Summer is a time for sunshine, vacations, and wearing light yet stylish clothing. For older women, choosing a dress can be tricky—which cuts are too revealing, age-inappropriate, or unflattering for those of us with a few more wrinkles and pounds than the average fashion model? This guide offers 17 suggestions for ladies over 50 looking for a flattering summer dress style.
The Wrap Dress
A universally flattering choice, the wrap dress cinches the waist and creates a beautiful V-neckline that elongates the torso and draws attention away from the abdomen. The wrap style allows for easy adjustability to achieve a perfect fit and flatters various body types. It’s also a great dress to buy online because it is universally suitable and forgiving in terms of fit.
The Shirt Dress
Shirt dresses look like overly long men’s dress shirts and do a great job hiding parts of your body that you might not want to be exposed by clingy fabrics. 50 Is Not Old recommends a knee-length or longer shirt dress with a button-down front and a relaxed fit. It says you can wear it in several ways, especially if you incorporate accessories like belts and heels.
The A-Line Dress
This style is another dress type that flatters almost everyone, with an A-line shape that flows from the shoulders, skimming the hips and creating a graceful silhouette. A-line dresses come in a variety of fabrics, from casual chambray to dressy silk. Choose a solid color if you intend to add other patterns or accessories or a fun print if you don’t intend to embellish the outfit.
The Twist-Front V-Neck
Like the wrap dress, this dress pulls in under the bustline and enhances your shape without adding bulk. The twisted, cross-over neckline looks great on any size bust, and the straight line from the bust to the knee hides a multitude of body areas that some older ladies can be self-conscious about. It’s also incredibly comfy and often lovely and light for warm weather.
The Fit-and-Flare Dress
This dress nips in at the waist and then flares out from the hips, creating a beautiful hourglass silhouette. It’s perfect for making the best of any body shape and adding a touch of femininity, and you don’t need a large bust or wide hips to benefit from the curvaceous style, either! It’s slightly more dressy than your average style, so it’s perfect for a special occasion or a night out.
The Tiered Dress
A romantic and comfortable choice, the tiered dress features layers of fabric that cascade down the skirt, making the dress look a little like the tiers on a wedding cake. This style adds volume and movement, making it perfect for a breezy summer day or for traveling. We recommend a knee-length or longer style with a sleeve length that suits the climate in which you’ll be wearing it.
The Maxi Dress
Claire Justine recommends this long, flowing style for summer and says it’s especially perfect for anyone who feels self-conscious about their legs. Opt for a mid-calf or longer cut, but avoid anything much longer than your ankle, or it can get dirty or even make you trip up! Maxi dresses are perfect for any occasion (beach, party, wedding, vacation) and can be dressed up or down.
The Sleeveless Shift
The sleeveless shift dress is a simple, ultra-versatile classic that looks great in almost any color. It creates a clean silhouette and is typically made of thicker, non-clingy material, making it perfect for anyone who is more reserved or modest about their body. In summer, a knee-length linen example in a pale color or simple print is a great wardrobe go-to for more formal occasions.
The Midi Dress
The midi dress hits just below the knee, hence the name! It’s versatile, stylish, and a popular choice for older women seeking a dress that can be worn down for summer outings or dressed up with accessories and jewelry for a summer wedding or formal occasion. It’s best to choose a plain color that can be paired easily with other items in your wardrobe, like jackets and belts.
The Halter Dress
This summery style features a neckline that ties behind the neck, showcasing your shoulders and upper back. It’s the perfect choice for very hot weather or vacations, especially if you’re hoping to catch a tan! Halter dresses typically work well on their own, so feel free to choose a vibrant color or a bold print. The bust-to-knee silhouette is super flattering, too.
The Empire Waist Dress
Inspired by period dramas, the empire-waist dress features a high waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a flowing and comfortable silhouette that looks good on any size bust. InStyle says modern examples are varied, and you can find one for any occasion. Older women appreciate how well the cut camouflages their midsection without swamping their shape.
The Column Dress
The column dress has a straight cut that is timeless and elegant for any woman, regardless of age. The cut will skim your curves without clinging to them, offering extra space to move and feel comfortable. It is incredibly flattering for taller women who want to elongate their figure. It can be made from a variety of fabrics—opt for a summery print or one with an interesting neckline.
The Smock Dress
This slightly eccentric style often features ruched elastic around the waist or under the bust, making it very forgiving in terms of fit and ultra comfortable no matter your size. It is a classic-looking and relaxed dress that is perfect for hot summer days and can be easily dressed up or down. Look for smock dresses made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
The Caftan
Caftans, with a touch of bohemian flair, can be highly stylish. They’re often available in bold prints or unusual colors and are popular for women on vacation. The style is loose-fitting and drapes from the shoulders, often with long, flowing sleeves and embroidered edges. They’re frequently made from lightweight or luxurious materials like cotton, chiffon, and silk.
The Denim Dress
If your summer climate isn’t roasting hot, pale denim dresses can be a great option—especially if you need something versatile and hard-wearing. The most flattering styles are loose, buttoned-up shirt-style dresses with or without sleeves. Choose a style that flatters your figure and pair it with sandals or wedges for a casual look that works well for summer weekends.
The Knit Dress
When they hear the word ‘knit,’ most people think of heavy, chunky winter sweaters, but plenty of lightweight, close-woven materials make excellent summer clothing. Choose a calf-length style without sleeves or one with short, capped sleeves, and opt for a pale color. Knit dresses are blank canvases that can easily be accessorized with hats and jewelry.
The Cocktail Dress
Do you have a fancy occasion or a wedding to celebrate? A cocktail dress is an excellent choice for a formal or dressy occasion, and there are a lot of options—The Knot gives over 24 cocktail dress styles that suit those over 50, including asymmetric designs with cold shoulders and classic, fitted knee-length examples. Don’t be afraid to choose something sparkly or add glamorous accessories!
Up Next: 17 Places in the U.S. Where Even Truck Drivers Won’t Stop
Truck drivers tend to be hardy souls—well-seasoned travelers who aren’t often afraid to rest up or refuel in risky locations. However, there are certain U.S. locations that even the most road-weary trucker refuses to stop at for fear of criminal activity or natural dangers. Here are 17 such locations that even experienced truck drivers approach with trepidation (or not at all).
17 PLACES IN THE U.S. WHERE EVEN TRUCK DRIVERS WON’T STOP
17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House
Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.
17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE
The 17 Unhappiest States in America
The US has hit an all-time low position in the World Happiness Index, tumbling to 23rd in 2024. However, it’s important to remember that location is an important factor; many US states are very happy, unlike the following 17 US states that appear to be the most unhappy.