11 Wedding Dress Styles for Older Women
Getting married? Congratulations!
Are you getting married for the first time? Have you been down the aisle before? Or maybe you are renewing your vows with your longtime sweetheart? No matter what the context, you need a wedding dress that will make you shine on your special day.
Just because you are an older bride doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your wedding dress style. Many wedding dresses are designed with the older woman in mind without compromising on trends.
Here is a list of our favorite wedding dress styles for older women:
- Justin Alexander Chiffon and Lace Gown – Beautiful A-line chiffon skirt and lace top with sleeves and pearl buttons.
- ROLAND MOURET Cape-overlay long-sleeved gown – Perfect for the stylish bride.
- Perfect Lace Plus Size Dress – Romantic plus-size lace sheath wedding gown at David’s Bridal.
- Satin Lapel Tuxedo Gown – Sophisticated tuxedo-inspired wedding gown.
- V-neck Long Sleeve Wedding Dress from Davis’s Bridal – Beautiful 1920s-inspired beaded gown.
- Calisto dress from Olivia Rose Bridal – made of crepe and styled with the perfect bateau neckline that beautifully accentuates a mature bride’s silhouette.
- Slim Skirt Draped Bodice Dress – Simple and elegant draped dress.
- Ripley Sleeveless Full-Skirt Gown – Tadashi Shoji effortlessly combines lace and tulle in this chic dress to provide an elegant look that can cater to many different body types.
- Comfortable Jumpsuit from David’s Bridal – This wide-leg crepe plus-size jumpsuit is classy and will assure a flawless and comfortable all-day fit.
- Short Fringe and Lace Dress from David’s Bridal – Modern and stylish knee-length dress.
- Lace & Satin Gown with Sheer 3/4 Sleeve Scalloped Lace Jacket – Dress and jacket combo perfect for a bride.
Sure, the body may change with age, but the spirits remain young, and you deserve to look stunning on your wedding day.
Let’s take a look at some simple tips and style advice to help you choose the perfect wedding dress.
White or Not?
You don’t have to shy away from wearing white just because you are an older bride or even if this isn’t your first wedding. White is the traditional color for wedding dresses, and if this is what you wish, go for it!
If you don’t want to wear white, you can also take a look at shades like ivory, blush, grey, or even gold. Truthfully, you can choose a wedding dress in any color that suits your style, personality, and complexion.
Be Yourself
The sky’s the limit when it comes to your wedding dress style. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear a certain style because you are an older bride.
At this point in your life, you have pretty much determined your fashion sense and you know what suits your frame. You want something that will showcase your confidence and elegance.
Tip: Empire waists and soft lines typically flatter an older woman’s body as opposed to ball gowns and princess dresses.
What Length to Choose
Wedding dresses come in an assortment of lengths: from mini to floor length. If your legs are one of your best features, why not think about a cocktail or tea-length dress? Choose the length that you are most comfortable in.
Tip: Mid-calf A-line dresses are a classic and look great if you are petite and carry a few extra pounds. Also, you can show off those great shoes if you wear a shorter wedding dress.
What About Sleeves?
You don’t have to cover your arms – unless you want to. Don’t let anyone convince you to hide your arms simply because you are a bride over 50.
But if you do want to cover up your arms, you have plenty of options. Look for wedding dresses with sleeves, a matching cover-up, or even a formal jacket.
Tip: ¾-length sleeves are quite stylish and can flatter your hands and wrists.
Necklines that Flatter
Chances are you won’t want a plunging and extra revealing neckline for your wedding. But then again, if you are proud and confident showing cleavage, go for it.
Tip: Look for bateau and scoop neck necklines that are typically very flattering and chic. Halter tops and lace necklines are also great options for brides over 50.
Think Vintage
Vintage-inspired wedding dresses are a great option for older brides. Timeless elegant and sophisticated styles from the 20s and 30s can complement your beauty and grace on your wedding day.
Tip: Many vintage wedding dresses are designed with lace and delicate beading which can soften the look and provide a romantic feeling.
11 Wedding Dress Styles for Older Brides
There are a lot of ways you can shop for your wedding dress. From your local bridal shop to designer online options. Online shopping has come a long way and now offers you more possibilities than ever before.
Here’s a list of some of my favorite wedding dresses for mature brides.
Justin Alexander Chiffon and Lace Gown
Beautiful A-line gown with chiffon skirt with lace/mesh long sleeve bodice from the Justin Alexander Signature Collection. The gown is elegantly detailed with pearl buttons at the back.
Pair it with crystal and freshwater pearl wreath earrings and Pointed Toe Satin Block Heels with Crystal Strap.
ROLAND MOURET Cape-overlay long-sleeved gown
Are you stylish and trendy? This cape-overlay long-sleeved gown is perfect for you. Roland Mouret’s glamorous gown is cut from crepe with mesh inserts and a front cutout. It is stylishly framed by the chiffon cape.
Pair it with a Saint Laurent quilted leather clutch bag and satin t-strap sandals with crystal embellishment.
Perfect Lace Plus-Size Dress at David’s Bridal
This romantic plus-size lace sheath wedding gown at David’s Bridal has the perfect not-too-revealing v-neckline and pretty flutter sleeves. This is a fun and fashionable take on a simple silhouette.
Accessorize with a pave crystal teardrop earrings and necklace set and Gevira Pointed-Toe Slingback Pumps, Created for Macy’s.
Satin Lapel Tuxedo Gown
Tadashi Shoji Bridal has an assortment of exquisite wedding dresses that you can purchase in one of their retail stores or order online.
This sophisticated tuxedo-inspired textured crepe gown is defined by a nearly seamless wrapping at the waist and a satin lapel collar. The long-sleeved gown has a curve-skimming skirt with a cascading draped front.
Pair it with nude-colored block heel classic pointed toe pumps and 14k Pearl Stud Earrings.
V-neck Long Sleeve Wedding Dress from Davis’s Bridal
This full-length gown is the perfect mixture of romance and sophistication for the modern bride. The ivory gown is fully beaded with a vintage 1920s inspiration design.
Complete your bridal look with crystal-encrusted stretch strap low-heel sandals and a crystal teardrop earrings and necklace set.
Sophisticated Gown from Hitched
This A-line Calisto dress from Olivia Rose Bridal is made of crepe and styled with the perfect bateau neckline that accentuates beautifully a mature bride’s silhouette.
Combine the gown with these teardrop cubic zirconia drop earrings and block-heel classic pointed toe pumps.
Slim Skirt Draped Bodice Dress
This simple yet elegant dress is designed with soft satin that hugs the body. The draped slouch bodice covers the arms perfectly while leaving a little shoulder exposed for a modern and romantic look.
Complete your look with stud earrings and Pointed Toe Half d’Orsay Pump.
Tulle Beauty by Tadashi Shoji
Tadashi Shoji effortlessly combines lace and tulle in this chic dress to provide an elegant look that can cater to many different body types.
Wear comfortable and cute lace ballerinas and cubic zirconia and pearl necklace and earring set to complete your ensemble.
Comfortable Jumpsuit from David’s Bridal
Jumpsuits are very trendy for modern brides and can be a great alternative if you don’t wish to wear a dress. This wide-leg crepe plus size jumpsuit is classy and will assure a flawless and comfortable all-day fit.
Pair your jumpsuit with a closed-toe white satin shoe and a lace clutch.
Short Fringe and Lace Dress from David’s Bridal
This modern short dress from David’s Bridal has pizazz and elegance. Lace and fringe are combined to create this stylish wedding dress.
Have fun and combine your stylish dress with strap glitter wedge shoes and a floral scroll design necklace and earring set.
Lace & Satin Gown with Sheer 3/4 Sleeve Scalloped Lace Jacket
The best-selling A-line jacket dress combo is the sophisticated evening gown perfect for a bride. Sheer 3/4 sleeve sequin lace jacket with scalloped edges takes this look from ceremony to celebration!
Add these sparkly shoes and pearl and rhinestone double hoop earrings to complete your bridal look.
Consider Renting Your Wedding Gown
As one of our readers mentioned, renting your wedding gown can be a good option if you don’t want to invest too much money or you don’t want to be “stuck” with a dress you will never wear again.
Rent The Runway
Rent the Runway is a fashion rental service that allows you to borrow designer clothing and accessories for special occasions or everyday wear. You can select from a vast online collection, wear the items temporarily, and return them, offering an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional fashion consumption.
Sergio Hudson Asymmetrical Button Up Dress
The Dress Outlet
The Dress Outlet offers a wedding gown rental service, providing brides-to-be with the opportunity to rent stunning bridal gowns for their special day. This cost-effective option allows you to access a wide range of wedding dresses, saving money while still achieving your dream wedding look.
Mac Duggal Long Mother of the Bride Dress
Dare & Dazzle
Dare & Dazzle gives you the opportunity to purchase or rent your gown and accessories. They have a wide selection of gowns for every type of bride.
Go Ahead, Say I Do
Choosing your perfect wedding dress can be challenging when you’re getting married later in life. Let’s face it, most photos promote young women in their 20s, and it can sometimes be difficult to relate.
Simply follow your heart, and don’t let anyone tell you that you have to limit yourself because of your age. Choose a dress that you are comfortable in and that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Which style of wedding dress do you like best? Tell us about your upcoming nuptials and what your wedding dress will look like.
Sorry didn’t like any of these choices not flattering for ladies over 40. That’s probably why the models were all younger women, and they didn’t look good on them either
My opinion, it’s not appropriate for an older bride – whether they have been married before or not, to wear white. Nor a veil. And I’ve seen this. I’ve been married in the long white, fancy gown with the veil when I was in my 20’s. Getting married a second (and final) time in my 60’s, I’d go with a cocktail dress in another color.
I think it’s A-Ok for any bride to do what feels good for them. After all, it’s their day. The old thinking of white meaning virginity is long gone. How many of the 20 something brides even fit that description? I’m in my 60’s too, btw, but I wouldn’t ever think of shaming anyone’s idea of what fits their special day.
I am thinking that for older brides who are practical and shedding extra posessions as I am, a dress that is “reusable” or even rentable is a good idea!
That is what the Twifties LifeStyle is about!
Lauren Teton
founder of Twifties, the fun people over 60
Creating products and services to make life better for our age group
Instagram MsTwifty
So many different options, as a photographer, I’ve seen so many wedding dresses. And can’t wait to see my bride in a stunning wedding dress walking up the aisle towards me!