If you are thinking that sundresses are just for the 20-somethings, think again. It’s kind of funny, but I never wore them until my 40’s. I was a shorts and leggings kind of girl. Not really sure why, I guess because I was an active mom and always had to be ready to get down on the floor with my little ones, chase them up a tree, or go down the slide at the park. But once my children were a little more grown, I started to experiment with them. Now, they are my signature look for the warmer months.
These summer dresses for women are my picks for the styles that I have found flattering, comfortable, and just super pretty for women over 50, 60, or more. Because we deserve to feel feminine and romantic and beautiful! (But are totally over feeling exposed, itchy, and confined.) I have chosen dresses for a variety of budgets, and many of these retailers have sales going on, so be sure to look around while you are there. Spoiler alert: Almost all of these websites offer a discount on your first order. Watch for a pop-up form when you visit the site!
Note: I only recommend products I would use myself. If you purchase items through the links on my site, I might earn a small commission from the retailer. This is at no cost to you and does not increase your price for the item. Money earned from these commissions helps keep The Middle Girls running! Thank you for your support!
Summer Dresses for Women Over 50
The five types of summer dresses that are perfect for older women over 50+:
Summer Dresses with Sleeves
- Feel less revealing
- Sleeves cover upper arms
Maxi Dresses
- Full length
- Adds visual height
- Covers legs
Midi Dresses
- Perfect mid-calf length
- Offers more coverage but shows just a bit of leg
Wrap Dresses for Summer
- Most universally flattering style of dress
- For all body shapes
Summer Shift or Swing Dresses
- Skims and camouflages belly
- Comfortable but sophisticated
- My signature summer dress style
Summer Dresses with Sleeves
Summer dresses with sleeves are perfect as we age because so many of us (me included!) don’t feel comfortable showing our upper arms. Frankly, once you pass menopause, unless you spend regular time in the gym your upper arms lose some muscle mass. Personally, mine can look a bit flabby. But you can still feel cool in that summer sun with short sleeves! They camouflage those upper arms without feeling frumpy. Here are some great choices for sundresses with sleeves for over 50+! Also BTW, since I have sensory issues, I only wear soft fabric dresses because… well, they are soft and they breathe. I have tried to include a variety of body shapes and styles.
This super cute summer dress with sleeves from Chicos is made from Pima cotton, which is a high-quality variety known for its softness. The flattering design and print will hide so many body issues that women our age tend to be uncomfortable with. You can dress it up or down depending on the shoes and accessories you choose. It comes in sizes 000-22, is knee length and has side pockets. This one would be a really versatile piece to add to your wardrobe. It could work for anything from a summer wedding to a shopping trip downtown. Love this!
Cotton Gauze Short Sleeve Shirt Dress
This pretty Macy’s dress comes in four different patterns. This classic summer dress has sleeves to cover those upper arms, and is a midi length for a little more coverage on the leg without being full length. It is machine washable and comes in sizes XS-XL. I love that it has a fabric belt to create shape at the waist, but you could also replace that with a leather look belt to dress it up. And two of the patterns are a vertical stripe, which is well known for leading the eye up and down, and visually slimming the body.
This cute midi dress is so flattering for all body shapes. It’s super soft because it’s 100% cotton. It comes in sizes 2-22 and in four different colors. Because it is gathered gently at the waist, the fabric flows gently over any areas you aren’t comfortable with. It also has a little smocking on the back of the waistband to gently give shape to your waist without holding you in. This summer midi dress has sleeves and it’s long enough to drape over your legs for modesty. The skirt is a fit and flare tiered shape, which gives you that fun “swish” we all so love from a dress. High quality, beautiful, cool, and comfortable. Also comes in petite and long sizes. And, pockets!
This super pretty find is flowy, and soft, and brings out the best in any figure! Wrap dresses are considered the most universally flattering dresses, and this one is perfect! It has a ruffle split hem for a little bit of leg (and sex appeal) but not too much, and comes in sizes XS to XXl. Love. This. Dress! I am partial to the dot prints or the dark green or black myself. You could also belt this one! Surprisingly, reviewers say the polyester fabric feels like rayon and is so soft. This is an elegant summer dress for women over 50+!
I own another style of dress in this very fabric and pattern. The fabric is so soft and flowing, and this print… Ah, this print. Love the color so much! It comes in 20 prints and solids. I want to try the navy! If you are shorter than 5’4″, it might fall all the way to your ankles, but still looks great!
Flirty Summer Maxi Dresses
So if your arms aren’t the (only?🤪) part of you that you want to camouflage, maybe you would prefer not to show off your legs. Maybe this is because you prefer more modest dresses, or because you would prefer to disguise something on your lower half. For me, it’s veins and a little cellulite. Or maybe you just like the elegance of a flowing maxi summer dress! These summer dresses for women over 50 are some of the popular.
Organic Cotton Tiered Maxi Dress
My oldest daughter owns and loves this summer maxi dress from Quince. Made from 100% organic cotton gauze, it is super soft and super flattering. In a lovely tiered design, this dress comes in nine colors and a v-neckline in front and back that is modest, but still visually slims the body. It even comes in a black and white vertical stripe! (Again, very slimming!) By the way, I am a huge fan of Quince. They produce quality clothes with quality fabrics, at really reasonable prices. And they do more than clothes! Their bamboo bed sheets are on my bed as we speak, and every family member who has slept on them has gone off and bought a set for themselves. They are soooooo soft.
Women’s Wrap Boho Summer Dress
According to Stitch Fix, (and if you’ve never checked out this personal stylist service, to your door, you should!) wrap dresses are the most universally flattering style for all of us. I own this very dress. It is super soft, super flowy, and super cute. The only thing I would caution is that on some women I could see it showing a bit of cleavage. I wear it with a tank or bodysuit underneath, but you could also just pin it in place if it’s a problem for you. Very Boho fun, it’s perfect for the beach, or my personal fav, Palm Springs! I do think it runs a bit small. I am a size 10-12 and ordered a large. Basically, I would order the XL if I ordered it again. (Remember, sizes are just numbers!) Love this summer dress though! Not frumpy, just fabulous!
This pretty little number has so many reviews calling it flattering, that it hides back fat, emphasizes the waist, hides muffin top… And it’s a romantic and flowing style? It comes in a bunch of colors and prints, my favs are this Blue Dot and the Navy. I have to admit though, I love the Tangerine!
Midi Summer Dresses for Women Over 50+
Midi dresses hit about mid-calf, and are perfect for those of us not quite comfortable with above-the-knee dresses anymore. You can show a little leg while still keeping modest, and show off those cute summer sandals. For me, I still wear some (just) above-the-knee dresses, but something about a longer skirt makes me feel a little bit more like a princess. (Don’t tell my granddaughters, they are the real princesses in my house!)
European Linen Swing Tank Midi Dress
Ok, I am in love with this summer midi dress. Made from 100% European linen, it is flowing and flattering, but looks very high-end because of the linen fabric. Cute pockets, come in five colors, and the fabric is pre-shrunk and machine washable. Linen is a naturally cool fabric, purported to breathe 1 1/2 times better than cotton. Did I mention? I love this dress!
This coral creation of summer midi dress beauty is so pretty. Cool, comfortable, and in a warm shade that is flattering to most skin tones, this just may be the perfect sundress for older women. This would be so pretty with a sunhat and sandals while on vacation, but also great to run to the grocery store. My favorite color!
This 100% linen dress from J Crew would be perfect for a special occasion this summer. Elegant and regal, but still in a summer fabric that breathes, this pretty thing comes in both white and chocolate brown. This tailored piece looks polished and chic. The vertical seams are visually slimming, and it comes with a belt to add shape to your figure. Again, you can replace it with a belt from your closet to add more personality. Stunning and refined, yet classic and relaxed.
Summer Swing Dresses for Older Women
Summer swing dresses are perfect for older women because they sweep over our belly and camouflage our hips. They are swingy and loose, but still give you enough shape that you look refined and timeless. These types of dresses are my favorite sundresses for women over 50., and the ones I wear on repeat.
Cotton Gauze Sleeveless Swing Dress
So this pretty summer swing dress from Quince is perfection. Elegant yet casual at the same time, it is a super soft and cool 100% organic cotton fabric. It has a relaxed and swingy fit so it is flattering to all body types. I am in love with the pintucking detail on the bodice. With functional side pockets and five color choices, this one is in my shopping basket.
Daisy Double Cloth Short Dress
This pretty dress from Boden comes in three colors, and even comes in a “long” length if you are taller, or if you just prefer a longer hemline. 100% cotton summer swing dress with a pretty ruffle and cute ruffled cap sleeves. The cut allows the fabric to just skin your midsection, camouflaging any areas you feel anxious about. High-end resort look but is super comfy too! did I mention? It has pockets!
This super pretty summer swing dress has a tiered shape and vertical stripes! It is casual but looks high-end. 100% cotton gauze, it is a breathable and soft, flowy fabric. Side seam pockets with a shape that sits away from the body. Comes in three colors and XS-XXL. Flip flops or heels would both work with this dress, making is a great value because it’s such a versatile piece.
These flattering summer dresses for women over 50+ are pretty, comfortable, flattering, and chic. Keep in mind, because I prefer soft fabrics, many of these dresses are made with rayon or viscose. I’ve learned the hard way not to machine dry them… hang them dry and you will be fine though! So whether you love sundresses with sleeves, maxi, midi, or summer wrap dresses, there is one here for you!
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