How to Bare Your Body With Confidence This Summer

Are your responses to pool party invites and days at the beach a panicky “no thanks”? Do you look longingly at shorts, sleeveless tops and breezy sundresses and pass them by? When was the last time you went bare-legged or sleeveless … in public? Many mature women approach summer’s gloriously sunny days, heat and humidity with major fashion anxiety. The idea of exposing our 50-plus birthday suit — leg veins, jiggly upper arms and all — to anyone but the mirror, a significant other or doctor, pushes every stress button! Here are six ways to get over it and get in on the fun again.

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(Left to right) A New Day Women’s Maxi Jumpsuit in Black; Chico’s Zenergy UPF Knit Stripe Ruffle Sleeve Polo Dress in Classic Navy

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target; Chico's)

1. Break out of your rut

Somewhere along the way to 50 we sign a mental nondisclosure agreement with our newly aging body. Some women decide to never wear anything sleeveless, others to skip skirts and hide their legs in pants, while yet a third group ban their flabby arms and veiny legs from the light of day forever. As a beauty and fashion editor who has dressed thousands of mature women and celebs for photo shoots, let me reassure you: We all have something to cheer about — and something to hide. Even firm, toned skin can have lots of discolorations; almost everyone has one body spot that jiggles, wobbles or makes them cringe. A combo of strategic body-baring clothes, self-tanner and body makeup can make all the difference.

To get started, choose one body zone — top or bottom — as your designated beginner show-off spot. Dresses and jumpsuits like the A New Day Women’s Maxi Jumpsuit in Black ($40, target.com) and the Chico’s Zenergy UPF Knit Stripe Ruffle Sleeve Polo Dress​ in Classic Navy ($109, chicos.com) let you get used to bareness by playing hide-and-seek with discretion and style. You might choose a knee-length, leg-baring dress with elbow-length sleeves or opt for a sleeveless midi or jumpsuit. Take it from there.

Quince Organic Cotton Micro-Rib Elbow Sleeve Tee in White (left) or Heather Grey (right)

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Quince (2))

2. Reveal more skin gradually

Let’s be realistic. Going from a long-sleeve turtleneck, flared jeans and ankle boots to a bare-legged sundress and sandals is tough. Suddenly you’re showing the world all the stuff you’ve become so good at hiding. Give your body and psyche a break and expose more skin in increments. Start choosing everyday basics that are chiseled at body boundary lines like the neckline, wrists and hemline. Opt for three-quarter, extended-shoulder cap or elbow-length sleeves like the Quince Organic Cotton Micro-Rib Elbow Sleeve Tee in White or Heather Grey ($20, quince.com); V, scoop, boatneck and off-the-shoulder styles (we all have great shoulders!); cropped pants and midi skirts and dresses that highlight the lower leg. An added benefit: regardless of size or shape you’ll be displaying the trimmest parts of your body!