Flattering50: Fashion Over 50: Blues for You!

I admit: I love to see women over 50 bring on the color. Fashions in vibrant hues give our skin a lovely, lively glow. This fall's fashions are practically exploding with vivid blues, like the Jones New York Solid Luxe Scarf (was $38.00, now $14.99) above. There doesn't seem to be a favorite shade of blue; I feel like I'm seeing every blue on the color wheel. As a result, I suspect there is a flattering blue for just about every mature woman. That's because most women's "color season," the colors that most flatter their complexion, include a few blues. Below is a brief profile of women in each color season, the shades of blue that are likely to flatter their complexion, and some of fall 2011's fashions in those shades. Obviously, I know my color season--winter--best. So if you disagree with my choices for your color season, let me know. And, as always, I've tried to find fashions in a range of prices.

SEASONAL BLUES
What are the blues in your “color season?”

Winter
The 'winter’ woman usually has pale white, yellowish-olive, or dark skin. She is often a brunette with dark colored eyes.

Her Best Blues: Dark blues (navy, cobalt, sapphire) or icy blues.

Diane von Furstenberg Kimian Bis Dress ($398)

Old Navy Women's Tiefront Kimonosleeve Dresses ($39.94)

I love black and vivid blue! I had to share this ultra-comfortable Hale Bob 3/4 Sleeve Jersey Dress Women ($169) from Couture Candy with you. Unfortunately, is only available in Sizes X-small and Large.

Spring
The 'spring' woman tends to have dark blonde or strawberry red hair, a white or peach complexion, freckles, rosy cheeks, and blue or green eyes. Warm colors flatter her complexion.

Her Best Blues: Medium intensity blues (ie, Cerulean blue, turquoise, and teal), creamy blues (Cornflower blue) and purplish blues, but never a dark blue. By the by, the Jones scarf above comes in turquoise as well.

Old Navy Womens Poplin-Stretch Dress Shirt (was $26.50, now $22.50)

Maggie Ward Claudette Dress ($179). Sorry--this timeless style is only available in small sizes.

Anne Klein Double Weave Fitted Jacket, Ships 9/15 (Blue) ($169)

Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck Sweater, ($99)

Summer
The ‘summer’ woman has pale or pink skin. She’s a brunette or true blonde with pale eyes.

Her Best Blues: Pastel blues, powder blues, blue-greys, subdued navy blue

AK Anne Klein Two Button Blazer (was $149.00, now Now $88.99)

Jones New York® ¾ Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt ($30). Available in Plus Sizes, too, and in eight other colors.

Fall
The ‘fall’ or 'autumn’ woman has golden undertones in her complexion. She’s probably a redhead or brunette with golden brown eyes.

Her Best Blues: Grey-blues (ie, Air Force Blue). All other blues, including navy, should be kept away from her face. Blue bottoms (skirts and slacks), blue shoes or booties may be the best way for the 'fall woman' to embrace the blue trend.

If you don't feel blue flatters your complexion, keep the color away from your face. Instead, try one of the equally trendy blue accessories, like this Sag Harbor Large Tuxedo Python Tote Handbag (was $52, now $36.40). By and large, designers don't seem as wild about "animal prints" this season. However, there's one exception: python skin accessories--shoes, boots, etc. This handbag from Beall's Department Store is very trendy without the designer price tag.