Dear Glam Gals,
I will be attending 2 bridal showers this spring and have no idea what to wear. Please help. I am overweight, an apple shape with excess weight in the tummy. Please give me some options, since I’m clueless about looking stylish.
Thanks!
JMC
Dear JMC,
Style is all about finding what looks good on your body type and what type of look you want to project. Are you preppy? elegant? fun? trendy? or chic?
Start with finding the style that will flatter your figure. You need to balance out your apple shape by wearing a pencil skirt and sweater set on top. No belt. Some nice pumps will make you look taller and leaner.
You can also do a top with a “V” neck to make you look thinner. Keep the top out, and make sure it is form fitted. Too much loose fabric will only make you look top heavy. For tummy control, we highly recommend some shapewear from Sassybax. If you have never worn shapewear we promise it will be your new best friend!
 Solids make you slim |
 For the wild at heart |
 Elegant and sexy |
We also love the full figure flattering dresses, above, from the site Lola and GiGi. Here are a few that would be great for this occassion: a cute green wrap dress , a giraffe print style and an elegant brown frock.
Good luck!
Your body may have changed a bit and you’re face isn’t as perfectly unlined as it used to be, but you still feel sexy and want to show it. What’s the best way to do that? Don’t try so hard. No need to shout when a whisper will do the trick. Here are 3 great ways to look sexy after 40.
1. Steer Clear of Cleavage Catastrophes
Too much
A little mystery is always sexier than letting it all hang out, especially after 40 when everything is suddenly starting to head a little bit south. While Nigella still has a beautiful bust line, her dress leaves nothing to the imagination and looks like she’s serving herself up on a platter for a feast. With her ample assets, she would have been better off in something a little less low-cut that emphasized her figure rather than just her enormous breasts.
Better Choice
This glamorous silky brown jersey gown is bold and striking and would make Nigela look like a Greek Goddess. It’s still very sexy, but in a more refined way. (Lauren by Ralph Lauren Donnie One-Shoulder Dress with Ruffle)
Too much
If your bust is more in proportion with the rest of your body and you do want to play it up, then do so by all means. But, do it in a grown-up, not girly way. This satin blue top with its pretty bow is too sweet and baby-doll-like for a mature woman.
Better Choice
Here’s something still feminine and romantic but so much more grown up and figure flattering. The gal in this Diane VonFurstenberg ‘Marla” Slipper Satin Wrap Top isn’t that busty but even on a medium busty gal, this would look fab. Choose something with a little less flounce if you are super busty.
2. Trade Thigh-High for Knee-High
Too Much
Super short skirts with bare legs like this knit mini may have looked fabulous on you before the big 4-0 but even if your body is in good shape, they are going to make you look desperate to be noticed after 40. (Rampage Women’s Belted Sweater Dress)
Better Choice
This length of this cable knit sweater dress is much more appropriate for a midlife gal. We suggest just above the knee to at the knee depending on how you feel about your legs. (Below the knee will make you look old) Pair the skirt with matching tights and boots or shoes for a long lean look. What we want to emphasize here is that you do not need to show off a lot of skin to look sexy. You will actually look sexier showing off your shape and this form fitting knit dress does that beautifully.
3. Avoid Clunky or Junky Shoes
Too Much
A clunky shoe like this may look great on Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie or other twenty-something starlets …but on a grown-up gal, you will look like you raided your daughter’s closet. A thinner platform can be quite lovely, but these giant clunkers with their snakeskin detailing are just too trendy to work.
Better Choice
Our pick would be these sophisticated pumps by Stuart Weitzman, still snakeskin but much more elegant, and very sexy with the open toe.
Too Much
Junky shoes, as in too much hardware or junk hanging off them, can easily make you look trashy not classy after 40. Plastic and zippers may look cute, and fun when you are young and being experimental with your style, but they look cheap and hooker-ish on a boomer woman.
Better Choice
These flirty pumps in sexy silver from Chinese Laundry would be a much better choice. The t-strap adds sexiness but not in a vulgar way.
In summary, try this little trick to look sexy after 40. Instead of thinking, “I want to look sexy” and then going overboard by trying too hard, think, “I want to look gorgeous”, and you will end up looking sexy in a tasteful, age appropriate way.
Want more tips on how to ramp up your style in 2009. Then pick up a copy of The Glam Plan: 12 Easy Steps to take you from Frumpy to Fabulous.
Dear Glam Gals,
Please advise what to wear to a charity ball if you are plus size and 60+ years old. The theme this year which may or may not be an issue is Golden Age of Hollywood. Would it be appropriate at my age and size to wear a shiny fabric such as gold or silver? Also, are halter type tops out of the question? Also, style is an issue – I don’t want to look like a mother of the bride or an aging prom queen. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you!
S.A.
Dear S.A.,
Here are some good rules for women of your age and body type to follow:
- Shiny fabrics tend to show every lump and bump, we say it’s a good idea to stay away from them.
- Halters can be very flattering on many women, however, if you have broad shoulders or thick arms, this is one style you will want to steer clear of.
- We think Sophia Lauren is a great role model for wearing what looks glamorous on the red carpet. She loves to wear boat neck tops that show her nice neckline, but cover up the tops of her arms.
- What makes a gown look like a mother of the bride is stiff fabric, matching jackets and high necklines. Beware of these pitfalls!
- Aging prom queen would look like cheap fabric, and too much glitz and glitter. Keep it simple and make sure your dress is a quality fabrication.
- Make sure the color is flattering on you. As we age, black can be draining and light grey, although very fashionable these days, can look drab on many of us!
- Focus on the dress first, then accent it with accessories that will give you “Old Hollywood” glamor to capture the theme. Think: Art Deco-inspired jewelry and Marcel hair.
- Go here for more great style ideas for women over 40!
(Thank you Nordstrom’s for the styles shown above)
Got a wedding coming up? Confused about what to wear? Afraid you’ll have to resort to recycling that old standby, hidden in the back of your closet?Here are the answers to the
7 Top Questions about What to wear to a Wedding
Q1. What should I wear to a Daytime Wedding?
The mood of a daytime wedding is light, fresh, and cheery, and so a
pretty dress in a happy color like this sunny yellow is a good choice for a wedding guest. Choose something that’s similar to what you’d wear if you were invited to a fancy garden party or special summer luncheon.
A floral print dress is ideal, and should be very easy to find because floral are one of the hottest fashion trends this Spring/summer 2008. Accessorize your dress with some cute heels, a great clutch, and if you are daring enough, a hat. How often do you get to go to a wedding? Have fun and dress up.
This blue floral halter dress is light and breezy and would be right at home at an
outdoor summer wedding.Q2. Can I wear Pants?
Yes, absolutely! If your legs are not your best asset or dresses are just not your thing, then pants are a fine choice. However, we’re not talking any old pair of slacks and a top. To look more elegant a
wear a solid color pantsuit or a beautiful blouse and a pair of Palazzo pants which are flowy and feminine, almost like a dress. Lighter colors like this pastel blue pantsuit are best for daytime weddings, and be sure to choose fabrics that are relaxed and a little more luxurious than everyday.
Q3. What should I wear to an Evening Wedding?
Easy Answer –
a cocktail dress! Just make sure it is not too flashy or sparkly or skin revealing. You don’t want to look like you should be at a disco. For example, a tight fitting red satin dress with sequins and a plunging neckline is too showy. This green silk charmeuse dress with goldtone beads has just the right amount of shine.
Love this coral chiffon dress with soft fluid skirt that would be heavenly to dance in.
Here’s another elegant style. This mauve stunner with bolero jacket gives you a little more coverage.
Another option for an evening wedding is to wear a dressy suit or a cocktail suit. Remember, it’s night. You mustn’t look the slightest bit corporate. No pinstripes, shirts, tweeds, serious suit styles and heavy materials. You need to wear a fitted suit, not a boxy suit; one that is softer, a little sexy, feminine and luxurious – the type of thing you’d wear if you were going out to a special dinner. Think sophisticated. (A very dressy pantsuit with this same feel would work too.)
Q4. Is it true you should never wear white ever? What about cream?
Sorry, that old rule of no white at weddings still stands because you never want to upstage the bride. The only time it is acceptable is to wear a tiny bit of white as a detail on a dress or within a pattern of a dress- but we’re talking tiny. Cream or beige is o.k. unless you know the bride is wearing cream. This form fitting shutter pleat cream dress with a touch of metallic had a cocktail feel and would look great at an evening wedding.
Q5. Can I wear Black?
While black is too dark and heavy for daytime weddings, a
black cocktail dress is very appropriate for an evening wedding. This black taffeta skirt with knit top would be chic.
Q6. What should I wear to black tie wedding?
A black tie wedding is most formal and calls for something very glamorous like you are going to a formal ball. Here’s where a full length Black dresswould be your very best choice, however a black cocktail dress would be acceptable too. If you don’t like black, then a single color dress in a rich color is elegant too. Also, a dress that is simple with, clean lines is what’s right for this elegant affair. No fussy details or frou-frou.
Always respect the fact that will be one of the most special days in Bride’s life. Honor her by putting some effort into what you wear and dressing up for the occasion, but
never try to outshine her. It’s her moment to in the spotlight. Make sure she feels like the Star.
Deborah found these gorgeous photos of the latest couture gowns from Versace at Style.com, and we both started drooling!!!
JJ: “Oh, my gosh, aren’t these just gorgeous!!!”
DEB: “To die, for! Can’t wait to see which celebrities turn up in these!”
Can’t you just see Elizabeth Hurley in that sexy blue gown? How about Michelle Pfeiffer in that nude, jewelled waisted one?…(even though she is loyal Armani fan)
Lots of bold color, curves, ruffles, Grecian Goddess looks. They’re the ultimate in femininity!
We know that most of you won’t be running out the door to purchase one of these ultra pricey designer creations, but we still thought you’d enjoy this little taste of glamour.
Do you have a special event that you have to buy a dress for? Study the color and style of these gowns and look for something similar if you want to look updated and fabulous!
Another New Years Eve, another “What am I going to wear?”
After 40, that’s an even harder question to answer because what once worked
before, mysteriously doesn’t seem appropriate any more. If you’re
fretting about what to wear so you don’t look too young, too old, but
just right then here are:
5 Do’s and Dont’s to Look like a Boomer Babe on New Year’s Eve!
1. Do Stick to Sophisticated Colors
As much as we love color, bright evening wear can be hard too pull off after 40. Against mature skin it can look loud, harsh and frankly, not chic. One suggestion is to stick to neutrals like soft black, navy, brown, gold or taupe. You can never go wrong with these classic colors as they are a beautiful canvas against which to show off your face, skin and hair. Neutrals are also work as a fabulous backdrop to splashes of color, so if you want to add a bright evening clutch, necklace, pashmina or pair of shoes then goes right ahead!
If you are really tired of neutrals, an all over color is still an option but keep it toned down.
The color you choose should blend in with your skin tone, rather than scream I’ve arrived. When you walk in a room people should notice you not your bold, bright dress. Rich Jewel tones like royal purple, ruby red, and emerald green are hot this season and are a great choice because they are always regal. One caution though- Stick to one solid color for a more elegant look and accent with neutrals only. Bags, shoes and jeweler should be in black, gold and or silver.
2. Don’t Over Dazzle Them
Yes, it’s New Year’s but too much flash will make you look like a hardened Las Vegas Showgirl. Glitz is great, but go sparingly on the sequins and sparkle. Touches here and there are more tasteful than head to toe. Same with jewelry-put them emphasis on a stunning necklace, a great pair of earrings, a wonderful cocktail ring or fabulous bracelet but don’t all of these pieces all together or you’ll look like an overdecorated Christmas tree.
3. Do keep it Clean and Simple
When it comes to the style of dress that works best for Women over 40- here’s the simple truth. Frilly, Fussy, Busy, is old. Clean, simple, more tailored is modern. Be sure to stay away from dresses with too many busy details, complicated patterns, and crazy hemlines and necklines that are just there for shock value. Steer clear of cheap trendy fabrics and avoid dresses with too much “stuff “hanging off them, as if they are made for gypsy fortune tellers. Do keep it clean and simple. You only need one major beautiful focal point like a gorgeous slit up the side or a fabulous jeweled collar neckline. Less is always more.
4. Don’t Overdo Your Hair and Make-up
Just because New Year’s is the BIG event of the Year doesn’t mean the message here is to have BIG hair. On the contrary, big, puffy, sprayed hair that doesn’t move is dated. (We know you know that, but another shot of hairspray is so tempting isn’t it) Same for make-up. This is not a costume party. Don’t automatically apply your make-up any heavier than you would normally do any other night out on the town. But a smokey eyeliner and false lashes will give you that extra party punch you are looking for.
5. Do make sure you look Sexy
If you think the definition of sexy is spaghetti straps, deep necklines, short skirts and showing off showing off as much skin as you can, then think again. Over 40 sexy can be as simple as body skimming clothes that show off your silhouette, and not necessarily your skin. If you want to take it a step further then, find your own hot spot and play it up. Great legs? splurge on a decadent pair of high heels. Beautiful bust? Don’t hide it. Make sure to find a top or dress with a tasteful V neckline and wear a great plumping bra to make sure you are looking perky! As the costume designer, Rosemary Ponzo says, “ Buy the right dress and the party will come!”
