Maxi (a.k.a. Long) Dresses and Summer Fashion for Women Over 60

The sun has finally returned, and it’s time to talk about summer fashion for women over 60. I’ve been quite surprised that I haven’t seen older women wearing maxi dresses or maxi skirts during the summer months.

1. Eliza J Cascading Ruffle Maxi Dress at Bloomingdale’s – This pretty floral dress features a round neck with pleated detail and long blouson sleeves, a blouson style bodice, lining, and a cascading ruffle and slit at the side front. 
2. VINCE CAMUTO Long Sleeve Smocked Waist Maxi Dress – Ideal for casual occasions, this maxi dress features a flattering V-neckline and silhouette.
3. MAXI DRESS – FLORET MEDALLION at Talbot’s – Designed with flattering cutaway shoulders that beautifully accentuate your silhouette, this dress is both elegant and chic.
4. Linen Embellished Maxi Shirt Dress – Made from high-quality 100% linen fabric, this eye-catching dress combines style and comfort, making it a versatile addition to any fashion-forward collection.
5. Poplin Basket Weave Maxi Dress – Fashioned from soft cotton blend poplin fabric, this dress has a smocked waist with an A-line silhouette, complete with a tiered skirt for added flair.

Read on to discover more of our favorite maxi dress picks from a variety of retailers.

Most of us in the older age groups aren’t comfortable wearing shorts anymore. Many women question the silhouette of capris. So, I would think the maxis would be a natural choice for our generation.

Could it be because we’ve read articles saying that if you’ve worn a trend the first time around, you shouldn’t wear it again? In reality, I don’t consider that realistic for a couple of reasons.

First of all, fashion is cyclical. There are only a certain number of items and ways to wear them. Even the crazy, creative fashion designers can’t reinvent the body shape. They must return to some tried and true styles.

Second, if you liked wearing some item years ago, why wouldn’t you wear it when it comes back in style? This is true especially if it looks good on you and is flattering. Heck, in this day and age we are living longer and healthier! We might even be lucky enough to see the same trend more than twice.

So, let’s embrace it, I say!

Read BEST CLOTHING STORES FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

What Are Maxi Dresses and Maxi Skirts?

A maxi skirt or maxi dress is one where the hemline falls below the calf and can extend down to the feet. There can be a lot of leeway on the length, depending on your preferences.

Like in the example shown here, the brown print dress (on the left) would be considered a maxi, yet it’s still above the ankles. Whereas the black maxi dress (on the right), is quite longer and extends past the ankles!

What Variations and Styles Are Available?

Besides the slight differences in length, there are other maxi options available. First is material. I first started seeing this trend a couple of years ago. It was hard to get used to the fact that maxis were made of knits or t-shirt materials. I grew up as a kid wearing many long dresses. They were for dress up and made of woven materials.

The reappearing maxi trend celebrates the fact that the material can change. Knit maxis are really quite comfortable. Just like everyone loves the feel of a great t-shirt, it’s the same for the knit material maxis.

Of course, you can also find them in polyester, cotton, chiffon, among other materials. Some even have spandex in them so the shape doesn’t get stretched out!

The other option for new maxi dresses and skirts is the silhouette. The silhouette can range from a slim design to a full body skirt. Something to consider is that the straighter the line of the skirt, the more chance there will be a slit going up the side. This is designed to allow for movement.

If you like the slim silhouette, but the slit feels too high for comfort, you can always sew part of it closed. Just make sure to try walking in it before you do this!

How Do Maxis Feel?

If you haven’t worn a maxi in 30 years, you might have forgotten the wonderful sense of a breeze between your legs. Or the liberating feeling of a skirt swishing around your ankles.

Even though your lower body is more covered up with a maxi than shorts or capris, it seems cooler! This is probably due to the fact that the material is not hugging your skin as closely.

Why Do I Love This Look?

Well, to be truthful, I didn’t actually love this look at first. I’m just like everyone else who struggles with not always wanting to change with the times. I kept thinking that the new styles were for the younger crowds.

It’s taken the experience of fashion blogging to realize that fashion should be fun. We don’t need to get bogged down by the rules we were taught about clothing and style when we were growing up.

As a petite woman, my first thought with maxis was they would make me look shorter. And maybe they do. The truth is, I am short. I’m not going to hide that fact from anyone who meets me. But to me, as long as I look good and feel comfortable, I’ve met one of my goals for the day! What I really have learned from blogging is to be more adventurous in trying new pieces and to never say never.

So, I started wearing a maxi. This was partly because my friend gave me the pinkish print one shown below. I soon realized how beneficial they could be for other women my age.

Are you still wondering if you should try this trend? Then check out the pros and cons as I see them. Maybe it will help solidify a decision for you.

Pros of Wearing a Maxi Dress or Skirt

The biggest advantage of wearing a maxi skirt or maxi dress is the fact that your legs are not exposed. I have to admit; I was thoroughly surprised by the number of women that responded to the ankle pants article.

Most said they didn’t like their ankles. Maybe you are one of those women, or feel there are too many varicose veins on your legs to be comfortable showing them in public. This longer style could be the perfect summer wear for you.

Also, like I stated above, these skirts can actually keep your temperature from boiling over. They simply increase the air circulation around your legs.

Perhaps you already like wearing skirts especially in the summer but have to worry about the wind whipping the fabric up around your waist (you know, the Marilyn Monroe look). In that case, maxis are much more reliable at staying down around your feet. The wind may blow the skirt around your legs, but not far enough to cause embarrassment.

I consider the casual maxi skirt a versatile piece. It can also double as your swim suit cover up. It is basically a one-piece sarong. These skirts are also versatile in the fact that many of them have a foldable waistband. The advantage of this is you can adjust the length of the skirt without having to hem it.

Read THE CLASSIC TREND OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS.

Cons of Wearing a Maxi

Just like with everything in life, the good comes with some bad. As much as I like my maxis, I will tell you they are not the easiest pieces to wear if you happen to be walking up or down the stairs a lot. Of course, this is easily remedied by grabbing it and pulling it up. But if you forget, there’s the chance of stepping on the material and getting caught up in the fabric.

Another disadvantage of a longer skirt is difficulty moving around. Even in a chair, especially a rolling chair, the material can get stuck under the legs/wheels of your furniture!

What Shoes Go with a Maxi

I’ve read many articles on what footwear to pair with your maxi. The overall consensus is that open toed shoes and sandals provide the best look with them. This being said, I have also seen women wearing their maxis with ankle boots and closed toe footwear. There are no absolute rules. Remember, fashion rules have gone out the window, so experiment with maxi styles and have fun!

Where to Get the Look

Eliza J Cascading Ruffle Maxi Dress at Bloomingdale’s

This pretty floral dress showcases a flattering round neck adorned with delicate pleated detailing, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design. The long blouson sleeves lend a sense of sophistication and grace.

The blouson bodice of the dress enhances its relaxed yet refined silhouette, creating a gentle gathering effect that adds a hint of femininity. As a striking focal point, a cascading ruffle gracefully drapes down the side front, lending an element of movement and charm to the dress. 

To provide comfort and coverage, the dress is thoughtfully lined, ensuring that it drapes smoothly against the body while preserving its overall structure and silhouette. 

VINCE CAMUTO Long Sleeve Smocked Waist Maxi Dress

Incorporate this stunning maxi-length dress by Vince Camuto into your wardrobe. With its flowing silhouette and abstract print, it embodies grace and elegance. 

Ideal for casual occasions, this maxi dress features a flattering V-neckline and silhouette. Lined for added quality, it’s a versatile piece that seamlessly transitions from day to night with effortless flair.

MAXI DRESS – FLORET MEDALLION at Talbot’s

Designed with flattering cutaway shoulders that beautifully accentuate your silhouette, this dress is both elegant and chic. The cinched tie waist not only adds a touch of sophistication but also ensures a perfect fit, enhancing your curves with grace.

Linen Embellished Maxi Shirt Dress

This exclusive design has intricate beaded embellishments adorning the collar and placket, complemented by button details, including two that open at the bottom for added convenience. 

Made from high-quality 100% linen fabric, this eye-catching dress combines style and comfort, making it a versatile addition to any fashion-forward collection.

Poplin Basket Weave Maxi Dress

Fashioned from soft cotton blend poplin fabric, this dress has a smocked waist with an A-line silhouette, complete with a tiered skirt for added flair. Whether it’s a casual outing or a seasonal event, this versatile piece promises effortless style. 

Made from breathable and easy-to-maintain cotton blend stretch fabric, it features a classic fit, elbow sleeves, a banded neck adorned with tassels, convenient side seam pockets.

Tiered Eyelet Maxi Dress

This charming dress can enhance your everyday look with delicate touches like eyelet designs, tiered styling, and graceful flutter sleeves, making it equally suitable for special occasions. 

Its maxi length adds a touch of formality, yet the soft 100% cotton fabric ensures comfort for daily wear. Not to forget the practicality of pockets, offering unmatched versatility for any occasion.

R & K Originals Sleeveless Floral Maxi Dress

This dress features a round neckline and sleeveless design, secured with a zipper closure for ease of wear. With a long length of 56 inches, it offers a graceful silhouette, perfect for various occasions. 

Made from chiffon fabric with a polyester lining, it ensures both comfort and style.

White Mark Plus Sleeveless Midi Maxi Dress

This maxi dress showcases a tiered design, making it a stylish and versatile piece for any occasion. It features a pullover head closure and a scoop neckline. With two side slip pockets, it offers convenience and functionality. 

Designed from a knit fabric composed of 55% polyester, 33% rayon, and 12% spandex, it provides both stretch and durability. The dress is lined with polyester, ensuring a comfortable and smooth fit.

Wearever Elbow-Sleeve Maxi Dress

This dress gracefully rests on the shoulders and gently hugs the body, featuring a slightly shaped waist for a flattering fit. A must-have addition to any wardrobe, this maxi dress is made from the softest European yarns. 

It has flattering angled front seams, a waist-defining back seam, and high side slits for added movement. Made from a blend of 95% rayon and 5% Lycra® spandex knit.

Wearever Elbow-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Exuding elegance, this dress gracefully drapes over the shoulders and delicately accentuates the body’s contours with its subtly shaped waist. A must-have for every closet, this maxi dress is made from opulent European yarns, offering flattering angled front seams, a defining back seam, and generous high side slits that enhance its fluid movement. Constructed from a blend of 95% rayon and 5% Lycra® spandex knit.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your ideal summer look? Is the maxi one of them? Do you like to wear maxi dresses or maxi skirts? What kind of shoes do you wear with this length? What do you think is the essence of fashion for women over 60? Please join the conversation.