Holiday 2010: Party Tops Over 50

Editor's Note: This post was updated 11/30/11. For more dressy tops, visit Dressy Tops for the Holidays

Is there a month more social than December? I don’t have an inordinate number of friends and acquaintances by any stretch. But between the party invitations from work colleagues (mine and my husband’s), friends and family, my social life bustles during the last weeks of the year. And it never fails that right about now I find myself in a panic: I’m sick of my party clothes! Instead of staying focused on finishing my Christmas shopping and wrapping, I find myself sidetracked by the desire for a new party top to get me through Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. If you’re experiencing the same dilemma, here are some flattering tops I found online. From stand-out detailing to simple sophistication, there's a holiday top for every woman over 50.

PARTY DETAILS
What makes a top a party top? Clearly, it's in the details. Unfortunately, those details--lace, beads, sequins--often add to the expense of the blouse or sweater. However, the Jones New York Sleeveless Sequined Blouse, ($79) is lovely and moderately priced.

This next designer sequin blouse is very feminine, though I'm not crazy about the way it's styled here. This over 50 party girl would wear it with dressy black slack or a skirt.



Parker Sequined Wrap Top ($286)



Or how about a simple T-shirt with pretty beading?




Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Scoop Neck Shirt With Embroidery (was $54, now $40.50). Also available in black in all Petite sizes and some Pluses.


LOVELY LACE
Not everyone is a glitter girl. Tops with lace or sheer detailing are a dressy alternative. Most of my over 50 girlfriends aren't thrilled with their upper arms, so I've included two tops with 3/4 sleeves. I really love this first one with the tie waist.




Juicy Couture Lottie Lace Top ($198)







Joie Seymour Print Blouse (was $1







Jones New York Sleeveless Scoop Neck Lace Blouse, ($109)




LESS DAZZLE, PLEASE
Looking for a top with less dazzle? Tops with other details--ruffles, bright colors, luxury fabrics like silk--are just as festive and fun, I think. Take for instance...



Joie Louvre Matte Silk Blouse (was $208, now $104) in Sizes S and L only






Jones New York Sleeveless Twisted Drape Blouse, ($69)

For more dressy tops, visit Dressy Tops for the Holidays