Spring’s Best Long Sleeve Floral Dresses for Women 50+
Spring is just around the corner, and if you are anything like me, a pretty spring dress is probably at the top of your shopping list -whether it’s for an Easter brunch, baby shower, wedding, or any other event.
But here’s the catch: many of these dresses are sleeveless or have short sleeves, which can not always be ideal if you’re in our age group and you prefer more coverage for your arms.
Finding floral dresses with sleeves can take some hunting to find, but no worries—I’ve rounded up a selection of beautiful options just for you. Here’s what I like about them. Take a look.
Spring’s Best Long Sleeve Floral Dresses for Women 50+
1. Floral Fantasy
Wow! This dress is a beauty, and I’m sure it won’t last long. Those spring colors are so cheery, and the style is super flattering, too. I love the empire waist and deep V-neckline. The pleats are a stunning detail. This dress is a showstopper. The lovely sleeves cover your arms perfectly, but that doesn’t make the dress look frumpy one bit!
Floral Chiffon Glitter Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
2. High-Low Chiffon Maxi Dress
If a romantic vibe is what you’re going for, this airy and flowy chiffon maxi dress will get you there! I love the high-contrast print and graceful flow. It’s romantic but not so frilly that it feels too sweet. A smocked waist creates a curvy middle and gives it a touch of a boho vibe.
3. Sheath Dress
If you want a sleek and polished look, this floral sheath dress is lovely. This is one of my favorite styles of dresses because it always looks polished. I think this would be beautiful for a special event like Easter, a special birthday, or a baby shower.
4. Abstract Floral Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress
For my artsy gals, this abstract-print dress is a stunner. Elegant ruching at the waist and the sleeves add a little nip to shape and frame. I love the saturated mix of pastel colors and the artistic print. What a modern look for spring!
5. Wrap Dress
I always say that you can never go wrong with a wrap dress. This floral faux wrap dress strikes a balance between professional and feminine. Wear it to the office, brunch, or a dinner date. The wrap style and tie waist are super flattering, and with a hem just at the knee, any body type can rock this dress.
6. Maxi Shirtdress
You’ll bring the garden to the party in this flowy, flowery shirtdress. A simple sash and a swishy skirt make this dress a playful option. Shirtdresses like this are very popular with gals our age who have noticed they have a bit of a midlife middle because they are generally cut more straight up and down.
The Best Florals for You
If you love these floral dresses with long sleeves but aren’t sure which pattern works best for you, the key is to match the scale of the floral print to the scale of your body. In other words, smaller florals tend to be flattering on petite frames, while medium and larger prints can be stunning on taller or more curvy body types. Here are a few examples to help guide your choice!
Small and Petite? Large floral patterns on spacious backgrounds will overpower
Tall and Size? – dainty floral prints will make your body seem extra large
Skinny and shapeless -Patterns with large spaces in between and strong color contrasts between print and background will make your body look larger or curvier.
Heavy in certain areas? – Wear patterns with regular spaces between them and low-color contrast.
More Floral Dresses with Sleeves
Above are a few more floral dresses with long sleeves that are fabulous after 40, 50, and 60. Have a look!
Related: Best Maxi Dresses for a Cruise
I have long been complaining about the War on Sleeves. Almost as if they think there are only two seasons: ski weather and bikini time.
Now there seem to be two choices coming down the pike — the 3/4 sleeve and the bell style (which I hate). Bring on the caplet, the round bubble cap, the flowy half sleeve, etc., etc.
Hi Kathy, I get a lot of emails about this, especially from women who don’t want to wear sleeveless, and often, that’s all there is. I’m surprised you don’t like 3/4 length. It’s very flattering. Bell sleeves are pretty too, but if they are not for you, pass. Let’s hope what you are looking for comes in next. I will keep my eyes open for some to post. Cheers, Deborah
I love floral dresses. So feminine and elegant. I also love wide floral skirts.
These are lovely, since my arms, alas, need coverage. I would love it if you included some summer-weight cardigans or shrugs that could be worn with sleeveless dresses and summer dresses with elbow length or 3/4 sleeves. This is a market very ignored currently!
I am 55 and a runner, so I am in pretty good shape; I wear a size 6. My favorite dresses were drop-waisted when I was in my 30s. Is this too young for me now, in gray or black?
Yes, I agree with the other ladies. I am looking for a floral dress/skirt for spring and weddings and am having a terrible time finding something with a little more coverage. Some 1/2 sleeves would be lovely. Also, not all of us have the perfect calves to show off, either. I am in good shape, but six babies have made my calves something I would rather conceal. I love the sheath dress look, though. I appreciate your site.
Hi,
I just found your ezine, and I think it’s great. I am 45, and I love to wear dresses. I like dresses by Rachel Pally, Velvet, Michael Stars, etc… but I am a little busty; my question is, who makes dresses that are cute and stylish that aren’t so low cut? It seems that all the dresses these days are made for small-breasted women. Can you please tell me and other women like me where we can find gowns that cover our breasts?
Thank you,
Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
It’s a complex problem! One thing many busty women do is find a “bandeau” top and wear it under your items that are too low.
(it is a piece of fabric like a “tube top.” It is like wearing a thin spaghetti strap top without the straps!
I wear Velvet, and some of their dresses are not cut too low, depending on the style. Also, I love Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dresses, but they rarely cover me very well, and I am not even that big! However, I wear a full camisole under mine, which works great. (FYI, the bandeau top would not work with a wrap dress since it would not hold you up enough)
Cheers,
Deborah
Please do more posts on dresses with sleeves! I have the worst time finding flattering warm-weather dresses with sleeves, but this is a good start.
Thanks!
Dresses are beautiful. I love it.
I love them, but what if your arms are one of your “bad spots.”
Hi Lesa,
A very thin, lightweight cardigan can do the trick if you don’t like your arms or work where there is air conditioning.