Flattering Styles for a Disappearing Waistline

By Staness Jonekos –

There are more than 40 million women in the United States over the size 14 and over 44 million women going through menopause. This Beauty Tip is a styling tip so you can look and feel beautiful everyday.

Shopping for a new outfit can be frustrating when your body is changing as fast as your hormones and designers are focusing on younger smaller woman.

For the past year I have been hiding my disappearing waistline with baggy clothes. With my body fat shifting to my belly, it’s time for a shopping spree. With my new larger body measurements I quickly learned what styles were flattering on real women.

Flattering Styles

TOPS

With an increasing waistline, longer length tops and jackets that sit lower on your hips create a “longer” line. A top that sits at the waistline will accentuate an area you wish to diminish. Make sure your top does not hit the largest area of your hips. The length should hit just below the waistline to mid-thigh. It is best to wear jackets open for a clean vertical line. V-necks, open collars, turtlenecks and wrap tops will bring the attention to your face.

Layering can create a comfortable and stylish look. If you are suffering with hot flashes layering will be your best friend. Be careful to layer properly. Too many bulky layers will only make you look bigger. Try a fitted camisole under a fun blazer or oversized sweater.

BOTTOMS

Whether your bottom has gotten bigger or dropped from age, an A-Line Skirt is a must in your new wardrobe. Not only will it flatter a fuller figure, the waist is fitted and flairs out so the smooth lines don’t show the problem areas. You can also wear a longer top without adding bulk at your waistline. You should wear an A-Line skirt at knee length. Try wearing a dark color for the skirt and a fun top with accessories to bring the attention to your face.

Pants are one of the hardest wardrobe items to buy. Even before menopause finding the perfect fitting pant was tough. But, pants can be flattering with a straight (if you are 5’4″ or shorter) or boot-cut leg (taller than 5’4″) with the waistline falling just below your natural waistline. Try solid darker colors to create a nice straight line. Do not buy pleated or tapered legged pants, these styles will only bring attention to your disappearing waistline and hips.  The jeans pictured, Not Your Daughters Jeans, are awesome!  They are comfy, give you a little support and very flattering –  menopause makeover approved.

DRESSES

Dresses look best when they are one-piece, not separates. They will elongate your body. The length should hit between your knees and mid calf. If you have great legs, show them. Choose a dress length just below the knee. If you have great cleavage, choose a neckline that celebrates your bust line. Accessories can bring the attention to the top half of your body. And for a dressy occasion, bare your shoulders and arms. If you are uncomfortable with your arms, cover them with a shear wrap or bolero jacket.

TIPS

Undergarment foundations are my newest discovery! I purchased an all-in-one shaper. I was firmer and my soft lumpy spots didn’t ruin the nice line in my outfit.

Know your best feature. If it is your legs, wear knee length dresses. If it is your bust, enjoy a plunging neckline. Whatever your special asset, this is the time to flaunt it.

If you are pear-shaped bring the attention to your upper body using style, color and accessories. If you are apple-shaped, show off those legs with shorter hemlines (around the knee) and sexy shoes.

Once you update your wardrobe, add a few sexy shoes, a fun handbag and accessories for day and nighttime.

Enjoy looking and feeling beautiful.

Staness Jonekos is an advocate for women’s health, wellness and empowerment. An award-winning television writer, producer and director, she was one of the original executive producers who launched the television network Oxygen Media, cofounded by Oprah Winfrey. Following her commitment to health, Staness co-executive produced the premiere season of VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, and post produced Lifetime’s Speaking of Women’s Health. Recently, Staness launched into the publishing world sharing her 8-step 12-week Menopause Makeover program in her first book The Menopause Makeover, co-authored with menopause expert Dr. Wendy Klein. Contact info: Staness@MenopauseMakeover.com  Link: http://www.menopausemakeover.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Menopause-Makeover/  Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/staness.