Ah, summertime. The weather is beautiful, the sun is shining, and it’s the perfect time to wear a casual summer dress.
Dresses are one of the most versatile items in a woman’s wardrobe, and they can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Ideally, we’re searching for a dress that will serve us well all summer long, make us feel amazing in it, help us stay cool, and transform from everyday wear to a beach wedding or other occasion.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, or just need some advice on what to look for when shopping for a casual summer dress, including sundresses for women, read on.
In this article, we’ll discuss fabric and styling tips that will be flattering to women in midlife, plus we’ll provide examples of gorgeous casual summer dresses for women over 50 that might be the perfect choice for you!
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Dresses Never Go Out of Style
Dresses are a timeless fashion item that can be worn for any occasion. While fashion trends come and go, dresses always remain in style. This is especially true for casual summer dresses, with a wide variety of styles, fabrics, and price points.
Cotton summer dresses for over 50s are breezy and comfortable, and they can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Whether you’re heading to the beach or a barbecue, a casual summer dress is always a good choice.
And because they’re so easy to wear, affordable dresses are perfect for when you want to look put together without feeling overdressed. It’s easy to add jewelry and accessories, switch out the shoes to change the look, and add a cardigan, blazer, or wrap to complete the outfit.
So if you’re looking for a versatile wardrobe staple that will never go out of style, reach for a summer dress. You’ll always look chic, regardless of the occasion.
Consider Your Age and Body Shape
It’s a fact: our bodies look different as we age. We may have more curves, or less curves than we did in our younger years as our body type shifts and changes.
Our skin may be less smooth and toned. There can be changes in our waistline and upper arms. It’s all part of the aging process, my friend, so these changes are not unexpected, but can still make putting an outfit together a little more challenging.
You can learn more about how to dress for your particular body shape from this post, and it includes a super-handy printable resource to keep with you as well as outfit suggestions!
And, it’s important to remember that when we’re shopping for summer dresses. A casual summer dress should make us feel comfy and confident – not self-conscious about our bodies.
When it comes to finding the perfect summer dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to find a style that flatters your figure.
- If you’re pear-shaped, look for a dress with a fitted top and a flared skirt.
- If you’re apple-shaped, look for a dress that cinches at the waist to create a more defined silhouette.
- And if you’re plus-sized, look for a dress with an empire waistline, which will help to accentuate your best features.
In addition, it’s important to choose a dress that suits your personal style. If you prefer a more classic look, opt for a simple A-line dress in a solid color.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more personality, go for a printed summer dress or one with ruffles or lace details.
And if you want to show off your curves, look for a dress with a snugger fit. Check out the suggestions on fabric choices below if you’re thinking of taking this direction.
Consider the details that are important to you, such as pockets, how soft the fabric may be, how many different colors are available, sleeve length, neckline, and anything else that is on your “must-have” list. If it ticks all the boxes, you may have a winner!
No matter what your personal style is, there’s sure to be a casual summer dress out there that’s perfect for you.
The good news is, there are lots of great styles out there that look fabulous on women over 50. So, don’t be afraid to try on a few dresses until you find the one that makes you feel like a million bucks!
Casual Dress Styles that are Flattering for Women in Midlife
Wrap Dress
When it comes to casual dresses, a wrap dress is always a good choice. It’s easy to wear and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Plus, it’s flattering on all body types.
You’ll often find a wrap dress with flutter sleeves, that can keep your arms partially covered but still keep you cool.
To ensure a flattering fit, make sure the wrap dress is fitted at the waist and flared at the bottom. Check the length to make sure it falls at or below the knee.
Fit and Flare
Another great option for casual dresses is a fit and flare dress. Like a wrap dress, it’s easy to wear and can be dressed up or down depending on the event. It’s also flattering on all body types, thanks to its fitted bodice and flared skirt.
Again, check the length to make sure it falls at or below the knee.
A-line
If you’re looking for a more relaxed fit, an A-line dress is a good option. This style is flattering for almost any body shape, and often made from lighter fabrics like cotton or linen, making it ideal for warm weather.
To avoid looking frumpy, make sure the dress is well-fitted at the bust and waist before flaring out at the hips. And as always, check the length to make sure it’s appropriate for your height.
Sundresses
Sundresses are a great option for women over 50 who want to feel stylish and confident. Whether it’s an everyday sundress or one for a dressy occasion, these tips will help you narrow down the options and find the best sundresses for you.
First, knee-length sundresses can help to accentuate your curves and show off your legs. If you want to add a bit of coverage, opt for a sundress with cap sleeves.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns and prints – they can add a touch of fun and personality to your look. No matter which style you choose, Sundresses are a great way to stay cool and look chic this summer.
Maxi Dresses
A maxi dress is a great choice for a summer dress because it is airy and relaxed, which can help you stay cool in the summer heat. The flowing silhouette of a maxi dress is also flattering to a woman over 50.
It can help to conceal any areas that you are self-conscious about, such as your stomach or upper arms, while still showing off your best features.
Plus, a maxi dress is easy to style – you can dress it up with some jewelry and heels for a night out, or keep it casual with a pair of sandals for a day at the beach. No matter how you wear it, a maxi dress is sure to keep you cool and stylish all summer long.
Check the Fabric
You might not think that the fabric of your dress would make much of a difference, but it does! The right fabric can flatter your figure, hide any imperfections, and keep you cool and comfortable all day long. Here are some of the best fabrics to look for in a summer dress:
Cotton is always a good choice for a summer dress. It’s lightweight, breathable, and easy to care for. Look for a cotton dress with some stretch to it, so it will hug your curves without being too tight.
Linen is another great choice for a summer dress. It’s light and airy, and it keeps you cool even on the hottest days. Linen can be a little wrinkly, so if you’re looking for a more polished look, choose a linen-blend fabric that includes another fiber like cotton or polyester.
Rayon is a synthetic fabric that has a similar feel to linen. It’s lightweight and breathable, and it drapes beautifully. rayon is often blended with other fabrics like cotton or viscose to add durability or wrinkle resistance and offer a stretchy fabric feel.
To Sleeve or Not to Sleeve
When you’re over 50, you can still wear whatever style of dress you like. As always, it’s your body and your choice. You’re a big girl.
However, some sleeve lengths are more flattering than others. A casual summer dress with short sleeves, puffy sleeves, or sleeveless is a great option. It keeps you cool and shows off your arms, if that’s what you’re looking for.
If you’re not comfortable with your arms, you can always cover them up with a cardigan, blazer, or jacket, which can be particularly useful if you’re outdoors and the evenings cool off, or in a restaurant that keeps the indoor temp quite low.
Another option is a dress with three-quarter length sleeves. This length is also flattering and can be dressed up or down. Of course, long sleeves are always an option, no matter the season.
Let’s Shop: Casual Summer Dresses for Women Over 50
Here are some examples of the styles of summer dresses highlighted above. If you find one (or more) that you like, click on the image for more details as well as purchase information.
PLEASE NOTE: The suggestions I curated are from a variety of shopping sources. Although the style is the main focus, it’s not always possible to find midlife models or plus size options. Keep an open mind and focus on the style of the dress, not the size or age of the model wearing it. Thanks.
Wrap Dresses
Fit and Flare Dresses
A-Line Dresses – scroll through the LookBook to see each one
Sundresses – scroll through the LookBook to see each one
Maxi Dresses
Conclusion: Casual Summer Dresses for Women Over 50
Summer is always a great time to wear a comfortable dress, with options from maxi dresses to sundresses to more tailored styles, to summer party dresses for over 50. Whatever you choose, be sure to wear something that makes you feel beautiful. Because you are!
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