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. On the other hand, if you choose a style to fit your body shape, a shift can be not only 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 relegated to only wearing it at your 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 silk shift dress by Lilysilk is soft and glamorous.
This Mock Neck Shift Dress by Ann Taylor is a classic and is chic!
I started wearing shift dresses when I was in high school, The daisy-patterned shift I have on below was 10” above my knees. I was 16 at the time but wouldn’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 that has 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 so unless you have a perfect figure, it may not be a good option. Shifts are looser and more forgiving, especially for older women.
The style of shift dress you choose should be determined by your body shape
We all come in different sizes and shapes so look for shift dresses that are most flattering for your body shape.
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 that has a darker color on the sides or is layered. But you can also take advantage of the fact that you have a smaller waist by belting your dress to accentuate that asset.
Are you apple-shaped?
A woman who is an apple shape carries most of her weight in her belly. She may also have ample cleavage and gorgeous legs. The best way to take the emphasis away from the belly is to direct it 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 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 that are straight up and down without much waist definition. A belt or fabric that brings in the waistline will give you more of a curve effect. Also, certain patterns may define the waistline as well. If your arms are toned, you can pull off a sleeveless or a halter-style neckline.
Are you an hourglass like Mae West?
Mae had a classic hourglass figure. Her breasts were buxom, she had a small waist and curvy hips. You may remember the perfect figure being 36 – 24 – 36. That’s an hourglass. Women over 50 who have 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.
Laurie Stone says
Living in CT, there’s nothing cooler than a dress, especially a shift dress. Have quite a collection by now and love them all!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I can imagine Laurie, with all the humidity. A shift dress is perfect.
Antionette Blake says
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.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
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.
Carol Cassara says
I am old enough to remember the first ones. OMG, yes, that old.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Loved them then and now. Some were psychedelic back then.