FRESH & FABULOUS LOOKS FOR OVER 50

Ladies, looking trendy and stylish is possible at any age.  The key is knowing what silhouette's work well for your boy.  Highlight one area that you are proud to show, either your chest, arms, or legs but not more than one.  Layer your look in light pieces so you are not adding bulk.  Light knit cardigans and blazers look great. Break out of the black pants and sweater look by adding fun spring colors and jewelry.  Chunky necklaces enhance a look (but can hide unflattering skin lines).  Belts are a great accent piece, whether or not you have a tummy.  Position a large or skinny belts at the bottom of your rib cage or lower on the hips.  Bright colors and prints add panache to your look.   

Sheath dresses in bright colors are a great option for spring.  3/4 length sleeves hide your arms but are the right length for the season.  Short sleeve sheath dresses are great for summer.  Add fun heels or flats and a large statement necklace (long or a short chunky one) to complete your look.  

Pim + Larkin Tweed Shift Dress, $79

Pair this bright pink sheath dress with sapphire blue necklace, or blue cardigan/blazer.  Kitten heels finish your look.

Kate Spade Evie Dress, $398                      Lilac Bijoux Uptown Girls Sybal Necklace, $54

Fit and Flare dresses are a silhouette that works for most women and are very on trend.  The bodice is more fitted with a sleeve line that works well for ladies.  The waist line comes in above a woman's natural waist and then flares out, not emphasizing your tummy area and hips or creating a waist and hips for those who have more of a straight build.  Look at the length carefully as the hemline of the dress is shorter for the younger crowd.

Pim + Larkin Sheath Dress, $59.99 (also in black)

Donna Ricco Dress, $118

Pair this dress with a long turquoise necklace and tan colored studded flats.  Or add a turquoise skinny belt and chunky gold necklace.  Pair with a large printed satchel and skin colored heels (look for laser cut details, studs, or embellishment to add flare).

Gianni Bini Fit & Flare Lace Dress, $129

Fun, spring dresses for ladies over 50.  Prints are on trend for spring.  Look for this in bright spring colors.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Wrap Dress, $178

New York & Co. Fit & Flare Maxi, $69.95

J. Crew Rosalind Dress, $69.99

 

Here's to looking fabulous at any age!

XOXO,

Divine Style DC

TANGERINE CORAL DRESS OPTIONS FOR ALL FIGURES

This Nicole Miller striped dress in coral and fuchsia incorporates three hot trends in fashion for spring/summer 2012.  Colors, stripes, and ruching.  The ruching in the center of the dress hides figure flaws and makes hips and tummy area appear smaller.  Nicole Miller, $245.

For a similar dress in the same color scheme, try this French Connection dress.  This dress is more casual in the style, but is perfect for a BBQ, go boating, or to a pool party.  You can dress it up with jewelry, a belt, and heels, or try jeweled flat sandals.  French Connection, $68.

One of my favorite dresses for the season by Milly.  Great neckline and sleeve detail.  The tied waist belt creates interest but sits higher to not emphasize the tummy.  Great for the 30-70 crowd for work or a night on the town.  Try with bold turquoise or blue earrings and cuff bracelet.  Looks great with metallic heels or sandals.  Milly, $370.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Drape Sash Ruching Dress.  The sash and ruching flatter your hips and tummy area and hide figure flaws.  Make sure it is loose enough not to cling to the tummy.  $148.

Tinley Road One Shoulder Maxi Dress.  Play this up with a long necklace in turquoise or bright blue.  $43.99.

Gianna Bini Lace Back with Gold Zipper Dress, $128.

Kasper Two Piece Suit.  Sleeveless dress option with with waistline sitting underneath the chest.  Great for ladies figures who have a little tummy or hips.  Wear just the jacket with another outfit (navy, white, blue, etc.) and the dress by itself with jewelry/heels.  $181.99 at Macy's.

 

Tahari by ASL Printed Wrap Dress, $124.

A swimwear cover up in a printed tangerine color is a great option for beach/pool time.  Vix Swimwear Mali Bliss Dress, $124.

Adrianna Papell Plus Size Lace Dress, $140. (14W-24W)

WHICH WAISTLINE WORKS FOR YOUR BODY?

When styling clients I get asked this question all the time.  There are three waistlines types:  Natural Waist, Drop Waist, and Empire Waist.  Some figure types can wear all three and others one works best for.  See the descriptions and shopping examples to learn what will flatter your figure.

Natural Waist:  Hits in your tummy area.  Typically wear pants waistlines are (though now people are wearing lower hip height pants).  

Wear this...if you have a curvy shape (waist being smaller area), busty, a pear shape, or boyish shape.  This silhouette creates curves and emphasizes a waistline.

Avoid if...if your tummy is your largest area.  The defined waist emphasizes a thicker middle.

This Halston Heritage dress has a natural waist due to the belted waist.  $242.99

This Alice + Olivia Twisted Shoulder Silk Dress natural waistline would look great with adding a belt and a large statement necklace in a bold color.  $297

Kay Unger Floral Print Twill Dress, $270

Marc New York Blue Jersey Belted Dress, $104.99

Diane von Furstenberg Carpreena Ring Stitch Dress, $365

Empire Waist:  Sits underneath of your chest/upper abs and flows outward.  Gives the illusion of a high, defined waist and hides your bottom half.

Wear this...if you have a smaller chest, a tummy, larger hips or bottom, or are pear shaped.

Avoid if...you have a large bust.  This style draws attention to your chest and can make you look bigger all over.

Gianni Bini Minka Sleeveless Tiered Dress, $138

Laundry Empire Waist Banded Dress, $49.99

Speechless Maxi Dress

Drop Waist:  Is great for boyish frames and can help conceal a tummy as the empahsis is towards the bottom of the dress.

Wear this...If you are an apple shape, want to conceal your tummy, or have a boyish frame or are very thin.

Avoid if...you are curvy or pear shaped.  The shape of this cut puts a focus on your hips which will not flatter you.

Juicy Couture Sirius Print Silk Dress, $228

Theory Sheer Stripe Drop Waist Dress, $265

Victoria's Secret Drop Waist Dress (numerous colors), $34.99

Vanessa Bruno Sleeveless Dress, $531