Spring Fashions For Baby Boomer Women

Where Are The 50+ Women’s Fashions?

 

Ok, so…let’s face is. Fashion for 50+ women and savvy isn’t exactly the hot ticket with the runway set. Rather odd since it seems to me that this group of women are highly visible, rather powerful and financially influential. Can you say “Oprah” ?) Not sure why spring fashions for baby boomer are still stalled.

So where are the awesome and affordable fashions for 50+ women? Hard to find if you aren’t a big fan of Chico’s, Coldwater Creek or Talbots. Same old, same old. Spring fashions for 2011 look to be an interesting challenge for mature women! Just taking a look at the trends in the news, here are some of the styles on the fashion agenda this season:

Colors: Popular colors for spring 2011 appear to include orange and yellow…leopard prints, polka dots and stripes. Great.

Jewelry and accessories: Chokers are in this season (maybe for Barbara Streisand or Candace Bergen, I haven’t worn one since 1975), “upscale goth”, cuffs, architectural and industrial themed pieces, western leather, snaking and bold colors. Large drop earrings are projected to be in and a continuation of those “big statement” rings. (Of course, the standard in jewelry for baby boomer women over 50 is big. Chunky. And it’s in now, ladies – faux is fashionable, so mix it up with the trending details for this spring’s jewelry fashions and make the most of it!)

Clothing: Bell bottoms are back in (ooh! To go with my choker! Actually, the truth is, I’m good with the whole bell-bottom thing) along with wide-leg pants and antique-style lace clothing. That brings up the topic of leggings. Wow. My jury is really out on this one. The fact is, you can either do leggings, or you can’t. (That goes for any age group, ladies!) Know your strengths and in this case, your limitations! Plenty of other fashion statements that 50+ gals can make.

I’m tired of the overstated ruffles and the peasant-style shirts with the cap-like sleeves, and the “drape” sweaters with the drop in the front that you can wrap around your waistline if you want to. Handkerchief hems aren’t great on anybody, frankly, and the ’70’s style tunics were ugly then and they’re even uglier now. The skinny jeans I won’t even talk about.

I have to say I’m craving the whole classic thing. The tailored men’s wear look a ‘la Joan Crawford with the blouse, jacket and wide-leg trousers with loafers. The simple elegance and the style of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Grace Kelly. The casual confidence of Amelia Earhart and the amazing fashion sense of Natalie Wood. Not to say there aren’t current women with amazing fashion sense…my next bet is on seeing where Kate Middleton goes as she blossoms. 50+ women’s fashions need to be more available, affordable and…fashionable!