These Summer Dresses For Women Over 50 Are Cool, Comfy, And So Flattering
By Shannen Zitz, Shauna Beni of PreventionWe updated this article in May 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Warmer weather calls for cute, breezy summer dresses—but finding a dress with the right fit, style, and price can certainly be a challenge, no matter your age. Thankfully, we corralled some of the best summer dresses for women over 50 right here, so you can spend more time enjoying your summer and less time standing in front of your closet!
Whether you're in a need of a comfortable, stylish frock to pair with a fabulous summer date idea or a beautiful sundress to wear on a picnic, there's a dress for every fun summer activity. Maybe you're looking for a flattering wrap dress that you can wear on outings with the family, or a more casual dress to run errands in without getting too hot in the sun. Or, if you're on the hunt for a dress to pack for your summer vacation, there are also plenty of options for flowy, beach-ready maxi dresses—including ones you can easily slip on and off over the best bathing suits for women over 50.
Whatever the case, just pick a dress from our comprehensive list, and you're bound to feel stylish and comfortable, all while having fun in the sun (psst...Don't forget to wear sunscreen for your face).
Whether you're looking for an everyday sundress, something for an outdoor party, or a dress to wear on your next vacation, we have the perfect option for you. Ahead, find affordable picks and splurge-worthy items, as well as an assortment of shift, wrap, maxi, and midi dresses.
© Hearst Owned42 Best Summer Dresses For Women Over 50 That Are Stylish And Comfy
1
Best Overall Summer Dress
DB MOON Casual Short Sleeve Dress1
Best Overall Summer Dress
DB MOON Casual Short Sleeve DressNow 22% Off
Credit: DB MOONCustomers of all ages love wearing this summer dress. It's ultra-light and made from a rayon and spandex blend (which feels super soft). It also provides a contoured, slim fit at the waist. You can dress it up with jewelry and heels, or keep it casual with a jean jacket and sneakers.
Material Rayon, spandex Colors 43 Sizes S - 4XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Best Maxi Summer Dress
Hount Summer Sleeveless Floral Print Dress2
Best Maxi Summer Dress
Hount Summer Sleeveless Floral Print DressNow 35% Off
Credit: HountThis maxi dress is truly perfect for so many summer activities—including vacations. It's lightweight and stretchy, has a sleeveless fit, and comes in 27 beautiful colors and patterns. The best part: It comes with pockets!
Material Polyester, Spandex Colors 27 Sizes S - 2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best Wrap Dress
PRETTYGARDEN Summer Wrap Maxi Dress3
Best Wrap Dress
PRETTYGARDEN Summer Wrap Maxi Dress Credit: PRETTYGARDENYou can never go wrong with a good wrap dress—especially if it comes in a flattering maxi length and a beautiful floral print like this one. Plus, it's available in a whopping 27 different color and print options, so you're bound to find one that you like.
Material Polyester, Spandex Colors 27 Sizes XS - 2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Half-Sleeve Summer Dress
Amazon Essentials Half-Sleeve Waisted Midi A-Line Dress4
Best Half-Sleeve Summer Dress
Amazon Essentials Half-Sleeve Waisted Midi A-Line Dress Credit: AmazonAvailable in eight different color options, this top-rated dress from Amazon features a flattering half-sleeve, cute button-up closure detailing, and a stylish A-line fit—all of which make it the perfect casual dress for a summer day out.
Material Viscose Colors 8 Sizes XS - XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Best Sundress
Moskill Swing Sundress5
Best Sundress
Moskill Swing SundressNow 23% Off
Credit: MoskillAvailable in 26 colors and patterns, this sleeveless dress is just what you need for a simple night out look. It has a comfortable and loose fit, a round neck, and stretchy fabric. "I really love this dress. It's flattering and comfortable. I will definitely buy more in different colors!" wrote one satisfied customer.
Material Polyester Colors 26 Sizes S - 3XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
Best Casual Summer Dress
Manydress Summer Casual T-Shirt Dresses6
Best Casual Summer Dress
Manydress Summer Casual T-Shirt DressesNow 15% Off
Credit: ManydressA fan-favorite among Amazon customers, this above-the-knee swing dress comes in 30+ fun colors and prints. It also has short sleeves, a round neck, and buttons. "This dress has a super comfortable material and is true to size. It's worth the price, and I bought four different colors, and I can wear as a dress or over capri length leggings" wrote one customer.
Material Polyester Colors 32 Sizes S - 2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Cotton Summer Dress
Lands' End Cotton Jersey Sleeveless Cover-up Dress7
Best Cotton Summer Dress
Lands' End Cotton Jersey Sleeveless Cover-up DressNow 30% Off
Credit: Lands' EndLet your dress do the talking! This cotton jersey pick is not only cute, but it's also versatile. Post-swim cover-up? Check. Running errands? Check. Brunch date? Check. Choose your favorite (or a few) colors and patterns among the 20+ options.
Material Cotton Colors 25 Sizes XS - 3XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
Best Vintage-Inspired Summer Dress
Simple Flavor Women's Floral Vintage Dress8
Best Vintage-Inspired Summer Dress
Simple Flavor Women's Floral Vintage Dress Credit: Simple FlavorThis elegant dress has a vintage-inspired silhouette, with a flattering round neck, 3/4 sleeve, and a knee-length fit—not to mention it comes in a variety of beautiful floral patterns. The timeless design makes it great for occasions like dinners, cocktail parties, and more.
Material Polyester, Spandex Colors 29 Sizes S - 2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Best Reversible Summer Dress
Open Edit Sleeveless Reversible Maxi Dress9
Best Reversible Summer Dress
Open Edit Sleeveless Reversible Maxi DressNow 35% Off
Credit: Open EditThis reversible maxi dress offers two looks for the price of one. The back features a deep-V neckline that can be worn in the front for a sexy alternative. Great for summer date nights, this dress comes in sizes XS-2XL, and it's under $50!
Material Modal, polyester Colors 5 Sizes XXS - 2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best Beach Summer Dress
Elescat Beach Boho Dress10
Best Beach Summer Dress
Elescat Beach Boho DressNow 33% Off
Credit: ElescatSpruce up your summer dress collection with the addition of a bold print pattern. This print dress features a round neck, front pockets, and an A-line loose-fit. "I love everything about this dress! The fit, style, length, pattern, and comfort," wrote one Amazon customer.
Material Cotton Colors 41 Sizes S - 5XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Milumia Split Button Up Maxi Dress11
Milumia Split Button Up Maxi DressNow 11% Off
Credit: MilumiaThis striped ¾ sleeve maxi dress has an elevated feel to it. With a flattering V-neck, a front split, and cinched detailing at the waist, it's perfect to wear to work or your next beachside date. "This instantly became one of my favorite dresses. The material is very breezy, and the fit is great—comfortable to wear and yet very flattering," wrote one satisfied customer.
Material Viscose Colors 2 Sizes L - XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
Imily Bela Eyelet Swing Drewss12
Imily Bela Eyelet Swing Drewss Credit: Imily BelaThis flattering swing dress is perfect for a casual date, or it could be dressed up for an outdoor dinner. It features elbow-length puff sleeves, a V-neck, and a beautiful eyelet pattern all over.
Material Cotton Colors 2 Sizes S - 2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Best Midi Summer Dress
Chelsea28 Flutter Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress13
Best Midi Summer Dress
Chelsea28 Flutter Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress Credit: Chelsea28You'll feel gorgeous in this midi dress, which features a flattering smocked waist and layered ruffle sleeves for a feminine, dressy touch. It also comes in more colors, including yellow, pink, and green.
Material Polyester Colors 4 Sizes XS - 2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
Best V-Neck Summer Dress
OUGES Summer Short Sleeve V-Neck Floral Dress14
Best V-Neck Summer Dress
OUGES Summer Short Sleeve V-Neck Floral DressNow 26% Off
Credit: OUGESA best-seller on Amazon, this short sleeve dress features a flattering V-neck and A-line fit—perfect for dressing up or down for any occasion. Not to mention, it also has pockets and comes in a total of 51 gorgeous colors and patterns!
Material Cotton, Spandex Colors 51 Sizes S-3XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Best Sleeveless Summer Dress
Treasure & Bond Smocked Sleeveless Midi Dress15
Best Sleeveless Summer Dress
Treasure & Bond Smocked Sleeveless Midi Dress Credit: Treasure & BondThis breezy sleeveless dress is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe—it features a fitted smocked bodice, a midi length, and handy hidden pockets. Plus, you can choose from a few beautiful floral prints.
Material Viscose Colors 5 Sizes XXS-2XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Best 3/4 Length Sleeve Summer Dress
Kiyonna Whimsy Wrap Dress16
Best 3/4 Length Sleeve Summer Dress
Kiyonna Whimsy Wrap Dress Credit: KIYONNAIf you're looking for more coverage of your arms, this dress features a flattering 3/4 length sleeve—as well as a surplice neckline and a chic drapey design. "I love this dress. It fits my 70-something year old body beautifully. It can be worn year round and looks timeless. And very pretty," wrote one Nordstrom reviewer.
Material Polyester, Spandex Colors 5 Sizes XS - XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Best Tank Dress
Athleta Well Rested Rib Sleep Tank Dress17
Best Tank Dress
Athleta Well Rested Rib Sleep Tank DressNow 32% Off
Credit: AthletaThis top-rated, relaxed tank dress comes in a simple and classic—yet stylish—design. Made of soft and lightweight Tencel material, it's also breathable and provides great airflow, making it great for both lounging and when you're on the go.
Material TENCEL Modal/Spandex Color 2 Sizes XXS - XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
Best Shift Summer Dress
POGT Women's Sleeveless Shift Dress18
Best Shift Summer Dress
POGT Women's Sleeveless Shift Dress Credit: POGFTShift dresses are classic and breezy for the summer, and this one is perfectly comfortable—with a stylish design. Not only is it available in 12 different beautiful prints, it also has two handy hidden pockets!
Material Polyester Colors 12 Sizes S - 3XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Best T-Shirt Dress
Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Scoop Neck Swing Dress19
Best T-Shirt Dress
Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Scoop Neck Swing Dress Credit: AmazonIf you're looking for a simple, classic T-shirt dress you can wear everyday, you can't go wrong with this top-rated pick from Amazon. It boasts over 6,000 five-star ratings from reviewers, who rave that it's lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for the summer.
Material Viscose, Elastane Colors 24 Sizes XS - 6XLAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
Best Flowy Dress
By Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress20
Best Flowy Dress
By Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress Credit: AnthropologieLooking for the perfect dress to wear on your summer vacation? This flowy, breezy maxi dress is beach-ready and is great as a cover-up for wearing over your swimsuit—with reviewers raving that it's the "perfect casual summer dress." It's also available in standard, petite, and plus sizes.
Material Cotton Colors 1 Sizes XXS - XLAssistant Editor
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she's not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she's not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.
16 Clothing Brands Every Woman In Her 40s And 50s Needs In Her Wardrobe
RD.COM, VIA MERCHANT (3) The best clothes for women over 50Navigating the world of fashion in our 40s and 50s is a whole new trip, for sure, but it's an exciting one. Yes, you read that right. It's during this time that the hunt for clothes—especially clothes for women over 50—becomes more intentional. I'm not talking about following age-related dress codes. Rather, it's a matter of finding clothing that perfectly captures our evolving style and identities.
"Fashion over 40 presents the chance to redefine your look to reflect who you've become at this stage of life," says style expert Renate McSherry. Our preferences, our bodies and our mindsets all shift, so some of the go-to sources you relied on in the past may not serve you anymore because, say, the cuts seem off or they're giving a trying-too-hard vibe. "This is a time to find great new brands that speak to you, so you can look age-appropriate but still chic and captivating." The same is true when harnessing the power of accessories and makeup for mature women.
What should women over 40 keep in mind about style?The quest to look younger and all-around amazing isn't about trying to turn back time. It's about choosing items that highlight your best features. "I've cycled through countless looks in my pursuit to find what best represents me," says style pro Donna Means. "It wasn't until my 40s that I really homed in on my unique style. I've met myself. I invest in her, and I trust her."
To that, I say amen. Personally, coming to really understand what flatters me, rather than what pieces are hot for a moment, has been the biggest game-changer. Some of my new favorite brands, like Meg, are about gorgeous, timeless styles that make the wearer feel fabulous. The beauty of dressing at this age is you have a lot less tolerance for frustration. And a lot more desire to feel like yourself. Here are the brands—and some can't-miss items from them—that will help you do just that.
Get Reader's Digest's Read Up newsletter for more fashion, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
via merchant ZaraIf you're a mature woman who wants contemporary looks in an age-appropriate style, this is your brand, says Means. "Zara is constantly innovating," she explains. "They have an exceptional ability to tap into what's happening out in the fashion world and swiftly rotate their collections to reflect the trends in very wearable ways for those of us seeking clothing for women over 50." You'll definitely want to hit up Zara's yearly sales, which usually take place at the end of seasons (around June and December), to find great discounts.
We love: Their semi-poufy midi-skirt. There's room to move in it, so you don't feel bound-in or body-conscious, but at the same time, it radiates polished-casual confidence. "This piece is as versatile as you are," says Means. "Pair it with a fitted T-shirt and athleisure sneakers for an easygoing farmers-market morning, or style it as a matching monochromatic outfit with a more elegant top, wedge heels and bold jewelry for an evening outing."
