Finding ladies' dresses for over 50s to make you look and feel great used to be a difficult task. However, now that the internet provides us with endless options, trendy and flattering dresses are now easier to find than ever, no matter your age or personal style.
You never know when you might need something glamorous on standby. Perhaps you're after a frock for a meal out with your partner or afternoon tea with friends? Or maybe you're on the hunt for something special for a big occasion, like an anniversary celebration. That's why the fashion and shopping experts here at Yours have put together a helpful guide to help you find the best dresses for mature women.
Best ladies' dresses for over 50s at a glance:
• Best tea dress: Ruched Jersey Midi Tea Dress – view on Boden
• Our favourite shirt dress: Twist Waist Print Midi Shirt Dress – viewon Cotton Traders
But it's not just those special occasions, you might just be looking for an everyday ladies' dress for over 50s that'll make sure you're comfortable and confident. That's why we've included dresses in a range of styles, sizes and lengths, including petite and plus-size dresses, but we'd always recommend shopping for a dress that's season-appropriate. If none of our top picks takes your fancy, we've listed our favourite places to shop for flattering dresses so you can browse to your heart's content.
Plus, we've enlisted the help of an expert stylist, Styled By Susie, for dress shopping tips for when you're over 50, along with style inspiration from much-loved celebrities and bloggers.
Our pick of the best ladies' dresses for over 50s
Best tea dress
Bodenwww.boden.co.uk
Description
You can't go wrong with a spot-print dress! In a classic tea dress silhouette, this jersey midi strikes the perfect balance of looking put-together and staying comfortable. It’s styled with a ruched bodice and a front keyhole with button fastening, full length sleeves gathered at the cuff, and a mid-calf length skirt. But the best bit? It has subtle in-seam pockets!
Customer review: "I am 5 ft 2" & the petite size 10 is perfect for me. Not my usual style of dress but it is smart, warm & stylish; looks good with shoes or boots. A useful addition to my winter wardrobe."
Pros
- Flattering fit
- Comfortable
- Available in navy or black
Cons
- One reviewer said the skirt part isn't lined compared to the bodice part
Our favourite shirt dress
Cotton Traderswww.cottontraders.com
Description
A shirt dress is just one of those items of clothing that never goes out of style, the cut and shape is simply timeless. We think this Twist Waist Print Midi Shirt Dress from Cotton Traders is one that you'll want to reach for year after year. Featuring concealed button-through-to-waist styling, bust darts and double button-fastening cuffs, it'll make styling this season effortless as it can be dressed down during the day with flats and elevated for the evening with heeled boots and statement jewellery.
Customer review: "I was so pleased to find that the size was perfect and it really gives a good fit. Nice style"
Pros
- Seasonal print
- Effortless to wear
- Flattering twist waist detail
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported it comes up big
Our favourite for special occasions
Walliswww.wallis.co.uk
Description
Perfect for any special occasions you've got in your diary during the colder seasons that call for an outfit that's a little special. The Print Ruffle Front Tie Belt Wrap Dress from Wallis is just full of tonal wintery colours, including shades of blue, green and purple, and it will give you the most elegant silhouette, thanks to its wrap design and tie belt detail. We love the v-neckline and floaty sleeves.
Pros
- Gorgeous colours
- Great occasionwear piece
- Flattering shape
Cons
- No customer reviews yet as a brand new dress
Best printed midi dress
Bodenwww.boden.co.uk
Description
Add a dash of print to your winter wardrobe with this Boden Rebecca Jersey Midi Tea Dress. Designed in petite and regular lengths, this easy-to-wear style features an elegant empire waist that falls to a flattering long skirt. A V-neck and mid-arm length sleeves complete this dress and the viscose and elastane blend in the fabric ensure it stays comfortable to wear all day long. Style with chunky boots, tights and a leather jacket for effortless but oh-so-chic dressing.
Customer review: "The black version is my second purchase of this dress (also have the teal). It is so comfortable and can be casual or dressed up to be elegant. The sleeve length is perfect, especially if you've been lagging on your biceps curls."
Pros
- Perfect for everyday dressing
- Stretch in the fabric
- Lined bodice
Cons
- Petite and long-length sizes regularly go in and out of stock
Best for size options
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Description
We’re just dotty about this Urban Touch Dipped Hem Midi Dress from John Lewis. It features this vintage-inspired floral print with a twisted bow around the waist and a v-neckline that is super flattering. With loose sleeves, this comfy dress can be styled up or down, with tights and boots in colder weather and trainers when it starts to get warmer.
Customer review: "I bought this for a summer wedding guest outfit and I can't believe how flattering it is. The floaty material and the long almost train like back gives the dress fantastic movement. I'm tempted to get another one in a different colour!"
Pros
- Elasticated cuffs
- Flattering v-neck
- Cute polka dot print
Cons
- Polyester so not super-soft
Best for stretch and comfort
Phase Eightwww.phase-eight.com
Description
Midi in length, the Phillipa Floral Midaxi Dress from Phase Eight ticks all the boxes for a comfortable dress that's perfect for all seasons. It's available in four colours, but we just adore this black and tan colour, which is perfect for this time of year. It's easy to wear with elasticated three-quarter length sleeves and a feminine necktie which also creates a flattering silhouette.
Customer review: "Love it! Perfect dress. I dressed up or worn with trainers it always looks fab. I now have it in 4 different colours! Just wish it had pockets."
Pros
- No fastening
- Fits true to size
- Available in four colours
Cons
- Must be on a delicate machine wash
Best eye-catching dress
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Description
Inject a pop of colour and print with this Printed Button Front Midi Shirt Dress from M&S. A sophisticated option for office styling or occasions where formal dressing can still be fun, this button-through shirt-style dress is in an eye-catching pink and black geometric print with long cuffed sleeves and a smart collared neckline. The subtle gathering at the waist and the tier on the midi-length skirt create an elegant silhouette. The perfect blend of classic and contemporary style.
Customer review: "Love love love this dress! Nice loose fit, but not sack-like and gorgeous colour blue. Worn for the first time today; felt like a million dollars and lots of compliments received from work colleagues."
Pros
- Flattering silhouette
- Fun but formal
- Can be dressed up and down
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a little long
Our favourite evening dress
Seasalt Cornwallwww.seasaltcornwall.com
Description
Featuring a mid-length sleeve, floaty silhouette, the Tor View Jersey Dress falls to a maxi length to flatter your body in all the right places. The purple colours are simply gorgeous for this time of year and we love the beautiful flower pattern.
Pros
- Maxi length
- Nice and floaty
- Bamboo derived material
Cons
- May be a little long for those who are more petite
Best V-neck dress
M&S FATFACEwww.marksandspencer.com
Description
Last but by no means least is this Floral V-Neck Midi Waisted Dress from FATFACE. We're wild for a bit of floral print here at Yours so we love that this dress features a mishmash of prints in this gorgeous mosaic-style mono-tone colourway - with accents of bluish green. It's a short-sleeved style with detailing and a V-neck for comfort. Just chuck it on with a pair of tights or leggings and pop on a pair of boots and you'll be good to go.
Customer review: "The perfect dress. It is made from cotton and it has pockets, plus it feels good on... The perfect summer dress."
Pros
- Responsibly sourced viscose
- Comfortable to wear
- Fun pattern
Cons
- Not suitable for tumble-drying
Best British shops to buy ladies' dresses for over 50s
If your diary is looking full of big events this upcoming season, you'll probably be looking for more than one special dress. We've rounded up a fabulous selection of cocktail dresses for over 50s that are both figure-flattering and stylish to cater for a whole host of occasions.
But, with so much choice on the web, you can easily spend hours scrolling through websites in search of the best dresses for mature women. So we've rounded up some British brands you can count on when it comes to elegant, casual, and stylish fashion - and yes, some fabulous dresses for us older ladies.
Seasalt Cornwall
Distinctly Cornish and with a seaside vibe, the Yours team love Seasalt Cornwall's quirky style and pretty prints. Their clothing collection features beautifully flattering dresses and versatile tunics in soft, plain and patterned natural fabrics, all in lovely nautical colours, emphasising blues and reds. Stocks UK sizes 6-20.
Cotton Traders
Cotton Traders' story goes all the way back to the 70s… so, they know their stuff! They have lots of floral maxi dresses, perfect to pair with a cardigan when the weather gets a little frosty. Stocks UK 8-22.
Boden
If you're a fan of vibrant colours and pretty patterns in complimentary cuts, look no further than Boden. Whether you're a fan of minis, midis, or maxis, their offering includes so many options that you'll be able to style with flats, white trainers, and heeled sandals alike. Stocks UK sizes 6-22.
Wallis
Not only do Wallis offer great tailoring and wearable separates, but they offer it all at a reasonable price point. Designed with a contemporary feel, their clothes focus on quality and fit. You can expect beautiful jersey floral dresses and chic floral shifts perfect for those special occasions when you want to stand out from the crowd with something a little different. If you struggle with finding the length, the brand also has a petite range especially designed for women 5' 3" and under. Available in UK sizes 8-18.
M&S
In recent years, M&S has reviewed and relaunched its clothing brands in a bid to appeal to a broader range of shoppers, with highlights from their Classic range being absorbed into the main M&S Collection. M&S says that pieces in the range are now designed to be worn and loved by women of all ages. With more than 200 different dresses available website, there's something to suit all shapes and tastes. Stocks sizes 6-24.
If you love M&S as much as we do, we've rounded up all the best M&S dresses for you to shop in one place.
Matalan
A classic from the high street, Matalan is home to a range of affordable dresses in all lengths and styles for all occasions. Its mission is to provide quality clothes suited to family budgets, which means they also stock homeware and clothes for the whole family. Stocks UK sizes 6-28 as well as petite and plus-size options.
Monsoon
Discover day dresses with the key colour palettes and prints, including classy floaty silhouettes and midi lengths at Monsoon. Stocks UK sizes 8-22.
John Lewis
If you're ever lost on where to look, take a trip to John Lewis. A favourite for all things fashion, beauty and home, John Lewis is home to a huge number of brands, sizing options, and dresses for all occasions. Alongside their own John Lewis ANYDAY range which is surprisingly affordable, you can find brands including Ghost, Fat Face, Nobody's Child, and some of the other brands on this very list. As mentioned, definitely a great place to start
Hobbs Ltd
Hobbs Ltd. is great if you're looking for something for a special occasion and you want to dress to impress. Hobbs Ltd. stocks luxury clothes, shoes and accessories to suit any occasion. Treat yourself! Stocks UK 6 to 18.
Amazon UK
It may not be where you think to go instinctively, but Amazon Fashion is full of dress options from both well-known brands and more obscure ones. You can find casual dresses and occasionwear, and better yet if you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get plenty of options for next-day delivery. Perfect for emergency holiday outfits or if you just don't like waiting around!
Which style should I look for?
We're all about choosing the style you feel most comfortable in, but there are certain styles that are recommended for women over 50 for the most flattering fit:
A-line dresses: Designed to skim off the hip in an 'A-shape', this style of dress accentuates your waist whilst flowing over the stomach, an area some consider a 'problem area' as they get older.
Shift dresses: This style of dress is always popular and well-suited to most body types. More often than not, they are sleeveless but there are cap sleeves, balloon sleeves, and long-sleeve options for those who are self-conscious about their arms.
Shirt dress: Available in lengths ranging from mini to maxi, a shirt dress can be dressed up and down and is a lovely lightweight option for the summer/ those going through menopause. As well as having a flattering V-neck shirt design, this style of dress often comes with an optional tie waist or belt to accentuate the waist.
Wrap dress: With similar flattering features to the shirt dress, a wrap dress drapes around under the bust, accentuating the bust and waist. This a great option if have a smaller chest you want to emphasise, or a larger bust you want to flaunt!
Midi dresses: You'll spot many midi dresses in our list and that's for two reasons; they're both on-trend for year-round wear and a great all-rounder for a flattering fit. With so many stylish options available, this style of dress covers any and all problem areas, leaving you feeling your most confident and comfortable.
Can over 50s wear off-the-shoulder dresses?
Yes, we're of the mindset that you can wear anything you feel comfortable in and off-the-shoulder dresses are great for the summer or in formal gowns for special occasions. That being said, you may not spot many over 50s wearing off-the-shoulder dresses. We love what Robin LaMonte has said on the matter on her blog, 'Hello I'm 50ish':
"Because baring shoulders isn’t a general style women over 50 wear, it will get criticised, especially by other women over 50. I saw comments from women who work out that they wouldn’t bare their shoulders after 50. Why the heck not, I thought to myself? When does baring your shoulders become inappropriate for women over 50?"
She went on to write, "Age has nothing to do with baring your shoulders if you feel confident doing so."
Ladies' dresses for over 50's: Celebrity fashion inspiration
Before you hit the shop button on the best dresses for mature women, we've looked to some of the most incredible women on TV to help give you the style inspiration you need. We say that there is no age limit on feeling fabulous, and these ladies prove it!
If Good Morning Britain host, Susanna Reid, can wow us in a pencil dress, so can you. She's wearing a Closet London Navy Blue Pencil Dress, and we think she looks incredible. We're a big fan of Susanna's dress sense and have shared more of our favourite dresses from the GMB presenter.
Another TV legend and our fashion go-to is Lorraine Kelly. We think that the gorgeous Megan Slinky Recycled Jersey Frill Detail Midi Wrap Dress from Pour Moi would make a fantastic addition to your wardrobe. Plus it comes in a bunch of gorgeous prints and colours!
For more Lorraine Kelly fashion favourites, take a look at our round-up of her looks.
And finally, if you love comedian Judi Love as much as we do, you can also add a pop of pink to your wardrobe with this Pink Animal Print Wrap Midi Dress from River Island. A flattering, wrap-front, waist-cinching dress for ladies under and over 50.
The best over 50 fashion blogs and Instagrams to follow
You don't just have to look to the women on the telly for inspiration for ladies' dresses for over 50s that look great but feel comfortable. Many mature women are taking to the internet to show off their glamorous garments. These are some of our favourite over 50 fashion influencers:
Dorrie Jacobson runs Senior Style Bible and had this to say about finding the right dresses for mature women, "Number one style rule to live by? Forget about being 'age-appropriate. Defy the rules… No one should dictate your style to you. It's a means of self-expression. Make it your own."
She then went on to talk about our favourite fashion subject: shoes, "What do you look for in footwear? I love statement shoes. I usually dress from the shoe up… So my footwear really needs to turn heads.
"At 80, I still wear high heels almost every day because they're my trademark. People probably wouldn't recognise me without them."
Now all that's left to do is go shopping for the best dresses for mature women from the comfort of your living room and revamp your wardrobe.
Ladies' dresses for over 50s: Fashion tips from the experts
Meet the expert: Susie Hasler runs Styled By Susie, specialising in styling real women on a budget whose body type has changed due to pregnancy, gaining or losing weight, or menopause.
"Many of the mature ladies who I work with prefer to have a little more coverage in the summertime, rather than opting to bare all," says Susie.
"My clients aren't too keen on showing their arms or too much cleavage - and there are so many ways you can dress stylishly while not looking frumpy. If you're not keen on sleeveless styles, try a cap sleeve."
She also recommends opting for a patterned dress if you normally dress head-to-toe in black.
"The tummy area can be troublesome for many women, particularly post-menopause. Dressing in summer clothing can make many ladies feel exposed, and it can become tempting to wear black to hide away.
"However, a pattern is actually going to flatter the figure much more as it glosses over lumps and bumps and is much more summery than black!"
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.