How to Dress to Flatter Your Shape

Remember “dress slim” and “dos and don’ts” columns? These once-popular topics have pretty much vanished from women’s sites and magazines in the wake of body positivity, size inclusivity and a more freewheeling attitude toward dressing for all. But even the most confident 50-plus women (celebs and regular folk like us) still benefit from practical tips that turn “what to wear/what not to wear?” wisdom into a superpower. Here are six to count on right now.

(Left to right) Kim Cattrall in a sleeveless jumpsuit with deep V-neck; Viola Davis in an off-the-shoulder floral knee dress; Garcelle Beauvais in a short dress with high neck long sleeves

Marc Piasecki/WireImage; Leon Bennett/Getty Images; Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for WIF (Women In Film)

1. Bare bosom, shoulders or legs … not all three

Of course, celebs on the red (or, rather, champagne) carpet can get away with extreme exposure, but real life is not an awards show. The dilemma is, how much skin is too much when the old “age-appropriate” rules no longer apply? The fun of wearing a plunging V-neckline, a thigh-high slit or a sassy short skirt at 50 often means dealing with practical issues like a sun-spotted cleavage, leg veins or jiggly thighs. Do your body and psyche a favor and select one body spot you love (regardless of what anyone else thinks!). Then show that off and keep the rest under wraps.

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(Left to right) Ellen Pompeo in monochromatic beige turtleneck, skirt and coat; Brooke Shields in a bright pink jumpsuit and blazer; Jennifer Grey in all black: jacket, top, trousers, boots and glasses

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic; Michael Kovac/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

2. Go monochromatic … instead of mixing and matching

Want to look taller and slimmer fast? Just work a one-color tonal look from head to toe. Many women break the look at the waist by wearing a colorful top and black pants. However, an uninterrupted flow of color (and this can be anything from basic black to white or a medley of blues) elongates the body even when you’re wearing flats. Varying the shades and adding some texture and prints helps create an eye-catching effect and expands your wardrobe options.

(Left to right) Lisa Kudrow in a belted tunic top over flare jeans; Rita Wilson in fishtail midi pencil skirt and hip-belted turtleneck; Kristin Scott Thomas in a belted flowing maxi shirtdress

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/WireImage; David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Apple

3. Define your shape with a belt … and stop hiding in layers

Who doesn’t love the ease of wide-leg pants with elastic waists, oversized tops and tunics, and long midi and maxi lengths? Still, too much of a good thing can leave you looking shapeless and boxy. Pairing loose tops and bottoms with narrow, body-skimming pieces helps. But instead of changing clothes, just sling on a belt at the waist or hip to suggest a firmer silhouette lies beneath. And yes, this works regardless of weight, shape or size.