Fashion is more about expressing ourselves and showing off our own style as we get older. We also gain confidence, wisdom, and a deep understanding of what makes us look good as we get older.
Wearing prints is one of the best ways to highlight your personality while also improving your best features.
But if you are over 50, wearing prints is not about keeping up with the latest trends. It is about showing off your unique style.
Prints are versatile and can make any outfit more dynamic. They allow you to express yourself in ways solid colors may not, adding interest and texture to your wardrobe.
Prints can bring out your best features, hide areas you might not feel so good about, and show off your lively personality if you choose the right ones and style them right.
Here are some of the best fashion prints for women over 50, along with tips on how to use each one to improve your look and stay stylish and up-to-date.
Floral Dresses
Floral prints are timeless and versatile, making them a favorite choice for women of all ages, especially those over 50. You can use these lovely patterns in a variety of ways, ranging from big, bold flowers to small, complicated patterns.
Floral dresses offer a feminine and elegant touch to your wardrobe, and they work particularly well in knee-length or maxi lengths.
For a new, modern look, choose dark floral prints in rich colors like forest green, maroon, or navy. These colors not only look sophisticated but also have a slimming effect.
On the other hand, pastel florals are perfect for spring and summer, giving a light and airy feel to your outfits.
Pair a floral blouse with white pants or denim for a fresh, casual outfit. Add some delicate jewelry to complete the look.
For women with a rectangle body shape, choose floral prints that draw attention to your waist. A wrap dress or a style with a belted waistline will create a flattering silhouette, adding curves and shape.
How to Style Floral Prints
- If you want to look classy and understated, choose muted tones.
- Balance bold floral designs with solid-colored jackets or cardigans.
- Choose a floral print that complements your skin tone for a radiant effect.
- Pair your floral dress with simple accessories and neutral footwear to let the pattern take center stage. You can pair it with simple sandals or espadrilles.
Recommended Floral Dresses
Floral Pleated Bodice Midi Dress
Tropical Print Gauze Shirtdress
DOLCE&GABBANA Pleated Floral Dress
Stylish Stripes
Stripes are a classic print that will never go out of style, but it’s all about how you wear them. Contrary to popular belief, stripes can be incredibly flattering for women over 50 when worn correctly.
For a sleek and slimming effect, go for vertical stripes. These elongate the body, creating a longer, leaner appearance. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can add width, but when paired with the right piece, they can also help balance your figure.
When selecting striped pieces, aim for narrow stripes if you’re looking to add a touch of refinement to your outfit.
Wide, bold stripes tend to have a more casual feel, but they can work well on oversized blouses or blazers for a modern twist. Neutral shades such as black, white, and navy provide a versatile option that effortlessly complements various items in your wardrobe.
Pear-shaped women can balance their figure by wearing striped tops to draw attention to their upper body.
Apple-shaped women can benefit from vertical striped dresses that create a slimming effect around the waist and midsection.
How to Style Stripes:
- Pair a striped top with jeans or shorts for a casual day out. For a more polished look, try tucking it into a skirt.
- Choose a striped dress with a flattering silhouette. Accessorize with a belt to accentuate your waist.
READ ALSO: Ladies, Here’s How to Determine Your Body Shape
Recommended Striped Dresses
Carolina Herrera Paneled striped top
Loretta Caponi Striped Dress
Stripe Long Sleeve Satin Shirtdress
Polka Dots
For a dash of retro charm, look no further than polka dots. You can style this fun and playful print in a myriad of ways to suit women over 50, adding both elegance and a touch of whimsy to your outfits.
The key is to select polka-dot prints that are proportional to your frame. Smaller dots tend to offer a more refined and understated look, while larger dots can add drama and flair.
A black-and-white polka-dot dress is a must-have staple for any wardrobe. You can easily dress it up or down, and it’s chic and timeless. Pair it with classic heels and minimalist jewelry for a polished, put-together appearance.
For a more modern take, experiment with polka dots in unconventional color combinations, like navy and mustard or blush and grey.
How to Style Polka Dots for Women Over 50
- Monochrome polka dots are perfect for achieving a sophisticated look.
- Combine a polka-dot blouse with solid-colored trousers for a balanced, professional outfit.
- Add a structured blazer over a polka dot dress for an elegant finish.
- Pair a polka dot blouse with tailored pants or a skirt for a chic, put-together look.
- A polka dot dress is perfect for a retro-inspired look. Accessorize with vintage-style jewelry and a charming pair of flats.
READ ALSO: This Fashion Rule Explains What To Wear Over 50!
Recommended Floral Dresses
Palmer Polka Dot Silk Button-Up Shirt
Cotton Rich Polka Dot Collared Shirt
Anne Klein Polka Dot Wrap Dress
Geometric Patterns
Geometric prints offer a bold, contemporary edge, making them ideal for women over 50 who want to embrace a more modern aesthetic. These prints, which include squares, triangles, hexagons, and more, can add structure and interest to your look.
The clean lines of geometric patterns can be incredibly flattering, especially when used strategically to highlight your best features.
Subtle geometric prints in neutral tones like grey, black, and beige are perfect for a sophisticated look, while colorful geometric designs can make a bold statement.
For a balanced outfit, pair geometric prints with solid-colored accessories or layers to avoid overwhelming the eye.
For example, a geometric print blouse can be paired with tailored black trousers or a structured pencil skirt for a polished look that’s perfect for both casual and professional settings.
How to Style Geometric Prints
- Stick to one geometric piece per outfit to keep your look balanced.
- Choose prints that enhance your shape—choose designs that feature diagonal lines or shapes for a slimming effect.
- Accessorize minimally to allow the print to stand out without overpowering the ensemble.
- Pair a geometric print top with solid bottoms to balance the look. Add some bold accessories to make a statement.
- Choose a geometric dress with straight lines that fits well. Keep the accessories minimal to let the print shine.
READ ALSO: The 50+ Woman’s Guide to Spring Cleaning Closet & Refreshing Your Wardrobe
Recommended Geometric Prints
Geometric Print Midi Tunic Dress
Floerns Short Sleeve Blouse
Geometric Ruffle Skater Dress
Abstract Prints
Abstract prints are bold, artistic, and unconventional, making them a fantastic choice for women over 50 who want to make a fashion-forward statement.
These prints often feature unique combinations of shapes, lines, and colors, resulting in visually striking pieces that can turn any simple outfit into a work of art.
Whether it’s an abstract dress, a scarf, or a blouse, these prints can inject creativity and personality into your wardrobe.
Muted abstract prints in pastel or earthy tones offer a more subtle way to wear this trend, while vibrant abstract patterns in bright hues like turquoise, red, and yellow can make a dramatic impact.
When wearing abstract prints, keep the rest of your outfit simple to let the design shine. Neutral shoes and accessories help balance the look and prevent it from feeling too busy.
How to Style Abstract Prints For Women Over 50
- Choose prints in softer colors for a more understated, elegant look.
- Pair abstract tops with solid skirts or trousers to maintain balance.
- Use abstract accessories like scarves or handbags to add interest to more neutral outfits.
- Pair an abstract print top with neutral pants or skirts to make the print stand out. This balance ensures your look is stylish without being overwhelming.
- Choose an abstract print dress for an effortless, chic outfit. Accessorize with simple jewelry and a solid-colored bag to keep the focus on the dress.
Abstract Print Knitted Shirtdress
Abstract Print Midi Dress
Abstract Print Button-Up Shirt
Flattering Prints for Every Skin Tone
Prints can also enhance your complexion. Choosing the right colors in your prints can brighten your skin and make you look more youthful.
Cool skin tones
If you have a cool skin tone, opt for prints in shades like blue, lavender, pink, or green. Prints with cool undertones such as jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, and ruby) will complement your complexion.
Look for prints with cool accents, such as floral patterns with blues or purples, to brighten your skin and create a vibrant appearance.
Warm skin tones
Women with warm skin tones look best in earthy tones, including shades like orange, yellow, brown, and olive. Prints in warm hues, such as autumn leaves or golden florals, can add a beautiful touch to your natural warmth.
A leopard print with rich caramel and brown tones can also add a chic, modern twist to your wardrobe.
Neutral skin tones
If you have a neutral skin tone, you have the advantage of being able to wear a wide range of colors.
However, choosing prints with both warm and cool elements, such as a colorful paisley pattern or abstract designs, will complement your natural versatility.
Choose prints that have a mix of tones for a balanced, sophisticated look.
Prints to Avoid Over 50
They can add style to your wardrobe, but some prints can overpower or unflatter.
Busy Prints
Overly busy or chaotic prints can be distracting and make your outfit look disorganized. Instead of small, crowded prints, opt for cleaner, well-spaced designs that enhance your figure without overwhelming it.
Neon Prints
Neon prints can sometimes look garish and overpowering, especially when trying to achieve a polished and sophisticated look. If you love vibrant colors, choose prints that use rich, deep tones rather than neon shades to maintain elegance and style.
Oversized Prints
Large, oversized prints can distort your proportions, making your outfit look bulky. Go for medium-sized prints that align with your body shape, resulting in a sleek and flattering appearance.
How to Style Prints for Different Occasions
Daytime casual
For a relaxed yet stylish daytime look, go for light floral prints or abstract designs on a comfortable, flowing dress or top.
Pair with neutral accessories and a pair of sandals or loafers to keep it casual yet chic.
Workwear elegance
Put subtle geometric prints or pinstripes on tailored blouses or skirts to make your work wardrobe more unique.
Pair with a solid blazer or trousers to keep the look professional while showcasing your style.
Evening glamour
For an evening out, go bold with animal prints or rich baroque patterns. A printed maxi dress with delicate accessories will make you stand out while still looking sophisticated.
Pair your printed outfit with understated jewelry to let the prints take center stage.
Closing Thoughts
Prints offer endless possibilities for women over 50 to express their personalities and enhance their best features.
If you know your body type, skin tone, and the best prints for you, you can make clothes that not only look good on you but also show off your lively personality.
It is fun to show off your personality and style during the summer by adding prints and patterns to your clothes. There is something for everyone, whether you like flowers, stripes, polka dots, geometric shapes, or abstract designs.
Do not forget to pair your prints with solid colors and keep your accessories simple so the patterns can stand out.
♡ Love ♡,
Schellea
