Archive for August, 2009
We all want to look our best whenever we can. There is an unfortunate common erroneous belief that looking our best takes time and effort. Nevertheless, if you stick to some basic rules it should be easy and eventually second nature!
- One-piece evening dresses look sleeker than separates for an evening event. Roman Originals has a fabulously flattering velvet evening dress- (now in the sale at £30)
- If you do separates, remember the brightest or lightest colour or print “pops” and accentuates the area it is covering, so be sure to know you body type!
- Look for high quality fabrics that have a little â??giveâ?? and well-placed darts to facilitate in getting the best fit.
- Don’t be afraid of sleeveless garments. Sleeveless is a daunting style for many women especially the older we get. Fret not, if you don’t feel comfortable with your upper arms, drape a beautiful, sheer shawl around your shoulders or pop on a light shrug this will finish a look off perfectly.
- The worst thing a woman can do is cover up head to toe.
- Therefore, pick your best assets; we all have at least one! Maybe shapely legs or a curvy bust, and flaunt it!
- Keep in mind however, the â??one or the otherâ?? rule: DO NOT display everything all at once!
- Use the tight-loose rule of dressing in separates. For example, you can wear a fitted camisole under a looser top or a slim pair of pants under an easy, long jacket. All baggy is a sure-fire way to tell the world you hate your body.
- Thing to avoid (Even if it fits)
- Non-dress shirts tucked into trousers (especially if you have a little bit of a tummy).
- Socks with sandals
- See-through light tops or shirts with a dark bra underneath.
- Skirts with splits. If there is a split at the side for example, make sure it is a small split to prevent any unwanted exposure.
If you are a woman who is over 50, you have probably heard all the old standard fashion advice for ‘mature’ women. Wear turtlenecks, they cover up wrinkled necks. Wear your skirts below your knee, it’s more age appropriate. Â Oh and letâ??s not forget the classic, â??you are too old to wear long hairâ?, it allegedly ages you.
The list goes on. However, today’s 50-plus woman does not have to necessarily give up her sense of style just because she had another birthday. Here are some suggestions to help you dress to make you look and feel good about yourself regardless of your age:
Be Confident in Yourself
Wear your confidence like a designer gown. You have lived enough life that you are knowledgeable, experienced and can believe in your own self worth. Furthermore, you have earned the right to trust your own taste and judgment. If it feels right to you, it probably is. Try not to let anyone dictate what your personal style must be simply because you have passed a certain stage in life.
Know your body, flaws and all!
Yes, your body has changed over the years. Your arms may not be as firm as they once were, gravity has inevitably taken its toll and areas have drooped south a little. So, yes, you may have to change your fashion strategies a touch. Nevertheless, that certainly doesn’t mean you are suddenly sentenced to live the rest of your life in drab colours, baggy clothes with and general have no style at all. It just means you need to think about ways to disguise the â??problemâ?? areas and accentuate your assets. For example if you have developed like many women sagging in upper arm department, then simply add a light cardigan in summer or a shrug or jacket in the cooler months.
If you are bothered by widening hips, accent the top half of your body with shirts or sweaters with rich colour, v-necks or vertical stripes and de-emphasize the lower half with solid, dark colours. An A-line skirts or wide-legged trousers are perfect in helping minimize this issue.
Invest in Well-Fitting Undergarments
This area is vitally important and not something to neglect even for a second. Naturally, gravity does take its toll on our bodies, despite our efforts. Nevertheless, womens underwear that fit correctly and do their job properly are the solution. Indulge yourself and go have a bra fitted by a professional. You’ll be amazed at what a difference a bra that fits correctly can make in your figure. It is a well known fact that most women do not buy the right bra for their body type.
The same goes with your knickers. The dreaded VPL (visible panty line) is unattractive on anyone regardless of age, no matter what their age. If your bottom or tummy is a slightly less tight than is used to be, do not wear tight knickers that cut in to you. There is a common misconception that tight underwear will hold everything in, however if anything it only emphasizes the problem areas. A well-fitting pair of briefs is a good option for many people, and essential wardrobe attire.
In conclusion, if you are over 50, do not fall victim to â??out of date fashionâ?? pushed upon the mature women. Your love for fashion is still very much alive, so indulge it!!
For those of us who do not have figures of Hollywood starlets or top models, finding the most attractive way to dress is often at times requires a little more thought and effort, especially if you are searching for appropriate evening wear. Commonly, the plus size fashionistas have to work harder than most to gain that much desired chic and stylish look. Nevertheless, that does not have to be the case if you stick to these handy and insightful tips and tricks:
Good Posture. This maybe something that was repeated throughout your child hood by your mother and if we are honest with ourselves not many of us kept it up. Nothing makes a protruding tummy more obvious than bad posture. Whatever you do or however you are feeling, it is essential stand tall, throw your shoulders back and hold everything in. Good posture not only does wonders for your figure but you will radiate confidence.
Don’t Wear Poorly Fitting Undergarments. A bra that is worn out or doesn’t fit right is a bra that is practically useless. If your bra is too tight, it serves to create and accent rolls and bulges. The same goes for knickers.
Do Choose Monochromatic Tones Dressing from top to bottom in one colour makes you appear longer and leaner. Therefore, matching shoes and hosiery will help keep the eye travelling straight up and down. Keep the splashes of colour to your accessories, a chunky bracelets or a colourful clutch bag is more than enough. However, donâ??t be tempted to overdo you accessories!
Don’t Wear Clothes that are too Big or too Little It is so very common for women to have the misconception that baggy clothes hide all those lumps and bumps. However, excessive material only makes you look broader and heavier, not smaller. Equally, clothing that is too small are just as bad. Material should always â??skim rather than clingâ??. Nothing is worse than the dreaded â??muffin topâ??. Ill fitting clothing not only looks bad, but will it makes you feel bad also. Delicate shawls or cardigans are great if you want to cover up a little!
Wear High Heels Unless you have a physical reason why you cannot wear high heels, every woman should! Not only do heels make you look taller but they also do wonders to your legs. Shoes with high heels add an air of femininity and sophistication, adding instant serge of glamour to any outfit. You don’t have to be wearing a suit or dress for heels to look stylish. They also look great when they are teamed with well fitted jeans and a tailored blazer.
Don’t Forget Accessories Accessories can set off an outfit perfectly. Use accessories to personalize your look. Experiment with you accessories, perhaps a pair of eye catching earrings, a chunky bangle, a long hanging necklace or a couple of sparkly rings.
Whatever you do, a smile is vital. A warm, genuine smile brings a glow to your eyes and radiance to your face!
Advice by Body Type:
Top Heavy
- No shoulder pads, ever.
- Avoid ruffled blouses and light, clingy fabrics.
- Draw the eyes down with waist hugging shirts, belts, pleats, short skirts.
- Flat shoes, unless you’re short.
- Empire waists may show off your cleavage, but be careful that they don’t make your torso look to big:
Curvy
- If you want to avoid drawing attention to your curves skip chucky fabrics, stripes, cinched belts, and ruffles.
- Flared skirts hide and flow with your body shape
Curve-Free
- Details at the waist and trumpet-shaped skirts give the illusion of curves.
- Lush, thick sweaters, patterns, necklaces, scarves, and accessories could differentiate between your top and bottom.
- Embrace prints and patterns.
- High waisted belts will always create that much desired feminine hour-glass silhouette
Petite
- Get clothes that are fitted and tailored. Don’t let your clothing overwhelm your little frame.
- Wide collars highlight your shoulders.
- Miniskirts, high heels and high waisted trousers are your friends for example, pin stripe high waisted trousers are perfect for you (see below).
- Try to avoid chunky jewellery, it can be overpowering on a small frame.
Pear-Shaped
- V-neck tops draw attention to the top of the body.
- Side-slit, just past the knee, A-lines and straight cuts skirts.
- Longer tops, past the hips.
- Straight, tailored jackets, suits, and shirtdresses.
- Light colours on top, dark on the bottom.
- Thin fabrics with few patterns.
- Monochrome looks, top to bottom.
