Black has always been the go-to color in my wardrobe, particularly during my 25-year banking career. There is something classy, classic, timeless and stylish that has always drawn me in. The perfect little black dress for over 50 and over 60 women is always a hot item.
So, I thought it would be fun to create a list of my favorite perfect little black dresses for women over 50. There are some adorable little black numbers out there that are perfect for the younger set. However, there are some things, fashion being one, that need to be modified just a bit as we age. At least in my world, they do.
So if you’re searching for a black dress for older ladies, no matter your definition of ‘older’ my friend, have a look at what I’ve curated for you.
Fashion is such an individual choice, though. We all have our unique style voice. So like any other blogger who is going to talk about fashion, you’re going to see my perspective on the Little Black Dress. While I’m not a fashionista, I do enjoy putting together stylish outfits for women of the midlife persuasion as well as cute and casual styles for all women.
When it comes to the little black dress specifically, my first thought goes to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, shown below. By the way, the feature image on this post is not Ms. Hepburn. I love the tribute to her, though, with the hair, outfit and overall vibe of the photo.
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History of The Little Black Dress
We have to go back to 1920’s to find the origin of this iconic style of dress, to Parisian designer Coco Chanel specifically.
A simple black dress made of crepe de Chine was published by Vogue in 1926. The dress was accessorized with a string of pearls, and was dubbed ‘Chanel’s Ford’. That meant it was an accessible, simple style for all women, not just those with means.
Vogue commented that this dress and style would become ‘a sort of uniform for all women of taste’. Well, they were certainly accurate in that prediction!
Because the dress was first released during the Great Depression, clothing that was affordable was essential. As textiles and fabrics were rationed during the war, the simple black fabric and dress was instilled as the stylish outfit of choice.
After the war, the style and look of the little black dress was further cemented by designer Christian Dior, and the rest is history.
Special Holiday Section!
Take your little black dress to a new, holiday level with these easy to wear jackets and shawls at very affordable prices :
The accessories make the outfit, right? How about the perfect holiday belt, or take your classic black shoes and add festive shoe clips. How much fun is that? Jewelry options always add that touch of glamour, too.
Here are just a few of the variety of holiday accessories offered from White House Black Market:
Feather-Trim Wide Stretch Belt | Bejeweled Feather Shoe Clips | Convertible Charm Necklace
The Perfect Little Black Dress for Over 50 (and over 60!) Women
Flash forward to today, and this iconic style is still going strong. If you do a Pinterest search you’ll find gazillions of little black dress styles, from classic to casual, from simple to styled for a night out on the town, and everything in between.
My favorites were sourced from a variety of vendors and have a wide range of price points. I realize that not everyone shops at Target, nor do we all frequent Ralph Lauren creations. So I have a little something for just about every budget for woman in midlife.
One of the aspects I love about black in fashion, and the classic little black dress specifically, is it’s slimming properties. No matter our shape, ladies, we can all look stylish and stunning in black. I don’t look too shabby in the photo above, right? This is just a simple, lined sleeveless dress with a zip back and a slight gather in the center front. Here is a similar style.
Okay, here are my favorite perfect little black dresses for women over 50, a little black dress for a 60 year old, or really at any age.
On the right:
Travelers Dress from Chicos – the style debuted 20 years ago. Today, it’s as gorgeous as ever, with 3/4 sleeves, a super-flattering silhouette and wrinkle-resistant fabrication, thus the name. It’s a dress that can work for so many of our unique, personal styles.
- Travel-friendly, wrinkle-resistant fabric.
- 3/4-sleeves.
- Regular length: 44.5″.
- Petite length: 42.5″.
- Acetate, spandex.
- Machine wash. Imported.
On the left:
Ponte T-shirt Dress from Chicos – is the perfect choice for a casual style little black dress. Made from refined ponte fabric, it has a lighter feel and softer hand, ideal for any season. Wear this dress with a bold statement necklace and your favorite flats, sandals or sneakers for all-day comfort that looks great wherever your day takes you.
- The Fabric: New refined ponte fabric.
- Fabric Care: 46% rayon, 28% nylon, 20% lyocell, 6% spandex. Machine wash. Imported.
- The Fit: A-line with fitted bust then fits away from the body from waist to sweep; elbow-length sleeves, front pockets, scoop neck; 39″ length.
- The Details: Solid style.
On the left:
Refined Ponte Knit Mockneck Dress from Talbots – a flattering, retro look with the mockneck and sleek styling. It is made from a refined ponte knit fabric.
FEATURES
- Silhouette: Sheath Dress
- Neckline: Mockneck
- Sleeve length: 3/4 sleeve
- Material: 63% Rayon, 32% Nylon, 4% Spandex – hand wash cold, lay flat to dry
On the right:
Jersey Midi Dress from Talbots – I love the button detail as well as the detail at the cinched waist. Flattering styling for most body types, and the longer length is a winner for sure.
FEATURES
- Silhouette: Fit and Flare
- Neckline: V-Neck
- Sleeve length: Three-Quarter
- Imported
- Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Budget Friendly Finds – currently priced under $50
LookBook
Short Sleeve Split-V Neck Preston & York Blake Dress
Classic little black dress styling with short sleeves, a split-V neck, hidden back zipper and stretchable poly/rayon/spandex blend. Dress it up for the evening or keep the classic, simple look for business or daytime. Love this look! Dillards
On the left:
Cascade Faux Wrap Dress from Nordstrom – flattering to so many of our body shapes in midlife, with 3/4 sleeves and V-neck styling.
- 39″ regular length (size Medium); 40″ plus length (size 2X)
- Slips on over head
- Surplice V-neck
- Three-quarter sleeves
- Unlined
- 90% rayon, 10% spandex
- Dry clean or hand wash, dry flat
- Made in the USA
On the right:
Ribbed Knit Midi Shirtdress from Nordstrom – when you want to look classic and stylish but not too dressy, this shirtdress with a button up front and side pockets is a great choice!
- 43″ length (size Medium)
- Front button closure
- V-neck
- Short sleeves
- Front patch pockets
- 80% polyester, 15% rayon, 5% spandex
- Machine wash, dry flat
- Made in the USA
On the right:
V-Back A-Line Maxi Dress from Nordstrom – when you want to show off you beautiful back! Classic look with cap sleeves and maxi length styling, dress it up or down.
- 48 1/2″ length (size Medium)
- Slips on over head
- Front jewel neck; back V-neck
- Cap sleeves
- 90% rayon, 10% spandex
- Dry clean or hand wash, dry flat
- Made in the USA
On the left:
Cute Girl Dress from Nordstrom – because we all want to look cute, right? I love the neckline, the modest sleeve length, and the full skirt. Update: currently available in 3 jewel-toned colors
- 45″ length (size Medium)
- Slips on over head
- Notched scooped neck
- Scooped back
- Elbow-length sleeves
- Side-seam pockets
- Partially lined
- 61% viscose, 35% polyester, 4% elastane
- Machine wash, line dry
- Plus size
I had to include one off-the-shoulder in the list of my favorite little black dresses for women in midlife! Some of us still have necks, backs and shoulders that are flauntable, so why not? I love the sophistication of this popover dress from Nordstrom.
Did you find the perfect little black dress for your lifestyle and fashion preferences? I’ve got my eye on a few of them!
Actually, I’m wearing a very comfortable LBD in the photo above! I bought it on Amazon (quickly becoming one of my go-to sources for affordable clothes), and the style is awesome. I prefer 3/4 sleeves, and the boat neck with ‘V’ insert is flattering on so many body shapes.
The mid-length flared skirt style is also a very flattering look. You can see all the details of this comfy little black dress here:
Whatever you decide, this iconic style is going to be with us for a long, long time!
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Great collection of LBD’s Candi and I just love the last one. I’ve had an LBD for about 15 years. I don’t wear it often but it is such a classic style it hasn’t dated and I feel great whenever I wear it. Don’t forget to link up this week at Midlife Share the Love Party it is now live!
Thanks Sue, I think many of us have a LBD that sits quietly in our closets until we need it, then always looks just right. As always, thanks for stopping by.
I love love love Audrey Hepburn’s style and although she is so beautifully slim and I’m not, we can still take a little inspo from her, can’t we 🙂 The little black dresses you’ve chosen to feature are gorgeous. I’m hard pushed to choose just one. And there’s nothing more flattering is there really than an LBD – for so many occasions.
Thanks Jo, I agree that an LBD is such a versatile piece of our wardrobe. We may not look like Audrey H. but we’ll be stylin’ just the same 🙂
I Love a beautiful sheath. That one from Talbots is calling my name!
I do, too! Thanks for stopping by Cathy, maybe you should answer that call! 🙂
Love the long sleeved midi! It’s modest while still looking fashionable which is a rare combination it seems.
Yes! I love that style!
I love the Malta tie-waist from Anthropologie! So cute yet simple. Fun read, and I especially like that you included the history of the little black dress!
Thanks Jocelyn, I thought readers might enjoy knowing how the iconic style came about. 🙂
I agree! Classic pieces like a LBD are necessary! I bought my latest one online and was disappointed in the fabric, but the price was so low I HAD to try it. The LBD I bought before that one, I found on the Target clearance rack! I still love it.
I’ve had really good experiences with clothes from Target, too.
Love your style 😊
Thank you!
Great post! I’m inspired to do a litttle shopping. 😀
That’s great, have fun!
Love this post! The dresses are beautiful, but I think I love the Ralph Lauren sleeveless flare the most for me. I can always use help in this area of my life. In fact, I don’t think I have a little black dress that fits me at the moment. I will address this soon!
Hopefully you’ll come back here for a visit when it’s time for that LBD!
These are such pretty dresses! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Ashley 🙂
These dresses are all classics!! I really love the off the shoulder dress! Gorgeous!
Yes, it is quite dramatic! Thanks!
These are all so cute! I love how versatile they are. Great for any occasion.
Yes, you can dress them up or down, they are all classic styles 🙂
It is always difficult to find a little black sleeveless dress. So great to know Target is the place to go. Love the selection. And I want one you are wearing lol.
I love my LBD – the price was awesome at less then $30, it’s fully lined and you would never guess it came from a discount store!
I love all of these options and I think any age could wear these!
I think you’re right, Heidi, the styles are timeless.
Great choices for every body type!!
Thanks Gail, I try to find styles that are appealing to all ages and different body types, as we are certainly all unique!
I love LBD, it is like the fail proof dress for any occasion if we don’t have plan for getting new dress.
Absolutely, you can never go wrong with a LBD!
I love sheath dresses in any color, but black is definitely my favorite. It slims and I always feel comfortable in it! (The picture of you is gorgeous, by the way!)
Thank you, Sarah!
These are some great dresses.
Thanks Rae, they are timeless classics 🙂
Every woman needs an LBD in their closet. Lucky for me I have several.They are so elegant, slimming, and just classic.
Yes, it’s an essential part of any wardrobe!
I never wear dresses anymore, but now I’m thinking about what style black dress I need… 🙂
Well, you never know… a LBD could come in handy! 🙂
You can’t go wrong with a little black dress. I love that yours have so much personality! All great options!
thanks so much, Melanie!
Beautiful Post! Everyone needs a little black dress!
Yes, I agree, Holly! I love mine 🙂
Great post. I especially loved the little snippet of history about the little black dress.
Thank you Sarah, I like to add a bit of history and background when I can!
Great post! Of course the dress I liked best was the most expensive. Thanks for the great ideas.
I always do the same…we must have great taste! 🙂
That is quite a collection of dresses that you’ve put together, Candi. They are all truly beautiful. I don’t wear dresses often but when I do, I love color. I’m probably the only woman I know who doesn’t have an LBD!
Well, we are all unique and choose to wear what makes us feel good! Thanks for stopping by, Wendy
What a great collection! I love the Malta Tie one, that would be really flattering on those of us who are a little more plump. I like that little knot!
Yes, it has beautiful lines, and I love the peplum look to it, too!
I love all your selections! And they are all much more appropriate for the mid-40s woman I now am than my various 20-something versions of the LBD that are still somewhere in my wardrobe…
Yes, our preferences (and our bodies!) change as we mature, that’s for sure!
I love the fitted flare dress! LBD is something I still need in my wardrobe.