How to Choose a Sundress Over 60

If you’re anything like me, you may have assumed sundresses were something you age out of. They’re not. The right one is still cool in the heat and easy to throw on, one piece, and you’re done. And if arm coverage is an issue, a lightweight wrap or cardigan solves that without giving up the dress.

A lot of you have asked whether sundresses still make sense past a certain age. They do. Here are some fun ones I tried on for you.

The key is in the details. I look for just the right amount of coverage, straps that work with a regular bra, and a fabric that skims the body without clinging. Nothing fussy, just something that feels good on and looks put together.

Do Sundresses Have to Be Sleeveless?

If the word “sundress” makes you picture tiny straps and the nightmare of a strapless bra, you’re not alone. For a long time, I thought of sundresses as strictly sleeveless, and I know many of you do too. It’s easy to assume that if you want arm coverage, sundresses are off the table.

They don’t have to be sleeveless.

I define a sundress by its fabric and its vibe, not its sleeve length. It should feel airy and relaxed. As long as it’s made from a breathable summer material like linen or cotton gauze, it counts as a sundress in my wardrobe, sleeves included.

Flattering Sleeveless Sundresses

This Quince Gauze Dress is everything I want on a warm day. It’s easy and breathable. It’s made from 100% organic cotton, and the double-knit gauze is soft, airy, and structured enough to drape without clinging. The V-neck front and back add some shape without being too bare, and the relaxed fit means I don’t have to think about comfort.

This 100% Pima cotton dress was a surprise. I’d been seeing smocking on a lot of dresses and wasn’t sure it was for me, but the navy-and-white stripe keeps it from looking too sweet. It fits nicely through the torso, has side pockets which I always appreciate, and the maxi length solves the whole “what do I wear on my legs?” question while still allowing in plenty of air to keep you cool.

This crushed silk round-neck dress has a slight A-line shape, which gives it nice movement when you walk. The fabric is perfect for travel and easy to care for: machine wash cold, twist to crinkle, and dry twisted, like our broomstick skirts back in the day. I chose this field color, and it also comes in black or teal. Dress it up for an event, or throw on sandals and wear it every day.

This Faherty Lucia dress is a throw-on-and-go dress. The styling is simple, the red is vibrant, and the fabric feels cool to the touch. It’s made from 100% organic cotton with adjustable straps and a smocked bodice for a fitted look. The medium fit me, but I prefer this small, which fits more snugly up under my arms.

This Vince Camuto Placed Floral Midi dress is light and airy. It skims the body with bra-friendly straps and works as well with flip-flops as it does dressed up for a casual dinner out. The rayon feels cool to the touch. The brand says it runs large, but I didn’t find that to be the case on me in this petite medium.

This High Neck Princess Seam Dress is a fit-and-flare with a bateau neckline for a little more coverage. It runs true to size, comes in three colors, has side pockets, is lined, and the rayon-linen fabric has a nice drape.

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 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.

This Theory Square Neck Linen Blend has 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 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, go with a linen cardigan or this coordinating jacket.

This pretty blue-and-white Seersucker Dress was one of the most picked-up dresses in the store the day I was there. It’s 100% cotton with a 100% cotton lining (good job, Talbots), and a fit-and-flare shape. The regular length is 48.5″, the petite is 45″, and the plus is 50.25″. The V-neckline is modest, and the bra-friendly straps provide plenty of coverage.

The Best Summer Sundresses with Sleeves

This Linen Popover Dress is one of the easiest, one-and-done ways to dress in warm weather. It’s 100% linen, and the pockets are made of cotton voile, which keeps them cool too. The sleeve length works and is loose enough to move with you.

This Amazon find is lightweight, quick-drying, and has built-in sun protection for beach days or long walks outside. The 3/4 sleeves offer a little extra coverage without making it feel hot, and the pockets are a nice bonus.

Shop More of the Best Sundresses for Mature Women:

Before You Go…

The right sundress should make getting dressed easier, not give you one more thing to second-guess. Pay attention to the shapes, necklines, and fabrics that help you feel comfortable and confident, then keep those details in mind when you shop. If sleeveless is absolutely off the tabel for yoy, I wrote a guides to the best dresses with sleeves, the best travel dresses for Europe.

Are you a fan of sundresses or do you avoid them now?