As a fashion designer who caters to women over 50, I understand the unique needs and preferences this demographic has when it comes to summer style.
Finding lightweight, breezy dresses that are flattering, comfortable and age-appropriate can be a challenge.
That’s why I’ve curated a list of 13 perfect summer sundresses that will keep you cool, confident and chic all season long.
But the right styles, silhouettes, fabrics and colors can help us look our vibrant best.
The Classic A-Line Sundress
Nothing says summer style quite like the A-line sundress.
This classic silhouette flatters a range of figures with its nipped-in waist and gently flared skirt.
For women over 50, I recommend A-line dresses that hit just above, below or at the knee for the most flattering proportions.
My favorite example is the Scoopneck A-Line Sundress from Land’s End. It comes in regular, petite and plus sizes up to size 26W, so you can find the perfect fit.
The delicate spaghetti straps show just a hint of skin, while the A-line skirt skims gracefully over the hips and thighs.
The fabric is a lightweight cotton blend that’s machine washable for easy care. With over 20 colors and patterns, you’ll have no trouble finding one or more favorites for your summer dress collection.
The A-line sundress is a warm weather staple that embraces your shape in a subtle, graceful way.
The flared skirt creates movement as you walk and keeps you cool in the summer heat.
It’s an effortless style that works for casual days, beach vacations, picnics in the park and summer weddings.
The Wrap Sundress
Wrap dresses are universally flattering.
The wrap style cinches in at the waist to define your figure, while draping fabric flatters across the midsection. For women over 50, I recommend wraps with short or 3/4 length sleeves.
The sleeves provide arm coverage while the wrap bodice offers an alluring peek of leg and a touch of cleavage.
My top pick is the Milumia Button Wrap Sundress which has over 5,000 rave reviews. It’s made of a soft, stretchy polyester/spandex blend that hugs curves just right.
The v-neck shows a tasteful hint of skin, while the attached belt accentuates the waist. The short sleeves balance out the skirt’s above-the-knee length.
This versatile wrap sundress can be dressed up with wedges or flats for the office, then transitioned to a dinner date with strappy sandals.
The stretch fabric, side waist ruching and thigh-high slit give you a sexy, confident silhouette.
With dozens of colors and prints, you’ll want one for every day of the week!
The Shift Sundress
The shift sundress has a straight silhouette that skims the figure, hanging loose at the top and bottom.
Shift dresses are a breezy, effortless summer option. Stick to shift dresses in lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen or rayon.
For shorts sleeves that offer coverage while keeping cool.
One of my favorites is the Jumping Beans Knit Shift Dress from Kohl’s. It’s made of a soft Tencel blend fabric that’s cool against the skin.
The sleeveless shift silhouette works well for casual summer days.
I recommend pairing it with a hat, sunglasses and sandals for a chic resort-style look. The contrast piping trims the neckline, arm openings and side seams for a pop of color.
Shift dresses move beautifully as you walk, keeping you cool in warm weather.
The lose silhouette is forgiving and comfortable while still looking put-together.
The T-Shirt Sundress
T-shirt dresses have all the comfort and ease of your favorite oversized tee, with a cute flared skirt for added polish.
This style combines casual comfort with carefree summer style.
My top recommendation is the Libbysue T-Shirt Sundress with Pockets. Don’t you just love a dress with pockets?
This one has two roomy side pockets to hold all your summer essentials hands-free. The soft, stretchy fabric hugs curves without clinging.
The v-neck shows just a touch of cleavage to keep the look youthful and fun.
This t-shirt dress can be worn for everything from running errands to enjoying a seaside boardwalk. Just add sandals, sunglasses and statement earrings to complete the look.
With over 25 colors and prints, you’ll want one for every day of the month!
The Tank Sundress
If you really want to showcase those sculpted shoulders and arms, go for a tank style sundress.
These feature slim spaghetti straps and a sleeveless silhouette that keep you cool while adding definition to the upper body.
My favorite is the sleeveless scoop neck tank dress from Daily Ritual.
The cotton/modal blend fabric has plenty of stretch for a body-hugging fit.
The flattering princess seams and flare skirt highlight curves while concealing any imperfections.
Tank sundresses are perfect for showing off toned arms, an elegant neckline and decolletage. The breezy silhouette is ideal for summer heat.
Stay youthful and turn heads in this sexy tank style!
The Sundress with 3/4 Sleeves
Three-quarter length sleeves give you the best of both worlds—cool and covered.
This sleeve style is ideal for keeping shoulders covered while still beating the heat.
For women over 50, it allows you to conceal upper arms while drawing attention upwards to your face, shoulders and decolletage.
My top pick is the Relaxed Babydoll Dress from Woman Within.
This pretty sundress has fluttery 3/4 sleeves and a figure-skimming silhouette.
The V-neck and back secure with self-tie straps so you can customize the fit.
Made from a lightweight, breezy rayon blend, this sundress comes in regular, petite and plus sizes up to 6X.
The relaxed babydoll fit combined with 3/4 sleeves strikes the perfect balance for women over 50. It keeps you fully covered while maintaining a youthful femininity and free-flowing comfort.
The Sundress with Fluttery Sleeves
Take your 3/4 sleeve sundress up a notch with fluttery bell or lantern sleeves.
These add gorgeous movement and flow to a dress, while concealing upper arms. Fluttery sleeves keep the focal point on the face, neckline and waist.
My favorite fluttery sleeve dress is the Milumia Button Up Sundress.
The tie waist creates a slimming effect, while the midi skirt is breezy and fun.
The balloon sleeves made of lightweight gauze fabric billow elegantly around the arms with the slightest movement. Wearing this dress makes you want to twirl!
Fluttery sleeve sundresses have an elegant, romantic vibe perfect for special summer occasions like garden parties, weddings and date nights.
You’ll feel graceful and feminine in the fluttering silhouette.
The Full Skirt Sundress
A voluminous skirt amplified feminine charm.
Full skirts are flattering on most body types since they balance out the proportions.
For women over 50, a full skirt sundress is playful and youthful.
My top recommendation is the Relaxed Babydoll Swing Dress from Amazon Essentials. This dress combines 3/4 flutter sleeves with a full A-line skirt.
The soft jersey fabric flows beautifully when you walk and spin. The scoop neck flatters the collar bones and decolletage.
This unfussy throw-on-and-go dress can be dressed up or down effortlessly. Pair it with sandals or heels to transition from day to night.
Available in classic solids and pretty prints, everything’s more fun with a twirly skirt!
The Maxi Sundress
Maxi dress = maximum style.
A floor-length sundress makes a vibrant style statement for summer. Look for lightweight, gauzy fabrics like chiffon or rayon that won’t weigh you down.
A maxi with a defined waist or open back adds shape.
The vibrant tropical print invokes a glamorous resort vibe.
A tie waist defines the figure while a deep V-back bares a hint of skin.
The floor-skimming silhouette moves gracefully as you walk.
Make a show-stopping entrance at any summer event in this flowing chiffon maxi. The halter neck bares shoulders and shows some skin in a tasteful way.
You’ll feel goddess-like and elegant in this summer stunner.
The Sundress with Pockets
As we all know, women can never have enough pockets!
A sundress with functional pockets adds convenience while keeping the silhouette slim and streamlined.
Pockets allow you to ditch the handbag on casual outings.
My pocket dress pick is the Spring Tunic Pocket Dress from Woman Within.
This A-line shirtdress has a smart collared neckline and front button placket. The full shirt-style pockets are both decorative and functional.
Offered in sizes 12-34 and regular or plus lengths, you can customize the fit.
This sundress provides laidback polish, allowing you to go grab coffee or run errands pocket-free! The loose tunic fit skims curves in a flattering way.
Pockets add convenience without bulk.
The Shirred Sundress
Shirring adds gorgeous texture and visual interest to any sundress.
The rows of stitched fabric gather subtly at the bust, waist or back to enhance womanly curves. Shirring also adds stretch for a better fit.
My favorite shirred dress is the Floral Print Shirred Waist Maxi Dress.
Vertical shirring cinches under the bust, highlighting the slimmest part of the waist. A thigh-high side slit allows movement and a flash of leg.
The floral print chiffon fabric flows gracefully as you walk.
This dress proves shirring can be sexy and sophisticated at any age. The figure-flattering details are perfect for a summer evening out.
Let the shirred texture highlight your best assets!
The Fitted Sundress
While loose, flowy silhouettes have their place, sometimes a more fitted sundress is just the thing.
A bodycon dress hugs every curve to showcase your figure in youthful, sexy style.
My top pick is the sleeveless ribbed knit midi dress from Daily Ritual.
The soft, ribbed jersey fabric follows every curve without constricting.
Princess seaming and darting sculpt the bust, waist and hips. The midi length is alluring while still sophisticated.
This fitted dress celebrates every inch of your figure.
It can be dressed up or down effortlessly from day to night. Show off your curves and hard work at the gym in this sexy, figure-flattering dress!
The Sundress with Statement Sleeves
Turn up the fun with a sundress featuring bold statement sleeves!
My favorite statement sleeve dress is the Milumia Puff Sleeve Dress.
The voluminous puff sleeves balance the slim fit-and-flare silhouette.
Square smocking at the shoulder tops off the puff sleeve volume. With dozens of colors and patterns, you can find a version that expresses your personal style.
Make a memorable entrance in any room wearing this playful puff sleeve sundress.
The bold sleeves draw eyes up, balancing out the figure-skimming skirt. Let your sundress do the talking this summer!
I hope this overview gives you plenty of stylish, flattering sundress options to keep cool while looking confident and chic this summer.
At any age, sundresses represent a feminine, romantic ideal—the chance to twirl freely and soak up the sunshine.
You deserve to look and feel your radiant best at any age. Let your inner glow shine bright in a perfect sundress this season!
