28 best occasion dresses for women in their 50s, 60s and 70s who want to look fabulous in 2026

If you're looking for a formal occasion dress for a special occasion during summer, this new-in dress at Phase Eight is stunning. It will be perfect for an abroad wedding as well. 

This dress is guaranteed to make you feel good and it'll always be there for you - it's so timeless. The ruffle-packed collar adds some drama around the face,  and the fit-and-flare design ensures it'll be one of your most comfortable dresses you own. 

I'm a big fan of Aspiga's dresses. Not only do they look good, but they're incredibly designed as well. I think this dress would be a fantastic occasion dress thanks to its bright hue. Team with a pair of pointy kitten heels and a statement clutch bag for a dressier look.

Be warned, this will sell out. This floral cami dress makes a feminine choice for those summer-day events. 

If you want glamour, you've got to check out Nadine Merabi - you can't go wrong. This is a brand that's loved by celebs, royals and fashionistas. 

This gorgeous dress is cut in a fluid fabrication, and it falls to a maxi length with a high side slit. The cape sweeps across one shoulder and forms a draped high neckline.

If you're wanting to make an entrance, this is the dress to do it in! It's lightweight, it's bright and colourful, it has a self-tie belt and it's just gorgeous. 

I am a huge fan of Rixo and this dress will never date. The Novara crepe dress is available in regular and petite. 

I realise not everyone wants to wear florals, polkda dot and bright colours. If you're looking for some more slinky numbers, we have an edit of long satin dresses for women, as well. This one works perfectly for a black tie wedding. 

If you're after a dress that's as unique as you are, Wolf & Badger is a great destination to land on when shopping for the dream dress. There are plenty of unique designs to make you swoon. 

Zara has nailed it with this gorgeous dress new-in for summer. The midi dress comes draped fabric detail at the front, and I just adore the bright colour. 

This striped dress is fitted to enhance the silhouette before falling into a softly gathered skirt. It looks especially elegant when styled with bow-adorned heels and a metallic clutch.

If you're after a dress that you can wear for a special occasion, this is it. I think this would look gorgeous with a silver box clutch and some bedazzled earrings.

This is a real classic dress that would suit ladies who don't feel comfortable with anything too risque or too loud. 

How dreamy is this dress? The butter yellow midi dress is absolutely beautiful. The cut is flattering on the tummy area and it also comes with added drama thanks to the back (which is still bra-friendly). The site recommends you take your usual size. 

I've found the ideal dress for you if you want to look poised and elegant. Queens of Archive is a fabulous brand and the likes of Holly Willoughby, Ferne Cotton and Lisa Snowdon are all huge fans. The 'Josephine' dress exudes glamour.

Designed in a straight silhouette with a sleeveless cut, it features a fringe detailing at the back that adds texture and fluid movement.

This dress is perfect for those of you who enjoy colour and want to opt for something bright, rather than nudes and pastels. You can choose whether you want to style the dress with the belt or without. 

This dress will be a wardrobe saviour for years to come and what's more, it's available in regular and petite. I love this dress from Next because it looks fashionable and comfortable - the perfect balance of the two.  

River Island is a great place to find occasion wear if you ask me. I saw plenty of dressy options available, but I chose this black scallop trim dress with spaghetti straps because I can imagine it would work really well on a lot of women. 

Nothing feels more elegant than a dress that moves with you - and this dress does just that.

Karen Millen has always been a strong favourite here at Best Quality Designer Handbag HQ and this monochrome dress wins brownie points for the flattering fit. It's a bestseller for a reason.

Mint Velvet is a firm favourite with the fashion crowd and lots of the occasion wear dresses tend to sell fast. I love this one, because it is elegant and serene. Keep it looking modern with metallic accessories.

The metallic fleck on this dress will bounce off the sunlight, making it a great option for a spring wedding guest dress (or an abroad wedding!).

The elasticated waist seam is ideal if you don't want to feel restricted. 

ME+EM has some gorgeous spring options for occasion wear in 2026, and this candy coral dress makes my heart sing. Team with a matching pink lip and black accessories.  

Needle & Thread is a royal occasion wear-approved brand and this dress is part of the new collection so I couldn't resist showing it off to you.  Inspired by archival garden artwork, this gown features romantic ditsy florals with trailing leaves across the silhouette. Finished with soft cape sleeves and a flowing ankle-length skirt for graceful, feminine movement.

Scamp & Dude is one of my go-to brands for the warmer months so I thought I'd see if there were any occasion-friendly pieces on site and I came across a few new designs, including this beauty. This will be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The halter neck dress - complete with pink signature lightning bold -  is a need - not a want.

If you're on the look out for a strapless dress to wear to a special occasion such as the races or a wedding, I'm swooning over this Essentiel Antwerp dress. It's constructed around a structured bodice reinforced with side-seam boning. The neckline is subtly sculpted, forming a soft heart-shaped line. The bodice extends into an integrated wrap-belt panel that ties at the waist, creating a controlled drape.