Power Print Dresses for Women Over 50

 

I'm a huge fan of dresses with bold prints on women over 50.  For most of us, our "demure days," when we might have worn petite prints, are in the past. Bold prints are spirited, confident--just like we are. This spring, there are lots of bold print designs and colors in women's fashions. For this post, I'm showing a sample of spring 2014 dresses. I "shopped my closet" for the photo above. Bold black and white prints and "fit and flare" dress styling are on trend, but my Banana Republic dress is several years old. Scroll down for dresses online now.
HIGH DRAMA
What makes a print 'high drama?' In a nutshell, it's the unexpected. This spring, there are dresses with mixed prints or only partially printed as well as dresses with waves or splashes of color. The print on this Adrianna Papell Print Sheath Dress ($118) reminds me of an Impressionist's painting. The dress length= 39 inches. I love the longer short sleeves.






Marc New York by Andrew Marc Print Scuba Knit Dress ($138).





Adrianna Papell Print Fit & Flare Dress ($178). Length= 38"


NEW FLORALS
This season's floral dresses are bold and unpredictable. For, instance, here's a Adrianna Papell Floral Print Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite)($118) with scattered flowers.







Jones New York Floral Sheath Dress ($129). Dress Length= 38".


The popularity of vintage fashions has led to vintage-style dresses with large floral prints, like this Women's Regular Elbow Sleeve Pattern Cotton Modal Fit and Flare Dress - Blue Indigo Floral, XS ($59). Again, I love those longer short sleeves. This dress is available in Regular, Petite, Tall and Plus sizes. Regular dress length = 38 inches.




GEOMETRICS
Looking for a dress in rich colors and a geometic print? Take a peek at this Donna Morgan Print Shirtdress ($118). It looks like a mini dress, but Nordstrom says the dress length= 37".






Karen Kane Print Cascade Faux Wrap Dress ($139)


CLASSIC PRINTS
For women who can't get enough of the classics--that is, polka dots and stripes--there's no shortage of dresses.



Jones New York Short-Sleeve Polka-Dot Dress ($98). Dress Length= 39".




Anne Klein Belted Dress ($99)


And here's an Adrianna Papell Burnout Polka Dot Fit & Flare Dress (Regular & Petite) ($178). Dress length= 39 inches.






BLACK AND WHITE
This spring's black and white dresses are anything but predictable. I love the geometric print of this Donna Morgan Contrast Trim Print Sheath Dress ($139) Dress length- 39".




Or...here's a Maggy London Print Bateau Neck Cotton Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite) ($138) with scattered flowers in black and white. Dress length= 36"





TOP IT OFF
Hopefully, you aren't too horrified by my over 50 arms in a sleeveless dress. Personally, I don't shy away from buying sleeveless spring/summer dresses for several reasons. First, sleeveless dresses are often beautiful, figure-flattering designs. For example, my sleeveless "fit and flare" dress suits my pear shape body. Secondly, I could never wear a long sleeved dress in summer's heat. And thirdly, I have no qualms about wearing a little sweater or shawl over a sleeveless dresses (below). For example, I just got this Jones New York Linen Crop Cardigan ($69, currently $29). I've scrunched up the sweater sleeve (habit) in the photo (below), but it's actually a 3/4 sleeve. The loose linen weave is ultra lightweight. I'm sure I'll be wearing it all spring and summer.