Flattering Summer Dresses for Women Over 50: Try-on Picks from Nordstrom
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thanks for supporting the brands that work with AWSL.
Dresses are one of the easiest ways to get dressed in summer because the outfit is mostly done the minute you put one on.
I found plenty of great options at Nordstrom this season, from cheerful colors and easy neutrals to fun prints. These summer dresses work well for women over 50 and 60, whether you want more coverage, an easier fit, or something polished enough for lunch, travel, church, or everyday plans.
For size reference, I’m 5’4″, on the edge of petite. Most of these dresses aren’t petite, so they look longer on me than intended. I have broad shoulders and straight hips, which may help you compare how the shapes, waistlines, and lengths might work on you.
Sleeveless Summer Dresses
Sleeveless dresses are often the coolest option on a warm day because there’s simply less fabric to manage. If you prefer arm coverage, a simple linen cardigan or lightweight wrap gives you that without making the outfit feel heavy.
Or, you could remember that most people aren’t studying our arms. They’re too busy wasting time worrying about their own.
This pretty High Neck Princess Seam dress is the first one I tried, and it’s a good example of a fit-and-flare dress that feels casual yet polished. The bateau neckline gives it more coverage than a scoop neck, and the princess seams in front add soft structure and shaping all the way down.
The back is smocked, which provides easy shaping at the waist and bust, and the hidden back zipper keeps things fuss-free. It runs true to size, comes in three colors, has side pockets, and is lined, which I always appreciate in a lighter summer dress. The rayon-linen fabric has a softer drape than crisp cotton-linen, so the skirt moves nicely without feeling too stiff.
This Halogen Pleated Faux-Wrap dress is casual but polished, so I’d think of it for lunch, church, travel dinners, or any time you want something a step up from a simple knit dress.
The pleats give the skirt movement with structure, and the surplice V-neck creates a nice 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 structured.
This Halogen Scoop Neck Tank dress also has a classic fit-and-flare shape with a full A-line skirt. It comes with a belt, but I wanted to show it unbelted so you can see how the smocked back gently defines the bodice.
Its scoop neckline is simple and a great way to showcase a pretty necklace. The fabric has a touch of spandex, so it moves more easily than some linen blends. I’d add the belt if you want more waist definition, or leave it off for a softer, easier look.
This Vince Camuto Striped Sleeveless Shirtdress is right up my alley for hot summer days. The blue-and-white stripe feels fresh, and the spread collar frames your face nicely.
It’s lined, sleeveless, and comes with a fabric belt. This is 51″ long, so on me it reads more like a maxi. I’d wear this with white sandals or tennies and call it done.
This Theory Square Neck Linen Blend is beautifully made with a clean, modern shape in a warm pastel pink that feels soft without looking sugary. The princess seams in the front and back give it a nice fit-and-flare shape, and it has a back zipper.
The fabric is mostly linen, but the viscose and spandex help reduce wrinkles and give it a nice drape. It’s sleeveless and has on-seam pockets. For arm coverage or to dress this up a bit, you could go with a linen cardigan or this coordinating jacket.
This Shrunken Linen Blend Jacket comes in four colors. They didn’t have the pink in my size, so I tried on the lavender to show you the seamless look it creates. This would be beautiful for a summer wedding or wedding shower.
This Nic & Zoe Inked Lines Midi dress features a cotton-blend fabric in an abstract print that reminds me a bit of batik, giving it an artful look without feeling too busy.
The V-neck is easy to wear, and the shoulder straps are wide enough to cover bra straps, which should not feel like a rare luxury, but it often does. It slips on over the head with an elastic waist, which helps give the bodice some shaping.
Summer Dresses with Sleeves
This Vince Denim A-Line Dress has a loose yet flattering shape in lightweight cotton-linen denim. The front princess seams add slimming lines, which keep the dress from looking too full, and the collar has just enough stiffness to pop without looking fussy.
I love the elbow-length, set-in sleeves, which give nice coverage, and the side pockets are always a bonus. I’d wear this with flat sandals or sneakers for an easy summer outfit that looks casual, yet pulled together.
This navy-and-white striped Eliza J. Stripe Shift dress has a sporty feel with its polo collar, which is a nice change from all the floaty summer dresses. The spread collar and half-placket give it structure, and the gold-tone buttons add some fun.
It has short sleeves, plenty of stretch, and a shift shape that skims the body without defining the waist.
This pretty navy Julia Morgan Lace Trim dress is 100% cotton poplin, so it has that crisp summer feel without looking stiff. The lace, pintucks, and tiny frill details add texture, but because it’s navy, the whole thing stays more polished than precious.
It’s lined and has long sleeves, which makes it a good option if you want more coverage without adding a cardigan.
This Eileen Fisher Long Sleeve Shirtdress has the relaxed ease I expect from the brand, with a mandarin collar, front buttons, and a drawstring waist you can cinch or leave looser. The aqua is fresh for summer, and it also comes in black.
It’s 100% organic linen, so it has that breathable, slightly rumpled texture that works well in warm weather. It runs large, as most Eileen Fisher pieces do, so I’d size down unless you want a very oversized fit.
What I Look for in a Summer Dress Over 50
Summer dresses should make getting dressed easier, not give us one more thing to fuss with. The best ones have enough shape to look polished, enough ease to move comfortably, and enough coverage to work for the way you actually spend your day.
For me, the winners are the dresses I can wear with flat sandals, simple jewelry, and maybe a linen cardigan if the air conditioning is feeling ambitious.
I’m thrilled to be working with Nordstrom again. Their customer service is amazing, with free shipping and returns, plus their selection is fabulous. You can shop all my favorites and summer dresses here in my Nordstrom Storefront.
Which style do you reach for most in summer: sleeveless, a shirtdress, fit-and-flare, or something with sleeves?
All of those dresses look great on you! Hopefully you purchased a few. Had to laugh at your comment about fitting rooms need to come with a therapist! Lights and mirrors always seem better at home.
Love the dresses with sleeves. I don’t wear sleeveless. Not because of my arms but because I have so many sunspots. I get them zapped every year but they always seem to come back.
I have a lot on my legs and arms too!
Such a lovely selection of dresses Jennifer, and you look fabulous as always. I’m starting to look for ideas for dresses to wear to 2 family weddings in August of next year. One week apart – one in England and the other about an hour from here. I picture something like the princess seamed dress for the garden wedding here. Oh, how I wish Nordstroms was still in Canada.
I wish so too Yvonne. I’m sure you will look amazing!
Love the shoes. Can you please link? Thanks.
They are several years old, sorry they’re sold out.
Love the Eileen Fisher dress on you, the color is very flattering
I love that color. It’s soft and soothing.
My husband, who never notices anything in the fashion world, recently said, after dining with a friend in a sleeveless dress, “she shouldn’t be wearing sleeveless “-so, sadly, “people “ do notice
Jennifer, you look great in all of the dresses! My favorite is the blue and white vertical striped dress. It looks comfortable on a hot day. My concern is with fabric care. I can no longer hand wash anything or iron with my severe arthritis in my hands. I would need wash and dry fabrics. Usually linen rayon is wearable right out of the dryer. I dry everything on low. Beautiful choices.
I’m now a fan but of linen blends for just that reason. I love that blue and white one too!
Every single one of these dresses look fantastic on you. And you definitely don’t need to worry about your arms. You look gorgeous. It’s so nice to see pretty dresses. I’m inspired to do my own try-on!
Do it! It’s fun to try on a big variety of styles.
I almost never wear a dress, no matter the occasion, and now with a current body shape that seems to have no waist, it’s very hard to find a style that flatters. That said, it is very interesting to see the different necklines and how each looked on you. Depending on what jewelry we would like to wear, and if we want a scarf, there are some great choices.
Thanks for the try-ons!
This more of a comment on travel. I recently returned from a trip to the Netherlands. I decided to try taking a lanyard for my phone. Boy was it handy! It’s adjustable, can be adjusted to be a wristlet and could be tucked in my bag if I didn’t need it. I got it on Amazon.
I’m going to get one. Thanks Susan.
I love a great looking denim dress, but the price of the Vince Denim A-Line Dress nearly knocked me off my chair. Probably, why I like shopping the Nordstrom sales or Gap.
Vince is a pricier brand for sure. I like to show a variety of price points.
Thank you for all the suggestions on dresses. I love reading your email. It always makes me smile 😊
My go to summer dresses are from Garnet Hill (their linen sleeveless polo dress is a classic) and JJill (I just ordered and love their beige-white striped short sleeve cotton, almost gauzy but more substantial,pullover dress with collar). No belts for this gal.
Gave up caring about my arms a couple of years ago ( I’m 73)!
Bravo! We have earned the right to wear what we want.
Love the better lighting and a therapist comment. Jennifer, this is why I read you. You are so real. I liked the look of the Nic & Zoe Inked Lines Midi dress. Love the wide straps. I am short and plump and probably need XL which they don’t have in petite. It’s in my cart and if it goes on sale …… then I can get it shortened! Have a couple of cardigans I could wear with it.
It’s really cute on.
Wonderful cross section of styles. I prefer shirt dresses, with either elbow length or 3/4 sleeves, and a collar. Sleeves and collars protect from sun if outdoors or A/C indoors. Seems I’m always exposed to one or the other in summer.
Lovely dresses, I love them! Today in Rome it’a hot day in Rome, this temperature is too early for May.
But it’s Rome! Lucky you.
Great summer dresses. You have covered dressier occasions as well as casual. I am finding myself leaning more into casual, easy dresses without too much care what anyone thinks of my 71 year old arms, LOL!
Bravo! The hotter the weather the less I care about how my arms look.
Great dresses. We are going to Spain in September and I needed some ideas for clothing. I love you comment about our arms…..no one is studying our arms….Brilliant! I am about the same size as you are except maybe a wee bit shorter. I have lost 20 pounds over the past year and just discovering new sizes and I hate shopping for clothes! Sorry, not sorry but I do love all your suggestions. Thanks Jennifer.
Congratulations on the weight loss and the trip to Spain. Have fun Christina.
Some great options! I used to love a shift dress, but my body has changed and now I need a waist. Shirt dresses, wrap dresses, and the elastic waist kind seem best these days. I habe a high waist so usually need petite.
I look better with some waist shaping too because my figure is changing and my tummy is blending into my hips.