Style Over 50: The Maxi Dress Movement

I'm loving the range of hemlines this spring. Not only are there dresses and skirts of every conceivable length--micro, mini, midi and maxi--but there seems to be many more choices for each length than in recent seasons. Case in point: the maxi dress. Clothing sites are showing a nice selection of both dressy and casual maxi dresses in neutral colors as well as brilliant ones, plus stripe and floral prints. One of my posts that attracts a lot of readers is Dresses Over 50: Let'm Flow. Recently, I was updating that post and found a lot of new flowing dresses online.  A maxi dress like the Petite Getaway Gauze Dress - Blue (was $79.95, now $19.99 in limited sizes and colors) from Soft Surroundings Women's Apparel is ultra-comfortable and easy. The off-the-shoulders style might not be for everyone, but I've seen over 50 women wear it and look great.  All you need is a pretty statement necklace and a pair of flat sandals, and you're ready for a get-together with family or friends.My favorites for women over 50 are...
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Flattering50 Giveaway: “Alarmed about Your Arms?”

Each spring since turning 50, I’ve stood in front of the mirror and asked myself, “Is it time to give up wearing sleeveless tops and dresses?” When I was in my forties, I read an article that instructed all women over 50 to ‘just say no’ to sleeveless. The author was pretty emphatic, saying it didn’t matter how toned the older arms were: cover them! At the time, it sounded like an absurd mandate. Instead of exposing one’s over 50 arms, the article’s author recommended wearing shawls and three-quarter sleeves. I pictured women over 50 everywhere, covered up in shawls and long sleeves, having heat strokes during 90 degree weather. What I’d like to know for the current Flattering50 Giveaway is…"Are You Alarmed about Your Arms?”

Obviously, we need our arms and can't lop them off like a store mannequin. But are you dismayed by your over 50 arms? Or are you comfortable with them? Share your ideas in the Comment Box on this post for a chance to win one of three $25 Amazon.com Gift Certificate! Read on for all the details.
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Celebrating Women's History Month

I feel a little remiss in not mentioning something about Women's History Month. A blog for women over 50, even a fashion blog, should make a connection on some level. Obviously, Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the great women of the past--artists, scientists, activists and more--who've made our world a better place to live in. But I've also found myself thinking a lot about the next generation of women during the last few weeks. What will be their contributions? Today, I discovered a trio of young talented women known as "Mountain Man." Their sound is quirky, yet so American, a joyful cross between Appalachian music and the Lennon Sisters. Call me crazy, but listening to them gives me hope for the future of creative women. Take a listen.

Over 50 Style: Becoming a Juniors Explorer

Last week I had dinner with an over 50 girlfriend. It was an unseasonably warm night and we walked to a new Mexican restaurant in town. My girlfriend was in a new outfit--a dress over slim stretch crepe pants--and she allowed me to take a photo (above) of her as we strolled. She said that she'd been inspired by all the jersey dresses I've been wearing over jeggings this winter. When I asked her where she got the dress, she giggled. "Well, if you must know, I got it in the 'Juniors' department at Macy's." I think she thought I was going to tease her--which I've been known to do. But I assured her: "That's great!"

I often peek in the "Juniors" in department stores, looking for a top that might liven up a skirt or pair of slacks. My goal: to keep my outfits from looking too painfully conservative (which is a look I can easily slip into, if I'm not careful!!). The last thing I want to do is dress like a 20-something, but I think it's important to mix things up a bit. For me, fashion over 50 is about doing something that's not expected, a little unpredictable.
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Bright-Colored Sweaters Celebrate Spring!

Spring, which officially started on Tuesday, is here! The song birds have returned, the fruit trees are bursting with a zillion petite blossoms, the brown landscape is giving way to bright pink tulips and buttery daffodils and lush green grass, and on and on. With so many wonderful changes, it's hard not to be in a festive mood. And the last thing I want to wear is some drab black or dark-colored winter sweaters. I want to celebrate with a sweater in a festive color! The right color sweater will brighten an over 50 woman's complexion and help her project her spirited nature. I'm all for that! There are lots of lovely sweaters in vibrant colors online right now, like the AGB Ruffle Trim Cardigan Duet Top (was $52, now $31.20) above. Continue reading for a sample…
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"What Would You Pack for Paris?" Giveaway Winners

Wow! Thanks to everyone who responded to my most recent Giveaway question: "What would you pack for Paris?" I got some great ideas for my upcoming trip to Paris and will be using them when it's time to pack. Below are three comments that were randomly drawn and each awarded a $25 Amazon.com e-gift certificate. I'll be posting another Giveaway question soon and look forward to reading your thoughts.

And the Giveaway winners are...

Deirdre

Two pairs of black pants - one for flats and one for heels. The "heels" ones can be worn in the day or with a dressy top in the evening. I would bring a trench coat and any chic scarves you may own, and also a pair of sexy black boots, ankle boots or tall.

I woman I knew told me she took all her scruffy underwear on vacation and just threw it away as she went along. Don't do this!

Bring as little as possible so you will have room in your suitcase for the things you buy.
Bon voyage!

Cjohnson

I'm over 50 and I've been to Paris (lucky me) a few times and let me tell you - the women dress up there! But comfort is important too, so I'd recommend a soft feminine cashmere outfit, sun glasses for a bit of mystique and a stylish bag and pair of shoes for walking around. The LBD with strappy sandals and long pearls.
FYI- Make sure to hit the Paris flea market - it's worth the trip alone!

Lja

Hi! I am over 50, and how exciting to be packing for the most romantic city ever! I know I would definitely pack some soft and sexy longer sweaters for over leggings and comfortable over-the-knee boots and of course a beautiful long scarf to wear around my neck. I would pack a few dressy evening outfits with very sexy heels and bring a sparkly clutch. And don't forget to make sure to bring beautiful nighties to wear in a such a romantic city! Wear a little sparkle every day too.

Over 50 Style: New Looks for Old World Espadrilles

“Going Global” is a fashion trend this spring. I can’t think of an easier way to look a little “worldly” than with a pair of espadrilles. The canvas and rope flat made its fashion debut in the Pyrenees back in the 14th Century. Today, most shoe companies have an espadrilles-inspired design or two in their collection. Take, for instance, Beacon Women's Newport Slip-On above. Whether you prefer the original flats or the updated rope wedge or even a rope oxford, espadrilles are great casual footwear for summer shorts, skirts and capris. I like the way the canvas shoes lie flat when I stash them in my tote at the beach. This spring I'm seeing the shoes in a wide variety of colors, weaves and styles. Continue reading for a sample of what's online…
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Shirt Dresses: Retro to Metro

This spring, the fashion world is once again in love with 1950s fashion. In the stores and online, I’m seeing 50s-style floral prints dresses, full skirts, gingham shirts, and more. It’s pre-Beatlemania styling! Personally, I’m getting a huge kick out of the return of the 1950s shirtwaist dress. The dresses have the classic styling—the collar, the button front, the belt or tie—you’d expect, but they've been updated with this season's favorite prints and colors. Take, for instance, the Jones New York Cotton Shirt Dress ($129). It's a great choice for women over 50 because it's easy, comfortable and flatters the over 50 figure, which benefits from a little structure. Some of this season's shirt dresses have straight skirts, others are quite full. You'll have to try a few to determine the best one for your body shape. Throw a blazer over the dress and you're ready for work or running around the city. If you're reading this post before Friday, March 16, 2012, you might want to check out the dress sales at Jones New York (50% off) and Anne Klein (30% off). Below is a sample of this spring's styles…
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Tops Over 50: Go Figure!

I don't know about you, but my figure isn't what it was 10 years ago. My weight is about the same, but my shape definitely isn't. I've gone from an imperfect hourglass to a very ripe old pear shape. When I first noticed my shape shifting, I wanted to hide under boxy or baggy clothing. But unless you're shaped like a pencil, baggy tops and bottoms only make your figure look much worse. Every other body shape--apple, pear, hourglass and womanly--benefit from a little structure. Take, for instance, the Jones New York Tie Front Ruffle Blouse (was $89, now $69) above. The tie offers a little feminine structure without being form-fitting. Below you'll find a sample of other feminine JNY tops with ties or belts for women over 50.
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Color Crazed Spring Flats

I'm going to Paris this spring and would rather save my money for shopping there then here. (Have you entered my $25 Amazon.com Gift Certificate Giveaway? Just click here and tell me what I should pack for Paris.) Still, I do need a few things, like comfortable footwear. This weekend, a bunch of shoe sites are having sales, so I decided to see what was available online. I started out looking for sensible walking shoes, but was instantly distracted by the many lovely spring flats in gorgeous colors. We got off easy weather-wise this winter in the Northeast, but still, I'm ready for spring and its fresh colors. Here's sample of flats in daffodil yellow, tulip purple, and new grass green. Not all the styles are on sale and one or two might require a splurge. But most, like the Anne Klein Seana Casual Flat ($69) above, are well-priced or even low-priced (under $25). They make this over 50 woman want to pull out her white Capris or white jean skirt and put on a pair.
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