Bewitching, Sexy Little Black Party Dresses

I love the idea of the perfect little black dress, that one item in your closet guaranteed to take you through whatever life throws at you with a simple change of shoes and accessories, just like magic. But, just like anything else, little black dresses can fade, wear and lose their charm, leaving you looking a little out of date and feeling slightly frumpy.

With party season just around the corner, now is the time to take an honest appraisal of your little black dress and decide if you need an upgrade. Here are some new, sexy choices to bewitch and bedazzle.

1.  Cast Your Spell with A Sexy Off the Shoulder

Over the past year or two, we’ve seen the off-the-shoulder look go from a fringe trend to an enduring classic look, and this is good news for over-40 gals for a few reasons: Off the shoulder styles are elegant; they’re a great way to look alluring without going overboard and showing too much skin, and if you’re a pear-shaped woman,  they help balance wider hips and thighs.

This black lace sheath dress is one of many sexy little black dresses out there that combines an off the shoulder neckline with gorgeous, big bell sleeves. This dress is super figure-flattering and has a romantic, timeless look. I love it!

2. Play Masculine Off Feminine

A dress that plays up the tension between a masculine and feminine vibe is always worth a second look so when I saw this tuxedo cold shoulder sheath dress I knew I had to include it in this list.
Added: Here, the classic tuxedo, a menswear staple, is combined with a fitted body and cold-shoulder sleeves for a look that is all girl. Add a pair of strappy sandals and you’re good to go. This would look particularly stunning on a gal with an hourglass figure.

3. Play Up Your Curves with a Fit and Flare Dress

An excellent option for women with narrow shoulders,  this tulle fit, and flare dress broadens the shoulders and emphasizes a small waist while skimming over hips and thighs. This is a very feminine and flattering silhouette with the lovely tulle on the skirt, adding to the feminine feel. Cute little black dresses like this go fast. Don’t wait for the week before the party to order yours!

4. Cleverly Cover Flabby Arms

For the many over-40 readers who ask me to share smart ways to cover and disguise jiggly arms, this elegant dot mesh sleeve dress is for you. The sheer sleeves cover without looking heavy while the bateau neck and helps balance more full hips and thighs.

5.  Exude Simple Elegance

Sometimes it’s the quiet ones in the crowd that stand out the most. That’s the case with this romantic off-the-shoulder crepe sheath dress from Vince Camuto.  The off-the-shoulder neckline with mesh inset work with the fabric and sophisticated cut to produce a dress that is striking in its simplicity.

6. Lace is Our Friend After 40

I always say, when in doubt, lace little black cocktail dresses still work. They’re dressy, they look rich but often, as in the case of this lace shift dress, the price is quite reasonable.

And maybe best of all, it gives you a little – but not too much – strategic coverage when it comes to things like not so firm arms or a sun-damaged décolletage.