Adrienne Vittadini

Adrienne Vittadini

Fashion Over 50, 2010 Fall & Winter Colors

Fall has finally arrived, and most of us are soaking in cool crisp mornings while looking forward to wearing sweaters, scarves and boots. Even in the more temperate climates, it is time to bring out those darker colors and stash away your summer clothing for the season. For all fabulous-over-50 women, no matter where we live, we want to look our best, which means incorporating new fashion trends in to our existing wardrobes.

Forward-thinking fashion designers have to predict the future as they create seasonal palettes 24 months before they actually hit the retail stores. The designers at Pantone, Inc., the world's color authority for over 45 years, have been preparing for Fall & Winter 2010-2011 for over two years, and the colors of the seasons were selected with a "crystal ball," taking into account the economy, technology and "the needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers."

The 2010 Color of the Year is a beautiful tropical Turquoise, which has been transported into fall as "Lagoon." Turquoise is a color that is flattering on most everyone, and can be paired Fall 2010 Lagoon with neutrals, reds, deep blues and greens to add a splash of extra color. Long thought to be a color of faith and truth inspired by water and sky, Lagoon can transport your thoughts to a tropical paradise as you go through the cold of winter.

Fall and Winter 2010 colors are titled "Mosaic," and include vibrant colors of the universe, deep darks, and rich botanicals, all based on the mosaics of the environment and of the human personality. Along with Lagoon, these colors include:

* Endive—a yellow-green that can brighten an otherwise dark outfit

* Golden Glow—an earthy yellow, like in autumn leaves

* Living Coral—a soft orange with a pink undertone

* Lipstick Red—a dramatic sexy red

* Purple Orchid—a purple with fuchsia tones

* Chocolate Truffle—evoking visions of delicious treats in rich browns with purple undertones

* Woodbine—the season's neutral green, darker than sage, and looks great paired with Purple Orchid and Chocolate Truffle

* Oyster Gray—the season's classic neutral, lighter than the traditional fall gray and can be carried in to Spring 2011.

* Rose Dust—a romantic, flattering beige

Today's over-50 women are more cautious than ever about spending money on clothes. Cate Adair, Costume designer for Desperate Housewives, says "In these economic times, it's actually quite fashionable to get more life out of our closets before we buy new. As costs increase, so does our appreciation of beautiful fashion. Fashion now is something that needs to transcend seasons as well as be seasonal. My new fashion rule is to embrace colors that make you feel good and breathe new life into your closet. Now more than ever is the time to mix new colorful accessories with your classic silhouettes. You'll be amazed at what a splash of color can do to both your ‘look' and your ‘outlook.'"

Sometimes, all it takes is a one new piece of clothing or a "wow" accessory that you can mix and match to update your current wardrobe for fashion over 50. If you can only get one new item, here are some suggestions in the season's "must-haves" from some well-known designers.

•Adrienne Vittadini — The tiger print dress – very easy and very sexy, and comes in an earthy shade that mixes beautifully with rich jewel tones

•Charlotte Ronson —Pleated maxi skirt in sullen solids and restored ‘70s floral prints

•Christian Cota — A structured drop-waist skirt in a multi-colored print

•Christian Siriano — A perfect party/evening dress that makes you feel glamorous at night

•Dennis Basso — A short, cropped, long-hair fur jacket in natural tones from Golden Camel to Tan and Black

•Ella Moss — The perfect day to evening dress that can be layered and worn differently throughout the season

•Frank Tell — Whether it is a perfectly tailored tuxedo jacket or a striking grommet-adorned motorcycle style, the suede leather jacket is a must have for fall

•Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani — A Pepper Gray carbon dyed slim jacket with metal embellishments

•Rachel Roy — Our very glamorous "fur" coats we are building with a new technology using absolutely no fur!

•Tibi — A fabulously structured tweed coat paired with a gorgeous, flowing, jewel-toned, ruffled top in silk and super chic Army Green suede skinny trousers with deep pleats – a romantic and reinvented take on a stayed classic

•Tommy Hilfiger — The Navy sleeveless blazer is a new take on an irreverent classic

•Tracy Reese — A jacquard lace strapless dress in Black – it has a raw, edgy feeling with a touch of sparkle

Spring 2011 colors are again focused on taking us on an exotic journey, with lighter colors including Lavender, Honeysuckle pink, a lighter green called Peapod, and a light clear blue Regatta. According to Pantone, "The season is a new look at definitions of harmony, proportion and balance," with inspirations from the world of flowers.

About the Author

Susan Tolles is the articles author and owner of Flourish Over 50, which is a website that provides information to women over 50 to help them live life to the fullest. Tips on fitness, nutrition and exercise provide ways to achieve a better overall "wellness." You can find out more information on how style and beauty tips help women look their best while accepting the changes their bodies are going through. Join us for stories about other women your own age who have accomplished big goals, or gone through their own transitions, help us inspire women to step out on faith and achieve their own dreams. Visit http://www.flourishover50.com/

when can i use a white purse?

i have a white leather adrienne vittadini bowling bag that i got for my birthday a few months ago and it's all white with a gold zipper and i was just wondering whether i can use it only in the spring/summer months because it's white or if i can use it this winter too without looking too "bright" if you get what i mean. thanks!

Definitely don't just reserve white for the spring and summer! I think that white in the winter can be really chic, especially when worn in a black and white outfit. But really if you like it and think it looks good , then wear it!

Adrienne Vittadini FALL 2011 COLLECTION, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK