Baby Boomer Style: Beating Bulges

Masking Your Midriff

by Lynda E. Jean

Our body shapes and proportions are genetic, meaning we have no control over our height, bone structure and predisposition to gain or lose weight. The better we know and understand our body, the more empowered we will feel and be able to work with it strategically.

After 50, many of us wonder how to hide an expanding midriff.  The answer is what image consultants call a ‘third layer’.

The third layer can be a jacket or cardigan-type sweater that not only covers the middle but also creates a vertical line from the top to the bottom of the garment, creating a longer and slimmer appearance.

The length of the third layer is also an important consideration. A safe length for a third layer is right at the leg break, which also covers the derriere. To find your leg break, simply lift your knee, and the middle of your front thigh that bends is your leg break, about four inches above your crotch.

If you suffer from hot flashes and cannot imagine the thought of wearing a third layer, then wear a long  top that is not too tight and flows over your body.

About black … black is a difficult colour to wear successfully because of its severity. In the workplace, black is powerful, best worn in a suit. It suggests power and leadership. People with darker complexions wear black best, because the darkness of their natural skin tone can complete with it; otherwise, black will wear you. Navy blue is just as effective as black and works for almost every skin tone.

In the first view (photos: Oprah.com, Kelly – Oprah’s stylist) this woman is carrying a bag that is neither age-appropriate nor proportionate to her body. She has probably chosen to wear black because black is our favourite slimming colour.

As you can see, this woman’s makeover has created an unbelievable transformation. She is still wearing black and the third layer, but her frumpy clothes have been changed to more current, upbeat styles. Her child-like bag has been exchanged for a more attractive bag that still provides the same amount of ample space.

What is also remarkable is the beautiful hair cut, which makes her appear much younger. I cannot emphasize the value of a good cut and style. In addition, many women change the colour of their hair in an attempt to jazz up their appearance. Often it is a colour that either conflicts with their natural complexion or washes them out. Nature did not make a mistake – our best hair colour is our natural hair colour. Instead, we can create excitement with a great hair style, make up, clothing and accessories. The best part of this woman’s transformation, however, is her smile and look of confidence. This is so important for our emotional well-being.

If you have not done so, invest in a colour and style analysis to discover how to enhance your best features.

Embrace yourself and enjoy this part of your life. Now is the time for you.

Lynda E. Jean, BA MSW AICI is a Certified Image Consultant who specializes in  Colour Analysis, Style & Proportion Analysis, Wardrobe Audits, Personal Shopping, Social & Business Etiquette and Corporate Presentations. Lynda also carries an assortment of beautiful costume jewellery and has her own makeup line called Lynda Jean Cosmetics.

416-960-1333 www.lyndajean.com

Over-50 Style – skirt length

How high should you go?

by Lynda E. Jean

Pencil skirt at the knee: the most flattering

The beauty of getting older is that we have matured, lived life, and can usually laugh at the things that used to embarrass us. The down side is that our bodies are forever changing. Menopause, bearing children and hormonal changes can – and do – wreak havoc.

Even though we may eat less and exercise, somehow we look different from our 21-year old selves. Fear not, because the trick to dressing strategically and looking like you still have the youthful shape you once had can easily be achieved.

Our body shapes and proportions are genetic, meaning we have no control over our height, bone structure and predisposition to gain or lose weight. The better we know and understand our body, the more empowered we feel, and the more able to work with it strategically. Getting your skirt length right is simple if you follow these pointers.

6 ways to choose skirt length

1. The best skirt/dress lengths should end either at the top of the knee or the bottom of the knee.
2. Never break up the knee.
3. If you are petite  (5’4” or less), you will appear taller with the shorter length.
4. If you have short legs in proportion to the rest of your body, then the shorter length will also give the illusion of longer legs because you are showing more leg.
5. Another tactic for appearing taller and slimmer is to keep your skirts more narrow than wide.
6. Skirts above the knees should only be worn for sports or very casual attire.

Shifting the emphasis

(The photos are from Oprah.com, styled by Oprah’s stylist, Kelly.) The picture on the far left emphasizes how a break in our body draws the eye to it. This particular woman hated her ankles, and was attempting to hide them by wearing dark socks and shoes. What she created was the exact opposite. After her make over, she is exposing her legs by wearing neutral hose that cover her knees. Her legs are barely noticeable, because her upper body is dressed in colours and styles that enhance her natural look. The brown and gold colour choices work with her warm complexion and the animal print compliments her personality. Not only does she look attractive and taller, but also sexy! She is strategically dressed so that our eyes focus on her face and upper body. This is an excellent example of how we can optimize our best features by using the best colours for our complexion and the best styles for our body shape, proportion, and personality.

(Next time, hiding an expanding midriff)