Flattering Dresses to Wear No Matter Your Age or Taste
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Gone are the days when being a woman of a certain age meant being relegated to ho-hum fashion. Nowadays women over 50, 60, 70, and beyond have plenty of sartorial space to flaunt their bodies and their vibrant characters—after all, you've spent decades honing your fashion sense, why shouldn't you make the most of it. Whether it's finding a flattering and feminine option for the office, picking out a mother of the bride look that's anything but mumsy, or just picking out an everyday dress to wear on repeat in the season ahead, we've rounded up some of the most stylish, functional dresses to highlight the best in women of every age.
The Somerset Maxi Dress
Strategic shirring at the waist brings out the hourglass in any figure, while a blue geometric print proves that dresses with coverage need not be boring. The maxi is also available in seasonal textures like eyelet and velvet, which just so happens to be T&C contributor Lauren Hubbard's favorite festive piece.
Size Range: XS-3X
Colors: 8+
Material: Cotton
Catalina Fit & Flare Dress
The fitted top of this breezy dress highlights your arms and shows off your waist without constricting your movement: ideal for a night of drinks and dancing.
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Colors: 16
Materials: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Long Sleeve Fit & Flare Velvet Embellished Cocktail Dress
The maximalist's version of the modest cocktail dress. Need we say more?
Size Range: 0-12
Colors: Black
Material: 100% Polyester
3/4 Sleeve Jackie O Dress
A folded neckline adds visual interest and a hint of allure to an otherwise classic sheath style.
Size Range: 0-14
Colors: 4
Materials: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
More: The Best Work Dresses for Women
Magnifico printed silk-twill gown
Enter your goddess era with the flowing shape and bold pattern of this kaftan style dress.
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Colors: 3
Materials: 100% silk
Sleeveless Lace Floral Cocktail Dress
Lace adds instant sex appeal, proving a knee-length dress can be just as sultry as a mini.
Size Range: S-XL
Colors: 15+
Materials: 65% Rayon, 35% Polyester
Jeanne Silk Jersey Wrap Dress
Diane von Furstenberg made her name on her signature wrap dress, and for good reason—it's timelessly stylish and looks great on practically everybody.
Size Range: 00-16
Color: Black & White
Material: 100% Silk
The Ribbed Wrap Midi Dress
A wrap-style sweater dress is a great anytime option—style it with pair of slouchy boots or loafers for a casual look that's still stylish, or pair it with heels for a night out.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Colors: Black, Green
Materials: 65% Viscose, 35% Recycled Nylon
Norma Kamali Diana Gown
Ruching all the way down the sides of this one-shoulder dress allows it to hug your curves perfectly while also disguising any areas you'd rather not highlight.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Colors: 25+
Materials: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Short Sleeve Button Detail Dress
This blue and white striped number puts a modern spin on the classic shirt dress with gathering that nips in the waist and offset buttons that show a cheeky sliver of leg.
Size Range: 00-18
Material: 50% Cotton, 46% Lyocell, 3% Rayon, 1% Spandex
The Perfect A-line 3/4 Sleeve Dress
The perfect knee-length dress doesn't exi... Oh wait, it actually does. Featuring 3/4 sleeves and an A-line fit that nips at the waist, Spanx's dress is made of a smoothing fabric that looks beyond flattering on all body shapes and can transition effortlessy from work to play.
Size Range: XS-3X
Colors: Black, Navy
Material: Ponte Fabric
Animal Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress
A leopard print is a fun fashion "do" at any age.
More: Stylish Leopard Print Coats to Be Spotted in This Season
The Havana Dress
Add some dimension to your look with Brochu Walker's puff-sleeved maxi shirt dress. It comes in a rainbow of colors for all seasons, like this burnt siena, and a great year-round layering piece. T&C Associate Shopping Editor Sophie Dweck calls it "the most versatile wardrobe staple you'll ever own." Wear it with a belt for a figure-flattering look or loose to keep things easy breezy—you'll look chic either way.
Size Range: XS-L
Colors: 15+
Materials: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
Surplice Off the Shoulder Column Gown
For formal affairs, the portrait neckline is uber sophisticated. A show-stopping dress if we do say so ourselves.
Size Range: 0-18
Colors: Emerald
Material: 100% Polyester
Cece Knit Wrap Dress
The mossy hue on this mid-length asymmetrical dress makes for a nice change from the usual black and navy.
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Colors: 3
Material: 86% Viscose Rayon, 14% Polyester.
Navy Tweed Jackie Dress
Take the tweed trend for a spin this season with a timeless Jackie O-inspired mini.
Size Range: XXS-XXXL
Colors: 10+
Material: 100% Polyester
Harpson Finesse Crepe Sheath Dress
Work, weekend, wedding invites—whatever you schedule throws at you, this figure-friendly sheath dress has your back.
Size Range: 2-18
Colors: Black, Purple
Material: Acetate/Polyester
Distressed Vintage Wash
An easy, breezy denim shirt dress is guaranteed to be something you reach for all the time once the weather starts heating up.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Washes: 6
Material: 100% Italian Cotton
Danika Tunic Dress
When in doubt, go Lilly. Her prints are perfect for summer.
Size Range: 00-16
Material: 100% Rayon
Macy Mock Neck Ribbed Dress
A mock neck dress is the kind of dress you can wear everywhere, no matter the season.
Size Range: XS-XL
Colors: 4
Materials: 48% Cotton, 48% Modal, 4% Spandex
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, there's only one essential factor to choosing the best dress for you—it's the one that makes you feel amazing. Of course, as trends, our bodies, and our tastes change over the years, it's natural to feel occasionally overwhelmed trying to figure out what will give you that feeling, so there are a few general rules of thumb.
Knee-length and midi-length dresses are universally flattering, with the added bonus of being versatile for a variety of occasions (you'll never have to stress about feeling too skimpy.) Options that cinch in at the waist, whether with tailoring, a wrap style, or smocking, create a slimming effect that automatically draws the eye and emphasizes your shape, Any cut can work to highlight your favorite parts, though; just be sure to balance things out by only showing off one at at time—flaunting your shoulders, then skip the leg slit, or vice versa to keep things elegant. And while neutrals are timeless and always a good option, don't let age hold you back from making a statement with color or prints—a vibrant risk is both youthful and fashionable.
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