Spring Fling

SPRING FLING

Often as we mature…don’t you like the way I say mature and not get old, we are confused on how to dress.  We want to look cotemporary and sexy but not like we are shopping at Forever 21!  As our bodies have changed so has our ability to carry off newer fashion.  Coupled with that,  our motivation has changed.  For those of us that are retired or semi-retired sometimes it just seems easier to wear some sweats and big t-shirts.  Trust me, this outfit is not flattering and makes you look older and frumpy.  Worry no more!  There are some great fashions that won’t break the bank are easy to put together and look great on the “Over the Young” crowd.

Let start at the top and work out way down.  One thing that is my “go to” look this spring and summer are the flowy tops that are available.  They hid a multitude of sins but can still show off your attributes, like a long neck or nice shoulders.  They are available in a tank top style, crew neck, cap sleeve and even ¾ sleeves.  They generally fit nicely in shoulder area and then have an empire waist.  The best part is that they are a longer cut so they flow down well past your waist area.  They are available in all kinds of great colors, patterns and designs.  Great colors for this year are corals, light pinks and different shades of blue.  You can find really flattering patterns that don’t overwhelm a smaller frame.  One rule of thumb and this is especially important for petite woman, is to make sure to pair a flowy top with a closer fitting pant or jeans.  The rest of us look like we are wearing a tent! Skip the side pockets on shorts, capris or pants. .  Unless you are slim the pocket flare open, especially when sitting and draw the eye to the area you’re usually trying to hide!  Only models in the magazines can pull off a flowy top with palazzo pants.  Now that’s not to say that there is never a time to rock that outfit.  For dressy affairs you can absolutely pull off this look.

Another great look that looks flattering in any figure is the wrap dress.  Go to a store where a clerk or a good friend can help you find the best cut for you.  I have 3 or four wrap dresses that I can dress up or down!  What is really important is the foot wear.  If you can still wear a high heel, that is best.  Keep in mind that a shoe with a little platform gives the illusion of height but the stress on your foot is less.  There are also some great insoles out there that make shoes a lot more comfortable!   A few name brands that offer great styles that are still comfortable are Softspots and Lulus and Naturalizer.  Try to stay away from any shoe with an ankle strap. Adding shoes of the same color will draw the eye down and make you look slimmer. A little heel goes a long way. It elongates the legs and defines the shape.It cut’s your leg and makes your calfs look chunky.  A great flattering look is a sling back with a kitten heel.    There are lots of cute flats available.  A  pointy toe is more flattering with a dressy outfit.

If you do pair a flowy top with shorts, make sure that there is at least 3 inches of the shorts showing.  Otherwise it will look like you forgot to put pants on! When choosing your bottoms keep it simple. Slim fitting capris are more flattering than a pair with a flared leg.  A solid pant is usually a great choice.  If you are pairing a pant or capris with a shorter top,  don’t shy away from pockets in the back. Contrary to popular belief pockets on the derriere actually make your bottom look smaller by breaking up the eye focus so it doesn’t look like you have a long butt.  Pockets actually give the illusion of curves!   Keep the pockets wide and low.  Again, we are talking optical illusion!  Stay away from too much bling but some pretty stitching is always nice.  When choosing your outfit ever combine patterns.  A great slimming technique is to have two similar colors next to one another. I call it the “rule of two”.  If you make sure that you have two of the same color next to one another it will be slimming.  It can be your top and bottom, bottom and shoes…anyway you do it, just don’t forget the “rule of two”!  If you decide on a pretty patterned top say with a coral and light blue pattern, select a solid pair of pants picking up one of the colors.  Adding shoes of the same color will draw the eye down and make you look slimmer.  Now for the shoes…a little heel goes a long way. It elongates the legs and defines the shape.  There are lots of great sneakers available that are comfortable and fashionable.  Keep the design slim, not workout style. Capri pants with a chunky shoe gives you a clam digger look…..never attractive!  For more tips and fashion ideas check out my blog at SixtiesAndSexy.Net.  Email me any questions at SixtiesAndSexy@gmail.com.