Dress Zest: Spring 2014 Dresses to Brighten Your Day

Editor's Note: As always, I have included different dress styles and sleeve lengths, including sleeveless, because women over 50 differ greatly in terms of body shape and arms. Vive la différence! PS. Whenever possible, I've included the dress's length.

I'm longing for signs of spring. Aren't you? However, I don't imagine there will be any signs here in the Northeast for another month or so. To tie me over until the mocking birds return and the spring buds start to bloom, I like to check out the spring fashion trends and dream of wearing something, well, springy. Right now, I'm thinking a new spring frock might be just the thing after a long winter. I'm happy to report there are spring dresses in a wide ranges of colors, from sophisticated neutrals to energizing blasts of color. I've collected flattering dress styles for women over 50 in this spring's hottest colors. And all of the dresses are under $150!

ANOTHER TEQUILA SUNRISE
Lovely, warm sunrise colors--shades of yellow, orange and pink--were trendy last spring and are in vogue this spring. A perfect example, is the orange Jones New York Print Jersey Sheath Dress ($98, ships 4/3) at the top of this post. I love the longer short sleeves for women over 50. The length on this dress is 39".

Or here's a yellow Jacquard Dress with Self-Belt ($98.00, Ships 4/3), also from Jones.





I have an over 50 girlfriend who is mad about halter dresses or dresses that cut away at the shoulders. And with good reason: She's got great shoulders and looks fabulous when she shows them off! Just for her, I've include this sassy Jones New York Sleeveless Cotton Cutaway Shirtdress ($98, ships 3/6) with a 45" length.




GREEN ENVY
Remember last year's emerald green dresses? They're back in solids and prints. Minty green is also trending. 




Karen Kane Cascade Faux Wrap Dress ($108)






Jones New York Wrap Dress ($89) in Sizes S-XL, with a 38.5" length.



NOW NEUTRALS
All black or all white can be a tricky look for women over 50. However, if white, beige and/or ivory are flattering colors for you, they're a great, sophisticated spring look. I love this shirt dress with cap sleeves. 






Jones New York White Sleeveless Shirt Dress ($98, ships 3/6) in Ivory. The dress length is 41".


Dresses with draping are flattering on all women. They're so feminine and offer a great distraction from those little lumps and bumps. This next one is on sale (was $129, now $89), but only available in Sizes 8, 12, and 14. Length=36 5/8".





THE NEW BLUE
Blue is big this spring. What blue flatters you? Sky blue? Ice blue? More than likely there are dresses in your favorite blue.




Tahari Stretch Peplum Sheath Dress






Adrianna Papell Cap Sleeve Print Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite) Blue Lake 16 ($138). Length= 39".



AHOY, NAVY
And lastly, there's navy blue. Or as I like to call it "the new black."  (Did you see the men in navy blue tuxedos at the Academy Awards last night? Fabulous!) Navy is making a strong showing this spring by itself as well as in prints.

Stripes are back this spring. I've included this Lauren Ralph Lauren Stripe Boat Neck Cotton Dress ($119) because I saw several women over 50 looking great in striped dresses last spring. Frankly, I was surprised. However, it seems women with straight figures--that is, neither top or bottom heavy--look great in this comfortable jersey style. If that's your figure, you might want to give this style a look. Length= 38".






Or...






Anne Klein Floral Wrap Dress ($99)