10 Summer Dresses to Make You Look Modern over 40, 50, 60
Summer and dresses just go together, but at a certain age, not every dress feels quite right. Some styles seem too young, too bare, or just plain outdated, and let’s face it, it’s easy to fall into a rut wearing the same silhouettes year after year.
To look modern, it’s good to keep up with what’s new, and what feels good at this age and stage. That’s why I’ve rounded up 10 summer dresses for women over 40, 50, and 60 that are fresh, flattering, and totally wearable, including one I just bought for myself. Have a look!
10 Summer Dresses to Make You Look Modern over 40, 50, 60
blue dress or pink dress | bag | white linen jacket | sandals
1. Flirty Hem Crew Neck Dress
I love a soft, t-shirt-like dress, but many of them look kind of plain and all the same. This darling pink one from Tommy Bahama, which I’ve been wearing on repeat, is fabulous, and it’s easy to see why. The beautiful shape and subtle ruffle at the hem make it stand out. It’s got a fun, flirty feel without being too short. I find so many dresses like this barely cover anything, but this one is the perfect length to feel modern and comfortable. Don’t like sleeveless? Pair it with a white linen jacket for a chic summer look. See my other Tommy Bahama Dresses here.
2. Patterned Linen Dress
Linen is always a summer staple, but this year it’s looking fresher than ever. Instead of plain neutrals, we’re seeing more elegant, low-key patterns and refined cuts. This dress checks all the boxes: tailored, breathable, and beautifully patterned in soft neutral shades that look elegant and flatter mature skin tones. It’s a new take on a classic fabric.
3. Modern Pleated Dress
Pleats are back, but not in a frumpy way. This updated version is light, flowy, and has just enough structure to feel chic. The sleeker cut and modern neckline give it a youthful vibe, while the soft pleats add elegance and movement without bulk. It would be great for a cruise or summer vacation.
4. Elevated Denim Dress
Today’s denim dresses are more streamlined and grown-up. This elegant dark denim dress has clean lines and a more architectural shape. It’s minimalist, polished, and ideal for women over 40 who want to wear denim in a more elevated, age-appropriate way. That’s me! Check out the denim dress I’m wearing this summer.
5. Playful Polo Dress
This sporty summer dress is a ray of sunshine in soft pastel form. The cheerful color feels fresh and feminine, without being too sweet, and the easy shape makes it the kind of piece you can throw on and instantly feel comfy in. It’s lightweight and relaxed, but still looks intentional. Perfect for casual days when you want to look cute with zero effort.
6. Belted Sundress
We all love a loose, breezy sundress, but sometimes I find that loose and relaxed can feel sloppy. If you find the same, then you’ll be happy to know that belted sundresses are trending this summer. This chic black sundress features a beautiful square neckline and a nice wide belt that adds curves and gives you shape. Defining your waist is an easy way to look more youthful.
7. Softly Draped Slip Dress
Slip dresses are lovely, but they can be skimpy or clingy, which doesn’t always feel great when you’re over 40 and your body has, let’s say, softened a little. However, some of the newest styles, like this one, are easier to wear. This beautiful floral one is softer and more fluid. The fabric drapes rather than hugs, and the subtle ruffle adds a feminine touch without being too precious. I love the cowl neck too. It’s a great way to soften the appearance of a saggy neck. This is the perfect summer dress when you want to look alluring, romantic, and sophisticated, too.
8. Classic Shift with a Twist
Shift dresses never really go out of style, but this one brings something new with its sporty racerback, and built-in UV protection (a smart idea for those of us thinking about skincare). This is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary, ideal for sunny days when you want to look cute without much effort.
9. Sophisticated Tiered Shirtdress
I tend to stay away from tiered dresses because they often look a little too junior, or worse, old and frumpy on gals our age. But this one made me look twice. It’s a tailored shirtdress style, which provides a good balance to the flowy boho tiers. The defined, belted waist gives this dress a youthful shape. Eyelet is seen as very traditional ( which can sometimes read dated), but this rich, smoky color is quite elegant and makes this dress feel very modern and chic for mature women.
10. Striped Dress with Tie Front Detail – Bows!
Stripes are a summer classic—but this one plays with the trend in a flirty, fashion-forward way. The vertical lines are slimming, and the tie-front bows, which I’m seeing on all kinds of tops and dresses, add a playful, feminine touch. This maxi feels trend-aware without looking juvenile. It’s bold in the best way—and totally doable if you want something with a little extra style edge.
The Final Word on Looking Modern in a Summer Dress at any Age
You don’t need a closet full of dresses to feel stylish this summer—you just need the right ones. Whether you love structure, softness, or a pop of trend, these 10 dresses will give you a fresh, flattering update that looks and feels modern.
Which one’s your favorite? Please let me know in the comments if you end up getting one—I’d love to see how you style it! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for the latest style tips and outfits to look Fabulous at any age!
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Hi Deb, I love all the dresses and would wear all of them except the last one—the striped dress with the plunging neckline. I don’t think my 34DDD chest would fit into it, ha, ha. I have bought several new-to-me dresses this summer. My favorite find might be the brand-new Amazon knock-off of Anthropologie’s Somerset dress. I actually bought the real thing from a second-hand online retailer at the same time I bought the knock-off. I actually like the knock-off better. Both dresses feature a pink base with an orange French writing print. It’s certainly not a print for wallflower types. The print is great for those days when I want a color boost. I last wore it for my 51st wedding anniversary on June 1. (Hmm, I suppose that last sentence gives a hint about how old I am. Okay, no guessing…..I am 70.) I refuse to fade into the woodwork. I have always loved color. I know what colors work with my coloring, and I will never give them up just because of a date on the calendar. Style has no expiration date! Thank you for reminding us.
Hi Kathy, you know, I debated about adding that last dress. I love it, but it is low cut, so not for everyone! I’m not sure I’d even wear it myself. It’s one of those dresses I’d have to try on and see. You’re right, if you are big busted it would be a diaster, but on a small chested women – it could look totally chic! Your dress sounds nice, and there’s certainly the coverage up top you need without it being old-looking. I love your thoughts about not fading into the woodwork. I always say, when you look good you feel good and life is so much more fun, and that’s at any age! Thanks for dropping by. Cheers, Deborah
I love the tiered eyelet shirtdress, except in the other color way offered. Though on me, it would likely be a maxi dress. Hmmm, will have to contemplate this one!
Hi Carolyn, it has a nice, sleek silhouette for a tiered maxi. So many of these dresses are just too sweetie pie for me. This one in either color feels more balanced and chic. I wish they offered this in petite sizes, but the nice thing is that you can also order, try it on, and then if it’s not right, Nordstrom makes it super easy to return. Let me know how it works out! Cheers, Deb
Good morning Deborah, before I ordered it, I took a tape measure to the longest maxi dress I currently own, which grazes the floor. Sadly, according to Nordstrom’s fit guide, the Steve Madden tiered eyelet dress is a solid 3″ longer. It’s just going to be too long for me, and hemming a tiered dress changes the visual proportions. So I passed on ordering it. Sigh. Oh well, will keep an eye out for a similar dress in petites. :)
I like the floral Maxi and the blue floral. I must have a thing for flowers these days. Honestly, I’ve never thought about how my upper arms look, as most others have commented here. And living in Arizona, being sleeveless is necessary for survival during the summer with 118+ degree heat. I’m now wondering if I should be worried about my arms!!
I love floral printed dresses.
I’d love to see more knee-length dresses. I’m not particularly fond of my upper thigh area and, at 5’7″, find so many dresses too short for me to feel comfortable wearing. And though my arms are excellent, I’m thin, so I prefer a bit of a sleeve. Summer dresses that work for me and are flatter are tough to find!
I have the opposite problem. I am short and hate my knee area, so with most dresses being short, most of them do not work for me. A perfect midi length that doesn’t look like something your grandmother would wear is what I want.
I love all the dresses.
All of these are very wearable dresses. Thank you for helping keep me looking good at 63.
I just looked at your article “10 Summer Dresses to Make You Look Modern”, and wow – not one model anywhere near 40 and certainly not over. It could be time to start hitting the retailers to add a couple of older models just because there are so MANY of us over 40 buyers.
I agree, Sandra, and I’m trying hard to get that message out there as so many bloggers are. Cheers, Deb
I am 71. I love some of the sleeveless styles. My upper arms are the same age. I have a lot of thin chiffon jackets in bright colors and prints and lose crochet shrugs. These are very attractive, and I love the flow-ey movement they bring to the outfit. To those that don’t like my bare arms, I say, ” well then, look at my knees; they still look pretty good.
Theresa
Wow! Those dresses you suggested are so fabulous! I’ve always been worried that because of my age(I am a mom with two kids), I can’t get into the new fashion trends like most teens. I’m so glad I crossed with this one. I like the floral dress and the little blue dress. They’re just too cute and will make you look younger!
I think it’s very interesting that the models in the photos are all obviously YOUNGER than 40 years old.
Hi Robin, Yes, this has always been a challenge, finding retailers who use models over 30! Please let us know if you find any stores that use mature models, and we will feature them.
J. Crew has started showcasing older models in some of its ad campaigns. Once in a while, you’ll see Lauren Hutton (70’s) modeling some of their clothes. We’re inching into the retail space but still have a long way to go! I think that the retailers need to hear from us :) Susan http://www.themidlifefashionista.com
Love the summer dresses but like your other readers, I will never wear sleveless. And it’s too warm for a denim jacket. How can us older women wear cute summer dresses? Help!
Hi Suzanne, It’s a problem isn’t it? When will dress designers wake up? I have a lightweight wrap I take everywhere with me when I have on a summer dress because I always get cool in the evenings. I’ve also seen these crocheted shrugs that are kind of neat. You just throw one on and it becomes sleeves for a dress. My girlfriend had one. Stay tuned I will get her to send in a photo.
I have the perfect wardrobe solution for sleeveless dresses. For those of us who are looking for a refuge to cover your arms, try pairing up sleeves 2 go to your favorite sundress and you won’t have to worry about finding the right shrug or jacket to cover “flabby arms”. They’re light weight, chiffon detachable sleeves that snap on easily to your bra strap. Visit http://www.sleeves2go.com & have fun changing your look by changing your sleeves.
I’d love to see more casual summer dresses for those of us who HATE wearing sleeveless! These are cute, but I honestly will never wear sleeveless.
Thanks for a fun post.
Cathy
I love this article, very modern mommy.