Best Sundresses for Women Over 40, 50+ Going on Vacation

A cute, summery sundress makes me feel like I’m walking on sunshine and is the secret sauce of my winter vacation wardrobe. But finding just the right one takes me a little longer now, as I find myself asking, “Where are the sundresses for women over 50?” Sundresses are meant to be pretty and a little playful, but many seem too bare or junior-looking.

If you’re headed off on a vacation to Florida or somewhere else tropical,  and you’ve been asking yourself the same thing, no worries. I’ve just rounded up some of the best sundresses for gals our age that are cute, classy, and comfy. But before I share my favorites…..

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Best Sundresses for Women Over 40, 50+ Going on Vacation

What is the difference between a Sundress and a Summer Dress?

This can be confusing because the terms sundress and summer dress are often used interchangeably. A sundress is a casual, colorful summer dress meant to be worn on the hottest days of summer.

Sundresses can be long or short and are very lightweight and breathable. They are often made of cotton or linen. They are also typically sleeveless, with a fitted bodice, thin straps, and a flowy skirt. However, there are other variations, too, which I’m sharing here.

Here are some of the problems I find with wearing sundresses over 50, 60, (even 40 sometimes, too), and you may have experienced these too.  Some sundresses are:

• Too bare – I see a lot of sundresses with tiny spaghetti straps or open backs, which leave me feeling cold or stressed about a bra.
• Too short—Above the knee is perky, but a thigh-high mini can leave you feeling too exposed, especially when you have loose, crepey skin, age spots, veiny legs, and the rest—LOL!
• Lack of support – many sundresses are made for going braless, which is hard to pull off as “the girls” head south. Or maybe you find a strapless bra uncomfortable.
• Sleeveless – some of us prefer to cover the arm jiggle, or our arms get cold, but most sundresses are sleeveless.
• Too junior –  frills, smocking, ruffles, ditsy floral prints – all these things can make sundresses appear too little girly, and there is a lot of this type out there these days!
• Too colorful/loud- Bright, bold colors are fun, and I love them,  but some mature gals find them too jarring (especially busy, bright prints) next to their aging complexion.

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

1. Sundresses with Wide Shoulder Straps

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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, ruffles, and smocking, but they often look like something I wore when I was 10. (LOL!) This floral halter style, above, is simple, pared down, and more sophisticated.

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

However, some women find bright colors a bit harsh on their aging skin or hair, or they prefer a more toned-down look.

If bright, bold sundresses are not your style, a neutral sundress in white, tan, olive, khaki, black, or brown can look lovely. I’m crazy about this olive green one. The earthy green shade, combined with the elegant one-shoulder neckline, gives this sundress a more grown-up feel.

5. Coverups to go with Sundresses

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Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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