Dresses for Women Over 40: Figure Flattering Dresses and Outfits

Have you ever heard the quote, “Your dress should be tight enough to show you are a woman but loose enough to show you are a lady?”  Those sage words are from the Iconic Hollywood costume designer Edith Head, who understood that before you fall in love with the color, vibe, or even the price of a dress, you must take a long, hard look at the style.

Does the style of the dress suit your shape?

Finding a dress that flatters your unique body type is the key to looking wow! Here are 5 popular styles of dresses for women over 40 that are guaranteed to make you look Age-amazing!

Floral Print Sheath Dress | Tweed Sheath Dress | Metallic Sheath Dress

1. The Sheath Dress

A beautiful sheath dress is class all the way. This long, lean, body-skimming style encases your body, enhances your curves, or creates them where there are none.

A Sheath dress is typically sleeveless with strong waist definition and a back slit or pleats.

It’s unfussy and a fabulous choice for work, or anytime you are trying to decide what to wear to an important event.

Women’s Sheath Dresses are perfect for:

• hourglass figures- show off the curves you have at their best
• boyish or thick-waisted figures-  create the illusion of an hourglass

Sheath Dresses are tricky to wear if:

• your body is not proportionate
• you have a large protruding tummy

Find out why else I love women’s sheath dresses. 

Tweed Shift Dress | Mock Neck Belted Shift Dress | Faux Suede Shift Dress

2. The Shift Dress

A shift dress is one of the most flattering women’s dresses.  It’s the kind of dress every woman wants in her closet because it is easy and comfortable.

It’s sort of like wearing a long top.  It hangs loosely from the shoulders (sometimes has darts) and falls straight down to above the knee with no waist definition.

Shift dresses can be sleeveless, have short or long sleeves, and often have a high scoop or boatneck neckline.

Since they are looser than a sheath dress, they give off a casual, relaxed vibe and are excellent for covering up problem areas because they give your body room to “shift around.”

These are great dresses for gals our age with a thick midlife middle.

Shift Dresses are perfect for:

•  anyone with a boyish, straight-up and down, rectangular figure
• women with a thick midsection
• women with a jelly belly or large hips or thighs who need something a little looser

Shift dresses are tricky to wear if:

• you are very curvy because they will hide your hourglass figure (although, in some cases, you can try belting one)
• the dress is too baggy- a slightly tailored sheath with a slight A-line flare is best so you don’t look like you are wearing a bag
• you wear one that’s too short- Shift dresses are on the short side, and you will look heavy if you have large thighs. The solution is to add tights or leggings. They look great with shift dresses.

Floral Fit & Flare Dress | Cap Sleeve Tweed Dress | Floral Jewel Neck Dress

3. Fit and Flare Dress

Fit and Flare is one of the most popular silhouettes, and it’s no wonder. This style has a fitted top with a very defined waist and a flared skirt.

It will make you look very shapely and is a godsend if you have a heavy lower half.

Women love it because it is feminine and pretty.

Fit and flare dresses are perfect for:

• balancing out a bigger bust – the wide skirt can even you out creating an hourglass
• pear shapes who want to conceal wide hips or heavy thighs
• women with boyish, no waist rectangular body types who want to create curves

Fit and flare dresses can be tricky to wear if you:

• want to look sophisticated. Some look too little girly if short or depending on the pattern.

Asymmetric Hem Wrap Dress | Roll Cuff Wrap Dress | Knit Wrap Dress

4. The Wrap Dress

The wrap dress is another of the best dresses for those over 40 because it is timeless and elegant and complements many body shapes.

The beauty of a wrap dress lies in its design – it features an elongating V-neckline and a wrap-around waist tie.

This simple yet clever design allows you to adjust the dress to your body’s contours, giving you a customized fit that emphasizes your best features and minimizes any areas you may need more confidence about.

Wrap dresses are perfect for:

• hourglass figures accentuate your natural curves, highlighting your waist and enhancing your bust and hips.
• pear-shaped figures: The A-line skirt of the wrap dress balances your proportions, drawing attention away from your lower body and toward your upper half.
• apple-shaped figures: The wrap dress cinches at the waist, creating the illusion of an hourglass shape and detracting attention from the midsection.
• rectangle-shaped figures: The wrap dress adds curves where needed, giving you a more feminine silhouette.

Wrap Dresses are tricky to wear if:

• you have a large bust. To avoid an overly revealing look, choose a wrap dress with a snap closure or wear a camisole underneath.
• you’re petite. Opt for a wrap dress with a shorter hemline to prevent overwhelming your frame.

Bracelet Sleeve Shirtdress | Belted Shirtdress | Floral Dress

5. The Shirtdress

Shirt dresses are among the more casual dresses for women over 40. They are comfy, versatile, and effortless.

They draw inspiration from classic men’s dress shirts. Shirt dresses typically feature a button-down front, a collar, cuffed sleeves, and a belt.

They have a polished look without being formal, making them perfect work or casual dresses for women over 40.

Shirtdresses are perfect for:

• Hourglass figures: A shirtdress’s belted waist emphasizes your curves, highlighting your bust and hips while creating an attractive silhouette.
• rectangle-shaped figures: Shirtdresses add structure and definition, providing the illusion of a more hourglass shape.
• Apple-shaped figures: The shirtdress’s button-down front allows you to control the fit, making it a comfortable and flattering choice for women with apple-shaped bodies.
• Petite figures: Shirtdresses are available in various lengths, suitable for women of different heights.

Shirtdresses are tricky to wear if:

• they are too loose at the waist, which makes them appear shapeless.
• they are too short, like a real shirt instead of a dress

 Puff Sleeve A-Line Dress | Floral A-Line Dress | A-Line Sweater Dress

6. A-Line Dress

A-line dresses are refined, graceful, easy to move in, and comfy, making them a fantastic choice for women over 40.

The A-line silhouette has a fitted bodice that gradually flares out from the waist, creating a shape that resembles the letter “A.”

It’s one of the most universally flattering dresses for women in their 40s.

A-line dresses are perfect for:

• pear-shaped figures: The A-line shape balances your proportions by skimming over your hips and thighs while highlighting your smaller waist.
• hourglass figures: A-line dresses accentuate your curves, emphasizing your bust and hips while maintaining an elegant and feminine look.
• Apple-shaped figures: The gradual flare of the A-line dress conceals your midsection, creating the illusion of a more defined waist.
• Rectangle-shaped figures: A-line dresses add subtle definition to your figure, giving you a more shapely appearance.

A-line dresses are tricky to wear if:

• they are too short or long. Knee length or midi length is most flattering.
• the fabric is too stiff; an A-line will look boxy. It needs to have an elegant flow.

Paisley Tiered Midi Dress | Mock Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress | Abstract Print Midi Dress

7. Empire Waist Dress

If you’re looking for a style that combines comfort and elegance, the empire waist dress should be your go-to choice.

This style of dress has a high waistline that rests just below the bust, flowing into a loose and often A-line skirt.

It’s a timeless and flattering silhouette that works exceptionally well for women over 40.

Empire waist dresses are perfect for:

• camouflaging a tummy: The high waistline draws attention away from the midsection, making it an ideal choice if you have concerns about your stomach area.
• Petite figures: The empire waist’s elongated silhouette can give the illusion of added height, making it an excellent option for those on the shorter side.
• accentuating the décolletage: The high waistline draws attention to your upper body, making it a great choice for showcasing your neck, shoulders, and bust.

A-line dresses are tricky to wear if:

• If you have a large bust, Ensure the dress provides enough support or wear a well-fitted bra to avoid discomfort or a sloppy appearance.
• you prefer a more fitted look: If you want a dress that highlights your curves, the empire waist may not be the most suitable option.

Dress Style Wrap-Up

With so many dress styles, it is hard to know what to choose. I’ve talked about a few of the most figure-flattering dresses for women in their 40s and beyond, but there are many more.

Remember, your dress will be a hit when you have the right fit, so choose accordingly!

Ladies, Which are the most flattering dresses for over 40? Is there a style you usually buy that flatters your mature figure, and which do you avoid?

Let me know. Jump in the chat below!