7 Flattering Dress Styles for Women Over 60

Do you enjoy wearing dresses? Are you over 60 and wondering which dress styles suit you best? I think most of us no longer wear the short, tight-fitting dresses we wore in our 20s. As we age, our bodies naturally change, and the types of dresses that once looked good on us may no longer look good, and vice versa. Guess what, the dresses that never felt right on you before can look great now that you are over 60.

Let’s take a look at some of my favorite dress styles and why they are great options for you to consider. 

Dress Styles Excellent for Women Over 60

Of course, not all these dress styles will fit you. We all age differently, and our bodies change differently. Some women lose waist definition after menopause, and others lose breast density. Some women lose weight, and others gain weight. 

Read more: Dressing for Your Body Type is a Part of Fashion Over 60.

Wrap Dresses

This has to be my all-time favorite dress style. Wrap dresses are flattering because of the V-neck they create, which elongates the torso, and the wrap (faux or real) that helps to define the waist. 

If you have never considered a wrap dress, I suggest you try one on. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how flattering it is.

Printed Knit Shirtdress at Chico’s

Donna Karan New York Plus Size Wrap Sheath Dress

Draped Knit Midi Sheath Dress at Ann Taylor

Looks best on:

• Every body type. 

Read more: 10 Best Wrap Dresses for Women Over 50.

A-Line Dresses

A-line dresses are another favorite dress style that can look good on practically any body type. This type of dress is flattering and forgiving. A-line dresses skim over the hips without hugging. They come in all lengths, and I think midi and maxi ones look best on women over 60.

Column Knit Maxi Dress at Chico’s

Travelers™ Abstract Midi Dress at Chico’s

Looks best on:

• If you have a fuller middle section.
• If you are petite.
• If you are plus-size

Shirt Dresses

Shirt dresses are another great dress option for women over 60. They never really go out of style, but some years they are trending and can be found in all lengths and colors. 

Denim Tie Midi Shirtdress  At Chico’s

Donna Karan New York Plus Size Balloon-Sleeve Shirt Dress

Chain Print Maxi Shirtdress at Chico’s

Tip: If the dress comes with a belt and you don’t have waist definition, try tying the belt up higher than you normally would – at your rib cage, just below your breasts, for example. 

Looks best on:

• If you have a small chest
• If you have broad shoulders
• If you are petite

What if you have a large chest and were told that buttoned-up dresses aren’t great for you? Have you tried a minimizer bra? They are excellent for women who have large breasts and want to decrease a cup or two in bust size. Give them a try!

Read more: Minimizer Bras for Women Over 60.

Empire Waist Dresses

Empire waist dresses are excellent if you are fuller in the midsection. Like the tip about wearing the belt higher than your waist for belted dresses, the same principle applies to empire-waist dresses. Because the dress is cinched right below the bust, the rest of the fabric falls loosely, not tightly around the waist and hips.

Ruched Waist Knit Midi Dress, Boat Neck Long Sleeves Side Pockets at Chadwick’s

L I V D Plus Size Bellano Empire Waist Dress

Looks best on:

• If you have a full midsection
• If you are plus-size

Fit-and-Flare Dresses

Fit-and-flare dresses are structured from the chest and waist, with the fabric flaring from the waist down. It’s a very feminine and flattering silhouette that looks good on women over 60.

Mixed Media Flare Midi Dress at Ann Taylor

Fit and Flare Sweater Dress, 3/4 Sleeves, Pleated Skirt at Chadwick’s

Looks best on:

• If you are petite
• If you have a defined waist
• If you have a fuller bust

Shift Dresses

Shift dresses are the easiest to wear and accessorize. They are minimal-looking and cut straight, so they look great with statement jewelry or alone for a simple everyday look if you prefer. They typically come in knee-length, which is excellent if you have great legs you like to show off.

Jersey Knit Boatneck Shift Dress at Chico’s

Pure Jill Linen-Blend Cap-Sleeve Dress at J.Jill

Looks best on:

• Most body types
• If you have great legs
• If you have a heavier midsection

Maxi Dresses

Last but not least, maxi dresses. Women below 5’2’’ tend to shy away from maxi dresses for fear that they will make them look shorter. That doesn’t necessarily have to be true. Maxi dresses are an excellent choice if you like dresses that are easily dressed up or down. 

Petite Knit Pleated Maxi Dress at Chico’s

CITY CHIC Plus Size Maddie Wrap Maxi Dress at Macy’s

Tip: Choose a maxi dress with a hem that sits above your ankle bones, or have it altered.

Looks best on: 

• If you are tall
• If you are slim

A Few Words About the Models

The dresses I selected to represent the dress styles in this article were taken from the retailers’ websites. Sadly, they don’t often have women over 60 who represent us, so I take the photos that I can. 

What’s Your Favorite Dress Style?

You are the one who knows your body best and what you are comfortable wearing. The suggestions I made in this article are simply suggestions. You get to wear the dress style that makes you feel amazing and confident. 

Read more: 10 Petite Dresses for Women Over 70.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like to wear dresses? What style of dress is your favorite? Will you try some of the styles in this article? Tell us about it in the comments below.