Get Your Fashion Fix by Browsing Spring Trends

A little online daydreaming is a guaranteed mood-booster

by Lois Joy Johnson, AARP, March 19, 2020

Andie MacDowell Viola Davis Helen Mirren and Mary Steenburgen

JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty Images; Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for L'Oréal Paris; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

(Left to right) Andie MacDowell in a green silk dress, Viola Davis wearing a white shirtdress next to Helen Mirren in a white and black polka dot dress and Mary Steenburgen in a big polka dot jumpsuit with puff sleeve.

En español | Here's the truth: Even during “normal” times most 50-plus women don't stay up nights checking runway shows on social media, or know or even care what's going on at Prada, Balenciaga or Gucci. Our spring shopping goals are more about finding a few new everyday basics than wearing leather Bermudas with square-toe python boots. While the coronavirus is top of mind right now, it's OK to give our mood and psyches a lift with some online R&R. Here are 10 things to browse that will do just that:

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Photos

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PHOTO BY: Old Navy (2); Who What Wear; LOFT

(Left to right) Old Navy Patterned No-Peek Plus-Size Stretch Shirt for Women; Who What Wear Women's Plus Size Polka Dot Long Sleeve Deep Tiered Flowy Dress; Old Navy Lightweight Midi Slip Skirt for Women; LOFT Dotted Peplum Top

1. A polka dot anything

There's something witty and retro about dots. While our spotty favorite — leopard — isn't going anywhere, dots are the new print on the block. They remind us of old-school movie candy, connect-the-dots kids’ games and lollipops. The smaller the dot the more refined the effect; the larger the dot the trendier the look.
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PHOTO BY: Target; Ann Taylor; Everlane; Banana Republic; Who What Wear

(Left to right) A New Day Women's Plus Size High-Rise Cropped Wide Leg Pants; Ann Taylor The Marina Pant; Everlane The Wide Leg Crop Pant; Banana Republic Slim Wide-Leg Cropped Sailor Pant; Who What Wear Women's Plus Size Mid-Rise Pleat Front Wide Leg Cropped Trouser

2. Wide-leg crops

No matter what, we always need a good pair of pants. If you love slim crops, wide-leg ankle-crops have the same practical works-with-any-wedge/flat/heel benefits. They're surprisingly flattering on every body shape and size if you pay attention to the proportions and how you wear them. Three musts: Choose a pair that sits at your natural waist and lies smooth over hips, belly and thighs; tuck in your tops for waist definition; and show enough ankle to balance width at the hem. Relax, you've got this!
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PHOTO BY: Everlane; Who What Wear; H&M

(Left to right) Everlane The Denim Button-Front Pencil Skirt; Who What Wear Women's Plus Size Belted Swing A-Line Midi Skirt; H&M A-line Denim Skirt

3. A sporty tailored skirt

Skirts are back and giving dresses serious competition. If you like a little structure and tailoring but prefer to dress with a casual warm weather attitude, take a look at denim and utility skirts. The best are button-front or A-line styles (the ‘70s influence is not your imagination) that pair with tucked-in lightweight tees, blouses and bodysuits. If you like the firm hold-you-in feeling of shapewear without having to actually wear any, this does it.
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PHOTO BY: Gap; Target (2); LOFT; Who What Wear

(Left to right) Eyelet Wrap Midi Skirt; Universal Thread Women's Midi Wrap A-Line Skirt; LOFT Border Floral Tiered Midi Skirt; Universal Thread Women's Plus Size Midi Wrap Skirt; Who What Wear Women's Plus Size Tie-Dye Print Mid-Rise Flowy A-Line Midi Skirt

4. A romantic midi skirt

If you're home flipping between news bulletins and getaway historical dramas on Netflix, check out the new batch of flowy skirts embellished with eyelet, tiers and ruffles. They look equally appealing with ballet flats or sandals and the longer length will let you go comfortably bare-legged. Add a simple T-shirt in black or white and your outfit is complete.
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PHOTO BY: Old Navy (2); Target; H&M; Zara

(Left to right) Old Navy Waist-Defined Embroidered Trim Midi Dress for Women; Prologue Women's Plus Size Balloon Elbow Sleeve Dress; H&M Smock-detail Dress; Zara Polka Dot Dress; Old Navy Wrap-Front Dolman-Sleeve Midi Dress for Women

5. A long breezy dress

We still love the way a dress simplifies summer dressing and some of the newest are looser and more relaxed than ever. But let's get practical: A mid-calf or above-the-ankle midi with some shape and definition at the middle is still going to look more polished than a loose A-shape dress. Leave those for weekends and hanging out with friends and family — which we hope to do again soon.
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PHOTO BY: H&M (2); Zara; Old Navy (2)

(Left to right) H&M Shirt Dress with Tie Belt; H&M Tie-Belt Denim Dress; Zara Striped Shirt Dress; Old Navy Waist-Defined Tie-Belt Shirt Dress for Women; Old Navy Linen-Blend Cinch-Tie No-Peek Plus-Size Shirt Dress

6. A shirtdress

Do you know how throwing on a tailored blazer makes you feel slimmer and trimmer? The new batch of shirtdresses do the same thing without you having to wear a jacket, thanks to the straight lines and button-front design. Although some feature soft, fluid fabrics and prints, the sharp overall silhouette still works its magic. Just add a low chunky pump or closed-toe wedge for a sophisticated look; slip on slides or mules to take it down a notch.
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PHOTO BY: Gap; Old Navy (2)

(Left to right) Gap Eyelet Peasant Top; Old Navy Relaxed Square-Neck Top for Women; Old Navy Textured-Jersey Bell-Sleeve Tie-Neck Top for Women

7. A boho top

There is a folk theme going on in fashion with hippie-inspired blouses featuring embroidery, smocking, eyelet trim and blouson or bell sleeves. Look for the new square necklines or a split neck with tassels that opens to a V and flatters everyone. If you live in jeans this top's the one that will nudge you to haul out your fringed hobo bag and dangly earrings this summer.
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PHOTO BY: LOFT; Banana Republic; Gap; Target

LOFT Garden V-Neck Puff Sleeve Blouse (left, worn by model); Banana Republic Puff-Sleeve Swing Top (top middle); Gap Print V-Neck Popover Shirt (bottom middle); A New Day Women's Floral Print Balloon Long Sleeve Wrap Top (right, worn by model)

8. A floral blouse or popover shirt

What's the next big thing after off-shoulder tops and striped boatneck tees? A crop of feminine blouses in fresh floral prints. It doesn't matter if you're a minimalist who only wears neutrals or a casual type who lives in Levi's and a biker jacket — there's a floral for everyone. Tap into your “green” side with a blue floral print.
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PHOTO BY: Gap; Target; H&M; Zara

(Left to right) Gap Print Midi Skirt; A New Day Women's Floral Print High-Rise Pleated A-Line Midi Skirt; H&M Pleated Skirt; Zara Polka Dot Skirt

9. A pull-on midi skirt

A hint of nostalgia is always a good thing. The new elasticized-waist skirts (a flash from the past) have the ease of leggings but the polish of real-clothes style. Nothing is simpler to wear and these skirts provide a shot of comfort with real style in swirly, sleek A-line shapes or pleats packed with upbeat color and prints.
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PHOTO BY: Old Navy (2); Target; H&M

(Left to right) Old Navy Tie-Belt Dolman-Sleeve Jumpsuit for Women; Prologue Women's Short Sleeve Ankle Length Jumpsuit; Old Navy Plus-Size Wide-Leg V-Neck Jumpsuit; H&M Cotton-blend Jumpsuit

10. A sleek, minimalist jumpsuit

If you don't own a jumpsuit yet what are you waiting for? A no-frills one-piece with a tie waist in a dark neutral is cool, slimming and will pivot from errands to weekends and evenings out. The season is right for a one-piece look since — let's be practical again — you won't need to remove top layers like jackets, dusters or cardigans every time you dash to the restroom. A short-sleeve, extended cap or dolman style is what to look for if you prefer a little arm coverage.