- Fun accents like a high neck or kimono sleeves on a dress keep your outfit from feeling boring.
- Make a dramatic entrance with a ruffled or slit hemline!
Shop Cocktail Dresses Under $100
Amazon Woosea High Neck Mermaid Long Evening Cocktail Dress, $50
ASOS Design V Neck Midi Pencil Dress with Textured Sleeves in Black, $54
ASOS Closet London Ribbed Pencil Midi Dress in Camel, $91
Urban Outfitters Dress Forum Spliced Satin Slip Dress, $52
Nordstrom Do-Si-Do Sleeveless Pleated Tiered Dress, $88
Lulus Talk to my Heart White Satin Tie Back Midi Dress, $68
Lulus Westwood Half Sleeve Sheath Dress, $58
Amazon Grace Karin Loose Chiffon Elegant Cocktail Evening Dress, $39
Which is your favorite style cocktail dress under $100?
– Claire Mykrantz
You may also like to read more of Claire’s Looks for Less posts like The Latest Sunglasses Trends For Summer 2021 and How to Rock The Best Spring Jewelry Trends For Less.
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Very attractive selections. Now, I just need to go out somewhere fancy.
That’s the point! Get out there!