Sundresses for Women over 50: Top 10 in 2021

Looking for sundresses for women over 50? You are at the right place!

The warm air for the spring and summer – there isn’t anything quite like it, is there? It’s such a beautiful time of year. One of the go-to looks many of us lean on this time of year?

Sundresses!

They’re easy, cute and perfect for the warm weather seasons – no matter your age! Nope, sundresses aren’t just for the teens and twenty-somethings. I’m serious!

Sundresses don’t have an age limit. Of course, just like with anything else style wise, there may be some changes you make if you wear sundresses when you’re over 50, compared to the options you may have chosen in your 20’s and 30’s.

Sundresses are a big trend for this spring/summer season, and so many of my mature ladies have reached out to me asking for advice. That’s why I’ve put together this post to help you make the most of them for our women over 50.

Let’s get into all the stylish details!

Avoid Shapeless Sundresses

While I’m not one to start with the negatives, there is one major don’t when it comes to selecting the best sundresses for women over 50: shapeless sundresses!

Sundresses, like many other types of dresses come in a variety of different silhouettes, fabrics, etc. Unfortunately, some of those styles include sundresses that are really boxy and/or shapeless. The reason this isn’t ideal for women over 50 is because it can cause you to appear frumpy and even bigger than you are.

I know, those shapeless dresses are ‘comfortable,’ I hear this ALL the time, but unfortunately they’re just not flattering for a mature woman.

Instead of opting for those shapeless sundresses, it’s super important for women over 50 to stick to silhouettes that offer some sort of shape or structure to them. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the dress has to be extremely fitted or stiff! There’s a happy medium here, and that happy medium needs to be your sundress bff.

There are a few ways a sundress can offer you some shape. Choosing a sundress that, for example, has a defined waistline is a great option that instantly adds shape to the dress and in turn your body shape. Other attributes to look for and try with sundresses include: open neckline (like a v-neck), halter style top, empire silhouette, etc. The key here is to make sure that we see YOU and your shape in the dress.

In general, less is more when you’re a woman over 50. Keep it simple with the silhouette of your sundresses. In terms of the neckline for your sundresses just make sure they’re not TOO low. Open necklines are fine as a mature woman, but if the neckline is too low it tends to lean on the edge of not being age appropriate.

Choose Prints + Patterns Wisely

You may have noticed that sundresses often come in various prints, patterns and fun colors. This is one of the reasons sundresses are so stylish and easy to wear during the winter months. The problem with this, when you’re a woman over 50, is that some of these different prints aren’t ideal for your age. This is why it’s essential you choose any of the prints or patterns wisely for your own sundress collection.

The main thing to be aware of in regards to the print of your sundress is that it doesn’t feel TOO youthful. I’m sure you’ve seen dresses, at least a few times, that while they had really fun prints on them they were options that felt like they’d be ideal for a woman in her twenties or thirties.

This tends to trip some women up because I know we all want to look (and feel!) younger than we are, no matter our current age. However, the reason you don’t want a print/pattern that feels REALLY youthful is it can actually make you look older.

I know, you would think it would be the opposite! Unfortunately, I have to give you the harsh reality on this one.

Instead of choosing sundresses that are really youthful, stick to options that are either solid colors, minimal print, or prints that feel really modern and sophisticated.

Animal print can be a great choice for women after 50s. It adds a sensual vibe in a very subtle way. It looks powerful, without being pushy.

Flipping your mindset around how you’re selecting the prints of your dresses will help you to choose a dress that gives you a modern, classic appeal.

Best Casual Sundress for Women over 50

Ok, now that we’ve established some of the more general things to consider when choosing a sundress as a woman over 50. Let’s get into some more details.

Casual sundresses are every woman’s (yours soon!) go-to during the warm weather months. They’re so easy to wear because there’s minimal effort involved – one piece and you’re dressed!

There are two great casual sundress options for mature women:

Maxi dresses

The first casual sundress option to try is a maxi length style. I know I don’t have to remind you the variety of maxi dresses available to us right now.

When choosing your maxi length sundress(es), make sure you take the previous tips in mind so you’re selecting a style that’s flattering!

If you’re a petite woman over 50, the key to wearing a maxi dress is ensuring that the length is right. Tailoring may be needed here.

T-shirt dresses

The second best casual sundress to try is a t-shirt sundress. Yep, I told you sundresses can be cute, flattering AND comfortable. T-shirt sundresses are SUPER comfortable and perfection for your casual time.

A few things to keep in mind when selecting a t-shirt dress is:

First, make sure it’s not totally shapeless (as mentioned previously, it does apply to this as well.

Second, keep the length in mind. In terms of length with a t-shirt sundress there are two options I suggest:

• Above the knee
• Just below the knee

Both of these lengths work for a petite woman, as long as below the knee doesn’t rest right at your calf, go just above the calf!

Best Dressed Up Sundress for Women over 50

The sundress styles I mentioned above are great to wear when you can keep things pretty casual. Now let’s flip it a bit.

While the spring and summer tend to be more casual as a whole, I’m sure there will be times when you can’t be QUITE so casual. Whether you’re going out to dinner, a party, or even a casual wedding you can wear a sundress.

Let’s chat about the best options for the times you need to step out of the casual realm.

Fit & flare dress

Fit and flare dresses if the number one option. This is such a great type of sundress to wear because it really keeps the spring/summer vibe in place, it’s really figure flattering, and it’s an easy dress style to dress up or down.

Waist defined midi dress

Option number two: waist defined midi sundress.

Midi length dresses have become incredibly popular over the past couple of years and as a bonus is a great length for mature women. It’s a bit longer so you don’t have to worry about showing too much skin, and you can feel really comfortable in it. Just keep in mind where the midi length lays on your body – especially if you’re petite (as I mentioned above!).

I suggest opting for a midi length dress that offers some waist definition. Since you’re wearing a dress that’s a bit longer in length, the waist definition ensures that you’re shape isn’t lost in the dress – which is something that CAN happen when you wear a longer length dress like this.

Talking about waist definition, there’s a lot of misunderstanding among mature ladies. Our body go through changes as we age, and it is really common that once you are over 50 you might have lost the small waist you used to have in 20s.

If you are thinking you now need to “hide” your waist with a dress, it is quite the opposite. Compare the two dresses on Kathy Bates. The one on the left has a defined waistline, while the one on the right does not.

Which looks better?

I think it is quite obvious that the one defining the waist “gives” her the illusion of a waist, while the one that lacks a waist definition just shows that she has no waist!

Do you agree with me?

Finally, while I said a waist defining midi length sundress is a dressier option, it’s not to say you can’t wear it casually! That’s the great thing about sundresses – most of them can be transitioned from day to night with different shoes and accessories.

Sheath dress

Option number 3: a sheath sundress. This one may be a bit surprising because in general we don’t often think of sheath dresses as sundresses, but they certainly can fit into the sundress category.

Sheath dresses are incredibly figure flattering, regardless of your personal body shape. Whether the flowy sundress just isn’t really something that resonates with your personal style, or if you need something that looks a bit more sophisticated, a sheath sundress is a stunning option!

I actually love a linen sheath dress for a summer wedding or even for work. Sheath dresses get their sundress transition with the use of different fabrics, like linen.

Top 10 Sundresses for Women over 50

Talbots Poplin Shirtdress

Love this shirt dress for several reasons.

• First, A line is a universally flattering silhouette.
• Second, the blue and white stripes are the classic prints that are never going out of style.
• Thirdly, midi length is dress is wonderful choice for women over 50.
• Fourthly, the belt defines your waist and adds shape to this dress.
• Finally, 100% cotton fabrics are ideal for someone picky about fabrics or who have sensitive skin (like myself).

ASTR the Label Elysian Dress

Love the beautiful print and the A line shape. The V neck design is very flattering to women of any body type, and especially great choice for petite women (since petites tend to have shorter neck). The dress has a waist tie that sits higher than the natural waist, a great way to optimize your body proportion, especially if you are petite!

Calvin Klein Tie-Waist Dress

A relaxed fit dress with self-tie for waist definition makes this a great dress for women over 50. Love the soft blue color. Fabrics is natural content (cotton and linen) plus stretch- can’t beat that!

Sandra Darren Women’s V neck dress

Gorgeous floral prints for women over 50! This is an unbelievable steal at Belk for under $40 after the Mother’s Day discount.

I love the fit and flare silhouette, which, once again, is universally flattering for any one at any age. The elevated waist design of this dress makes makes your proportion look better, by elongating your legs. It is a dress with waist definition but not tight- perfect for a dressier occasion.

Karen Scott Chambray Shift Dress

A relaxed fit simple shirt dress for women over 50! Classic shape and the denim wash will always look chic on you.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Animal Print Dress

This is a great animal print shirt dress for women over 50. I personally love animal prints on mature ladies- you can pull off the look in a way that girls in their 20s and 30s can’t. It looks very different on someone who is over 50 vs otherwise.

Plus, it has the perfect combination of midi length for those who do not want to go shorter or longer. The self tie defines your waist without being too form fitting.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Belted Dress

If you are looking for solids, this is a very pretty color for women over 50. The stretchy fabrics ensures all day comfort and can accommodate weight fluctuation we all have.

The belt gives waist definition to this dress and makes it flattering to someone who lacks anatural waist.

Yet another flit and flare dress because this shape is indeed a great silhouette for mature ladies!

Seams of Serenity Pull over Dress (Cold Water Creek)

Simple, comfortable everyday sun dresses for women over 50. Must have for the summer for casual wear.

Talbots Eyelet Tie Front Shirt Dress

A simple shape shirt dress with beautiful eyelet details. Prefect for a dressier occasion for women over 50.

Swing into Spring Dress (Cold Water Creek)

A comfortable go-to dress for women over 50 who is looking for an easy casual dress. The jersey fabrics it stretchy and forgiving. Also, the fluid aline shape is ideal for any body type.

Accessorizing Sundresses

As we’ve discussed, the great thing about sundresses is how easy they are to wear. I’ve found that accessorizing them is also incredibly easy, making them that much more enjoyable to wear this time of year. That being said, when you’re completing your sundress outfits keep it simple! Typically a simple earring and bracelet are enough.

Keep your shoe selection light, though! What do I mean by this? Basically, avoid chunky or heavy feeling shoes with your sundresses. Wearing shoes that feel very heavy can drag down the look of you dresses, and throw off the whole look. Since sundresses often have that light, airy, flowy feel to them you want to keep that consistent with the shoes you choose. Strappy sandals, dainty ballet flats, etc. are ideal!