Q&A: Graduation Dresses for Women Over 40
May 12th, 2009
Q: Do you have [graduation] dress suggestions for women 45+ who are in decent shape? I’ve looked in vain for attractive and vibrant floral pattern dresses that cover a bit more. Plenty of sheaths in black and natural linen, but these seem rather plain for the occasion.
A: Last week, we put together a graduation outfit suitable for a woman in her 20s or 30s. Today, we rounded up a series of dresses that can work for women in their 40s and beyond. We have vibrant patterns, bright colors, and cuts that cover a bit more than the strapless sheath that we featured last week. Here’s our seven favorite picks for graduation dresses:
Ali Ro Print Silk Dress | $62.90 (sale) at Nordstrom
Silk Cotton Floral Dress | $98 at Banana Republic
Cotton Slub Silk Lattice Dress | $99.99 (sale) at J Crew
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Print Sateen Sheath Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
Floral Maxi Dress | $130 at Martin + Osa
Patra Tiered Chiffon Dress | $178 at Nordstrom
Trina Turk Tortoise Dress | $288 at Nordstrom
What would you wear to graduation? Share your style with us in the comments!
Entry Filed under: Q&A,Shopping Guide,Women,Women's
12 Comments
1. Leslie | May 12th, 2009 at 5:03 am
Um…what is DECENT shape? I guess I’m indecent.
2. Joan | May 12th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Love them! Thanks! Could you also suggest some summer dress casual weekend options for this age group?
3. Sal | May 12th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Fantastic picks, all.
4. kim | May 12th, 2009 at 7:23 am
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the floral banana republic dress!
5. Trisha | May 12th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Glad you guys like the dresses – and yes, I’m in love with the floral Banana Republic dress too.
Joan – yes, we can take a look at casual summer dresses for this age group as well. Did you have anything in particular in mind?
6. Joan | May 12th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Actually, I was wondering about casual weekend dress, not necessarily dresses. Things that could be worn as part of a graduation weekend–out to a casual dinner, to a barbecue, out and about. Could be shorts, skirts, pants with suggested tops. I think decent shape only means moderately physically fit for a middle-aged person. These dresses accommodate a range of bodies.
7. Trisha | May 12th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Got it – we can pick out some separates for weekend wear that can work for a large range of body types. Thanks for the clarification, Joan!
8. Neira | May 12th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I want that floral maxi dress! it is absolutely gorgeous. great print
9. Acacia | May 12th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
When I read the headline I was afraid I would find a cavalcade of dowdy dresses. I am delighted I was wrong! Your picks are cute and sexy without being too young or screaming “age appropriate” with caveats about what aging flesh should be hidden. Well done!
10. Trisha | May 13th, 2009 at 12:31 am
Thanks, Acacia! Glad you like the dresses. We’ll have to do more posts like this.
11. Tricia Ann | June 27th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I am Graduation July 3 , 2009 I need Dress
12. susan | October 11th, 2012 at 5:36 am
i love the floral maxi dress,so simple but great.It goes with heels or flats