From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2010-04-13. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.
[Original image unavailable: Jones New York V-neck Seamed Dress,]This afternoon, a friend and I took a stroll through the gardens at one of Long Island’s ‘Gold Coast’ estates, a Gatsby-esque abode that is opened to the public. Many of the estate’s flowering plants—tulips, grape hyacinths, weeping cherry trees, crab apple and pear trees, magnolias huge and small, royal red rhododendrons,and even some early lilacs and azaleas—were blooming. The scene was spectacular and the air smelled delicious. Whenever I find myself tip-toeing through the tulips and such, stopping to examine their various flower parts, I always think: “That flower’s design or its colors would make beautiful fabric or a fantastic dress design. I assume fashion designers experience the same thing, although with a slightly keener eye and sensibility than mine. Take, for instances, the details in the flowers of this Jones New York V-neck Seamed Dress, ($119). Below are a sample of the dress styles available online. I think you'll find there is a flattering dress for every body shape over 50. Click on the photos for details and current sales.
SPRING SHEATHS
When I look at sheaths, my knee-jerk reactions is that you have to be pencil-thin to wear them. But that's not really true. Not all sheaths are created the same. I've become more pear-shaped with age, but I can still wear a sheath that isn't terribly fitted between my bust and bottom. The point is, if you see a gorgeous sheath, try it. You might be surprised.
[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Floral Sheath Dress]
Jones New York Floral Sheath Dress ($109)
[Original image unavailable: Anne Klein Multi Floral Shift Dress Shift Dress (Pink)]
Anne Klein Multi Floral Shift Dress Shift Dress (Pink) ($129)
[Original image unavailable: Anne Klein Neutral Floral Shift Dress, Ships 5/12 (Brown)]
Anne Klein Neutral Floral Shift Dress, Ships 5/12 (Brown) ($129)
[Original image unavailable: Ronni Nicole� Watercolor Floral Sleeveless Dress]
Ronni Nicole� Watercolor Floral Sleeveless Dress (was $60, now $49.99)
FULLER SKIRTS
If on the other hand, your figure has slipped a little, you might appreciate something tailored on top, but with a fuller skirt--like the one pictured above. Or one of these...
[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Floral Shirt Dress]
Jones New York Floral Shirt Dress ($148)
LITTLE MORE SLEEVES, PLEASE
Sleeveless floral dresses are everywhere this spring. For women who'd rather not go sleeveless, there are cap sleeves and short sleeves...
[Original image unavailable: Connected Apparel� Floral Sweetheart Dress]
Connected Apparel� Floral Sweetheart Dress (was $60, now $44.99)
[Original image unavailable: Connected Apparel� Ruffled Floral Dress]
Connected Apparel� Ruffled Floral Dress (was $70, now $49.99)
[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Dress Drape Front Watercolor Floral Dress (Pattern)]
Jones New York Dress Drape Front Watercolor Floral Dress (Pattern) ($138)
Or how about a shrug and dress set like...
[Original image unavailable: R & K� Knit Shrug & Floral Sheath Dress]
R & K� Knit Shrug & Floral Sheath Dress (was $70, now $49)
