I'm a 57-Year-Old New Yorker—These Dress Trends Are Absolutely Ageless

Elaine Davis's Instagram account, @squarepearls, is one of our go-tos when we're looking for effortless style inspiration. While age certainly shouldn't have anything to do with how you dress, as she is over 50, her more experienced sartorial perspective is intriguing. She's also lived in New York City for decades, so she totally gets that whole comfy-meets-chic thing for the on-the-go lifestyle. She actually recently shared with us the one piece she's wearing on repeat right now. Yep, the one-and-done summer dress.

"Summer is that season where I want as many things as possible to be easy in my life, and wearing a great dress is one of those things that makes getting ready easy," she said. "Summer 2021 has brought on a resurgence of ageless dress trends, and I'm just loving it." There are actually six key dress trends Davis is turning to this season. Many of the picks included in this edit could really work for a range of styles.

Keep scrolling to check out chic dress trends, complete with visual and shopping inspiration.

1. Shirred Dresses

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(Image credit: @squarepearls)

"The shirred-waist sundress is one of my all-time favorites. I call them my town and country dresses. They're just so comfy and chic."

2. Cutout Dresses

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(Image credit: @squarepearls)

"I'm absolutely loving the cutout-dress trend. So many silhouettes, lengths, and fabrics, there's something for everyone." 

3. Nap Dresses

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(Image credit: @squarepearls)

"Nap dresses are still a thing, and that makes me happy." 

4. Maxi Dresses

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(Image credit: @squarepearls)

"A flowy maxi dress can take you from beach day to dinner party. They just scream effortless ease and elegance."

5. Crochet Dresses

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(Image credit: @squarepearls)

"When I want to look casual yet elevated, all while staying cool, I reach for a crochet dress."

6. Shirtdresses

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(Image credit: @squarepearls)

"One can never go wrong with a shirtdress… They're so versatile. The possibilities are just endless."

Next, check out more stylish dresses.

Bobby Schuessler
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 retialers 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.