Staying Fit
When was the last time your arms, legs and torso saw the light of day? For many women 50-plus the wistful answer is “not recently.” This means shorts are a memory. Sleeveless tops and bare sundresses, too. Somehow body positivity is easier when we’re dressed ... and covered. If the sight of your not-so-firm flesh, varicose veins and sunspots sends you running for a caftan, these 10 tips will set your body free.
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1. Do it gradually
Going from full coverage clothes to a show-and-tell summer wardrobe is always a shock for mature women. After all, aside from your mirror, dermatologist and significant other, who gets to see the stuff you usually hide? Simply exposing more skin at your neckline, forearms and lower legs instantly gives you a “barer” and more open look. Switch right now to V- or boat-necklines, three-quarter or elbow sleeves and cropped pants with sandals to get started.
2. Swap fitted clothes for looser-fitting ones
Exposing more skin feels better when clothes flow, billow, drape and give the body some space. Look for items with wider or looser proportions that blur body contours, especially those in breathable, lightweight fabrics like linen and gauze. Not only will you feel more comfortable, but any concerns about bulges (sorry, but even we body-positive fans have issues) will dissolve. Avoid body-hugging tops and bodysuits, tailored dresses and leggings. Instead, look for relaxed A-line shape dresses like the Knox Rose Women’s Puff Short Sleeve Tiered A-Line Dress in Blue Paisley or Yellow Paisley ($35, target.com), tops with airy dolman or wide sleeves like the Boden Linen Wide Sleeve Top in Butter Yellow/Passion Bloom ($98, bodenusa.com), full skirts like Everlane's The Easy Button-Front Skirt in Goji Berry or Pewter Green ($78, everlane.com), and wide-leg pants with a stretchy waist like the Talbots Plus Linen Wide Leg Crop Pants in Indigo Blue or Flax ($109, talbots.com). Sizing up in proportions means you’ll feel less sweaty on sticky days, avoid so-called “chub rub” between the thighs, and enjoy having that ice cream cone with sprinkles!
3. Power up with body makeup
If you wear face makeup or even blend on a body lotion, you can apply this like a pro! In fact, if discolorations like broken capillaries, brown spots, varicose veins or any skin condition that affects pigmentation stand between you and summer clothes, it’s time for a quick tutorial. Designed to resist high temperatures and humidity, sweat- and water-transference (so clothes, seat cushions and car seats stay pristine) formulas like Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Makeup in Fairest ($22 for a two-pack, target.com), Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup ($37, dermstore.com), Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector ($39, amazon.com) or Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation ($40, sephora.com) stay put until you remove them with a makeup wipe or soap and water. All come in diverse skin-tone shades, so select your closest match. Here’s the drill: Use a makeup sponge to stipple body makeup on in thin layers, quickly blend and then let dry a minute; build up extra coverage as needed.
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