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10 Dresses That Will Never Age

Classics to keep on hand so you'll look stylish for any occasion


spinner image Kyra Sedgwick, Leslie Jones and Brooke Shields
ABC/Getty Images; Charles Sykes/AP; Alamy

Who over age 50 has bought, tried on or at least thought about a “cold shoulder” or off-shoulder dress this year? Most of us did ... and why not? It is a big 2017 trend that continues to linger. We love dresses because they speed up and simplify the whole process of getting dressed, but it's getting harder to curb our enthusiasm with so many choices. The challenge is choosing the right dress — one that won't sit on the hanger next year. Want to know 10 that will never go out of style? Even celebs dress for success.

spinner image Michelle Obama in a DVF Wrap Dress
Former first lady Michelle Obama at a screening of Disney's "Muppets Most Wanted" in 2014
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Jersey Wrap Dress

Launched by designer Diane Von Furstenberg in the '70s, this iconic style is now everywhere. Five reasons to get one (or more) ASAP: The adjustable wrap defines your waist (or re-creates one!), the V-neckline elongates your neck and torso, the crossover wrap separates and lifts your breasts, the fluid fabric works year-round from day to night (and stays crease free) and the three-quarter-length sleeves add confident coverage.

spinner image Sarah Jessica Parker in a black dress
Sarah Jessica Parker at the Stash SJP fragrance launch in 2016
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

Multitasking Little Black Dress

The little black dress is the VIP of your closet, so be picky because it needs to pivot from work to cocktails, casual to formal, sexy to conservative, with a change of shoes, bag and jewelry. On the other hand, keep it contemporary but true to your lifestyle and personal style — whether urban or relaxed, classic or more fashion-y. Your LBD might be a tailored fit-and-flare style, a sleeveless shift with faux leather inserts or a flow-y bohemian dress with full sleeves. There's no one-for-all answer.

spinner image Kyra Sedgwick in a red dress
Kyra Sedgwick at an event in Beverly Hills, Calif.
ABC/Getty Images

Stand-Out-in-the-Crowd Red Dress

Women in red dresses do come off as fiery and passionate — or at least friendly and outgoing — which is why you need one. A red eye-catcher gets attention in a sea of neutral colors and on social media. Depend on that scarlet, tomato or ruby glow to energize you the way high heels (or red lipstick) used to. Wear it to blaze the way at important interviews, meetings, cocktail parties, get-togethers with new friends or neighbors. And, of course, if you're dating again, this will be in heavy rotation.

spinner image Leslie Jones in a dress with a lace overlay
Leslie Jones at the Time 100 Gala in April
Charles Sykes/AP

Lace Dress

Not just for weddings anymore, lace has gotten edgy and cool. When you want to look sophisticated and feminine, all you need is a tailored stretch-lace sheath or any dress with lace overlays, panels or inserts. In fact, black or wine-colored lace has a dark fashion vibe that's way more Goth than Granny. Just skip the pearls.

spinner image Goldie Hawn in a color block dress
Goldie Hawn on "The Late Late Show With James Corden" in May
Terence Patrick/Courtesy of CBS

Color-Block Dress

This fast-fix dress strategically uses dark and bright or light colors to attract and distract. It's amazingly empowering since the precise placement of color creates an illusion of body shape. The emphasis goes straight to bright or light areas, and dark areas get ignored — which is great when you want to whittle away a few pounds or bulges without Spanx.

spinner image Jennifer Aniston wears a party dress
Jennifer Aniston at the premiere of "Love Happens" in 2009
Matt Sayles/AP

Shimmery, Sparkly, Drop-Dead Party Dress

Sequins, beads, metallic accents! A short dress with long sleeves that reflects light is an emergency kit for any evening party, event, gala or black tie affair, when the question is: What do I wear? All you need is one.

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spinner image Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon at the 2017 Tony Awards in May
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

'Happy' Dress

Every woman needs a dress that guarantees compliments, makes her smile or shows her creativity, sense of humor or global shopping style — be it multicolor squiggles, a splashy floral print or a pastel color with an interesting neckline. And, of course, there's the assurance that no one else will be wearing the same dress. Maybe you picked it up in your travels or at a flea market, flash sale or consignment shop — but you won't see yourself coming and going. It’ll keep the "You look great!" comments coming. 

spinner image Helen Mirren in a fit and flare dress
Helen Mirren at the 25th annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in 2015
Andrew Toth/Getty Images

Fit-and-Flare Dress

A dress with fitted top, defined waist and A-line below is a favorite style of Michelle Obama that combines fashion and ease. It lets you cross your legs easily, stride down a street and hide a bloated tummy or the five extra pounds that you gained on vacation.

spinner image Brooke Shields in a leopard dress
Brooke Shields at the Fragrance Foundation Awards finalists' luncheon in April
Alamy

Leopard-Print Dress

Not for cougars only — we're crazy about animal prints (they're our "plaid"), and they're a fashion-staple keeper now. The only rules: Stick to natural tones, and if you wear the dress, keep the shoes/bag/coat/cardigan solid.

spinner image Salma Hayek in a sundress
Salma Hayek at the SiriusXM Studios in August
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Sundress

When it's steamy and hot, and all you want to do is catch a breeze. Or when you're on vacation, poolside or at a destination wedding, and flip-flops, sandals or slides are about as dressy as you can get — go with the flow. An airy lightweight A-line or maxi dress is one we all need and never buy. Do it!

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