Phew – I’ve reached the halfway point of this week’s blogging marathon! I hope you’re not getting sick of me, we’ll be back to normal posting next week. Today I’m looking at the best Christmas dresses for women over 40 but I’ve chosen ones that won’t expire on New Year’s Eve.
Bear in mind the new silhouette that I keep banging on about. The trend for modest dressing is continuing as far ahead as we can see on the catwalks – so in high street terms that means for at least another two years. I find it so much easier than body-con dressing: arms, necks and knees are generally covered. Of course this moves the focus on to texture and embellishment. Here are the ten best dresses that I’ve found and I love every one of them but… I must not buy them because I already have more dresses than I can wear (can you tell that I am talking to myself in what the boys used to call my ‘cross voice’)?
Best Christmas dresses for women over 40: gold spot dresses
I am featuring this one first because when I fell in love with it yesterday, it was completely sold out. I then went back this morning and they had restocked. So I want you to be quick if you like it. Lovely asymmetric hem… transparency at the hem to avoid frumpiness… subtle but sheer balloon sleeves… gold spots… just as lovely with opaques as bare legs. Perfect.
I’m including this one again in case you missed it yesterday. It’s a navy version of the above and it has a tie neck which can be worn open which some people might prefer. I’ve been asked if it is true to size. I tried a sample on in the Hush offices in the summer. It was a 10 and it did fit but it felt a bit like a cheese string around my middle (it isn’t elasticated) so I would say that my usual size 12 would have been bang on. I have ordered it so I’ll update this when it arrives.
Best Christmas dresses for women over 40: a plain asymmetric dress
Another asymmetric hem here in a seasonal red. Why are asymmetric hems such a big trend? Because they flatter legs far more than a straight line across. You’ll notice that even if hems aren’t dramatically asymmetric this season they’re fluted or zig zagged in some way and it’s a look that is here to stay.
This is a simple dress that works on the bias cut – it’s all about the architecture with this one and the colour is especially good for anyone who doesn’t suit warm reds.
Best Christmas dresses for women over 40: heavy lace dresses
Moving on to lace now and there is a lot of lovely cotton guipure lace around – lighter lace is thin on the ground this season. This one is an unusual amethyst colour, subtle and yet much kinder to the complexion than black. It is also available in gold, ivory or black.
Guipure lace dress with long sleeves
Warming things up a little, this one has clearly been inspired by Self Portrait dresses. The modest high neck is offset by the transparency at the hem. The arms are finished with zig zag lace which is flattering to the upper arm area.
This one is a proper Christmas red with a lovely full midi skirt. A real party dress (also available in black).
The unlined upper body makes this a more flattering option than a heavy black dress because the warmth of your flesh shows through. It is beautifully cut to skim your shape and again, the glimpse of leg from just above the knee makes it on trend rather than demure.
Best Christmas dresses for women over 40: a patterned dress
For anyone who likes pattern, this has to be one of the most dramatic dresses around in an iconic cut with a flattering wrap belt detail at the waist. I rarely wear pattern but I really like this dress… not the shoes though, it needs different shoes.
Best Christmas dresses for women over 40: velvet
I’m finishing with velvet which is, of course, this season’s hottest trend. If you’ve ever ruined expensive silk velvet by splashing it, you’ll understand why I’ve been careful to include only the washable kind. Nothing ruins a Christmas event more than having to steer clear of anyone holding a drink – you end up standing in a corner on your own for most of the evening.
Anyway this is hand washable and I love the way it drapes loosely, it really maximises the texture. It also looks great with the contrasting accessory that picks up the colour of the jewelled button fastening.
And finally one that you know I have already bought and worn, the velvet jumpsuit. As I’ve said before, this is just so easy and I always receive endless compliments when I wear it. It is also machine washable – it comes out like new and doesn’t even need ironing. I’m convinced it looks better on an older woman so use your imagination when you look at this shot.
Footwear
As far as footwear is concerned, because party dresses are longer this year, most people are counterbalancing them with ‘barely there’ sandals. Alternatively wear an embellished statement shoe or, if you have slender calves, satin sock boots. I’ll be covering all of these in tomorrow’s post.
Bags
If you are looking for a clutch to go with your Christmas outfits, my last delivery of handsfree and tricolor clutches has just arrived but quite a few have gone already. I will definitely increase stock for next year, I just had no idea that the bags would be so popular. My poor man in Turkey tells us we are wearing his fingers to the bone (he’s happy though). I think most orders have been delivered apart from the luxury totes – he is working on those now.
Anyway just a reminder, the handsfree clutch, available in soft silver, navy, cherry red, black, dove grey and taupe.
The tricolor clutch, available in burgundy with black and taupe, yellow with black and taupe, orange with black and taupe, black and white or black suede and leather mix.
There are also some larger bags in stock – you can see everything here.
GymCube Update
Well thank goodness for Kevin at Gymcube. If he hadn’t chased me after our few days in Marrakech, it would have been all downhill until the new year now. However the fact that he noticed that I hadn’t registered any activity on my MyZone belt meant that he got in touch. Although we haven’t managed to get together for a phone call to plan my activity between now and Christmas, it was enough to get me back to the gym. And of course what did I do last night? I forgot to take my belt so I did an hour’s workout that he won’t even know about so I’m telling you here Kevin – I went!
I’m really appreciating the discipline because I’m so busy that I know exercise would ordinarily be the first thing I would cut out at this time of year. I know from experience that there are two ways of approaching Christmas. I feel far happier if I reach 21st December knowing that I’m in good shape and that there will only be a bit of readjusting to do in the new year. January is always my least favourite month and it’s ten times worse if I’m feeling overweight and unfit. So, onwards I go – it’s a challenge right now but I won’t give in. There’s still just time for you to drop a dress size before Christmas if you start right now – there are a few of us doing it and I’m thinking we might start a Midlifechic group after Christmas to stay motivated. Joining details are here.
Flash discounts
Anybody shopping for teens? Jack Wills have a friends and family event on with 30% off everything here for a limited time. Use code FRIENDS at checkout.
Topman have 20% off everything for today only
Right – I’m off to prepare tomorrow’s post (my day job has gone out of the window this week). See you tomorrow.
Disclosure: “Best Christmas dresses for women over 40” is not a sponosored post. Thank you to GymCube for my ongoing membership.
Recent posts you may have missed
Christmas 2017
Midlifechic edit: chic Christmas jumpers
Midlifechic edit: Advent calendars
A party dressing project – what to wear for different occasions
AW 2017
A palette inspired by toffee apples
Side stripe trousers and a midlife wedding
Leather leggings for women over 40
A cornucopia of recent outfits
Launching the Midlifechic Boutique
On children growing away – how a stair carpet floored me
How many pairs of shoes do you actually need?
The relaunch of iconic label Issa
What to buy from Hush’s Autumn collection
A guide to AW17 – the shapes and colours to look out for
Back to work – a desk to dinner project
Inès de La Fressange at Uniqlo – exclusive launch with Midlifechic
