Summer Dress Mistakes Women Over 40 Should Avoid—and What to Wear Instead

First on my list of 5 dress mistakes to avoid is choosing the wrong undergarments. For instance, wearing a bra that doesn’t provide adequate support or coverage can lead to visible lines or unwanted exposure. Opting for seamless, well-fitted bras and slimming shapewear, like Spanx, ensures a smooth silhouette and enhances the overall appearance of the dress. I recently discovered Comfelie, which is a wire-free lingerie brand dedicated to empowering women with its comfy, high-quality bras that prioritize seamless designs and high spandex fabrics. These bras have completely changed my mindset toward my undergarments, and I know they will for you too!

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While comfort is essential, overly loose dresses can overwhelm your figure and make one appear larger than they are. Instead, select dresses that offer a balance between comfort and fit, such as A-line or slightly tailored designs that flatter the body’s natural shape without being restrictive. This is a fabulous form fitting dress that has ruching around the waist to hide any challenge areas and flatter my silhouette. It comes in several colors, has a fantastic price point, and is the perfect balance of comfy & chic! I wear an XS and it fits true to size.

Lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal for summer, but it’s crucial to avoid materials that are too thin or prone to wrinkling. Such fabrics can cling uncomfortably or appear unkempt. Opt for high-quality materials that maintain their structure and offer both comfort and a polished look. This is the same dress as look 2, but this is one of the gorgeous blue shades they have available. The ribbed knit fabric on this dress instantly makes it look far more expensive than it really is and it’s wrinkle free! I wear an XS and would stick with your regular size for the best fit.

Bold patterns, like large florals or horizontal stripes, can sometimes overwhelm the frame and detract from a dress’s elegance. Solid colors or subtle prints often provide a more timeless and flattering appearance, allowing the wearer’s natural beauty to shine through. This solid navy dress is a timeless, elegant option and it fits like an absolute dream! I wear an XS and it fits true to size.

While form-fitting dresses can be flattering, a big dress mistake is choosing an excessively tight AND short option, which can lead to discomfort, frequent adjustments and over exposure. Aim for dresses that highlight your best features while offering ease of movement and comfortable coverage. I love this emerald green halter dress because it is so well balanced – the halter neck line style brings a sexy edge while the flowy bottom helps bring balance. I wear an XS in this under $100 summer dress that fits true to size.