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
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


Marc New York by Andrew Marc Print Scuba Knit Dress

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


Jones New York Floral Sheath Dress
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
GEOMETRICS
Looking for a dress in rich colors and a geometic print? Take a peek at this Donna Morgan Print Shirtdress


Karen Kane Print Cascade Faux Wrap Dress
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

Anne Klein Belted Dress
And here's an Adrianna Papell Burnout Polka Dot Fit & Flare Dress (Regular & Petite)

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

Or...here's a Maggy London Print Bateau Neck Cotton Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite)

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