When the weather starts getting warm, it’s time to get out your shift dresses! They’re so comfy, cool, and airy, and depending on the style they can work for any shape, size, or age.
I’ve never been a fan of jeans
Call me weird, but jeans have never worked with my high-waist and poochy tummy. Stretch pants are okay, but they get old after a while. A simple dress is feminine and gives you some breathing space.
Shift dresses are fashionable and breezy
The reason I wear them practically every day in spring or summer is that they’re loose, easy to slip on and off, and keep me cool.
In a way, they’re sort of a modern-day housedress but not schlumpy like Grandma’s old housecoat. Remember those shapeless wonders?
I remember wearing them in the late 60s and early 70s when I was in high school, The daisy-patterned dress I have on below was 10” above my knees. I don’t recommend that length when over 50 unless you’re super skinny and have fabulous legs. Knee-length is the most flattering for women of any age.
Shift dresses are styled with simplicity in mind. Most are A-line cut so they hide your flaws whether you have a large tummy, big hips, or ample breasts. You can find styles that have sleeves to cover up your wing flaps.
Don’t confuse them with a sheath dresses
Sheaths are designed to be form fitting so unless you have a perfect figure, shift dresses are a better choice. They’re much more forgiving on an older figure.
I found the shift dress I’m wearing below at Nordstrom Rack. I loved it so much I bought two, one in red and another in blue. (Excuse the pandemic multi-toned hair)
Choose a shift dress best suited for your body shape
We all come in different sizes and shapes so look for shift dresses most flattering for yours
Are you a pear shape?
A pear-shaped body is smaller in the waist and bust with heavier hips. If that’s you, look at shift dresses that are classic A-lines. The best way to diminish a large bottom is to choose a dress with a layer or a dark color at the bottom.
Are you an apple shape?
Apple’s carry most of their weight in their bellies so you want to make sure your shift dress is loose fitting. Your legs are likely to be thin or shapely so you can flaunt them while covering up your midsection.
No Curves – no problem
Some women have boyish athletic figures. The best style, in that case, are those with pretty patterns, a deep neckline, or patterns that add the illusion of curves.
Is your figure Mae West? Come on down and see me sometime
Mae was a classic hourglass figure. She had large breasts, a small waist, and curvy hips.
Some designs are styled to accentuate the waistline and are wider at the hips.
If you have large breasts V-neck shift dresses will accentuate your cleavage and if your arms are saggy, look for a dress with ¾ length sleeves.
I love this classy knit eyelet shift dress by Rafaella. It’s so flattering!
Whatever your shape, shift dresses are an easy way to look attractive and be comfortable just about anywhere.
Check out all the dresses on the Nordstrom website here.
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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.