I have always loved wearing shift dresses because they are comfortable, airy, and can disguise a multitude of midlife and beyond bulges. However, if you aren’t careful, a shapeless style could make you look like you’re wearing a flour sack. If you choose a style to fit your body shape, a shift will not only be comfortable, but attractive as well.
A breezy dress for maximum comfort
A casual shift dress could also be described as a house dress but there is no reason it needs to be only worn at home. Some are fancy enough to wear at a cocktail party. A shift is a classic A-line design that never goes out of style.
This Mock Neck Shift Dress by Ann Taylor is classic and chic!
This Karen Kane contrast shift dress will cover flaws like a large belly or hips.
I started wearing shift dresses in high school, The daisy-patterned shift I had on below when I was 16 was 10” above my knees. I don’t recommend wearing a mini-dress like that as an older woman. Knee length is the most flattering at any age.
Many shift dresses are sleeveless but if you are over 50 and have flabby arms you may want to opt for one with short, 3/4, or long sleeves.
Don’t confuse a shift with a sheath dress
A sheath dress is much more form-fitting than a shift. Unless you have a perfect figure it may not be a good option. Shifts are looser and more forgiving, especially for older women.
Make sure your dress works for your body shape
We all come in different sizes and shapes so look for shift dresses that are most flattering to the way your body is shaped.
Are you pear-shaped?
A pear-shaped body is smaller in the waist and bust with larger hips. The best way to diminish a large bottom is to choose a shift dress with a darker color on the sides. You can show off your smaller waist by belting your dress to accentuate that asset.
Are you apple-shaped?
An apple shape carries most of her weight in her belly. However, she may have ample cleavage and gorgeous legs. Take the emphasis away from the belly by directing attention toward the cleavage. This can be done by choosing a shift dress with a V-neck especially if it has an attractive embellishment at the neckline.
It also helps if the shift has small geometric patterns, strategic pleats at the front of the dress, or ruching that creates an optical illusion around the belly area. Vertical or diagonal stripes may also help with this.
Are you a rectangle shape?
Rectangles have boyish athletic figures without much waist definition. A belt or fabric that brings in the waistline will give you more of a curvy effect. Certain patterns may also define the waistline. If your arms are not flabby you can pull off a sleeveless or halter-style neckline.
Are you an hourglass figure like Mae West?
Mae had a classic hourglass figure. She was busty with a small waist and curvy hips. You may remember the perfect figure being 36 – 24 – 36. That’s an hourglass. Women over 50 with hourglass figures may not have a tiny 24″ waist but their overall proportions are curvy. You can wear a belt to show off your waist and a V or scoop neck to show off your ample chest.
Macy’s has beautiful and affordable shift dresses for every body type. See what’s new at Macy’s here.
Do you like to wear shift dresses? Please leave a comment below.
Living in CT, there’s nothing cooler than a dress, especially a shift dress. Have quite a collection by now and love them all!
I can imagine Laurie, with all the humidity. A shift dress is perfect.
I have been wearing shorts and T shirts but I make sure to do my hair and put on make up because I record YouTube videos every day. I need to pull out one of my shift dresses just because.
I sometimes wear shorts too but I like tee shirts that are V-neck and they’re not as easy to find. Great that you’re doing videos everyday. I need to start doing that as soon as I have more room.
I am old enough to remember the first ones. OMG, yes, that old.
Loved them then and now. Some were psychedelic back then.