The Beauty of Ruffled Maxi Dresses
Ruffled maxi dresses are a must-have wardrobe staple, which offer an effortless and timeless look to any ensemble.
With its free-flowing fit, lightweight material, and beautiful detailing, a ruffled maxi dress will make you feel confident and elegant as you take on your day in style.
Flattering Maxi Dress Styles for Women Over 40
Ruffled maxi dresses are a great fashion choice for women over 40 as they are incredibly flattering.
This type of dress is sometimes designed with an empire waist, cinching right beneath the bust and helping to hide any unwanted belly fat.
And sometimes, the cinching is designed at the waist.
Additionally, the long maxi silhouette creates an elongated and slim look that is universally flattering to any figure.
They are perfect for flaunting curves and creating flattering silhouettes on all body shapes, regardless of age.
Ruffles add layers of femininity and grace to the dress, making it an easy and stylish way to express yourself.
Beautiful, feminine prints also break up any unflattering “boxiness” a mono-colored dress might create (if there are no a-line designs, slits, cinched waists, belts, or other flattering design aspects).
Every body shape looks best in an outfit that skims over curves without clinging too tightly, and ruffled maxi dresses provide just the right amount of roominess for this to look its best.
How to Accessorize
Accessorizing a maxi dress to elevate your look is as easy as adding a few special pieces.
- For a casual summer style, add a wide-brimmed hat, bold statement jewelry, and stylish sandals.
- Keep your jewelry simple if you’re attending an event or going out with family or friends- choose small metallic hoop earrings or bangle bracelets for subtle elegance.
- To dress up a maxi dress for cooler evening weather, or an overcast, rainy day throw on a light, colorful sweater or wrap yourself in an alluring shawl for added warmth and chicness.
- Finishing touches – purses, and belts can help bring any outfit together. A clutch, a large tote, or an intricately woven belt to accentuate the waist before heading out will look great!
- A great pair of sandals, wedges, or flip-flops will pair nicely, depending on the occasion.
No matter the occasion- from the beach to picnics or BBQs, these maxi dresses are versatile and can easily be elevated with the right accessory choices.
With these tips, accessorizing has never been simpler.
Ruffled Maxi Dresses: Our 12 Best Flattering Picks for Women Over 40
These timeless pieces can work with any style, from bohemian looks to classic formal wear.
Wrap yourself in one of these beauties all summer long!
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1.) BerryGo Women’s Boho V Neck Ruffle Floral Wrap Maxi Dress
This gorgeous BerryGo Women’s Ruffle Maxi Dress features pretty butterfly sleeves, a wrap neckline, an empire waist with an undetachable belt and ruffle trimming.
The ruffled hemline design brings a unique swing and flare look when walking. For best care results, cold hand wash only, using a gentle soap, do not tumble dry, and avoid bleaching. Sizes range up to size 14.
2.) YACUN Women Summer Bohemian Wrap Dress
Yacun’s Casual Maxi Wrap Dress is made up of high-quality cotton blend fabric, which is very soft and comfortable but has no elasticity and wrinkles easily.
The unique wrap design features a high split with a frill hemline, and short lotus leaf sleeves, and is available in Polka Dot or Floral prints, and sizes up to XXL.
With a safety button closure, you can adjust your dress for a deep V-neck or not. Machine washable, this will quickly become your go-to casual maxi wrap dress for any occasion!
3.) MakeMeChic Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress
Make a statement with the MakeMeChic Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress. This stunning piece features flounce sleeves, a scoop neck, frill trim, and a shirred bust.
Crafted in 100% polyester fabric that is skin-friendly and comfy, this dress has no stretch and is the perfect choice for a casual boho style. Available in XL-4XL.
With an all-over floral print, ruffled-edged flounce sleeves, and flared maxi silhouette, you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd in this fabulous plus-size maxi dress! Machine washable for easy care.
4.) BerryGo Women’s Boho V Neck Ruffle Floral Wrap Maxi Dress
The BerryGo Women’s Green True-Wrap Maxi Dress is crafted in 100% polyester, features a butterfly sleeve and wrap v-neckline, empire waist with an undetachable belt, wrap skirt with ruffle trimming, and a ruffle hemline.
Perfect for special occasions, make sure to hand wash this stunning piece in cold water using a mild gentle soap with no bleach for best care results. Available sizes 4-14. An elegant true-wrap maxi dress that will make you look fabulous!
5.) YACUN Women Summer Casual Maxi Dress
Look your best in the YACUN Women Summer Casual Maxi Dress. This beautiful piece is crafted out of a high-quality cotton blend fabric, making it soft and comfortable to wear all summer long.
Tie closure ensures easy wearability. This dress has no elasticity and may wrinkle easily but with proper care (hang dry, iron) is an ideal choice for any occasion. Machine washable for easy care.
Sizes available from S-XL but not recommended for larger chests sizes E-F (may need a tank underneath).
6.) MakeMeChic Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress
Make a great impression in the MakeMeChic Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress!
Made from 100% Polyester, this fabric has no stretch but is skin-friendly and comfy to wear.
Featuring a ruffled-edged flounce sleeve, scoop neck, frill trim, shirred bust, and floral print, this dress provides a classic, feminine silhouette.
The flared maxi style combined with a boho chic look creates an effortless look for any occasion. Available sizes XL-4X. Machine washable for easy care. Enjoy your summer days in this beautiful plus-size maxi dress from MakeMeChic!
7.) Nemidor Womens Plus Size Maxi Dress
The Nemidor Women’s Casual Plus Size Maxi Dress is made from soft, comfy, mid-weight, and stretchy t-shirt material, with a pleated waist that gives a ruffled flow, this dress is sure to flatter all body types.
Features include side pockets, a slit, a loose fit, an attached modest waist tie, a classic v-neckline, and a regular short sleeve. The elastic and high pleated waist design enhances your curves for a flattering look. Made in sizes 14-26.
Hand wash or machine wash with like colors and hang to dry for easy care. Step out looking classy and feeling comfortable in this timeless maxi dress from Nemidor!
8.) BerryGo Women’s Boho V Neck Ruffle Floral Wrap Maxi Dress
The BerryGo Women’s V Neck Ruffle Maxi Dress is crafted from 100% polyester for a soft and comfortable fit, this dress features pretty butterfly sleeves and a wrap v-neckline for a beautiful look.
It also has an empire waist with an undetachable belt and wrap skirt with ruffle trimming. The ruffle hemline design brings a swing and flair look to your walking; making it perfect for any special occasion.
For best care, cold hand wash separately, do not tumble dry, using mild gentle soap without bleach. Current sizes 4-14.
9.) MakeMeChic Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress
Make a statement with the MakeMeChic Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress.
This dress is made from 100% polyester fabric that has no stretch but is skin-friendly and comfy.
It features flounce sleeves with ruffled edges, a scoop neck, a frill trim, a shirred bust, and floral print in beautiful colors, this dress looks great with heels or sandals.
The flared silhouette and boho style of this maxi dress makes it perfect for any special occasion. Best of all, it’s machine washable for easy care and comes in sizes XL-3XL.
Buyer Beware
Anytime you are shopping from any online retailer there is a certain amount of risk involved.
After all, you are not in a retail setting where you can tangibly examine the fit, the material, and the workmanship of the item you intend to purchase.
In order to get the most satisfying results from online shopping, remember to:
- if possible, filter your products for the highest ratings.
- know your body type; the areas you want to enhance, and those you’d like to minimize.
- become familiar with the style of clothing that flatters your body type.
- read the return policy, return instructions, and returns timeline.
- choose the cloth or material that you feel best wearing (I don’t mind polyester!)
- be prepared for some imperfections
- expect that with mass-produced clothing, not everything will perfectly fit your specific and unique body.
- be self-sufficient- sew a ripped seam, wash out stiffness or factory odors, iron out wrinkles, follow the care instructions carefully, and take in a hem if you need to. It’s no big deal.
- follow the tips below for maximum joy and confidence while wearing your clothing.
Tips on How to Wear a Ruffled Maxi Dress
When wearing a ruffled maxi dress, it helps to start with a solid foundation!
This may sound old-fashioned, but it’s timeless advice:
- Opt for nude-colored underwear- it’s the best choice as it won’t be visible under sheer layered, or light fabrics.
- Likewise, wear skin-toned slips- slips are so underutilized these days!
- If you feel comfortable doing so, wear some form of tummy-control underwear. These will keep your curves sleek and boost your confidence.
- Wear a good-quality, supportive bra. It doesn’t have to be full of underwire or uncomfortable- but it should have a good structure- be sure it fits, and that it’s not worn and misshapen.
- Shave, or don’t. Whatever your preference, these are summer dresses and we do lift our arms and bare our legs!
- If you’re wearing sandals, wedges, or flip-flops, check out this 5-minute pedicure that will have your tootsies looking beach vacation perfect in no time flat!!!
Not sure if your bra fits well?
Put on your outfit and take several well-lit pictures from a few different angles, and from a distance of 6-8 feet- this should provide a good indication of whether or not you need to invest in a better bra.
These few tips can easily make your breezy, summer look feel more put together and add an extra level of modesty and glamour.
Did you Know?
It takes the same amount of time to throw on a slip and a dress as it does a pair of pants and a top, or a top and shorts.
And sometimes a dress is even faster- especially if you don’t need the slip!
But the difference between wearing a beautiful, flattering, flowing dress and a pair of pants is like night and day- you will look and feel more polished and put together, but it took no extra effort, and ultimately, confidence is key!
No matter what the occasion, a maxi dress is an ideal choice for any wardrobe. With its versatility and effortless look, you can create many different looks in no time.
And now that you know how to accessorize your maxi dress, you’re sure to make a statement wherever you go!