Flattering Dresses to Wear No Matter Your Age or Taste

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

PSA: Just because you've reached a certain age doesn't mean you have to limit your wardrobe choices. Women over 50 can and should be able to flaunt their frames in body-skimming styles, and one of the best ways to do so is in a dress. Whether you've been invited to a wedding this winter or you're looking for something to wear to work, there's a silhouette for every age, style, and body shape. From figure-hugging wrap dresses to fit-and-flare cocktail dresses, here are the most flattering dresses to wear this season and beyond.

The Somerset Maxi Dress

Strategic shirring at the waist brings out the hourglass in any figure, while a blue geometric print proves that dresses with coverage need not be boring. The maxi is also available in velvet, which just so happens to be T&C contributor Lauren Hubbard's favorite festive piece.

Size Range: XS-3X

Colors: 7+

Material: Cotton

Catalina Fit & Flare Dress

The fitted top of this breezy dress highlights your arms and shows off your waist without constricting your movement: ideal for a night of drinks and dancing.

Size Range: XXS-XXL

Colors: 15

Materials: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

Long Sleeve Fit & Flare Velvet Embellished Cocktail Dress

The maximalist's version of the modest cocktail dress. Need we say more?

Size Range: 0-12

Colors: Black

Material: 100% Polyester

Black Halo Women's 3/4 Sleeve Jackie O Dress

A folded neckline add visual interest and a hint of allure to an otherwise classic sheath style.

Size Range: 0-14

Colors: 5

Materials: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

More: The Best Work Dresses for Women

Sleeveless Lace Floral Cocktail Dress

Lace adds instant sex appeal, proving a knee-length dress can be just as sultry as a mini.

Size Range: S-XL

Colors: 15+

Materials: 65% Rayon, 35% Polyester

Jeanne Silk Jersey Wrap Dress

Diane von Furstenberg made her name on her signature wrap dress, and for good reason—it's timelessly stylish and looks great on practically everybody.

Size Range: 00-16

Color: Black & White

Material: 100% Silk

The Ribbed Wrap Midi Dress

A wrap-style sweater dress is a great anytime option—style it with pair of slouchy boots or loafers for a casual look that's still stylish, or pair it with heels for a night out.

Size Range: XXS-XL

Colors: Black, Green

Materials: 65% Viscose, 35% Recycled Nylon

Norma Kamali Diana Gown

Ruching all the way down the sides of this one-shoulder dress allows it to hug your curves perfectly while also disguising any areas you'd rather not highlight.

Size Range: XXS-XL

Colors: 25+

Materials: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

The Perfect A-line 3/4 Sleeve Dress

The perfect knee-length dress doesn't exi... Oh wait, it actually does. Featuring 3/4 sleeves and an A-line fit that nips at the waist, Spanx's dress is made of a smoothing fabric that looks beyond flattering on all body shapes and can transition effortlessy from work to play.

Size Range: XS-3X

Colors: Black, Navy

Material: Ponte Fabric

Faven Dress

When in doubt, go for polka-dots. While you're at it, throw on a pair of spectator shoes. Very Kate Middleton of you.

Size Range: XXS-XXXL

Colors: Black & White

Materials: 100% Polyester (outer), 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex (lining)

Animal Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress

A leopard print is a fun fashion "do" at any age.

More: Stylish Leopard Print Coats to Be Spotted in This Season

Off the Shoulder Beaded Satin Trumpet Gown

For formal affairs, the portrait neckline is uber sophisticated. Also, notice the beaded details on the sleeves and at the back! A show-stopping dress if we do say so ourselves.

Size Range: 0-18

Colors: Navy

Material: 100% Polyester

The Havana Dress

Add some dimension to your look with Brochu Walker's puff-sleeved maxi shirt dress. It comes in a rainbow of colors for all seasons, like this burnt siena, and a great year-round layering piece. T&C Associate Shopping Editor Sophie Dweck calls it "the most versatile wardrobe staple you'll ever own." Wear it with a belt for a figure-flattering look or loose to keep things easy breezy—you'll look chic either way.

Size Range: XS-L

Colors: 15+

Materials: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton

Cece Knit Wrap Dress

The mossy hue on this mid-length asymmetrical dress makes for a nice change from the usual black and navy.

Size Range: XXS-XXL

Colors: 3

Material: 86% Viscose Rayon, 14% Polyester.

Harpson Finesse Crepe Sheath Dress

Work, weekend, wedding invites—whatever you schedule throws at you, this figure-friendly sheath dress has your back.

Size Range: 2-18

Colors: Black, Purple

Material: Acetate/Polyester

Navy Tweed Jackie Dress

Take the tweed trend for a spin this season with a timeless Jackie O-inspired mini.

Size Range: XXS-XXXL

Colors: 10+

Material: 100% Polyester

Demetria Caped Midi Dress

A bold color and femme cape team up for a dress that positively screams "drama."

Size Range: 2-14

Colors: 1

Material: 34% Silk, 66% Viscose

Distressed Vintage Wash

An easy, breezy denim shirt dress is guaranteed to be something you reach for all the time once the weather starts heating up.

Size Range: XXS-XL

Washes: 6

Material: 100% Italian Cotton

Macy Mock Neck Ribbed Dress

A turtleneck dress is the kind of dress you can wear everywhere, no matter the season.

Size Range: XS-XL

Colors: 6

Materials: 48% Cotton, 48% Modal, 4% Spandex

Danika Tunic Dress

When in doubt, go Lilly. Her prints are perfect for summer.

Size Range: 00-16

Material: 100% Rayon

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, there's only one essential factor to choosing the best dress for you—it's the one that makes you feel amazing. Of course, as trends, our bodies, and our tastes change over the years, it's natural to feel occasionally overwhelmed trying to figure out what will give you that feeling, so there are a few general rules of thumb.

Knee-length and midi-length dresses are universally flattering, with the added bonus of being versatile for a variety of occasions (you'll never have to stress about feeling too skimpy.) Options that cinch in at the waist, whether with tailoring, a wrap style, or smocking, create a slimming effect that automatically draws the eye and emphasizes your shape, Any cut can work to highlight your favorite parts, though; just be sure to balance things out by only showing off one at at time—flaunting your shoulders, then skip the leg slit, or vice versa to keep things elegant. And while neutrals are timeless and always a good option, don't let age hold you back from making a statement with color or prints—a vibrant risk is both youthful and fashionable.

You Might Also Like

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game