We're in Our 50s and Think These 9 Casual Dress Trends Work for Everyone

Janet Gunn is the inspiring influencer behind The Grateful Gardenia. Originally from Texas, the 58-year-old style guru is now settled in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and dog, Buster. She's worked as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, flight attendant, actor, jewelry designer, and beyond. In other words, she has a ton of experience and an equally cool personal style. Melissa Meyers is a Los Angeles–based influencer with a focus on beauty, style, travel, and wellness. Her blog, The Glow Girl, aims to empower women to embrace the best version of themselves, age gracefully, and cultivate a glow from the inside out. Oh, and don't forget to follow them at @janetgunngratefulgardenia and @melissameyers.
Over-50 fashion influencers Janet Gunn and Melissa Meyers know what’s up in the sartorial department. No, age should have nothing to do with your style choices, but their specific point of view is always of interest to us given their experience testing out a range of looks over the years. Today, we thought we’d tap the duo for their feedback on the chicest summer dress trends that they swear by personally and think could really work for anyone given the timeless and versatile nature of the silhouettes.
So if you’re shopping at the moment or simply want a bit of summer fashion inspiration to note for now or later, keep scrolling for the casual dress trends Gunn and Meyers rely on to create their effortless looks—complete with product recommendations as well.
1. Floral Dresses
"Nothing says springtime like a pretty floral print. Whether out enjoying some fresh air or staying inside the home, we both live in this style." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: Astr the Label dress
2. White Dresses
"So versatile and so on-trend for 2020, a white dress always looks clean and fresh." — Gunn and Meyers
3. Breezy, Printed Dresses
"A warm-weather favorite, pair this dress with a sandal or wedge for an easy, breezy summertime style." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: Natalie Martin dress
4. Midi Dresses
"Wear this popular dress length that falls between a mini and maxi with a wide-brim hat and a chic pair of flats for a cool look." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: Ulla Johnson dress
5. Wrap Dresses
"A wrap dress is so sleek, and we love how it accentuates the waistline." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: Natalie Martin dress
6. Slip Dresses
"The perfect dress to slip into when the temps start to climb. Throw on with sneakers or wear with cute sandals." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: Hark+Hammer dress
7. Kaftans
"Reminiscent of a beachside vacation in a foreign land, wear a kaftan on its own after a day of sunbathing or over a bathing suit as a cover-up." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: Natalie Martin kaftans
8. Short Summer Dresses
"Whether worn with a flat or a heel, a short dress always screams fun." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: LoveShackFancy dress
9. Maxi Dresses
"It’s easy to go with the flow when wearing this full-length style." — Gunn and Meyers
Wearing: Banjanan dress
Next, check out the WFH outfits Gunn and Meyers swear by.
Please note that many of the photos featured here were taken prior to social distancing.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
-
It's Officially a Butter-Yellow Summer—27 of the Chicest Finds at Zara, Nordstrom, and J.Crew
Fashion people love this color trend.
-
The Classic Hero Piece That Fashion People Reach For All Summer Long
Something for every personal style.
-
I've Lived in NYC, L.A., and Boston—Here's Everything I Think Is Chic for Summer
Shop the highly curated list.
-
These 31 Rich-Looking Nordstrom Finds Are Giving "I Summer in the Hamptons"
Minus the trust fund.
-
Haven't Been to Madewell Lately? 36 Summer Clothing Styles I'd Snatch Up ASAP
Hurry—these pieces are bound to sell out.
-
Everyone With Good Taste Is Already Wearing These 7 Chic Summer Pieces
These instantly elevate any look.
-
I'm a New Shopping Editor in NYC—These 31 Gorgeous Summer Nordstrom Finds Have My Attention
PS: Everything's under $150.
-
I'm a Gen Z Shopping Editor—I'm Eyeing These 34 Incredibly Cool Sale Finds From J.Crew and Gap
From now through June 9.