How NOT To Wear Summer Dresses Over 40 & What to Wear Instead

One of the biggest mistakes women make with summer dresses over 40 is choosing styles that are too oversized. While a loose, tent-style dress may seem like an easy way to hide problem areas, it can actually make your frame look larger. Instead, choose a dress that skims your body and gives you shape without feeling tight, like this baby blue tank dress. The streamlined silhouette hugs the body in all the right places, while the soft baby blue shade feels fresh, feminine, and very on-trend for summer. I love that this dress is wrinkle-free, easy to wear, and incredibly versatile. You can dress it up with white kitten heels and a chic handbag for date night or wear it more casually on vacation with flat sandals. I’m wearing an XS.

The right undergarments can completely change how a dress looks and feels, especially when you’re wearing something thin, fitted, or light-colored. Without the right foundation pieces, even a beautiful dress can show lines, bumps, or challenge areas you may not want to highlight. Instead, opt for smoothing undergarments, nipple covers, or a seamless bra when needed, which helps everything lay smoothly and makes your outfit look more polished. This black midi t-shirt dress is a perfect example because it is comfortable, easy, and form-fitting without being too tight. I love a classic black dress because it always looks timeless, slimming, and effortlessly chic, while the zebra flip flops add a fun touch of interest for summer. I’m wearing an XS.

Large prints, especially oversized florals with dark backgrounds, can easily overwhelm your frame and make a dress look dated. They can also distract from your face and natural silhouette, which is why solid colors often feel more modern and refined. Instead of choosing a loud print, try a sleek solid dress like this slate blue silk midi dress. The color is elegant and timeless, while the slip dress silhouette feels incredibly current. I love a slip dress because it can be styled so many different ways, from a summer wedding to date night, brunch, or even a more casual look with flat sandals. I paired this one with a navy Quince blazer, silver heels, a silver bag, and a silver cuff for a polished, elevated outfit. I’m wearing an XS in the dress and blazer.

Wearing black or chunky dark shoes with a white or light-colored dress can cut off your legs and make the outfit feel heavier than it needs to be for summer. Instead, pair light dresses with lighter shoes, nude sandals, white heels, clear heels, or metallic sandals to create a longer, leaner leg line. This light mint green slip dress is such a beautiful summer option because it feels soft, feminine, and elegant. The fabric is wrinkle-free, and the silhouette hugs the body in all the right places without feeling too tight. I styled it with gold and clear heels, which help elongate the legs and keep the whole outfit looking fresh and polished. This is a perfect dress for a summer wedding, date night, or girls’ night out. I’m wearing an XS.

Linen can be beautiful, but linen dresses often wrinkle quickly and can start to look messy by the end of the day. If you love the lightweight look of linen but do not want to deal with constant wrinkles, choose breezy fabrics that give you the same summer feel without all the maintenance. This white mini shirt dress is a great alternative because it feels lightweight and effortless, but it does not wrinkle as much as traditional linen. It also has subtle gold and silver pinstripes, which give it a unique and elevated touch. I love this dress because it is an easy throw-on-and-go piece, yet it still looks chic and intentional. I styled it with yellow kitten heels for a fresh pop of color, which makes the look feel even more current for summer. I’m wearing an XS.