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You don’t have to pay a stylist the big bucks in order to find flattering, fashionable dresses after 40. The trick is to keep an eye out for silhouettes that work with your body, highlighting features you want to highlight while drawing attention away from the ones you don’t. If the goal is to find sculpting designs that keep eyes off your midsection, you’ll want to check out the 17 waist-slimming dresses ahead, all of which feel trendy without being juvenile.
Combining curve-defining silhouettes with fashionable fabrics, these dresses prove that great style has no age limit. Whether you’re looking for elevated styles to wear on special occasions or a casual something for fun weekend plans, you’re bound to find it on this list. The best part? Each piece is also budget-friendly, with styles starting at just $20.
17 Waist-Slimming Dresses That Prove Style Gets Better After 40
Beautiful, Brunch Worthy-Styles
1. Our Absolute Favorite: Great for everything from spring brunches to family dinners, this tie-waist wrap dress has garnered thousands of five-star ratings.
2. Shopper Favorite: With over 1,000 bought in the last month, this floral chiffon pick is going viral just in time for the sunny season.
3. Must-Have Maxi: Complete with a skinny tie at the waist, this breezy printed maxi is a great way to subtly highlight your curves.
4. Boutique-Looking: Prettygarden’s ruched waist midi dress comes across as high-end and boutique-worthy, thanks to its fit-and-flare shape and eyelet fabric.
5. Puff-Sleeve Perfection: This ruffled floral midi design could easily pass as a more expensive brand due to those bold puff sleeves and pleated bodice.
Casual, Yet Cute Finds
6. Our Absolute Favorite: Comfy and figure-flattering, this ruched midi dress has a tie feature, allowing you to make it as loose or as tight as you want.
7. Has Pockets: Featuring side pockets and a tie waistline, Merokeety’s striped T-shirt dress is the ultimate combination of fashion and function.
8. Secretly Comfy: No one will know that you’re prioritizing comfort in this boho-inspired sundress, which has a chic, tiered skirt and ruffle sleeves.
9. Two-in-One: Zattcas’ two-in-one midi dress is essentially a pre-made outfit, making it look like you put in more effort into your look than you actually did.
Breezy Vacation Picks
10. Our Absolute Favorite: In our opinion, this strapless Greecian-style dress is one of the best vacation-worthy options on Amazon.
11. Halterneck Hero: Thanks to its tightened bodice, Dokotoo’s floral halterneck dress subtly defines the waistline.
12. Prettiest Prints: This one-shoulder maxi comes in multiple floral prints and will make the most stunning choice for spring and summer weddings.
13. Tummy-Hiding: Cover up your tummy while also defining the waist! Slip on Lillusory’s ruched waist mini dress, which is made of a soft and stretchy fabric.
Elevated Evening Styles
14. Our Absolute Favorite: Dazzle during date night with a short, A-line pick that swishes as you walk.
15. Pleats, Please: This pleated waist option from Steve Madden has a sleek, structured design that makes it feel unique.
16. Babydoll Beauty: Pair an empire waist babydoll dress with a pendant necklace, woven clutch and wedge heels for a cute spring cocktail party outfit.
17. Rave Reviews: Last but not least is this tie-waist skater design, which shoppers say is “so soft and flattering.”
