So you’re over 50 and you want to know what the best-elevated fashion look for your body type is? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most flattering styles for women over 50, and we’ll give you some tips on how to put together a stylish outfit that will make you feel confident and beautiful. Keep reading for all the details!
Determining Your Body Shape
There are many ways to categorize a woman’s body: geometrical shapes, types of fruit, and even objects like vases or lollipops. Most of us have taken a body shape quiz, though the results may have been more confusing than helpful. Apple? Inverted triangle? Goblet? Why were these categories invented in the first place?
Body shape descriptors are designed to help us identify the most flattering ways to dress our body shape. They consider various horizontal and vertical measurements of our bodies. The results can give us techniques to emphasize or de-emphasize different areas to complement our unique shape. That’s a lot!
A Different Approach To Elevated Fashion By Body Type
Let’s try a more straightforward approach. We’ll start with one body shape categorization that’s easy to figure out and practical to use. It will give you a framework to better understand why certain outfits flatter you more than others. With that knowledge, you can then ‘graduate’ to more complex body shapes. But for now, you don’t even need a tape measure!
Do you have a defined waistline?
Here’s how to measure.
Stand in front of a mirror wearing leggings and a fitted tee. Have your phone handy in case you want to take a picture.
You are going to be visually comparing three horizontal lines on your body:
- across your shoulders (not bust)
- across your waist (about an inch above your belly button)
- across the widest part of your hips
Compare your waist to your shoulders and hips. Is it narrower than one or both? If so, you have a defined waistline.
If your waist is wider than your shoulders or hips—or both—then you have an undefined waistline.
Elevated Fashion Begins With Understanding Your Waistline
The relationship between your waistline and the rest of your body helps you establish the focal point of an outfit.
“Fashion is architecture; it is a matter of proportions.”
Coco Chanel
If you have a defined waistline, it can be treated as a natural focal point for the eye. Accentuate your waist with clothes that skim or drape across your middle. Belts are your friends—use them!
With an undefined waistline, you have several options. If your waist is about the same width as your hips and shoulders, you can visually create a waistline with a few tried-and-true styling techniques. If your waistline is wider, you can make a focal point using another asset such as your neckline, shoulders, legs, or face.
We’ll explore more approaches to both body shapes in the following two blog articles. For now, determine the type of waistline you have. Then look for the outfits in your closet that complement your body shape.
What role does your waistline play in those outfits? Knowing why these outfits work for you will make it easier to determine clothing styles to look for in the future.
Recap: Does Knowing Your Body Type Elevate Your Fashion?
So, what’s the verdict? What is your body type? If you’re not sure or you want a more in-depth analysis, don’t worry! Jennifer will be more than happy to help. She’s a personal stylist with years of experience helping women over 50 find their most flattering elevated fashion looks. Contact her today to book a call and let her show you how easy it can be to look and feel amazing no matter what your age!
