Last updated on June 27th, 2023 at 05:39 pm
Welcome to “The Best Casual Summer Dresses”, the inaugural post in our new “Older & Wiser” series designed for women over 50. However, if you’re NOT over 50, please don’t leave. All of these dresses are perfect for women of any age, we’re just focusing on some of the top issues that our over 50 friends told us were on their mind. All of these issues can really can apply to anyone.
So without further ado, let’s get started. And let’s start with our mindset. Between our recent survey and talking to my friends, there are certain “traps” we can fall into once we reach our fifties and beyond. We start to feel that “we can’t wear that anymore” or ” I shouldn’t stand out”, etc. As a result, we can tend to make purchases that we imagine others think we should be wearing, but don’t reflect our true style. We can still be who we once were.
Also, before we get started, at the end of this post I also list all the shoes and accessories I am wearing with all the outfits below. You can also just skip to accessories.
**This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. However, we only recommend products that we truly love. Amazon prices are as of 5/16/23.
Best Casual Summer Dresses: If You Worry About Your Arms
In our recent survey, when asked if there’s anything you feel you can’t wear anymore, the number one answer was “sleeveless”. I totally get it and if you feel that way it can be hard based on the options out there. Most casual summer dresses are sleeveless and when it’s a hot day, you don’t want to be wearing a sweater to cover your arms. So here are a couple of ways to get around that.
Off-The-Shoulder Dresses
Off-the-shoulder and cold shoulder styles are a great way to hide your arms while still looking summery and fashionable. If you’re not totally comfortable with an off-the-shoulder dress, you can always pull up the sleeves and get the same effect.
Because an off-the-shoulder dress can widen your upper body, I like to choose a dress with a fitted waist. That brings the look in and gives you the appearance of a smaller waist. If you don’t have a fitted waist, it could make you look larger (even if it is more comfortable).
My pink dress is from Amazon and I’ve included a photo that I shared previously of my off the shoulder dress from Old Navy which I also love.
MY DRESSES:
MORE OFF-THE-SHOULDER DRESSES
Short Sleeve Dresses
I think I find short sleeve dresses the hardest to find. Most of them seem to be shirt dresses, which are nice, but how many do you need? I did find this white shirt dress at Old Navy. What I like about this dress is that the puff sleeve take the classic shirt dress and adds a modern twist to it.
I do like the looser fit for two reasons. One, the buttons to the dress close without gapping. If you have a larger chest like me, you know what I mean. The second is that it looks great belted too. So if you want a more casual look, skip the belt and wear with sneakers. Of you can wear a flat sandal and keep it belted for a more chic look.
MY DRESS:
MORE SHORT SLEEVE DRESSES
Best Casual Summer Dresses: Is This Too Tight?
To be honest, this is probably the one that is hardest for me, because this is where “the belly” comes into play. Spanx have been a long time friend to me. But I am still a believer that oversized clothing actually makes you look larger than tighter clothes.
That’s why I love ruching! For me it’s the best way to wear a dress that is more body hugging. It can hide a lot of flaws but also add interest to a piece of clothing. Turquoise is one of my favorite colors to wear during the summer which is one reason, along with the ruching, that I picked this dress.
Adding a long scarf is another great way to camouflage your belly if that makes you feel more comfortable!
MY DRESS:
MORE RUCHED DRESSES
Swing Dresses
A swing dress/A-line is also a good option. What’s nice about these dresses is that they are more fitted at the top but open up at the belly area and are not clingy. They are a great sporty, casual look. You can always count on Old Navy for a fun swing dress – and this yellow one didn’t disappoint.
MY DRESS:
MORE SWING DRESSES
Best Casual Summer Dresses: Bold or Neutral?
As we get older, it seems we tend to shy away from bright colors. But actually, as we age and our skin tone changes, pastels can actually make you look washed out. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them. If pastel pink is your favorite color, go for it. Just add some bright colors into the mix.
So, let’s work our way up to the brightest colors. To do that, let’s start with neutrals. There is definitely a place for them in our summer wardrobe, like this khaki dress I have on below. It’s a great starting point and being as neutral as it is, you can add lots of color to make it interesting.
I love khaki and white together, which is why I went with the white jewelry. It has that sandy beach feel. But to make it brighter, I switched out the white with my orange slides and colorful straw bag. You can have lots of fun with khaki, it pretty much goes with everything. Pick your favorite color to pair with it.
MY DRESS:
MORE NEUTRAL DRESSES INCLUDING BEIGE, GRAY, NAVY, BLACK AND WHITE
Bring on the Bold
So, this is where I feel more comfortable. I love bright colors and what could be brighter than red! Red is huge this season and we’re seeing it everywhere. And because it’s a classic, now is the time to pick up some pieces that you will have for years to come!
MY DRESS
This is and isn’t my exact dress. It’s the same brand, style and color from Kohl’s but the top is smocked. I just bought this in store this past weekend so not sure how that changed! But it’s still the same look and it’s currently $35.
MORE BRIGHT COLOR DRESSES
Best Casual Summer Dresses: Accessories
Instead of listing each on individually, I thought I would put them all together. Some are exact matches, some are as close as I could get. But in either case, they represent the same look.
SHOES
HANDBAGS
My white small crossbody bag is from my old workplace, K. Carroll Accessories. It is aptly named the “Harper” after my mom (true story!)
ACCESSORIES
If you liked this post, we’re sure you will like our “How to Wear it at Any Age” series when Jen and I show how we can both wear the same things, 25 years apart.
