Dressy Tops for the Holiday

Dressy tops and bottoms are a great way to stretch your party wardrobe for the month-long holiday season. When buying a holiday party top, I look for pretty blouses or sweaters that aren't super trendy. My thinking: Dressy tops tend to be more expensive and are worn much less than, say, work shirts, so I want something that will look stylish for more than one holiday season. A classic top in a luxury fabric like silk or a buttery weave like cashmere not only feels fantastic, but will make the over 50 woman look like a million. Oh, and don't forget sequin tops, like the Anne Klein Beaded Crew Neck Top, Ships 11/11 (Black) ($495) above; they're a perennial favorite at this time of year. Here's a sample of holiday tops, with price tags as low as $37, for the over 50 party girl.

BLACK MAGIC
Black is always an elegant choice for evening gatherings. For years, my husband and I have joined a group of friends for dinner and a concert in New York City on New Year's Eve. Everywhere you look on NYC, women of all ages are dressed in black. It's been that way for as long as I can remember. While the shimmier black tops below are perfect for the end-of-year celebration, you don't have to wait till Dec. 31st to wear them. The festive sequins make these tops perfect for all your dressy holiday parties. That said, be careful when buying glittery top. Certain styles are very matronly-looking. And you don't want that!




Anne Klein Sleeveless Cross Drape Blouse, Ships 11/11 (Blue) ($275)






Jones New York Embellished Tunic, ($109)





Jones New York Sleeveless Sequin Top, ($119)



Not the glittery or embellished top type? That's okay. A simple black shell with a pretty weave will look lovely with pretty jewelry and a dressy skirt or slacks.




Jones New York Sleeveless Shell, ($79)


BRIGHT NIGHTS
My best friend has pledge to wear color, lots of color, now that she's over 50. If you're also color crazed these days, you might like this Anne Klein Tiered Sleeveless Blouse (Poppy) ($89). Tiered tops, which were mega-popular a year ago, are playful and are wonderful for hiding little lumps and bumps.






Is there anything more versatile than a silk blouse? I wonder. A silk blouse is a day-to-night favorite of mine.



Silk-Shirt (was $124, now $86)



A cotton or jersey top with a stylish neckline, like this Jersey-Knot-Detail-Top (was $54, now $37), is a great choice when the holiday invitation says "casual dress."





SOMETHING SILVER
A dressy top in silver or a grey, one of the hip hues this season, offers a striking alternative to black or a bold color. If grey is a flattering color for your complexion, take a peek at these pretty tops. A billowy top like this first one should be paired with a structured skirt or pair of slacks for a flattering result.




Woven-Silk-T-Shirt (was $98, now $49)



Or how about a simple, feminine top like this draped one?



Jersey-Cowl-Neck-Top (was $54, now $37)

Want to see more dressy tops? Visit Holiday Party Tops Over 50