Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Top 10 Dress Styles for Women Over 50



Editor's Note: This post was updated in January 2017. For up-to-the-minute sales, take a peek at my On Sale page.And for tips on buying a dress online, take a peek at Buying a Dress: 10 Tips for Women Over 50.


Here’s my list of favorite dress styles for women over 50. Of course, not all designs will be perfect for every over 50 body shape or every over 50 personality. If there is one thing I've learned from this blog, it's that women over 50 can't be pigeon-holed in terms of their likes and dislikes. There seems to be a huge difference between women who are just 50, those nearing 60, and every year in-between in terms of taste and comfort level with clothes.

This post first appeared in May 2011. I asked readers to tell me which dress styles they liked and which they'd never wear. I've appreciated the feedback immensely. It's clear that women over 50 are longing for the fashion world to start showing dresses on older models of average weight. I wonder if that will ever happen. I hope so.

In the meantime, I've gathered some photos of dresses on over 50 women (mostly me, I'm afraid) and added some possible shopping resources. All the dresses shown are 35" to 41" in length. The majority of styles are priced moderately at under $150. I've thrown in a few more expensive styles to add a little variety. Let me know what you think and where you like to shop for dresses. This post continues to be a work in progress. Thanks!

#1: 3/4 SLEEVES DRESS



I'm always on the lookout for flattering dresses. I like dresses because they simplify getting dressed for work and socializing. Just pull on a dress, grab a little bling and a pair of pumps and your ready to go. However, finding flattering dresses isn't always easy. This 3/4 sleeved dress is a good example. I like the aging arm coverage of the 3/4 sleeves and the fit-'n-flare style works well with a pear-shaped figure like mine. The dress's material--a medium-weight polyester with stretch--hides the lumps and bumps, but doesn't add bulk. It's also slightly textured, which I like better than a solid color. And finally, it's super comfortable. I could sleep in this dress (if it weren't for those pesky night time hot flashes). Despite all those pluses, there is one flaw: it's a little short. Still, I don't regret buying the dress to host a Thanksgiving dinner for 15 members of my extended family. It was super comfortable to work in and I got compliments--on the dress as well as the turkey.


Where to Shop...

Here are a few ideas...



#2: The DRAPED DRESS


I have to admit the Draped Dress is my favorite dress style for women over 50 right now. Why? Draping offers a great distraction, whether it's around the neckline or waist, or in the skirt. And it's so soft and feminine looking! Here's an up-close view of my dress's draping. The folds help to hide my stomach.



Where to Shop...

Below are a few shopping resources. This grouping consists largely of Adrianna Papell dresses. I like this brand's dress styles, plus the dresses tend to be knee length and moderately priced. You'll find other examples of Adrianna Papell dresses throughout this post...



# 3: THE SHEATH

comfortable sheath for women over 50

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, 66, wears sleeveless sheaths. I figure if the sleeveless sheath is good enough for Anna, it's good enough for any women over 50--as long as she's comfortable with her arms. Although I love the streamlined look of a simple sleeveless sheath, I must admit I'm wearing them less and less as my post-50 years speed on. Or rather, I'm wearing them more and more with the addition of a coverup--a little jacket or a sheer sweater or shawl. Above is an over 50 girlfriend of mine wearing a summer sheath. I think she looks smashing!

Where to Shop...
Where to shop for a sheath? Just about everywhere! My favorite sheaths for women over 50 have a print, lace or pattern. A pattern is a great way to hide lumps or bumps. For example...


#4: THE WRAP DRESS


3/4 sleeve wrap dress for women over 50



The wrap dress, which turned 40 not long ago, is a near-perfect dress design for women over 50. I love it because it's ultra- feminine and super comfortable, and it flatters a lot of different body shapes. The V-neck and draping above the waist, draws attention away from the tummy and hips. Some of my favorite wrap dresses have three-quarter sleeves and a print. A lightweight, summer print wrap dress is a great choice for women who don't feel comfortable in a sleeveless dress.

Where to Shop...
Nordstrom ~ Designer Diane von Furstenberg, who made the wrap dress famous and is a style icons for 'women of a certain age,' has a line of wrap dresses in gorgeous prints. If you have your heart set on a DVF wrap, take a peek at Women's Diane von Furstenberg 'New Julian Two' Print Silk Jersey Wrap Dress ($398) Dress length = 38 3/4". Or...for a wrap dress at a more earthly price, here's a sample of dress with moderate to low price tags...





#5: THE FIT AND FLARE DRESS

Dresses for Women over 50


The Fit and Flare dress exploded on the fashion scene in 2014. Women of all ages were seen wearing them. I love the Fit and Flare dress style because it flatters the pear-shaped body (like mine!). That is, it is fitted on top, where I'm smaller, and flares at my wider bottom half. Below, I'm wearing a Banana Republic Fit and Flair dress that's a few years old. When I don't feel like going sleeveless, I'll pair the dress with a favorite lace top.


lace top for women over 50


Where to Shop...
Since the Fit and Flare dress is so popular, just about every dress company is offering them. Below are a few dresses from a variety of shopping sources. Note: Banana Republic in Regular dress sizes tend to be short, which is great for me (I'm a petite) because I don't have to get them hemmed. However, for those who need a longer hem, the Tall dress sizes average 37".


#6: COLOR BLOCKED DRESS
Yes, I'm a huge fan of color block dresses for women over 50. Color block designs vary tremendously and some are more flattering than others. I'm partial to the ones with dark vertical panels on the sides because they make a woman look slimmer. For those who want to "dip their toe" in something color blocking, a black dress with a white collar, like the one below, is a nice choice and wonderfully retro.





Where to Shop...
Color blocked dresses aren't as easy to find on the web as the other dress styles mentioned so far. Your best bet is to check out the large department store sites. Here's a few to get you started...




#7: THE V-NECK DRESS
At 50+, I want to draw attention away from my jawline, which, sadly, is starting to sag. A V-neck dress offers a slight distraction and is very feminine for women over 50. My role model here is Helen Mirren, who wears V-neck dresses and other very feminine styles. I think she looks fabulous!

I am in a jersey dress with a v-neck and an empire waist. It was feminine and ultra-comfortable choice for a  dinner cruise on the Seine, celebrating my wedding anniversary.




Where to Shop...
There's a wide variety of dresses with V-necks, as I'm sure you can imagine.




#8: THE LITTLE BLACK (OR NAVY) DRESS
At our age, too much black may be too harsh or severe looking. Sometimes, but not always. I see plenty of over 50 women, like the one below, who look quite elegant in a basic black dress. And I love the 3/4 sleeves. Still not convinced? Try adding a colorful scarf or statement necklace or jacket for a pop of color. Still not convinced? How about navy? It's my new black. It has the same effect as black and offers a nice change.


Long Sleeve Black Dress for Women Over 50


Where to Shop...
I have a sleeveless black sheath with black sequins that is a lifesaver when I have to pull together something for a dress-up occasion. I highly recommend a LBD--it solves so many "what to wear?" dilemmas. Like so many of the dress styles mentioned so far, a LBD is everywhere. It's just a matter of finding the one that flatters you. Here are a few ideas...




#9: PRINTS



I love prints for several reasons. However, my #1 reason is: Prints hide all sorts of imperfections. I'm wearing one of Jones New York's dresses with a little stretch, which is super comfortable. The popular "blurred prints" are my favorites right now. The drape dress at the top of this post has a blurred print. Here's some other possibilities...



Where to Shop...

Here are a few ideas...



#10: Lace Dresses



Adrianna Papell - Floral Embroidery Peplum Dress (Celadon) Women's Dress


For me, keeping in touch with my feminine side has been very important since turning 50. Menopause and its many side effects have really gotten my girlfriends and me down at times. For me, slipping into a feminine outfit is a great pick-me-up. The beautiful lace dresses that have come into vogue the last couple of years are a great choice for women over 50. Lace sleeves, like the very feminine Adrianna Papell - Floral Embroidery Peplum Dress (Celadon) Women's Dress (Length is 36") above is a great way to hide aging arms without looking frumpy. If you're still comfortable with sleeveless dresses, lace sheaths are everywhere.    

Where to Shop...

Here are a few other lace dresses possibilities...




Full Disclosure: Product photos are shown to give Flattering50 readers visual examples of current fashion trends. These photos are provided by clothing companies that have an affiliation with Flattering50. If you click and shop at any of the clothing sites, you are supporting this blog--so...Big Thanks!!