5. Avoid Pants With Waist Detail
The tummy bow adds bulk which you do not need.Don’t wear pants with belt loops, pockets, bows, buttons, buckles or pleats at the waist. They all add bulk and put the spotlight on your tummy (whether you tuck in or tuck out!) The only pants you should buy are flat front pants with very little or no detail! Sounds boring, but it isn’t.
Why? …because there are all sorts of gorgeous long tops in style right now that you can wear over top. (Thank Goodness tucking out is currently in style!). These casual linen pants might look cute in the catalog, or on a model, but the reality is that you will have to tuck in your top or your stomach will really be emphasized.
Go for plain at the waist!Instead, every woman should have a good, simple,
basic pair of pants with a side zip or flat front. As you can see here, paired with a top, it looks so flattering! Wear it with
shapewear. If your tummy bulge is still quite prominent, get rid of the belt.
Long top over front flat pants is a winning combo.
This similar version from white house black market, is also a good option and it’s half the price.
Finally, here are a couple of casual weekend outfit suggestions to hide your tummy:
Isn’t this much nicer than a pair of jeans or old shorts?
Here’s a
great dress you can wear if you are dieting and exercising away that tummy bulge. This shift is easy to take in as the pounds
come off.
Looking good on casual a day of shopping can be a challenge. What can you wear to look up to date, comfortable and yet hip? Layering seems to be the way to go as we transition into Spring.
This gal was shopping with her daughter at BCBG in Philly. Love her colorful orange cashmere sweater with updated dark washed jeans.
Even her accessories (clear Lucite bracelet and cool watch) were fun!
clear lucite bracelet
This other gal was from Sweden. Check out her fab boots!
This is a comfortable layered look is more artsy. She did a nice job of putting together a fitted, simple top and low slung belt. Her oversized slouchy handbag completed this casual, hip look.
I have a confession to make (JoJami here…)
I was TOTALLY STUMPED this weekend… I had a daytime, holiday party to go to and boy, did I have to work hard to find just the right thing to wear…
It seems that every time the weather changes or I have an event to go to are the times that I struggle with what to wear.
This party I was invited to was a cookie exchange party with a twist. You had to bring your cookie dough and bake cookies at the party, while enjoying martinis! Fun concept, but hard to imagine what to wear…. It seemed on the one hand, I should dress casual for the cooking part, while drinking cocktails with the girls, I wanted to look chic, but not too dressy.
But wait, there was one more caveat… My girlfriend that was also going to the party, called me a few days before, to ask me what I was going wear and I told her DEFINITELY NOT JEANS, but probably a skirt of some kind.
Well, one of my rules to myself is, when I tell someone what I’m wearing, I better wear it!!! So of course it was a 1/2 hour before the party, I was in the closet and the clothes were flying all over the place, and all the skirts just seemed too dressy, it was a really cold day and I wanted to be comfortable! OH, how I wished I could wear my jeans, but my friend was probably already on her way, and I could call her to tell her that I had changed my mind. (Ends up that NO ONE wore jeans, so it was a good thing I didn’t!)
Anyway…. I floundered along and did find a casual dress to wear and I felt comfortable and that I dressed perfectly appropriate for the party!
So here is a Glam Plan on how to look comfortable but chic for an afternoon holiday party!
1. Plan ahead! Don’t just pick out what you want to wear, try it on and make sure it looks good and you have all the accessories you need.
2. Start your outfit with what shoes you want to wear. If you know your going to be doing alot of standing at the party, think twice about those killer heels. Boots are great for this time of year, low or high, you can still pair them with a skirt, pants or leggings
3. Fabrics should be cozy and comfortable (colorful cashmere comes to mind!)
4. Invest in a beautiful top or jacket. If you’re out shopping for an outfit, so as not to go into overload, start with one piece that stands out to you. It could be a pretty jacket, sweater or again, you can start in the shoe department.
5. Beware of going for the same look you always wear. Search catalogs and magazines first, to get a fresh idea of how to pair 2 pretty colors or a new type of look. (Did any of you happen to see Nicole Kidman on Oprah the other day…. we LOVED her outfit!) Her purple suede jacket with a tank top the exact color as her hair, pencil jeans and matching heels!! Perfection and not too hard to duplicate!)
Just jeans, heels and a jacket - but it's perfect!
Here is my outfit, that I was so comfortable in. I admit, grey is not my best color, but I tried to liven it up with the scarf, and overall, I think it was a good casual look for this type of party. (In case you are wondering…yes, that is a paper plate I am “modeling”) Also, I have a new hair do AGAIN!!!
The scarf and belt completed the look
HI, JoJami here, from beautiful Palm Beach, Florida!
I live in the northeast, and planning to travel south, to Florida….deciding what to pack, was a daunting task! When living in freezing cold and knowing that I would be basking in 70 to 80 degree weather for a week, was something I had a hard time getting my head around!
Now that I’m down here, I thought you might enjoy, some interesting tips on what to bring and what to leave home!
What to wear on the plane:
LAYER! Because it was so cold when I left, I wore a Bebe sport jogging outfit with 2 layers of tops. The first layer was a sleeveless tank top and I put a long sleeve t-shirt over that. Then I had the matching jacket. My shoes were short boots, but I had some flat sandals stuffed in my carry on, so when I got there, I could switch them out. Off went the jacket and the long sleeve t-shirt as well!
What went in my suitcase:
- Several flat sandals and some high heels and some tennis shoes.
- Several little dresses for dinner
- A wrap, that went with them
- My Susan Bigsby twin set (my black top and red cardigan)
- Sunglasses
- workout clothes and a baseball cap
- All my good jewelry (Lots of good jewelry is big down here, the more the merrier!)
- 1 pair of casual shorts
- Bathing suit and cute cover-up
What I didn’t bring and wish I would have:
- A pair of white pants, jeans or peddle pushers. (Yes, you can wear white after labor day down here… everyone does!) I had no idea that everyone still wore white… I sure wish I would have brought some because you feel so fresh and classy in white!
- A cashmere cardigan or pullover in a nice bright color! I would have worn this at night out to dinner.
- More bright colors…. everyone wears fun, bright, tropical colors down here!
- Bring on the BLING BLING… if you have some sandals with jewels , or bag or belt with some rhinestones, get them out and bring them…why not wear something sparkly..when you never get to at home!!!
If you love to travel south or to the islands, please comment and tell us your favorite thing to bring! Cheers!
Hi Deb and JJ,
I’m currently recovering from knee surgery and am facing another surgery due to my rare knee condition. Since I’m been laid up for almost 2 years I’ve lost track of how to dress appropriately even just for casual wear. I’m 47 years old with an hourglass figure. I wear a Canadian size 8 – 10. Since my job was working with kids with physical disabilities I liked to dress casual but still look chic and professional. I need to learn how to dress casual chic when going to physio, Doc appointments and just out in the community instead of wearing athletic clothing.
~M.T.
Hi M.T.! We know that we all love and need to be comfortable, but we want to assure you that comfortable can still look great! We are going to assume that high heels probably won’t be an option for you, but you’re in luck, since the biggest trend this fall is the flat boot.
We suggest that the first thing you do to update your wardrobe is to throw out anything that you feel is not making you feel like you look great. Once your closet is organized and looking a little barren, then you are ready to fill it back up with some new updated items! (For help organizing your closet, check out our DVD, The Ultimate Cure for the Disorganized Closet!)
First off, for a professional office look, try some pants in a micro fiber. These never need ironing, and have some stretch in them for a slimming, super comfy fit.
Next, find a great blazer that will either match or coordinate with the pants. We want to make sure you show off your great waist, so opt for one that has some darts in it, that is a shorter style and fits well.
Another option for the run around days is a comfy skirt with flat boots, and a nice fitting cashmere sweater or vest. If you wear jeans, just make sure that you buy a new pair that is updated and in style. You will want to opt for one with some flair to balance your figure out. Also, do not be tempted to tuck in! Just make sure that your top is fitted and throw that new great fitting blazer on top.
Do not wear tennis shoes with this. Go for the flat or short boots with a wedge, or even a low heel. Don’t forget to update your make up and lipstick!
Hi,
I enjoy your blog very much. I can’t believe I’m 55!! Getting older has suddenly hit me. I am starting to feel better after menopause and am trying to get back into better shape. However, I feel so dowdy and unsexy. High heels and skirts are so uncomfortable to wear. Help!! I would like to feel and look sexier, without being ridiculous (like so many women I see).
Best,
Maggie
Hi Maggie,
Thanks so much for your question! You’ve left us scratching are heads and wondering…wow, how did we get this age so quickly!!!
We’re interested in your comment that,” skirts and heels are so uncomfortable. ”
Please tell us more about your self so we can help you. What is your lifestyle like these days? What activities do you need clothes for?
We personally LOVE our skirts and heels and find they are very festive and fun to wear on the right occasion! However, if we are doing activities where we need to be more casual and comfortable there are TONS of options of what to wear.
Here are some tips:
1. If you want style and comfort, go for fabrics that are soft and flowy.
(like this comfy dress from Velvet.) Wear this with a pair of leggings and we promise, you will look and feel comfy and stylish.
2. Make sure the outfit fits your body
3. Shoes can make or break an outfit. If you can’t wear heels, but have long legs and are lucky enough to be tall, you can pull of flats . But, if you are short and heels are not an option, then you will really have to get creative to look stylish. Its all about balance. Don’t try to wear a knee length skirt with flats. Its will just look dumpy.
Instead, go for flowy trousers, and a fitted top and jacket. A great sleek fitted workout pant and jacket from Bebe Sport, can look great with the right shoes.
4. Show your creative side, in the accessories you choose.
5. For more ideas get our Glam Plan eBook – 12 steps from Frumpy to Fabulous!
Hope this is helpful!!
Warmest Regards,
The Glam Gals
Does this look like you? You may have replaced your long commute to the office with the choice to work from home, but that’s no excuse to lounge around all day on your computer in your p.j.’s, messy hair and bunny slippers.
While some may say who cares what you wear as long as you are comfortable because no one is ever going to see you anyhow, the truth is this. When you look professional, you feel more professional and it shows in your bottom line.
Now let’s be realistic, a business suit, pantyhose and conservative pumps is just plain silly when you are working alone at home. But there is a point to be made about dressing; better than your “I’m sick- get me under the covers and don’t bother me” outfit.
The key is to dress appropriately which means –dress more casually than you would in the outside work world, but still look sharp, not sloppy.
Simple streamlined outfits and excellent grooming is the key to a successful work at home look. A sloppy appearance equals a sloppy attitude and a sloppy work ethic.
Respect yourself by looking like the business professional you are.
Here are 5 things to consider when dressing for Working at Home:
1. Create a complete work at home wardrobe
It’s the same idea as having a business wardrobe if you worked outside of the home. Set aside a certain amount of your wardrobe budget for your work at home wardrobe. Reserve this wardrobe for working only, so it feels special. Now, forget the jackets for a moment!
These co-ordinating tops and bottoms are great for working at home, but we’ve paired them with jackets to remind you that sometimes you may need a more complete look.
Think ahead to days when you might have to run out to a meeting or pick up something for your business, and you need to wear a jacket. Be sure to have something sharp and polished to go over this beaded tee and crop pant, like this Jones N.Y. Papaya Jacket. You just throw it on and go!
Another great option if you need to take your business face to face is to slip on this ¾ length red sateen jacket. It looks chic over top this simple dot print tee with black stretch, wash-abale sateen pants. You’ll look like a million bucks and it’s also a great way to take you from home office out to dinner!
2. Don’t let Comfy mean Frumpy
Yes, you want to feel relaxed and comfortable, but there are lots of stylish choices out there besides worn jeans or whatever is in your closet that day. Even though it is tempting to throw on a tired sweat suit, try something else comfy. This knit stretch top and pants with elastic waistband is comfy and cozy, but will still keep you in the right frame of mind to do business.
3. Stay Tuned to Style
Keep it simple when working at home, but stay current with what’s in style. You don’t want to go out for a coffee meeting and realize you’ve been hold up in your house for so long you look like you are caught in a fashion time warp. Accessories are a great way to look current. For example, this crisp Anne Klein dolman sleeved safari dress is hot for Spring and has an easy professional look. The beautiful black patent leather belt says modern and with it.
4. Punch up Your Wardrobe with Color
Working at home can be lonely and it’s easy to get into a dreary rut by wearing boring colors. Lift your spirits, as well as feel more confident, creative and productive, with this pretty matte wrap dress in super comfortable jersey.
5. Allow yourself a Casual Friday outfit
One of the big best benefits of working from home is you can pop off to the gym anytime you please, and on those days when there is just not much happening at your home office, you may want to stay very casual. Consider these days your Casual Dress-Down Fridays the way they do in the corporate world.
Give yourself permission to wear a workout outfit—but not just any old one!! Here’s a fashionable choice that still looks neat and pulled together. Stand out from the crowd in this toile inspired tank top with co-ordinating jacket and pants. Accent with fun accessories–a must have outfit for women on the go.
6. Make time for Hair and Make-up
When you look good you feel good, and it makes a difference in how you interact with others, even if it’s just over the phone or computer. While it’s tempting to throw your hair up in a ponytail and forget the make-up, after days and days of this you are going to feel very much like a frump.
If you don’t wear make-up for work, soon you won’t want to be bothered wearing it anytime. A little blush, lipstick and mascara (it only takes 4 minutes) is all you need to freshen you up and make you look great. As for the hair, if it’s just too much hassle, then consider that a sign that you need a fabulous new cut that works better for your at home lifestyle.
7. Keep a pair of chic shoes by your desk
Granted, you probably won’t be wearing shoes in your home office, but you’ll need a pair when you step out, because there’s nothing like ruining your credibility like showing up to meet someone in a pair of dirty tennis shoes.
Keep a classy pair of shoes like these ultra chic flats, that are so versatile they will go with most anything, next to your desk so you’ll be ready at a moment’s notice if you need to go out and see a client.
It’s details like this that make the difference and show others that you truly are professional and not a rinky dink business person running a half baked business out of your basement.
