10 Ways to Look Longer and Leaner

10 Ways to Look Longer and Leaner

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet the amazing shrinking woman!  Yes, I wan to look longer and leaner, but first I need to deal with my changing body.

I am shrinking, but that’s common when diagnosed with osteoporosis in the spine. Of course,  I am busy with all attempts not to become even smaller. I’m use calcium, medication, diet, strength training to stand tall.

It’s what you do to avoid a transformation into the amazing curved woman.

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There are also ways to dress which will help trick the eye and make you appear taller and thinner.  I have written of how to create and longer and leaner style before, but wanted to go into more depth.

The name of the game is how you draw the eye. This means we must notice of how some clothing designs will chop the body into pieces.

So, here we go with tips on how to appear as if you lost weight and grew taller. All tried and tested by me!

Dress Yourself Skinny!

Open your neckline.

Click to see this v-neck Easy Does It top at Soft Surroundings

A v-neck at the top or collared blouse with an open button are the most flattering styles for a midlife woman.  Turtlenecks should always be avoided if length is your goal.

I realize for years we have heard older women should hide their aging necks in order to look youthful.  Actually, it is more flattering to open the neck and allow your face to shine.

Don’t chop off leg length.

Capri pants; midi-skirts; or shoes with an ankle strap. Each style will shorten the appearance.

Skirts that hit just above or below the knee, pants and skirts that hit at the ankles, and shoes that lengthen the line of the leg are always good choices for looking longer and leaner.

Even white pants can lengthen the leg if they break at the ankle. Click to see more.

Dark wash denim.

This is by far the most flattering jean on the market. A dark wash, full length, boot cut jean can be your best friend.  The same goes for trouser. Go longer and darker.  A higher rise in pants will also help.  In the past, I wore tall sizes, but now I need a good tailor to hem my pants.  It will be worth it.

Think Jackets.

There are so many fun jackets, cardigans, and dusters. But the absolute best length is a jacket with great seams which hits at the bottom of the hip and top of the thigh.  More leg is the key to an elongated styles.

Take a Knee.

Skirts should be right at the top of the knee, and remember pencil skirts are universally flattering.

Long necklaces naturally add length.

There are many on the market right now since it is a trend.  Wearing all different lengths of necklaces is also a trend, but will shorten your look.

Check Pattern and Color.

With the goal to look taller and leaner, it really is best to wear solid colors and small prints. Print selection is key.  NO horizontal stripes…ever.  Vertical stripes will work and, remember, walk away from big flowers.

Start at Underneath.

Actually before any of this is done, make sure you wear a properly fitting bra. It works to elongate your look and will take off ten pounds in the mirror. Get a professional fit at a department store or lingerie store and hoist those girls up. It may not be a fun expense, but it’s the most important expense.

The Soma Vanishing Back Bra is particularly good at smoothing your back and sides, and it comes in many styles and colors. Also, they have multiple shades of brown and tan, so you are more likely get a “nude” colored bra no matter what shade your nude is.

Fit is It.

Make sure all of your clothes fit properly. Fit matters.  Stop hiding behind baggy clothes!  If the desire is to wear tunics or loose fitting longer jackets, try on the smaller sizes to get the best fit possible.  I often wear two sizes smaller in these types of garments.

Stand Up Straight.

Finally, listen to your mother and practice good posture.  Pull those shoulders back, walk with confidence and head held high.  Good posture always adds length to style!

Sometimes, my husband will find me in front of the mirror as I examine an outfit. “What are you going for?” he often asks.  My answer is, “I want to look like a tall, cool glass of water!”   I got that from Clinton Kelly on an old WHAT NOT TO WEAR episode.  That way the amazing shrinking woman can just become the amazing woman!

So, tell us, does this list make you want to change anything in your closet?  My main goal this year is to stop hiding in my clothing. That is a work in process.