A new color, a fresh style…It doesn’t take much to update your look. A cute summer dress is all you need.
Here’s a look at this season’s best casual summer dresses for women.
| Yellow Dresses A solid color dress in a bright color is powerful and uplifting. This yellow keyhole sheath dress looks like a ray of sunshine! |  CUTE SUMMER DRESSES FOR WOMEN OVER 40 |
| All Eyes on Eyelet Here’s a cute summer dress that will make you feel pretty and feminine. This razor cut eyelet lace fit, and flare dress with its circle motif has a mod, fun feel. |  |
| Graphic Dress When temperature soar you need something easy and breezy. This pretty Adrianna Papell Stiped Maze Cold Shoulder dress is relaxed and cool, and the graphic print is right on trend. Another styling idea…this could double as a long tunic over navy leggings. |
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| Soft and Sweet in Pink Shift dresses are one of the most popular types of summer dresses for women because they slightly relaxed through the waist, making them comfy and easy to wear. This soft, cotton swirl print sundress from Lilly Pulitzer is a classic. Whether poolside sipping a piña colada or lunching al fresco in the city, this dress was made for summertime! | 
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| Summer Shirt Dress When you need a dress that comfortable and casual, yet still has some polish, this denim belted sundress will do the trick. |  CASUAL SUMMER DRESSES FOR WOMEN |
| Feminine Florals This perky Floral Border dress looks like a piece of walking art with its bold floral brushstrokes painted above an inky black border. Three-quarter length sleeves give it a sporty vibe, and the split neck adds a touch of sexy. |  |
| Bold Stripes This black and white striped t-shirt style dress is just what you want by the patio or poolside. A horizontal zipper at the front yoke adds a hint of drama. |  |
| Check this Out Say hello to summer in this 50’s style, gingham dress. Look at the way this shows off your waist and the pleated skirt makes it just a little bit flirty. Bring on the sun! |  |
Modern MaxiSome women past a certain age prefer not to show a lot of leg, which is why one of the most popular styles of summer dresses for women over 40 is the maxi. This regal looking halter style maxi dress is classic with an edgy twist. The dress calls for some fabulous shoes, but stick to a neutral color so they don’t distract from the beautiful obi-style sash waist. |  |
Which of these cute summer dresses do you like best? Have you bought a summer dress yet? Send a good quality photo of yourself wearing it, and I’ll post it. Email myphoto@fabulousafter40.com.
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 are too short for me to feel comfortable wearing them. And though my arms are nice, I’m thin so prefer a bit of a sleeve. Summer dresses that work for me and flatter are very hard 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 nice midi length that doesn’t look like something your grandmother would wear is what I want.
I wish I felt comfortable wearing shorter dresses, but I would feel so exposed. I don’t want to wear leggings in the summer – too hot. What can I wear under these dresses, to feel more confident?
I love all the dresses.
All of these are very wearable dresses. Thank you for helping keep me looking good at 63.
Just looked at your article “9 Summer Dresses to Make You Look Modern”, and wow – not one model any where near 40 and certainly not over. 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 alot of thin chiffon jackets in bright colors and prints, and loose 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 knee’s, they still look pretty good.
theresa
Hello,
I enjoy reading this newsletter, I often good tips which I can apply to my wardrobe. That said, this newsletter about the dresses is a little disappointing. Although the dresses are pretty, do we really need to look at 15 years old wearing them?(especially the one in the polka dot dress) I’ll admit that some models do look a bit older (mid 20’s maybe?) but puh-lease, I do think most of us would like to see clothes that are worn by women who are at least 40 and 50. There’s plenty of ladies out there in that age group who are fit, do not look frumpy and look good in almost anything. And yes, they are fashion models. I realise that you most likely get pictures from the designer’s website or other online sources, but why can’t we ask these designer/manufacturers to use healthy looking 40’s and 50’s gals instead of too skinny teenagers? After all, we do have more buying power than these kids! Being over 40 is not an illness, but one would think that the fashion industry thinks that way!
just thinking the exact same thing!
I absolutely agree. Also, I live in the Caribbean and would so like to find some cool and attractive clothing to wear here to help keep us comfortable.
Any photos to share of your readers wearing their summer dresses? It would be nice to see them.
Wow! Those dresses you suggested for are so cool! I’ve always been worried that because of my age(I am a mom wih two kids) I can’t get in to the new fashion trends like most teens. I’m so glad I had crossed with this one. I personally like the floral dress and the little blue dress. They’re just too cute and will make you look younger! Those tropic dress are awesome and exotic too! I’ll definitely buy them and wear them esp on summer!
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 our challenge, finding retailers who use models over 30! Please let us know if you find any stores who use mature models and we will feature them.
J. Crew has started showcasing older models in some of their 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 can relate but don’t want to miss out on this chic and comfy trend so I throw a lightweight/sheer short cardigan in a coordinating color over them for daytime. And for cooler evenings they look great paired with a jean or leather jacket.
I love this article, very modern mommy.