Layering Winter Woolies with Modern Style

As the cold winds start to blow in Australia, it’s time to pull out the winter jumpers and cardigans. If you live in the northern hemisphere, summer can also bring cold nights (and sometimes cold days) when a light cardigan or jumper is called for.

Your first thoughts may be about buying something new. That’s okay.

I have noticed some new ideas for stylish ways that Baby boomers can layer their winter jumpers and cardigans so that you can look modern rather than dowdy. You may still have to buy new items but they will be cheaper options that extend and revitalise your current clothes. Many women underestimate the versatility of the clothes hanging in their wardrobe. A personal Stylist helps you ‘shop your wardrobe’ before you flash your credit card at new shops. This is a new service I will be offering my clients and readers by the end of June.

Here for you now are my three new pieces of fashion advice for layering your winter woollies with modern style and flair.

Grandpa Makes a Statement

I noted this fashion tip in the June 2013 issue of Weight Watchers magazine. They were actually showcasing the V neck jumper but it was the grandpa shirt under it that attracted my attention.

The model on the left from the magazine is wearing slightly wider V neck sweater. Under it is a grandpa shirt that is unbuttoned to below the jumper’s V front. This creates a second slimming V shape as well as space to add a statement necklace. A short necklace is better here than a long necklace. Any round neck or open T-shirt would work as the necklace could be under or on top of it. As you are only showing a small bit of the T-shirt or shirt, the white colour will work for everyone even if white is not your best colour.

 

 

What a Difference a Belt Makes

I write quite a bit about belts because they are being worn in ways today that make them a modern classic. Stop saying that your waist has expanded. Get over it and embrace narrow belts with a difference.

Notice the difference between the belts on the two models I have featured. They are both wearing Butterick pattern 5760. The model on the left is wearing it a classic way that can easily look dowdy. The model on the right has only the centre button done up. Over the cardigan she is wearing a narrow belt with an wide, open, ring-shaped buckle. The buckle is your modern styling secret. Because it is metal and open, it breaks up the width of the belt. The result is that your waist looks smaller. This type of belt is a dressing magician. You can wear it over jackets or any cardigans for the same effect.

Here are some belts in this style currently available  on the the Chicos website.

 

Three-quarter Magic

I am a fan of three-quarter sleeves. They are so versatile. As well as being a modern classic, they slim you as the lower part of your arms is always its slimmest part. Plus, three-quarter sleeves are perfect for tropical climate winters and sool summer evenings anywhere in the world.

Compare these two cardigans and how they are worn. The model on the left is wearing a beige Patons Bluebell wool knit cardigan pattern. Yes it is unbuttoned to the waist with a long necklace but it screams aging and dowdy. The model on the right is wearing a Coldwater Creek 2012 cardigan. It has just below the elbow sleeves. Under this light grey cardigan she is wearing a soft white or cream skivvy. The loose and slightly open neckline looks more modern than a tight-fitting neck skivvy. The necklace is a darker grey and just above bust height. It all gives an impression of openness.

Tip – If your hair is greying, choose a light grey or silver cardigan. Mid-grey and dark grey, when worn on your upper body, adds years to your look. An off-white or cream skivvy worn with light grey is an unusual combination that works very well.

Last Words

The draped cardigan is still modern and in fashion. For a change, take another look in your wardrobe to see if you can adapt any of these three pieces of styling advice. Otherwise, go buy a new belt or loose neck skivvy to revitalise your existing winter woollies.

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The Future of Jeans

Do you have one or more pairs of jeans hidden away that are too small for you? Someday you will fit into them.

Throw them out now!

Here’s why. Jeans are a modern classic. They can go from casual to formal. Baby Boomers are changing jeans. It’s an offshoot of the ‘anti-aging revolution’. Women of all ages want to wear flattering and comfortable clothes and retailers are responding to this massive market.

In the US, Chicos (on the left) claim their new jeans have special interior stitching from hip to hip for super slimming. Forget the words. They must work as they were named by Oprah magazine in February 2013 as the ‘All Round Best Slimming Jean’.

Some of their jeans also have flat front seams to slim and lengthen your legs (as seen on the right).

Nordstrom have Second Yoga Straight Leg Jeans that stretch diagonally as we move in all directions as well as a new waistband that does not show your undies as you bend. The reviewers are aged from 50 – 64 which indicates that it’s a modern jean for baby boomers.

In Australia, Diana Ferari (on the left) has ‘Kimberley’ – a slim leg jegging with mock pockets. W Lane (on the right) has comfort straight or slim jeans and Jag has high rise (good for women over 40), slim jeans. Slim jeans are the flattering, modern and comfortable version of the Gen Y skinny jeans. Your favourite brand or store has probably got a version of them.

Wear these ankle-length, slim jeans with flatties (a classic look as in the W Lane jeans on the right) or with medium to high heels (a modern classic look as in the Chicos jeans above left).

New styles, materials and shapes are being developed so you can look slimmer without losing weight. Throw out those old saved jeans and embrace the future of jean technology.

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When You Need to Wear a Suit Jacket

The world of business is becoming more casual and informal. The formal, stiff, 2 or 3 button suit is going out of fashion for all but the more conservative professions and organisations. And even those are loosening up. The power suit can date a woman and give the impression of ‘stuck-in-the-past’ thinking and attitudes.

So the question comes up! What do you wear when you are speaking, being a Master of Ceremonies, receiving an award or attending a more formal networking event? A jacket is called for but what do you choose so that you look a modern 21st century woman.

Here are my 3 tips for you – a Baby Boomer or Over 40 professional or business woman. Let’s apply some modern dressing skills to the formal suit jacket.

Add a Belt

This is a simple solution for those classic suit jackets that are still in your wardrobe.

Stop worrying that your waist has expanded over the years. Wear your belt comfortable but not tight.

It is your choice whether you wear a narrow, medium or wide belt. The only way to find out which looks best on you is to experiment. Try it in privacy at home or wear the suit jacket to a store and try on different belt widths in the privacy of a change room.

The second consideration is whether to wear a matching or contrasting colour. The best coloured belts for classic suit jackets are black, brown or beige. Red belts are for extroverts. The example on the left (Butterick jacket pattern 5687) is a black, medium-width belt which matches the black shoes and stockings.

On the right is one of the variations of Butterick jacket 5720. The model is wearing a narrow black belt over a patterned, frilled-neck jacket. The classic belt allows the model to be formal while still retaining her femininity.

Modern Jacket Closures

If you are looking for a new modern suit or a versatile modern jacket, look at a jacket that has a hook and eye closure at the waist. This keeps the formal look with a modern edge. On the left is Kwiksew 3889 and on the right is a jacket from Jacqui E, Australia) A rounded or pointed hemline also keeps the jacket from looking dated.

An alternative to a waistline hook and eye is a jacket with a zip closure that goes from collar to waist. On the left is one variation of Simplicity jacket 1784. On the right is a diagonal zip jacket from Jacqui E with uneven-sized half collars.

A third alternative is a half-revere collared jacket with an odd number of button and loop closures to the waist only.  On the left is another variation of Simplicity jacket 1784 with this design. For a formal occasion, I would look for something witout contrasting zip pockets.

All three styles create a smooth slimming colour across your upper body. They are modern because they all meet in the middle rather than crossing over.

 

 

 

Soft Folds

Buttonless, draping jackets are today’s modern classic style. For occasions when a suit jacket is required, buy one in a thicker weave material. Also choose ones that create a lapel effect whether from the neckline As in my W. Lane red Jacket) or from just below the collarbone (as in McCall pattern jacket 6611 on the right).

It’s your choice whether the edges meet, are slightly apart or drape down your princess line. Go for whatever looks best on you.

Choose a hem shape that flatters you – either straight or angled. Tip – angled makes your hips look smaller. Keep the length to a normal suit jacket length (wrist length if you are petite or medium height; fingertip length if you are tall).

Last Words

The modern suit jacket can be worn over a dress or with a knee-length skirt or tapered pants.

It’s always handy to have one in the wardrobe for those important invitations. Practise modern jacket dressing skills and know you can choose a belt, a modern closure or soft folds. Out you go now and shine confidently.

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Sorbet – A Fashion Review

While searching for a new top and doing some research at the Airport DFO, I came across a store I had not found before. It’s been there 7 years. Funny what you don’t see until it’s important to you!

The shop is Sorbet.

At first glance, it wasn’t my style. But I am writing about it because it may suit you. I picked up a catalogue and researched them on the Web.

The two styles I have featured from them show their versatility. The one on the right has a simple grape jacket and multi-coloured stripe top. Note the lower neckline (good for baby boomers and women over 40) and the blue heels (just something a bit different). Grape softens the black pants. The one on the left has the same material from the right as a diagonal feature on the plain-coloured top. It has a black jacket which drapes down the princess line. Same blue shoes.

Sorbet has reasonably-priced clothes for all women in sizes 8 – 24 and shops in Cairns, Maroochydore, Brisbane Airport DFO, Gold Coast Harbour Town, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide. They feature lots of modern tops and jackets in multi-pattern and texture mixes. They do have colour as well as black. Their website – http://sorbetstyle.com.au – is basic.

After studying the catalogue in more detail, I will be back for a second look.

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Coloured Jeans – Dead, Dying or Must Have

I have resisted writing about coloured jeans because I believed they were a Fad that would disappear after one year.

I was wrong!

They have stayed around for three years. I have done some recent research on them. The cheaper catalogues – Big W, Kmart & Target – only picture earthy and bright red jeans. Mid-price websites – Suzanne Grae & Diana Ferrari – are promoting earthy reds to purple jeans and leggings. Ezibuy has all colours. US website, Chicos, is featuring reds, purples, oranges and greens as it is Spring in the northern hemisphere.

Coloured jeans are on the websites but I rarely see women wearing them. This applies to the young as well. I can count on one hand the number of women I saw in the USA on our recent holiday who were wearing them. There are lots of favourable buyer reviews on the Ezibuy website: so I can’t say that retailers are pushing a dead product.

If you want to consider wearing coloured jeans, here is my guide to help you wear them in stylish flattering ways.

The Provisos

The first three challenges of coloured jeans are your personality, your shape and your colour knowledge.

Extrovert personalities are happy in bright, look-at-me colours like fuchsia, bright purple and green. Introvert personalities run a mile from the bright colours but may consider the dark earth red and deep grape jeans like these Diana Ferrari garnet jeans.

The second challenge is how you feel about your body shape. Coloured jeans, jeggings and today’s leggings tend to be slim-shaped. The last thing most women want is to highlight their lower body shape in bright-coloured jeans.

I believe that the biggest challenge is the universal question – ‘What will I wear with it?’ As girls and women we are not taught how to mix and co-ordinate colours. Websites like Suzanne Grae, Diana Ferrrari & Chicos show you at the most, only one top with their coloured jeans. One choice is not enough to help you feel confident wearing them.

Colour Combinations that Work

Solid black, white or grey tops seem to be the default options. When you wear light and dark colours together, you are using the Power of Contrast as mentioned in the last Ezine. It is always the lightest or brightest colour that draws and keeps our attention. A black top over bright blue jeans like this Suzanne Grae example on the left, draws your eyes to the jeans. If you want to wear a black top, add a scarf or large necklace that includes a brighter or lighter shade of the jeans colour. The attention now comes to your upper not lower body as seen in the Suzanne Grae example on the right.

Another way to keep the attention on the upper body is to wear a white top with cool-coloured jeans like clear red, green and royal blue or a cream or beige top over warm-coloured jeans like earth red, garnet and red-purple. Upper body attention is guaranteed when you add a co-ordinating scarf or large necklace.

Accessories tone down the severity of a black top and lift the classic look of a white or cream top.

Stripes and spots work exceptionally well with coloured jeans. Use the following style tip to look great – choose irregular-width stripes as in this example on the rightfrom a 2011 Oprah magazine where the white stripes are larger than the black ones. Add a scarf in the same colours in a check pattern to reinforce the other person’s focus on your upper body.

Tops, blouses or t-shirts that include the jeans colour in the pattern or as a decoration on a plain background are another way to wear coloured jeans with style. On the right from Suzanne Grae is an example of  a tonal coloured-striped jumper over fuchsia leggings.

On the left is an example from Chicos website in 2011 of a patterned top that would co-ordinate with green jeans.

On the right from Suzanne Grae is a softer combination for Introverts and gentle women – of pale salmon cord jeans and irregular width stripes in cream, beige, pale green and salmon.

The Future of Coloured Jeans

I am really surprised that coloured jeans are still around. In my view they will never become a must-have item because there are too many emotional and practical hurdles for women to overcome. Advances in slimming clothing technology still can’t persuade you if your body self-esteem is an issue. The darker colours may stay around another year as they are easier to mix with your existing clothes.

Last Words

If you want to wear coloured jeans, learn from me or by studying examples of how to take the emphasis to the top half of your body. Then stand tall and wear them often over the next year. Otherwise, forget them and move on with a smile.

I’ll write the final eulogy for coloured jeans next year.

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Wear Your Secret Inspiration

I read this hint in a “Threads’ magazine and thought it was worth passing on.

For a little bit of secret inspiration, consider adding a symbol or words to an item of clothing that you wear regularly. A blouse or shirt is a good place to do it just below the last button. The example in the article (as seen on the left) had the 3 words – Create, Inspire, Discover – embroidered on the bottom of the shirt.

 

 

I searched for commercially prepared words of inspiration to sew on my shirt (embroidery is not one of my skills). No luck! But I found this star on a rainbow. So ironed it and then sewed it around the edges to make it secure (as seen on the right). A symbol works well as pictures are supposed to be more powerful than words.

If you can machine embroider or have a friend who can do it or even pay an embroidery place to create one for you, it is a great way to wear your inspiring words or pictures. Every time you wear it, you will smile and be reminded of your goals.

At the very least inspiring words or pictures personalise your store-bought clothes. Try it. You may find it delights and inspires you.

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The Power of Contrast

Dressing well is simple but not easy.

Having said that, most women fret and worry about what to wear and usually end up either going too simple or too over-dressed. The middle road is the stylish woman who looks put together whatever her budget.

One of the problems is that girls are not taught how to dress well. Fashion magazines are often no real help because they only show you how to put one or two outfits together. The result is a wardrobe full of single-combination clothes and accessories. It is easy then to fall victim to spur-of-the-moment fashion buys that you later regret.

While there are many tips and tricks to help you dress well, there is one that, if you learn and apply it, you will always feel great, look fabulous and receive lots of genuine compliments.

That key tip is CONTRAST. You can dress well all your life by following this one tip. And it allows you to really enjoy dressing and fashion.

Here are three ways to tap into the power of Contrast.

Past & Present

Have you ever harboured a secret desire to copy the ‘Mad Men 50s Look’ or go Vintage or Retro but are scared that you will just look silly? Fear no more!

Tap into your stylish side by using the power of Contrast. Go all Retro, Vintage or any TV fashion style and you will look costumey like this model dressed in 1940s retro style using Simplicity pattern, 1777. Her classic accessories reinforce the costume look. This works for the young. For the rest of us, especiall Baby Boomers,  take a leaf from cosmetics founder, Poppy King, and wear past fashions with obvious, modern accessories to tone down the look. Choose very modern shoes instead of basic court shoes and you show your modern attitude rather than your desire to relive the past. A modern jacket, trench coat, handbag, necklace or hairstyle will have the same positive contrasting effect.

An alternative way to mix past and present fashions is to wear modern clothes and add one Mad Men 50s, Retro or Vintage accessory. The accessory needs to be large enough to be obvious like those mentioned in the paragraph above.

It is the unequal proportions that make both these combinations work. Never go half and half.

Cheap & Expensive

Contrast is also very effective when you have bought a cheap item and are not sure how to wear it so that you look and feel great. I am not talking about a quality brand name bought at a heavily discounted price. Quality brands will always look quality. Just never reveal the price you paid.

I am talking about a no-name brand item that suits you and you want to wear it with confidence and style.

The secret to making cheap look expensive is Contrast. Wear the item with quality accessories. That means wearing a quality pair of shoes or boots, skirt or pants and quality matching or contrasting accessories. It is amazing how good a cheap chain store item can look on you when the eyes are drawn to your accessories rather than your clothing. I know from experience, past and present, that it works.

Two Plus

Now to the one area where most women struggle when it comes to dressing – how to wear two colours so that you feel fabulous and shine confidently.

Any colour goes with an all-black outfit. BUT the colours that make you shine are those that provide a definite contrast to black. Any light or shiny colour will provide the most powerful contrast because they stand out against a dark background. Light colours or mid-range colours in a shinier fabric or metal make the light-dark contrast more intense and pleasing to you and to others. Gold, silver or white accessories look great with black. The contrast is more effective when one of your accessories has black and the other colour in it (eg this black and white obi belt as featured in a Threads magazine or black and white shoes or necklace).

When your clothing consists of two plain colours, use the power of Contrast by wearing jewellery or an accessory that combines the two colours in unequal proportions. As most of today’s clothes are a flat matt texture, adding a shiny metal or textured necklace, a silk, woollen, chiffon or lace scarf or textured or patent shoes is a very simple way to add a colour and texture contrast that makes you shine with confident self-assurance.

Last Words

In the world of fashion and dressing, Contrast is a simple and powerful word. Use these tips to remind you to think ‘Contrast’ every time you get dressed to go out. Then play and see how many other ways you can apply Contrast to your dressing.

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The Mood of Accessories

[This article is based on a page of the same name in the book ‘Accessory Magic’ by Ann Reinten, founder of TAIC, The Australian Image Co. I have permission to use the article and I am a certified Image Consultant registered with TAIC.]

It is the job of actors to make you believe they are someone that they are not in their normal life. The actors give life to the writer’s words and add the gestures and actions. The costume designer adds the wigs and clothes that help to create the illusion. Then there are makeup artists, set designers etc. Together all aim to create a world of believable characters.

Some characters convince us and some do not. When characters are seen in different outfits, consistency of image is important for them to be believable people. So it is for you too.

For many of us dressing is an unconscious habit. When clothes are put on in this haphazard way, we can give others an unintended or confused message. Your clothes and your accessories reflect who you are and who you would like to be perceived as.

Let me share with you some of the different looks you can achieve with colour and accessories from Ann’s book with the addition of my own insights and examples.

Quiet & Sure Accessory Moods

Quiet coloured accessories help create a perception of either delicate, gentle femininity or elegant sophistication.

The women who wear these are usually inclined towards the Introvert end of the scale. They enter a room with a quiet air of knowing who they are as well as being quite comfortable with the image they project.

If delicate and feminine is your style or you want to project that image, wear clothes that are light in colour and add light-coloured accessories. Some light colours are pale blue, lilac, soft apricot, mint, soft turquoise, pale pink, white and cream. Like the illustration from the Westfield 2012 Spring-Summer catalogue on the left, wear a soft turquoise feminine Cue dress with a lilac flower, soft-coloured handbag and silver accessories or this delicate gold watch.

If you want to look sophisticated and elegant, wear clothes and accessories in closely related colours that are medium to deep like this Vogue 1208 rich red dress with a slightly darker shade of red in the shoes and handbag. Other colour examples are plums, raspberry, medium to deep turquoise and rich brown. Elegant accessories are simple in style and rich in colour or metals.

Medium & Confident Accessory Moods

These lift the mood to the next level and the accessories appeal to both Introverts and Extroverts while also looking inspiring and powerful. This level means that you are not afraid to make a confident impression that others notice.

To look enthusiastic, fun, inspiring and exciting, wear medium strength warm-coloured clothes with bright contrasting-coloured accessories. Warm colours are red, orange, yellow, brown, olive and red-purple. This mid-brown patterned Bhalo dress on the right worn with bright green earrings and bright green handbag is an example of this fun and enthusiastic look.

To look powerful, confident, wealthy and attract attention wear medium-coloured clothes and accessorise with light and dark colours. This mid-grey pinstripe suit with a light and dark purple scarf and deep fuchsia shoes fits the powerful and confident look without going over the top.

Dramatic & Powerful Accessory Moods

This is a look for Extroverts or to bring out the Extrovert in you. Your aim is to be noticed and most definitely stand out from the crowd. You will use the power of contrast to highlight your self-confidence and sense of drama.

To be noticed and look inspiring, stimulating and confident wear light-coloured clothes with accessories that have light and dark contrast in them. A good example is this Herringbone white shirt on the right worn with a deep red and white scarf or cravat and deep red velvet bag. It is very ‘look at me’.

To look powerful, dignified and dramatic go the opposite way. Wear dark-toned clothes with light-coloured, dramatic accessories. This is when you wear a black dress and add a large dramatic pink necklace (as on the left) or large cream pearls. It is ‘look at me’ with a touch of restraint.

Last Words

Accessories can create all sorts of moods. It is up to you to recognise what your current accessories silently say to others. Make sure that you wear those that give the impression you want them to have not a misunderstood impression of you.

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The Five Images of Success

[This article is taken from Page 2 of ‘’The Polished Professional’ by Ann Reinten, founder of TAIC, The Australian Image Co. I am a certified Image Consultant registered with TAIC and have permission to reproduce the article. I have only changed a few words to make it flow more easily]

Contrary to what some may believe, image is not all about the way you dress.

Your clothes, though important, are not the most important factor in gaining success. Ultimate success depends on your mastery of the five areas of total image. Mastering one without the others would be like trying to drive a car with missing wheels.

Your Hidden Image

This is the invisible you that no one else can see. It is comprised of your values, motivations, beliefs, ethics, ability and attitude. Your inner or hidden image created your past and it will dictate your future. Your hidden image is the foundation that your life is built on. This foundation governs everything you do and determines your ultimate level of success. Anyone can be groomed to walk into a room and make a smashing impression but it is the substance and motivation behind the performance that will ultimately sustain the impression. Problems associated with your hidden image can sabotage your efforts to improve in the other four image areas.

Your Assumed/Believed Image

This is your reputation – real or stereotyped. In many cases it precedes you. It will smooth your way or impede your path with preconceived ideas and prejudices. Your reputation must be carefully created, maintained and guarded. You must know what others say and think of you.

 

 

Your Seen Image

As the saying goes ‘seeing is believing’. Therefore, this level is most powerful when meeting someone for the first time. Research has shown that visual presentation accounts for more than half of the impression we make on others. When you dress and act in the manner expected of a successful, motivated and trustworthy person, others will assume that you possess all the other talents and characteristic traits that accompany that image.

 

Your Experienced Image

Experienced image is closely allied with visual image and comprises your behaviour, your people skills and your communication skills. Being able to quickly gain rapport with people both through effective verbal and non-verbal communication and courteous behaviour will produce lasting relationships that will run more smoothly. You will get results quicker.

Your Proven Image

This area governs your ultimate level of success. It is the combination of, and the results from, your talents, your successes and your failures as proven over time. Included within this level are the four levels above as well as your performance, your decision-making record and your professional experience.

‘Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become character.

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.’

by Frank Outlaw

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How to Look Slimmer Instantly

You open the email that reads – ‘Photos from XYZ Networking Event now posted’. Then you click on the link and go ‘I look fat and awful. I really have to lose weight.’

Yes, you can start that healthy eating and exercise plan today. Or maybe not.

While looking after your health and weight is an ongoing investment that m prevent or minimise future health challenges, all of us want to look our best in public.

Here are my three tips to help entrepreneurial Baby Boomer women look slimmer instantly. Actually, women of any age can use these tips. Some cost time. Some cost money. All ask you to love and care for yourself.

Posture

Posture is the simplest and most effective way to look slimmer instantly. It requires no money but it does demand conscious thought and practice.

Posture was once an essential part of every young girl’s experience but it has gone out of fashion. It is easy to forget our posture. Those embarrassing-to-us photos from that networking event or any formal or casual photo are often more about our bad posture habits than anything else.

Go back to basics. Think more consciously of standing up straight, pulled up from the top of your head. Tummy in, lift your bust, square your shoulders, smile and breathe. Perception is important and good posture can take weight off instantly. Slouching can add kilos.

Here’s a simple exercise to practise. Stand against a wall with your bottom, shoulder blades and the back of your head touching it. Wriggle until you feel straight and comfortable. Now walk as many steps as you can in that position. Practise it as often as needed.

TIME = YES; COST = NO

Shapewear

While I believe good posture is essential, shapewear is voluntary. Shapewear has evolved from the old-fashioned girdle to products that instantly slim almost every part of your body. 99% of us will never have our photos published in the women’s magazines and be criticised for being too fat. So the prospect of wearing two pairs of shapewear (as some actresses do) to fit into our clothes for public, world-wide photos is not a concern.

It is your choice whether you wear shapewear regularly, on special occasions or not at all. They do work, especially when you buy shapewear that comes up to just under your bust as in the picture on the left. This slims your midriff area and that is what people will notice first. Then they openly comment on your perceived weight loss.

Other alternatives are clothes with shapewear built into them or materials that have a little bit of stretch in them. Both options instantly slim you.

TIME = NO; COST = YES

Cull Your Wardrobe

Yes, I know we all have clothes in our wardrobe for those slouchy, comfortable days. The problem comes when the majority of your wardrobe consists of comfortable, loose and baggy clothes.

Spend some time at least twice a year, preferably four times a year and ideally each time you buy something new, to cull your current wardrobe. Have a dress-up day in front of a mirror. Be ruthless and get rid of anything that makes you look bigger. If it makes you look and feel heavier, your posture will slouch and your self-confidence will sag.

Find your ideal hem lengths. Adjust everything to those lengths. The ideal length for you will make your legs look slimmer and by association, make all of you look slimmer. People also see you sitting, moving and standing still. Check your clothes from all these viewpoints. Some clothes look okay standing up but make you look heavier when you sit down.

TIME = YES; COST = YES (to replace some clothes)

Bonus Tip

A new haircut can also make you look slimmer instantly. It can lengthen or balance your face shape; both of which others notice. The natural connection is for the mind to put the result down to you having become slimmer.

Last Words

No matter what your current age and weight is each of these tips, practised regularly, will cause others to perceive you as slimmer than you are.

(Don’t miss out on upcoming articles for Baby Boomer Entrepreneurial Women. Click here to sign up for The Fashion Translator eZine and get your weekly info every Thursday.)