We routinely turn to women over 40 for top-notch sartorial inspiration. After all, it’s this set that always seems to get it thanks to style trial and error over the years. While we recently highlighted the going-out basics women in this age bracket swear by, we thought we’d take a deeper dive into the specific dress silhouettes they tend to rely on.
Given that we also often look to celebs for a lot of our style recommendations, we thought it would be appropriate to showcase the pretty night-out dresses A-listers over 40 often wear for events and parties thanks to their inherently timeless and classic nature.
So with all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out a bit of visual inspiration featuring a few of the timeless going-out dress styles celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Kerry Washington wear. Plus, shop inspired styles that will work for anyone at any age—because age has nothing to do with what you should or shouldn’t wear.
On Jennifer Aniston: Prada dress
You clearly can’t go wrong with a timeless LBD. While Aniston went for a strapless silhouette here, cuts with long sleeves or with a turtleneck detail also feel incredibly modern.
On Taraji P. Henson: Alexander Wang dress
If you want to make a fashion statement, an asymmetrical dress in just about any fabric or hue will do the trick.
On Jennifer Lopez: Alexandre Vauthier dress
Headed somewhere fancier? Go all out with an eye-catching midi dress featuring unique and intricate details like a lace bodice, high slit, or metallic fabric.
On Kourtney Kardashian: Gucci x Tom Ford dress
Leather separates have been trending hard over the last few seasons—especially leather dresses as a cool option for a night out with strappy sandals.
On Katie Holmes: Khaite dress
A white dress could be an alternative to the classic LBD if you’re looking to switch it up. A style like this with the shoulder detail and ankle-grazing hem feels so right now.
On Kerry Washington: David Koma dress
There’s nothing like a one-and-done minidress to stand out. Go for a metallic stunner like this one, add heels, and you’re all set.
Next, check out the capsule wardrobe a 54-year-old fashion influencer swears by.
-
This Is the Low-Key Color Trend People Are Suddenly Wearing More Than CamelEven Jennifer Lopez.
-
If You've Already Ordered This Pretty Winter Trend Celebs Just Started Wearing, You Have Good TasteSpotted on It girls in Paris and NYC.
-
From L.A. to Paris—Everyone Who *Gets It* Is Ditching Black Leather Jackets for This Elegant Fall Color TrendHere are 13 to shop if you want in.
-
Just so You Know, These Are the Cult-Favorite Hailey Bieber–Approved Jeans Every Celeb Is WearingSpotted on Kendall Jenner and Dakota Johnson, too.
-
If You're Going to Wear Leggings in Fall 2025, Wear Them in This Shade With White SneakersAs spotted on Jennifer Lopez in NYC.
-
I Know You're Stylish If You Replace Your Hoodie With This Equally Comfy (But Much Chicer) Jacket TrendInspired by Kerry Washington.
-
Forget Black Pants—This Color Trend Will Earn You Way More ComplimentsKatie Holmes gets it.
-
Jeans Plus These 2 Anti-Basic Colors Are the Recipe for Cooler Outfits This FallThey aren't white and black.
