5 DRESSING “DOS & DON’TS” THAT DATE YOUR STYLE

With age comes wisdom. But with age comes myriad other things we’re not quite as fond of. Here’s how to look 10 years younger and 10 times better:

Bag Anything Loose and Baggy

Trying to cover up a less-than-perfect figure (aren’t we all?) with trendy boyfriend tops or baggy clothes will only make you look heavier than you are. Instead, celebrate your curves, even if you think they’re too curvy. Try a well-cut top or dress that nips you in at the waist and emphasizes your best assets.

Up your Hemline

Your age doesn’t have to match the hem length of your clothes. Nothing ages you faster than a long dress or midi-skirt, even when they’re on trend. They will only draw attention to your “cankles” and make your figure appear wider than it is.

Shape Up

The wrong undergarments can age you faster than anything else. If you’ve developed pesky muffin tops, Buddha belly, tummy bulges or thunder thighs–run, don’t walk, to the nearest lingerie boutique and buy the best body shapers and bras you can afford.

A good bra is essential to helping you look younger because it makes you look taller, younger and thinner. Your bust line needs to be as high as possible, leaving lots of space between your waistline and bust line to give you the appearance of a tinier waist.

Shapewear smooths the lumps and bumps that come with age. Your goal isn’t to hide them. Your aim is to simply smoothe them out so that clothes glide over your natural curves. And don’t choose a size smaller because you think you’ll look smaller. You won’t. You’ll just be more uncomfortable, and nothing ages you faster than looking like you’re in pain!

Blackball Black

Black is not your best friend as you age. With age skin becomes more pale, so wearing black only emphasizes wrinkles and draws attention to dark shadows under the chin and eyes. Black can be elegant, however. So if you choose to wear it, try wearing a pop of color or a signature necklace near your face to look less washed out.

Nix the Turtlenecks

Katherine Hepburn was not only a style icon, she made the turtleneck equally iconic. As much as we love those high necklines, especially to cover the crepe-like neck that often comes with age, they not only visually shorten your neck but they also make you look heavier-and older. Instead, opt for a V-neck, scoop neck or collared shirt that draws the eye to your décolletage–or, better yet, to your beautiful face.

These are just a few tips to help you feel–and look–young at heart. Jump right in. And enjoy!