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Dresses are one of the easiest ways to dress in summer because clothes are made the most the minute you wear them.
I found many good optionsNordstromthis season, from fun colors and simple neutrals to fun prints. These summer dresses work well for women over 50 and 60, whether you want more coverage, an easy fit, or something polished enough for lunch, travel, church, or everyday events.
For size reference, I’m 5’4″, bordering on petite. Most of these dresses are not petite, so they look longer on me than intended. I have broad shoulders and straight hips, which can help you compare how shapes, waistlines, and heights might work for you.
Sleeveless Summer Dresses
Sleeveless dresses are often the coolest option on a warm day because there is less fabric to handle. If you prefer arm coverage, a simple linen cardigan or a simple wrap gives you that without making the outfit difficult.
Or, you can remember that most people don’t read our arms. They are busy and waste time worrying about their own.
This is goodHigh Neck Princess Seam Dressit’s the first one I’ve tried, and it’s a great example of a light fitting dress that feels comfortable yet polished. The bateau neckline gives it more coverage than a scoop neck, and the princess seams in the front add soft structure and shape all the way down.
The back is smocked, which provides easy shaping around the waist and bust, and a hidden back zipper keeps things quiet. It’s true to size, comes in three colors, has side pockets, and is lined, which I always appreciate in a light summer dress. The rayon linen fabric has a softer drape than the shiny cotton linen, so the skirt flows smoothly without feeling too stiff.
ThisHalogen Pleated Faux-Wrap Dressit’s casual but polished, so I can think of it for lunch, for church, for a dinner party, or whenever you’re looking for something to step up from a simple outfit.
The straps give the skirt movement through the structure, and the surplice V-neck creates a beautiful diagonal line through the bodice. It has a spread collar, a hidden side zipper, lots of stretch, and a small tie belt to define the waist without feeling too formal.
ThisHalogen Scoop Neck Tank Dressand has a classic fit-and-flare shape with a full A-line skirt. It comes with a belt, but I wanted to show it without the belt so you can see how well the smocked back defines the bodice.
Its scoop neckline is simple and a great way to show off a beautiful necklace. The fabric has a touch of spandex, so it moves more easily than other linen blends. I can add a belt if you want more definition at the waist, or leave it for a softer, more casual look.
ThisVince Camuto Striped Sleeveless Shirtit’s perfect for hot summer days. The blue and white stripe feels fresh, and the wide collar frames your face well.
Lined, sleeveless, and comes with a fabric belt. This is 51″ long, so to me it reads more like a maxi. I would wear these white sandals or tenni and call it done.
ThisTheory Square Neck Linen Blendit’s beautifully done in a clean, modern pale pink that feels soft without looking sugary. Princess seams on the front and back give it a perfect fit with a flare shape, and it has a back zip.
The fabric is usually linen, but viscose and spandex help reduce wrinkles and provide a nice drape. It is sleeveless and has seam pockets. To cover the arm or wear this lightly, you can go with a linen shirt or thiscoordinating coat.
ThisShrunken Linen Blend Jacketcomes in four colors. They didn’t have pink in my size, so I tried lavender to show you the seamless look it creates. This would be great for a summer wedding or bridal shower.
ThisNic & Zoe Inked Lines Midi Dressit features cotton fabric in a mysterious print that reminds me a bit of batik, giving it an artistic look without feeling too busy.
The IV-neck is easy to wear, and the shoulder straps are wide enough to cover the bra straps, which shouldn’t feel like an unusual luxury, but it often does. It slips over the head with an elasticated waist, which helps in shaping the bra.
Summer dresses with sleeves
ThisVince Denim A-Line Dressit has a loose but flattering fit in lightweight cotton linen denim. The front princess seams add lines of detail, keeping the dress from looking too full, and the collar has enough thickness to pop without looking awkward.
I love the elbow length, tucked in sleeves, which give great coverage, and the side pockets are always a bonus. I could wear this with flat sandals or sneakers for a simple summer outfit that looks casual, but put together.
The stripes are navy-and-whiteEliza J. Stripe Shift Dressit has a sporty feel with a polo collar, which is a nice change from all the floaty summer dresses. A spread collar and half-placket give it structure, and gold-tone buttons add fun.
It has short sleeves, lots of stretch, and a flexible shape that moves the body without defining the waist.
This is a nice navyJulia Morgan Lace Trim Dressit’s 100% cotton poplin, so it has a cool summer feel without looking stiff. Lace, pintucks, and little frill details add texture, but because it’s navy, everything stays more polished than precious.
The line also has long sleeves, making it a great option if you want extra coverage without adding a cardigan.
ThisEileen Fisher long sleeve shirtit has the relaxed fit I expect from the brand, with a mandarin collar, front buttons, and a drawstring waist that you can tuck in or leave loose. Aqua is fresh for summer, and it’s also dark.
It’s 100% organic linen, so it has that breathable, slightly wrinkled texture that works well in warm weather. It is very functional, as most of the Eileen Fisher pieces do, so I would size down unless you want a very large fit.
What I Look for in a Summer Dress Over 50
Summer clothes should make dressing easy, not give us something else to fuss about. The best ones are stylish enough to look polished, light enough to travel comfortably, and functional enough for how you spend your day.
For me, the winners are dresses that I can wear with flat sandals, simple jewelry, and maybe a linen shirt if the mood feels fancy.
I am very happy to work with Nordstrom again. Their customer service is amazing, with free shipping and returns, and their selection is great.You can shop all my favorites and summer clotheshere at my Nordstrom Storefront.
What style do you reach for most in the summer: sleeveless, shirt, fit-and-flare, or something with sleeves?