Can a shorter (I am 5’4) curvy woman wear a maxi after 50? Why not? Maxi dresses or midis are appropriate for women of any body shape, frame, and age. It is important to find the right style. I have had so many questions and comments on this subject. Mary Ann (a petite), Annie (tall) and I decided to tackle this subject. Let’s take a look at 12 Chic Maxi Looks for Curvy Women over 50.
HOW TO CHOOSE MAXI AND MIDIS IF YOU ARE MATURE AND CURVY
Look for maxi or midI dresses that have either an empire waist or fitted waistline. Avoid ones with an over abundance of fabric. Vertical lines and solid colors are your best friend. If you like prints go small. Dresses and skirts that fit and flare flatter. Try looks that accentuate your waist. Don’t let the dress or skirt pool at your feet. It is more attractive if it just grazes the ankle or hits above.
This is the only true maxi dress that I have found to be flattering on me personally. I am long waisted. I removed the self belt and added my own wider belt so it covers more territory. It has long sleeves but it is very lightweight. I paired it wit sandals, a hat and bag from Eric Javits.
SHOP THE LOOK
This midi dress works because the jacket is fitted and nips in at the waist. I am not a huge fan of sneakers with maxis, but I like them with this look. This dress is sleeveless (I normally do not wear sleeveless). This darling life jacket is from Cara Brown Designs.
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Here I am wearing the same dress with a Mer Sea Wrap tied at the waist. This dress is no longer available but I have linked a similar cotton/linen dress. I think a wrap ankle sandal also connects the dress to the shoes.
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V-necks work because they elongate the look and draw the eye downward. The dress above is also a flattering v-neck but is covered by the linen scarf. The linen scarf also covers the sagging arms! I am not a big fan of short sleeves but the sleeve length on this summer dress is very flattering. If your arms are at all saggy steer clear of cap or sleeveless. By the way I found a great linen slip on Amazon that is super lightweight if your white linen dress is see through.
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This shirt dress from J Jill works because it has an a-line shape. I featured this dress styled differently in my post How to Look Chic and Confident in Color. I love the color.
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Try not to choose a maxi or midi with lots of pattern and fabric. This dress from Zara would normally not be flattering on me. There is too much fabric and too much pattern. Because the pattern is small, it “kind of works”. The colors are not flattering on me, so I sent it back. This style could overwhelm someone much smaller.
I love a casual t-shirt dress in the summer. I like to have a couple in my closet. You can wear them with sneakers or flip flops and be comfy and casual. I prefer one that fits a little slimmer through the top and has more of an a line shape for those of us that are curvy. i bought this dress locally at Roux Collective, but Eileen Fisher has a very similar short sleeve version that I have linked below the photo.
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I also love this gray Eileen Fisher t-shirt dress that I am wearing here with sneakers. It has a flattering a line cut as well.
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If you have been reading this blog long, you know that one of my favorite outfits is a maxi skirt with a shirt tied at the waist. You can go back years and you will see me wearing a similar silhouette. Since I am curvy (large bottom & top), I need to accentuate the “only smallish” part of my body. This tends to be my best look. I love this zara skirt and it is a keeper in my wardrobe. The pattern is subtle so it works.
SHOP THE LOOK
You have seen this Eileen Fisher organic terry skirt styled multiple ways here on the blog. Why? Because it is comfy and flattering.
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I also like a fitted michael stars or Cynthia Ashby tee for a more casual look with the CP Shades Lily Skirt.
This look is a little out of my wheelhouse. The skirt is patterned with ruffles (not a fave for me) but it has a slimmer cut. I am not a huge fan of chiffon, polyester or rayon fabrics that aren’t natural. I do love this skirt and wear it fairly often. I think this works with a favorite tee and fitted jean jacket. You can find similar laid back london sandals on eBay here.
SHOP THE LOOK
You might also enjoy my post that I did with Jennifer ,of a Well Styled Life, on Dresses. We shared more midi and maxi looks.
Thank you for reading 12 Chic Maxi Looks for Curvy Women over 50. I am anxious to hear how you feel about this subject. Do you avoid fashion trends? Is a maxi or midi part of your summer wardrobe, or do you think long dresses are not attractive on mature women? Let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann for some petite and tall styles and start the conversation.
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Hello and thank you for posting such beautiful ensembles. I just discovered your site this afternoon. My sister and I will be traveling to Italy and France next May and are looking to maximize our “looks” with a minimum of pieces. You’ve successfully done that with a few of these. If you’re really considered “curvy”, you’ve hidden it well. Smaller hips but larger waist and top is what we are searching to “disguise”. Any and all help would be appreciate..thank you. (We love your style).
Love all your looks, but did I miss something? Where is Martha Steward (I’m a fan)?
Hi Eileen
Here is the link that was in my most recent post https://footwearnews.com/business/business-news/martha-stewart-womens-empowerment-aging-1203472556/
Enjoy!!
Love all the looks but are these this year’s shopables? Are they from years past? Hope not cause they are so stylish.
Nice clothes … but where’s the “curvy” models? These women are not overweight or a true representation of plus size.
Hi Sue
I don’t think curvy necessarily means you are a plus size, but a body type. You can purchase curvy jeans in all sizes. I believe you could be a plus size and not qualify as curvy, but yet a pear or an apple. Correct me if I am wrong! I am no expert. I have a curvy shape which means I have a large chest and butt.
Love all of these dress on you Cindy! I personally love dresses and wear them all of the time. You are right you have to find the ones that work with your shape and body.
Have a great week!
Hi Elizabeth
I wish I had your cute figure, I could wear a lot more!
Cindy I just love your look ! You always look amazing !
I love the black 3/4 sleeve tee shirt dress! I looked at the web site that you provided- is that the brand or the shop where you purchased it. All of your selections are great!
Hi Ann
Yes if you contact Jacque at Roux I am sure she can get one for you. I am wearing a small.
Pretty looks Cindy! I actually loved the Zara on you. I thought your advice is great here.
I am short waisted with a low bust line . I find it hard to find a waistline that works. You say you are curvy, but I think you are very slender and look great in everything!
Fun posts and many great accessories too!
x Kim
Hi Kim
I am curvy trust me! I am not at all slender. I just wear clothes that make me look thinner (most of the time). You look so cute in dresses above the knee. You are so lucky you can wear them!
I love the different ways you put these looks together. I think the patterned, ruffled skirt is super cute on you. Denim jackets never go out of style. Thanks for all the styling ideas.
Hi Diane
I like that skirt because the design is subtle and it is a flattering shape. You are welcome! Thanks for reading!
You look beautiful in all your selections, but the citron dress looks definitely very special on you. I personally love maxi dresses and appreciate how they cover some of our less flattering parts, if we look throughout the times. That’s what women wore mostly.
Hi Liana
I agree…they can hide a multitude of sins if worn properly!
Looking good in the maxi looks. The citron with the turquoise is my favorite but I like them all.
Hi Linda
Thank you so nuch! I like the combination of the citron & turquoise as well.
The lime green with turquoise look is beyond beautiful! You have shown me that I too can enjoy the boho look with maxi skirt (cp shades) and linen blouse with tied waist. Love it! Many thanks!
Hi Constance
I hope they never quit making that skirt. It is a good one!
The citron with the turquoise hits it out of the park! I also love the white blouse with a maxi… going to copy that! This was fun, as always!
Hi Mary Ann
You look so much better in pattern and maxi dresses than I and you are shorter! You show petites they can wear whatever they want.
Love, love, love all the outfits — you have such a great sense of style, and lucky me, I am also short and have a similar body type to you, so I am hoping I look as good when I attempt to duplicate your looks with items from my closet. I also love that you show favourite pieces in various ways over time — makes the whole process seem very realistic.
Hi Lisa
I don’t just buy a bunch of stuff to sell. I am sometimes criticized for that, but I believe we should buy things we can wear over and over again in different ways.
Exactly! Very important.
Cindy! You really do know how to rock a maxi skirt or dress! I love every look! I agree with you that big patterns can overwhelm,…it’s the same when you’re tall..,it’s A LOT of pattern!!
I love how you wear a crisp white shirt with a maxi! It could be formal or beachy!!
It was fun doing this post today!!
Xx
~ Hi Cindy H. Just wanted to say that you always look elegant, polished and stylish. Your personal style is inspirational, esp. your infectious smile! ~
I do love all these styles, in theory – and you’ve hit the nail on the head with the ‘best in show’ for certain body types…I prefer the natural fibers that can be laundered at home, no iron, easy. I prefer a knee-length dress for every day, but the longer ones look so elegant and perfect for traveling! Well done, Cindy!!
Loving all the dresses/shirts on you! You are only 5’4″ but perfectly proportioned – lucky you!
I am on the hunt for a dress or two for a couple of Autumn weddings. Thank you for sharing these outfits and inspiring.
I ran into Wren yesterday – serendipity, for sure. A visit in the future, for sure.
Love your minimalist style and the way you accessorize.. Those bracelets 💕I’m 5’3”, inverted triangle body shape.. My challenge is finding dresses that are slimmer cut on the bottom. Also opposite of you, I cover my legs because they are thin. I find fabric quality and drape makes all the difference. Thanks for all the ideas.
You have such beautiful style — love! I do smile to myself, though, that you refer to yourself as curvy. I guess it reinforces what I’ve found manufacturers mean by “curvy fit” — a classic hourglass, perfect for fashion, with small waist and larger bust and hips. Your recommendations are ideal for that hourglass shape.
I am tall, but I am always careful with these long print dresses. I always ask myself, am I wearing this dress or is it wearing me?
Love your style, Cindy. I am built differently with different assets and challenges, but do my best to adapt the looks to work for me, as I’m guessing many of your readers do. Any tips on minimizing or enhancing various body issues are appreciated. Thanks for the great inspiration!
I have the J.Jill linen dress in henna and pale yellow from last year and just go the orange from this year. I love these dresses as you can wear as a dress or a duster with slacks. Great linen and great colors !
So easy and elegant all at the same time.