9 Spring 2011 Fashion Trends for Women Over 40

Spring 2011 fashion trends offer great looks for women over 40 from coral colors to crossbody bags. These are 9 fashions older women should love from Neiman Marcus.

Coral: Nothing says warm weather fashion like orange, but designers seem to prefer euphemisms for the O word. Expect to see lots of corals and peaches. Whatever you call it, this Alexander McQueen silk poppy print cape updates any black outfit without making women over 40 look like they're celebrating Halloween. ($765)

Boho Influences: Older women want to dress up but stay comfortable. This Etro scoop neck silk shift looks as easy as a sundress but more refined in an olive print. ($1445)

Florals: Just know your limits. Rebecca Taylor's nouveau ballet dress in jade georgette looks retro and timeless with a subtle print and camisole top. ($375)

Stripes: As long as stripes don't enlarge the wrong spots, go for it. The basic tee looks more flowing in this asymmetric style from Splendid with dropped shoulders. ($74)

Wide Leg Pants: I look better in skinny pants but Armani Collezioni's linen jeans might tempt many women over 40. ($395)

White All Over: I admire women with white wardrobes but assume they're not riding the subway. I wish I could wear YSL's sleeveless white cotton belted suit. It's not called le smoking for nothing. ($1950 jacket; $990 pants)

Flat Sandals: My old ankles give thanks for this 2011 fashion trend. Casadei's cuffed mesh thong looks comfortable and dressy in black or gold. ($520)

Long Necklaces: Oversized beads, chains, and pendants sound good to me. Chokers never seem to stay in fashion for long and the name suggests why. On the other hand, you'll get many years of use from David Yurman's Graphite Ice Multi-Row Necklace with silver and matte petite box chains. ($1750)

Crossbody Bags: Many older women pay a price for years of carrying heavy shoulder bags on one side of their bodies. Take a load off your back and shoulders and neck by slinging your bag across your body. You'll even free up your hands. The Stella McCartney Falabella comes in gray or black tweed with the signature chain trim on the crossbody strap. It's about 14 by 13 by 2 inches with a magnetic snap closure and one open pocket on the inside. ($895)

Welcome the change of season with these spring 2011 fashion trends that look peachy for women over 40.