Dress with Zest: Fall’s Primary Colors

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2011-08-10. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

This past weekend, I flipped through the Harper’s Bazaare “Age” issue. Call me a glutton for punishment, but I’m always curious to see what the youth-oriented magazines think women of a certain age should be wearing. I begin with the 20-something recommendations and work my way up. As a rule, I always find the fashion recommendations for women in their 20s, 30s and even 40s appropriate and flattering. But then…but then, I move to the suggestions for women over 50 and I’m invariably horrified. The clothes recommended for mature women are usually either very dull or the complete opposite--three ring frenetic.

That's not entirely true with Harper's Bazaare this month. The magazine is recommending that over 50 women “mix and match primary colors for a fresh look" this fall. Hmmm--that sounds like good advice. For example, there's a photo of Houston socialite Becca Cason Thrash wearing a bright green Jason Wu dress. Or how about the ruby Jones New York V-Neck Faux Wrap Dress ($159) above? A flattering bold color brightens the complexion and exudes simple sophistication. (Warning: Harper's Bazaare also suggests that women over 50 wear a Jill Stuart blouse that looks like a circus tent. Please, no.)

But wait. I also love the rich jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, ruby—that are hot this fall. Harper's Bazaare recommends rich jewel tones for women over 60. I say: Why wait a decade? Below are some of my favorite picks in a bold color or jewel tone for women over 50.

[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Suits One Button Jacket]

Jones New York Suits One Button Jacket ($209)

[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Pleated Neck Sheath Dress,]

Jones New York Pleated Neck Sheath Dress, ($129)