Sifting through the photos rolling in from this week's Fall fashion shows in New York, it can seem at first glance as though designers forgot that life continues after age 35 — let alone 50 or 60. From the tween models to the sometimes unforgiving fabrics, your typical Fashion Week runway doesn't exactly celebrate style at any age.
Upon closer inspection, though, many of the catwalk trends we see — if not the exact outfits — are actually quite appropriate for women of all ages. So while the fashion industry is looking ahead to Fall this week, we're taking a closer look at how to wear the best trends of the present season. In partnership with Yoplait Light, here are the 12 most wearable trends for middle-aged women that we saw on the Spring 2013 runways.
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Monochromatic Outfits
Particularly in vivid, lively hues, this eye-catching look was popular on the catwalks and is eminently wearable at any age. Even the simplest lines look elegant and updated when pulled together with similar-toned pieces.
Monochromatic Outfits
Monochromatic Outfits
Monochromatic Outfits
Bermuda Shorts
These straight-cut, knee-length shorts are flattering on just about everyone, whether you're full-figured or slim. Luckily, they're also very on-trend this season.
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda Shorts
Leather
Tough-looking leather needn't be reserved for 20-somethings in skinny jeans and platform heels. On the Spring runways, leather looked at once mature and of-the-moment with subtle detailing and unexpected shapes.
Leather
Leather
Leather
Vibrant Blues
Rich, vibrant blues were a staple of the Spring 2013 collections. The standout color brightens any skin tone and has an edgy, youthful vibe that's appropriate for every occasion.
Vibrant Blues
Vibrant Blues
Head-To-Toe Black And White
This classic color scheme — with a modern twist — was everywhere on the runways, and is a sophisticated look at any age.
Head-To-Toe Black And White
Head-To-Toe Black And White
Head-To-Toe Black And White
Statement Sunglasses
All the shades on the catwalks seemed to have a story to tell — perfect for women with eclectic tastes. Sunglasses this bold are a fun way to showcase your unique style while keeping the rest the look mature and polished.
Statement Sunglasses
Statement Sunglasses
Statement Sunglasses
Wide-Leg Pants
These light, chic bottoms are a fun way to modernize your look without revealing too much skin or creating unflattering lines. Paired with heeled sandals and a structured top to balance out the volume, they looked fresh and comfy on the runways.
Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-Leg Pants
Denim On Top
Break out that old denim jacket or t-shirt: you'll be cool, casual and on-trend this season by adding another layer of texture to your outfit with the well-loved fabric.
Denim On Top
Denim On Top
Kitten Heels
Sky-high stilettos may not yet be a thing of the past, but at least this season offers a feminine and practical alternative for our tired feet.
Kitten Heels
Kitten Heels
All-Over Stripes
The dizzying array of bold stripes at the Spring shows were hard to miss — which is precisely the point. There were vertical, horizontal and mismatched stripes galore, in both bright and muted colors. But the best part about this classy, but statement-making style? It's age-blind.
All-Over Stripes
All-Over Stripes
All-Over Stripes
Beehive Hair
Welcome back, 1962! Pulled-back hair with a ton of volume on top elongates your face and puts the emphasis on your eyes and cheekbones, as evidenced by the Spring collection models of Oscar de la Renta, Louis Vuitton and more. It's a refined and overall flattering look that we think will come in especially handy when summer's heat and humidity become a factor.
Beehive Hair
Beehive Hair
Oversized Jewelry
From Chanel's giant pearls to Dolce & Gabbana's bright and complex earrings, many designers went big and bold with jewelry at their shows. Luckily, giant baubles are wearable by anyone that keeps the accompanying clothing simple enough to complement their get-noticed quality.
Oversized Jewelry
Oversized Jewelry
Previewing Your Comment.
This comment has not yet been postedGee thanks fashion world.
combined w some savvy, one can wear just about anything at any age.
why make age the issue when obesity and it's related ills is our epidemic and the real reason why certain garments cease to look good on a person, regardless of age?
50 does NOT relegate one to monochrome, unilinear covering.
(Not that that would help much. The only outfit I saw that could remotely be called beautiful was the full length patterned blue dress.)