Dressing Room Diary- Casual Dresses

The response to my question about dresses on Monday was a resounding yes, so I have begun my hunt for some wearable, casual dresses for women over 50. I stopped in to do a try-on session on my way home from a particularly tough visit to the dentist. You’ll see one side of my face is frozen solid in some of these photos from that try-on session and others, and it’s not when I revisited the following day.

If you’re new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see what’s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5’4″ and weigh around 140 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. You’ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see what’s in the stores and get some styling ideas. I will tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.

This long sleeve maxi shirtdress has pockets, which is a big plus in my book. It comes in this blue or tan with side slits for ease of movement. I’m wearing a small, which feels large, so I would suggest you size down. It’s a substantial fabric, so you don’t need a slip with this one. It’s available in sizes XXS-XXL.

I wish I had seen this dress before my trip to Miami because it’s great! The fabric is opaque and lightweight, so it’ll be perfect in hot weather. The sleeves are a huge plus in my book, and the front tie gives the bodice some lovely shaping. It comes in a stripe, navy, and this green which is selling out fast in sizes XXS-XXL…I did order the navy for my upcoming trip to visit my brother in Mexico.

This striped dress is a mix of horizontal and vertical stripes in a loose-fitting linen blend. It’s cut on the looser side so that you could size down for a more fitted look. The 3/4 sleeves have a contrasting stripe and elastic at the bottom so that you can push them up. The waist is slightly high but not an empire. It comes in this blue or a white stripe sizes XXS-XXL.

This floral maxi dress is a rayon blend that will be very cool in hot weather. The tiered skirt lays flat rather than poof out because the fabric drapes. The short sleeves have elastic, which I think I would snip and remove. This blue is so fresh and pretty. It comes in sizes XXS-XXL.

This Treasure and Bond dress has vacation written all over it to me. It’s loose-fitting in breathable cotton with balloon sleeves and a ruffled hem. The fabrics have definite boho vibes, which would work around town or in a tropical climate. It comes in sizes 00-18.

I loved this dress on the hanger and even more on my body. This small was too snug for me, so I ordered the medium because they seemed to be selling out fast. It has a gently fitted bodice with a drawstring tie at the waist and rang every bell for me. The sleeves are fluttery but not too girly, and the ruffle at the bottom is soft and not obtrusive. It’s a print I happen to love, and that’s saying a lot because most dresses are florals, and I haven’t gotten comfy wearing them (yet). I plan to wear it with both blue and white denim jackets until the really hot weather hits, and then it’ll work perfectly on its own. I may get it hemmed an inch or two when it arrives because it’s meant to be just below the knee. Yes, this is a splurge, but I seldom buy dresses and have been wanting one. OK, back to the DRD for you 😊.

Here’s a terrific little linen dress with a pin-tuck pleated bodice and short sleeves. The pleats give it some shaping without being snug. The linen is substantial, so you won’t need a slip which I also appreciate in hot weather. It comes in sizes 00-20. I love the drape of this fabric, and the length is really nice.

This mocked dress is in a breathable Tencel/linen blend. It’s unlined but opaque, so a slip would be optional. The 3/4 sleeves have elastic at the bottom, which I pushed up. I’m seeing a lot of dresses and tops with this square neckline this spring. It has side pockets which is always a plus in my book. This dress comes in sizes 0-14.

This dress seems to be selling fast because the only sizes left in my store was XS and L. This is large, and you can see the extra fabric on the hips, so I need the medium. I love the color and unique plaid of this. It’s the sort of dress you could dress up for a shower or wedding and dress down with flat sandals and a cardi. It’s a rayon blend that drapes nicely. It comes in sizes 00-16.

This shirt dress also comes in white, but I decided to try on this fresh, fun green which is trending for spring. The bodice is fitted, which is a nice option and gives you some shape plus, the notched collar adds a bit more structure. This is 10% cotton and comes in sizes 00-18.

Another spring/summer dress with a fitted bodice and ruffled bottom. The straps are nice and wide enough to cover your bra straps. It’s a rayon/linen blend that buttons down the front and comes in sizes 00-18. It’s got a very nice shape, and I’d likely wear this with my Nic+Zoe cardi for some arm coverage.

The dress is clean, but the mirror obviously has some schmutz on it. This gauze dress comes in 3 colors in sizes 00-18. I think this would be fun with a belt, make a great bathing suit coverup, and just be cool in hot weather. It’s machine-washable, 100% cotton, so perfect for hot summer days.

This dress is way too snug on me, but I managed to button it to show you how it looks. It’s got long sleeves with smocking on the cuffs. I would call these 3/4 sleeves, not full-length. It has a ruffle on the bottom and is a floral print. It has a drawstring waist, with buttons up the front, and comes in sizes XXS-XXL.

I spotted this matching top and skirt that looks like a dress when you tuck the top in. Nic+Zoe is showing a lot of large florals for spring this year.

Bad angle for a photo of this dress because it’s not as long as it looks. I love the fresh blue and white stripe in a crisp cotton that has a lovely polished finish. The side ties snug the waist all the way around. The V is modest, and the length is 48″. It comes in sizes 00-16W.

This is my first run at dresses for you, and I’ll have more in the future. These photos remind me of how important self-tanner is for my legs. I’ll have a roundup of some of the best self-tanners and leg makeup for mature skin on the blog tomorrow. And yes, “hose” is back for spring/summer 2023, but I won’t be wearing it when it’s blistering hot.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.