Clothes can be empowering and can leave an impression on yourself and others. So, just because you're over the age of 40 doesn't automatically mean you can't look and feel amazing. Whether it's a night on the town with your girlfriends, a romantic date night with your partner, or a white tie event, dressing for an occasion is something us women look forward to. But it is necessary to select your outfits depending on the occasion. To help put your best foot forward, we have compiled a few suggestions on classy evening wear. Even though we have been mentioning that an event dictates the choice of attire, we cannot overlook the importance of comfort. As long as you feel comfortable in your outfit and confident on the inside, there won't be any style that can intimidate you. * Some of the models in the following images are well under the age of 40. Please ignore that and concentrate on the style, fabric, design, and pattern of the dresses instead. Before you finalize a dress or a style, know whether the party is formal, casual, or has a business theme. For a formal cocktail party, the attire should be dressier where a 'little' black dress is makes the perfect choice. Again, when we talk about a basic little black dress, it needs to suit your body type and comfort level. On the other hand, if you're attending a casual or a business cocktail party, you have the option of wearing a semi-formal business suit or dress slacks is your best option. If you're attending a wedding, chances are you'll be heading towards an evening reception soon after. For a classy and elegant transition between the two, wear a long gown in a luxe fabric. Your goal is to look pulled-together without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. For summer or beach weddings, of course, the length of the dress will have to be short―we're thinking a dress that hits just at the knees. A date night can consist of a variety of options. What you're about to venture on for the evening will decide the type of evening wear you need to select. Of course, denims and a t-shirt is the epitome of comfort and can never be overlooked. But let's leave them be for tonight and go for something a bit more flirty and feminine. For a romantic candlelight dinner at a fancy restaurant, a gorgeous floor-length dress is enough to catch his attention. On the other hand, if you wish to keep things casual, but still keep your elegance intact, how does a tea-length dress sound? A girls' night out means fun, frolic, and lots of laughter. Whether you're going out for dinner with the girls or grabbing a few drinks at the local pub/club, these dresses will surely make your evening. Apart from dresses, you can also opt for a chic pant suit or a skirt, if you feel comfortable in either of the outfits. A white tie event doesn't necessarily mean you have to wear a black or a white dress only. A full-length dress such as ball gowns are preferred over cocktail or tea-length dresses. Depending on the formality of the evening, you may require to cover your shoulders, perhaps carry a shawl, and/or wear long gloves. To get a good grasp on the appropriate attire for the event, speak to the host/hostess or other guests (if you are aware of who else is attending the event) for some suggestions. Apart from the tips and advice provided to you in the article, you can also take inspiration from Hollywood celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julianne Moore, Catherine Keener, Emma Thompson, Melissa McCarthy, and of course, Meryl Streep. Take a cue for these ladies who have shown us that age should never, ever hamper your style.