Camouflage is defined in Wikipedia as making objects hard to see...this can be found in nature, as a green bug blends in with the leaves or in style, as you try to dress to look slimmer. Most of us get a little rounder in the middle as we mature, but we don't have to dress in all dark colors head to toe to hide the natural expansion of things. Here are a few tricks gleaned from several websites, which I encourage you to explore, including Bright Side, 40plusstyle.com and the-socialites-closet.com, as well as from my own experience and experimentation.
Since I'm barely over 5 feet tall, I have to be very careful with my proportions or all eyes are on my belly and bust. Some of the tips and tricks I use include:
- Wearing a great bra (I have been professionally sized and always wear underwire).
- Wearing patterns to fool the eye. (Most of these tips and tricks involved fooling the eye!)
- Side ruching or asymmetry (the top I'm wearing today has both).
- Drawing attention to other parts of my body, such as wearing bright lipstick (or a fancy mask) and lots of bracelets. Great shoes and a statement necklace would also help!
- Adding vertical lines to my outfit, such as with a cardigan. However, most fashion blogs suggest not wearing such thick, bulky knits as I'm wearing below, as they do add more "weight" to your look.
Some of the other tips and tricks you may want to use include:
- Wearing shapewear (ouch, not for me).
- Making sure your belts, tops and dresses have an empire waist.
- Not wearing your clothes too tight, nor too big (I've done the latter my whole life, who knew!).
- Highlighting your cleavage, if you're comfortable doing so.
- Vertical striped patterns.
In sum, these are just tips and tricks to carry off an improved look with a bit more balance and proportion. However, in the end, you need to love your body, by eating well (less sugar, more vegatables), getting enough sleep, moving more (take walks in the beautiful autumn air and dance in front of that tv) and wearing your favorite colors and pieces. Fashion should never camouflage the real you!
We all have to get dressed every day anyway, so we may as well have some fun!
-Karen