12 Chic Maxi Looks for Curvy Women over 50 (2024)

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.

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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.

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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.

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My friend Imogen from Inside Out Style has a really great post on how to wear a midi skirt or maxi dress for your body shape here.

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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