In my younger years, I used to love a strapless dress. There wasn't an event in my 20s that I didn't try to wear one to, from weddings to office parties. But as I've gotten older I've shied away from strapless occasion wear, worried it's a trend that's no longer for me.
But thanks to a slew of celebrities embracing the pretty, graceful look, including Pamela Anderson, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Garner, I'm thinking maybe it's time I threw those insecurities out of the window and gave a strapless dress another go.
I turned to award-winning stylist Susie Hasler for her expert advice. "Bandeau dresses can be incredibly flattering - it’s all about how you style them and finding the right cut for your body," she told me. "They offer a clean neckline that really opens up the shoulders and can elongate the neck beautifully. For women over 40, they’re a chic choice that can look timeless with the right fit."
© Getty"And strapless dresses aren’t just for evening events or beach holidays. For a daytime look, opt for a soft cotton bandeau dress or a smocked bodice that offers support without structure. Pair with flat sandals, a straw tote and minimal jewellery for effortless summer chic."
I do, after all, love the clean, blank canvas of a strapless dress neckline which is crying out for a statement piece of jewellery, be it earrings or necklace, or just left to let your skin be the star and glow.
- A strapless dress for bigger busts: Karen Millen Peplum Midi Dress, £149 / $299
- The tummy flattering strapless dress: Club L Stellara Polka Dot Strapless Dress, £190 / $305
- A strapless wedding guest dress: Reformation Arta Dress, £248
- The strapless maxi dress: Adrianna By Adrianna Papell Floral Satin Strapless Dress, £150 / $299
- A casual strapless dress to try: M&S Strapless textured Dress, £32
I think a strapless mother of the bride is effortlessly stylish, too, and not one to be dismissed; there's options with matching cropped jackets which look sophisticated and just as perfect for the occasion as a shift or longer sleeved dress. Same goes for a strapless wedding guest dress; instant chic.
© GettyI noticed I'm not alone in my friendship group, and asked a few friends in their 40s and 50s, who never wear strapless dresses, for their burning questions on making one work for them and their hang-ups.
Can I wear a strapless dress with a large chest?
“Absolutely. The key is to choose a bandeau with built-in structure - look for boning, underwire or moulded cups," advises Susie. "These features offer the support you need while still giving you that elegant, shoulder-baring silhouette. Avoid anything too flimsy or stretchy that might flatten or spill. Another top tip is to consider adding a necklace to the look to break up the upper half of the body and restore some balance.”
Of course, good shapewear helps you feel more secure and confident too, as does super hydrated skin (make sure to moisturise!) and add a touch of bronzer to your decolletage and tops of the shoulders.
© GettyWhat about a small chest - how to make a strapless dress work?
“With a smaller bust, you can be a bit more playful - ruffles, ruching or embellishment across the chest can add volume and balance," Susie suggests.
I don't really like my arms, but I love the look of a strapless dress - what can I do?
“You're not alone! If you're self-conscious about your arms, layer with a lightweight shawl, structured shrug, or a sheer sleeve bolero. Something like a chiffon or lace cover-up can soften the look without taking away from the bandeau detail. Or, consider a bandeau-style neckline with detachable sleeves - they’re popping up everywhere right now. For a more casual look, pair with a linen shirt. You can wear undone or tie it at the waist to create more definition and flatter the silhouette.”
© InstagramCasual strapless dresses - expert tips
If you've a larger bust, Susie advises: "For a daytime look, opt for a soft cotton bandeau dress or a smocked bodice that offers support without structure. Pair with flat sandals, a straw tote and minimal jewellery for effortless summer chic."
"If you’re looking for a universally flattering bandeau that suits all bust sizes, go for something with ruching or a gathered bust. It helps create shape while staying comfortable. If you prefer more coverage or don’t want to show much skin, a bandeau maxi dress is a great solution. It still gives that relaxed, summery vibe without being too revealing. Look for flowy styles with tiered skirts or boho details."
How I chose the best strapless dresses for older women
- Style: It goes without saying these are all strapless, and range from mini to maxi. I've focused mostly on occasion wear but added a few more casual strapless dresses in the mix too.
- Print: I've chosen dresses in both block colours and prints, including polka dot and floral.
- Price: The price cap on this article is £200 / $400; some are higher priced due to the extensive boning or structure, but there's a strapless dress whatever your budget.
Best strapless dresses for women over 40
1/9
Karen Millen Floral Straples Dress
© Karen MillenWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Structured shape
- Cotton fabric
- Peplum detailing
The structured panelling on this floral dress is both great for larger busts and for elevating a bandeau dress. It is a sure fire midi to see you through summer's soirees.
2/9
Club L London Stellara Corset Strapless Dress
© Club LWhy I love it:
- Flattering fit
- Fit and flare shape
- Maxi length
- Good for hiding a tummy
If you've a larger chest, this is the sort of dress Susie recommends. As well as the internal corsetry, Susie suggests "a thicker fabric like scuba or crepe will also help hold everything in place while creating a smooth silhouette.” Plus, the pleated skirt hides any bits you want hidden.
3/9
Boden Strapless Taffeta Dress
© BodenWhy I Love It:
- Flattering fit and flare shape
- Tailored
- Full skirt
- Also available in black
This feminine midi speaks to any bold loving fashion fans, and the pink is hugely anti-ageing - the colour will sit beautifully against all skin types, while the fit of the dress skims the body.
4/9
M&S Textured Strpless Dress
© M&SWhy I love it:
- Textured material
- Midi length
- Shirred bust
- Waist detail
If you're looking for a flattering casual strapless dress for your summer hols, I've found it at M&S.
It's a cooling, easy to throw on dress in on-trend brown.
5/9
Adrianna By Adrianna Papell Floral Satin Strapless Dress
© John LewisWhy I love it:
- Pretty floral design
- Dart detailing
- Maxi length
This stunning floral printed strapless dress has gentle ruching detailing to accentuate the waist, and made from luxe satin to swish your way through summer.
6/9
Forever New Isra Drape Strapless Maxi Dress
© Forever NewWhy I love it:
- Flattering aesthetic
- Available up to a size18
- Comes in four different colourways
This is giving super shape to a figure, highlighting curves and supporting the bust with its slightly structured bust.
7/9
Reformation Oren Silk Dress
© ReformationWhy I love it:
- Maxi length
- 100% silk
- Lined
- 9 colours available
If you've got amazing shapewear, this dress will STUN; wear supportive shapewear to smooth the lines of this 100% silk dress and you're glam to go. I love the addition of the scarf, too.
8/9
Goddiva Sequin Mesh Maxi Dress
© GoddivaWhy I Love It:
- Fishtail skirt
- Sequin and mesh detailing
- Maxi length
Goddiva carries a range of glam evening dresses and this is perfect for a black tie wedding guest or mother of the bride dress. The structured bodice will support your bust and the fishtail hem is forever flattering.
9/9
Nobody's Child Bandeau Midi Dress
© Nobody's ChildWhy I love it:
- Soft, cotton material
- Lightly lined
- Shirred bodice
- Also available in four other colourways
Susie loves this Nobody's Child dress as a "universally flattering" choice. "This dress is both stylish and modest, and can easily be dressed up or down."
