Spring Dresses for Women Over 50

Photo Credit: William Werber

Editor's Note: This post was updated in May 2013.


Did you see any of the live streaming of runway shows during Fashion Week in New York City this month? I watched a few and got a kick out of "the scene." The thing that really struck me was the variety of designs, not only from designer to designer, but even within a single designer's collection. When I read the fashion magazines, I'm led to believe that there are definitive trends dictating the season's fashion. I think fashion editors focus on certain trends because there's no way they can cover the collections of all designers--there are way too many. But the truth is, there are lots of different styles each season. That's good news for women over 50 who are looking for fashions to flatter their age and body shape. Here's a sample of dress trends for Spring 2013. Click on any of the photos (except mine!) for dress details or to shop.

STRUCTURED DRESSES 
The tailored or structured dress is often a flattering choice for women over 50 because it defines the female shape. This spring there are lots of structured dress styles to choose from. I'm a huge fan of the wrap dress, for instance.Here's a photo of me (heavens!) modeling my new spring dress--a wrap dress from Coldwater Creek. 






Many over 50 women look fabulous in a structured sheaths or shifts. The secret seems to be in the cut and fabric. A sturdy fabric, like linen or other heavy cotton, often work well. I also like the bottom half to flair a little, like this Anne Klein Color Tipped Honeycomb Outline Sheath (Size 14). And I love the way this dress is styled with the animal-print pumps!





A flattering choice for women who want to downplay their waist area is a peplum dress. Here's a very feminine peplum dress from Ann Taylor. 





Pintucked Asymmetrical Peplum Dress





And finally, there's the retro shirtwaist, like this Jones New York Printed Relaxed Shirt Dress (Blue, Size 16)





DRESSES WITH FULL SKIRTS
A dress with a full skirt is a comfortable choice for over 50 women, especially those with a "pear-shaped" body.  These dresses are fitted around the torso, where the "pear" is thinnest, and then fan out over the hips and bottom.





Women's Regular Pattern Surplice Dress - Orchid Petal Washed Floral, 14








Ultra Soft Jersey Dress





MINIMAL STYLING
Ultra-simple dresses, like the ones below, are so comfortable looking you may want to sleep in them. These are perfect for casual times. The trick, of course, is finding a style that doesn't make you look like you're wearing a potato sack. The uneven hem and the color blocking with a trendy emerald vertical panel keeps this next dress, a BCBGMAXAZRIA Adeleine Dress, looking streamlined. 








A simple dress like the Knit Tank Dress below is just begging for your personal styling. Add a statement necklace or silk scarf and you're ready to go.









Happy Spring!