Spring 2011 Fashion Trends for the Over 40 Woman

The popularity of the TV show "Mad Men" started a trend towards more feminine dressing, and styles that accentuate, rather than hide, a woman's curves.

This was a welcome change for women over 40, and Spring 2011 is on track for more of these figure friendly trends.

1. Ladylike. Long, full skirts that fall to mid-calf, and silk blouses with bows are everywhere. To avoid looking too retro, or worse, costume-y, keep accessories modern and wear only one of these items at a time. Stow the pearls and brooches away for another season along with the pumps and granny boots. Actually, go ahead and keep the granny boots, but wear them with last season's slim cargo pants. Pair the skirt with ballet flats, and wear the blouse with jeans for a look that is new.

2. Full-cut trousers. A problem area for most women over 40 is the tummy area, and season after season of low-rise pants and even lower cut jeans meant we had to choose between mom jeans or muffin top. This season's full cut trousers are made to sit on the natural waist and are loose throughout the hips and legs. Channel Katherine Hepburn by choosing a dark brown or camel color, worn with a croc pattern belt, loose blouse and a man's watch.

3. Minimalist. While some designers showed bright colors in their collections, others went the opposite direction by showing a lot of black clothes. The 40 plus woman is probably no stranger to wearing all black---in the late 80s/early 90s this was called "uniform" dressing. In 2011 this concept was reworked into clothes that were simple but exquisitely cut, in rich fabrics such as cashmere and silk. Women who love the ease of wearing head-to-toe black will find plenty of choices in the Spring.

4. Prints. Prints were shown several ways on the runways. Ethnic, or tribal prints, were a common motif as designers found inspiration in the traditional cultures of Africa and the Middle East. Oversized flowers were favored by some designers, while others chose tiny floral patterns on a dark background. But the newest way to wear prints is to mix them. Choose prints in the same color family, and with the same design: for example geometric prints (circles, stripes) with other geometric prints, or florals with florals.

Spring 2011 fashion offers a way of dressing that is a welcome change from the tight, bare looks of the past. Perhaps next season, we'll all be tired of prints and long dresses (Laura Ashley, anyone??) but for now, finding clothes that are comfortable and appealing to women over 25, is reason enough to enjoy shopping again.