Flattering50: Over 50 Dresses: Keeping the Romance

Jones New York Dress Cap Sleeve Crossover Dress (Pattern)

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day? The holiday is on Monday this year, so my husband and I are celebrating on the Saturday before. We’re going out to dinner and then to a Shawn Colvin concert. (Favorite Colvin song: Her version of “Tenderness on the Block” by Warren Zevon.) I’ll probably wear a dress that evening because I like to dress up when I go out. Dressing up seems to add to the romance of an evening out. And I’m all for fueling romance. Current dress styles are brimming with romantic details—ruffles, draping, fluttering hemlines, jewel colors, floral prints, light-as-a-feather fabrics—all of which are super flattering for women over 50. Take a peak at these romantic dresses. Some are hot new styles and others are hot because they are on sale.

I have two dresses like the Jones New York Dress Cap Sleeve Crossover Dress (Pattern) at the top of this post. I’ve got a pear-shaped body and the empire waist styling with a fitted upper torso and flared skirt are very flattering. I also find that the light-as-feather fabric is very forgiving and very feminine. This dress is on sale for $110.99 with an additional 30% off at checkout.

For similar dresses that flatter the pear-shaped body, click on...
Adrianna Papell Tiered Chiffon Dress for $138 at Nordstrom.

Suzi Chin Dress, Silk Chiffon Empire Waist for $158.00 at Macy's.

SHOSHANNA Gold Metallic Jacquard V-Neck Twist Waist Dress at Lord and Taylor for $350.

GET RUFFLED
Ruffles soften any dress style and give the garment that "special occasion" look. Here are a few romantic dresses with ruffles.

This Jones New York Dress Shutter Chemise Dress (Pattern) might look lovely on women with straight waist, petite and small bust body shapes. It's on sale for $111.99 with an additional 30% off at checkout.

Jones New York Dress Shutter Chemise Dress (Pattern)

Jones New York Ruffle Front A-Line Dress, Ships 2/3 (JJC05A0) might be perfect for pear-shaped women as well as women with straight waist and petite body shapes. This dress, priced at $168, will ship as of Feb. 3.

Women with straight waist, hour glass and petite body shapes often look smashing in dresses with defined waists like this Jones New York Dress Ruffle Front Wrap A-Line Dress (Blue), priced at $168.

Jones New York Dress Ruffle Front Wrap A-Line Dress (Blue)

GREAT DRAPE
A little draping in the front will hide the outline of the stomach and/or other little lumps and bumps without enveloping you in a tent of fabric. (Remember: A tent-like dress without any structure will make you look much bigger than you are.) This next Jones New York Dress Draped Twist Front Dress (Pattern) might be a comfortable choice for women with small busts or apple-shaped bodies. It's been reduced from $128 to $95.99. However, it's only available in sizes 4 and 6 online.

Jones New York Dress Draped Twist Front Dress (Pattern)

Below are a few dress styles with draping that might look great on women with hour glass, plus size and straight waist body shapes. For instance, this Jones New York Black and White Side Drape Dress, Ships 2/3 (Pattern) is priced at $128 and will be ready to ship on Feb. 3.