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

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(Image credit: Janet Gunn and Melissa Meyers)

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

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(Image credit: Melissa Meyers)

"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

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(Image credit: Janet Gunn)

"So versatile and so on-trend for 2020, a white dress always looks clean and fresh." — Gunn and Meyers

3. Breezy, Printed Dresses

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(Image credit: Melissa Meyers)

"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

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(Image credit: Melissa Meyers)

"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

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(Image credit: Janet Gunn)

"A wrap dress is so sleek, and we love how it accentuates the waistline." — Gunn and Meyers

Wearing: Natalie Martin dress

6. Slip Dresses

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(Image credit: Melissa Meyers and Janet Gunn)

"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

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(Image credit: Janet Gunn and Melissa Meyers)

"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

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(Image credit: Melissa Meyers)

"Whether worn with a flat or a heel, a short dress always screams fun." — Gunn and Meyers

Wearing: LoveShackFancy dress

9. Maxi Dresses

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(Image credit: Janet Gunn)

"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. 

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Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven 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. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.