Spring/Summer

The Best Sundresses for Women Over 50, 60

A cute summer sundress makes me feel like I’m walking in sunshine, but finding just the right takes a little searching.

Where are the sundresses for women over 50 and 60+ that are pretty but not too bare or junior-looking? I’ve rounded up some of the best for summer, but before I share my favorites…..

 

Blue floral midi sundress with straw tote, sandals

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What exactly is a Sundress?

A sundress is a causal, lightweight, loose summer dress worn to feel comfortable and cool on sweltering days. It’s usually sleeveless,  bare at the neck, and sometimes at the back.

Sundresses can be short (above the knee) or longer—midi length is popular. They’re typically made from natural fibers like cotton and linen, often have texture and pattern, and are brightly colored, giving them a festive summer feel.

Sundress vs. Summer Dress

There’s a fine line between the two, but an easy way to remember the difference is to know that not all sundresses are summer dresses.

Here’s the problem many of us have with wearing sundresses over 50, 60 ( even 40 sometimes) that you may also have noticed.

Many sundresses are:

  • Too bare – I see a lot of tiny spaghetti straps or an open back, leaving you feeling cold or wondering about a bra.
  • Too short – above the knee is perky, but thigh-high mini can leave you feeling too exposed, especially at our age when we are battling loose, crepey skin, age spots, veiny legs, and the rest.
  • Lack of support – many sundresses are made for going braless, which gets much harder to pull off as “the girls” head south
  • Sleeveless – many of us prefer to cover the arm jiggle, but most sundresses are sleeveless
  • Too junior –  frills, smocking, ruffles, ditsy floral prints – all these things can make sundresses appear junior, and there is a lot of that out there these days!
  • Too colorful/loud- Bright, bold colors are fun, but some gals at a certain age may find them to be too jarring next to an aging complexion; exceptionally bright prints

So what’s the solution? Look for these types of sundresses:

 

blue and white striped linen wrap dress

Blue and white striped linen sundress

1. Sundresses with Wide Shoulder Straps

No worry about having to go braless or wear a strapless bra with this cheery blue and white sundress. It is pretty but practical. The wider straps make it easy to wear any bra.

 

blue and white floral sundress thick straps
blue and white floral sundress

2.  Midi/Maxi Sundresses

Many women 50+ (myself included) have times when they feel like wearing a sundress, but we prefer to have some leg coverage for whatever reason ( pale legs, veiny legs, heavy legs, modesty). In this case, a midi or maxi dress looks fabulous.

There are plenty of pretty maxis with tiers and ruffles, but sometimes I find they look too little girly. This blue and white one, above, is simple, pared down, and more sophisticated.

 

purple print bra sundress

purple sundress with built-in bra

3. Sundresses with a Built-in Bra

Sundresses can be flimsy and unsupportive, so a brilliant idea is the gorgeous purple sundress with a built-in bra. It will give the girls the lift they need and make you feel super comfy this summer. Love that print too!

 

 

 

pink toile tiered mini sundress

Pink sundress with bell sleeves

 

yellow striped sundress

Yellow striped shirtdress

4. Sundresses with Sleeves

Prefer to cover your arms? Some sundresses, such as this bell-sleeved sundress and this yellow-striped shirtdress, are a great way to cover up.

 

 

 

teal linen sundress

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5. Sophisticated Minimalist Sundresses

To look more mature in a sundress, go for a dress that has clean lines and a minimalist style. Choose a dress with a strong classic shape in a modern color, like this gorgeous teal linen shirtdress from Eileen Fisher.

 

green floral sundress

Floral sundress

 

For gals who like a print, a floral dress can look cute, too, with clean lines and a hint of ruffle.

 

white linen sundress

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4.  Toned-Down Neutral Sundresses

Sundresses are meant to be playful and fun-type dresses, which means they are usually bright and bold. If you like colorful sundresses, by all means, wear them!

However, some mature women find bright colors look a bit harsh against their aging skin or hair.

So, if bright, bold sundresses are not your cup of tea, a neutral sundress in white, tan, olive, khaki, and black can look lovely.

 

pink maxi sundress

Pink Maxi sundress | light cardigan

5. Coverups for Sundresses

If you find a sundress you love and it’s rather bare up top, you can buy it, wear whatever bra you want, and add a layering piece. You can layer a sundress

Here is another Fabulous Sundress that is classy and ageless. 

green gauze ruffle shirtdress

Green Popover Sundress

Do you wear sundresses in the summer? Which is your favorite?

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7 thoughts on “The Best Sundresses for Women Over 50, 60

  1. This selection of sundresses for women over 50 and 60 is wonderfully refreshing! It’s great to see styles that combine elegance and comfort, catering to all body types. The emphasis on vibrant colors and flattering cuts makes it easy to find something for every occasion. These dresses not only celebrate age but also embrace the joy of summer fashion!

  2. Hi Deborah…I will be going on a Mediterranean Cruise this September…and the weather will be pretty warm. I am trying to decide what to wear. I want to look stylish, but I am 73 and don’t look good wearing shorts, skirts, or capris as my legs are not my best feature. I am about 5′ 3. These are great suggestions. Thank You

  3. Most older women do not want to show their upper arms or knees. When will all designers wake up? I’m not just speaking for myself, but for every woman, I know.
    Arms are not as firm, and legs are smartly showing wrinkles around the knee. Can we mention the scars from knee replacements?

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