How to Dress at 70
When dressing in your 70s, you may be more concerned with comfort than most other issues. You likely already have your own personal style but may wonder whether you are expressing it well. For the most part, as long as you’re comfortable and your colors aren’t too bright, you are generally age appropriate at 70.
Jeans
Jeans are a good, comfortable thing to wear at 70. Because people at 70 tend to carry a lot of weight around their middles, you may find that high-waisted jeans are far more comfortable than many other styles. Generally, dark jeans are considered more age appropriate than lighter colored jeans. But, this is not always the case. If you are wearing a light-colored top on a summer evening, go ahead wear the light jeans.
Quality Accessories
While the rest of your outfit may be for comfort, your accessories can be just for fun. At 70, many people invest in a few very high-quality items that will always look good with anything and that will last a long time. A good quality handbag, even if it very trendy, is a great statement about your own style. Designers like Fendi and Prada make high-quality bags with classic looks that are perfect at any age.
Having one or two very nice pieces of jewelry is also recommended at 70. These show off your taste as being impeccable. They can be worn with anything from a track suit to a business suit.
High-quality shoes are particularly important when you are in your 70s. Shoes that are comfortable and that support your arches are important for staying active. In most cases, a stylish pair of leather shoes that are very high quality can make a lot of difference in how you feel and the way your outfit looks. Even if you are dressed very casually, a stylish pair of shoes can work wonders for your mood and for your outfit.
Flattering the Face
A main principle of dressing in your 70s is to draw attention to your face. This can be done with interesting necklines that are not low-cut but not straight and boring. Some lace at the top or an interesting shape cut into the collar can bring the eye upward to your face. This can also be done by wearing some interesting jewelry. A sparkly necklace with some sparkly earrings will definitely bring everyone’s attention upward to your face.
You may also want to put emphasis on your hands. Having sparkly rings and bracelets and an interesting detail or two on your cuffs will bring the attention to your hands. Pair this with a brightly-colored manicure and you have made your outfit flattering.
At 70, don’t feel badly about spending a lot on your clothes. High quality clothes will look best on you and 70 is the best time to buy those clothes. Stay away from the cheaper clothes that you might have bought before and concentrate on ones that will resist wear and keep looking stylish.
What Are the Best Shirts for Breastfeeding?
For breastfeeding, comfort and ease of access are the key elements that make a shirt one that will make the process of breastfeeding easier. In order to achieve comfort and access, there are several styles that work well while breastfeeding.
The main issue for many breastfeeding mothers is to have something that will allow them quick and easy access without revealing too much to strangers or to other family members. A large t-shirt that fits loosely can be easily pulled up when it’s time to feed without exposing too much. To get the size large enough, aim for at least two sizes larger than you would normally wear.
Other options include shirts that are specially made for breastfeeding mothers. These shirts sometimes have a panel across the front that can be lifted up for easy, direct access. These panel shirts often have a loose panel that covers a slit across the bust to allow the baby’s head and the bust to be covered by the panel, hiding the feeding from view. These shirts are perfect for wearing out in public and in private.
Some breastfeeding shirts have buttons across the front to allow the shirt to be opened when it’s time to feed. Sometimes the buttons are covered by a panel of fabric to hide the opening, and sometimes the buttons function like a sideways version of a button-up shirt. It may be necessary to use two hands to undo these shirts, however, making it harder to get access if you are holding the baby. These shirts also may not be as discrete as shirts that have a flat to hide the baby’s head while feeding.
Other breastfeeding shirts are wrap shirts that can be unwrapped in order to allow feeding. The wrap shirt usually wraps to one side, allowing one side at a time to be opened by pulling back the wrap. These are often good choices for mothers with small busts, but they may not provide sufficient support for other mothers, and they don’t offer a discrete panel that will hide the baby’s feeding.
A tank top is a great type of shirt to wear while breastfeeding because the top is easy to pull down for baby’s feedings. The tank top should fit loosely so that it’s easy to pull down one side of the tank top with one hand, if necessary. These are often comfortable to wear at home for feedings, but they may not be the best items to wear in public for breastfeeding, as they will reveal the bust during feedings.
Another style is the tie-front breastfeeding shirt. These shirts have a slit across the bust that is hidden by two panels that are tied together in the front of the shirt. When the shirt is ties, it looks like a fashionable shirt with an interesting waistline. But when the panels are untied, the mother has easy access for breastfeeding. These are good for feeding either in private or in public because the feeding can be hidden by the panels.
Top 10 Fashion Trends of 2009
Fashion trends for 2009 include a rainbow of delicious colors, exotic prints, interesting fabrics and bold accessories. With most buyers scaling down their clothing budgets due to a tightened economy, fashion is becoming very focused. Make the most of your wardrobe dollars by choosing a few quality garments and accessories that capture the essence of 2009 fashion.
1. Vibrant colors. In an effort to cheer a somewhat gloomy outlook, vibrant, electric, delicious colors are pulsing through the fashion scene. Fuchsia, electric blue, bright lemon yellow, vivid citrus greens, and deep purples top the list of popular colors. Soft pastels are also making a showing, so if you aren’t quite ready for the neons, try a garment in lavender or dusty rose. Slate Grey is one of the few neutrals currently seen on the runways, and is elegant for daytime or evening wear.
2. The dress. Dresses are everywhere, especially those with asymmetric looks. Designs tend to be more modest and offer greater coverage than the previous strapless trends. The one-shoulder dress is a top pick for evening wear, as worn by First Lady Michelle Obadiah at the Inaugural Ball. Other dress styles include those with draped Grecian designs, full-length maxi dresses and 60’s inspired A-lines.
3. Exotic patterns and materials. This year exotic prints, animal prints and tribal-inspired designs are everywhere, giving fashion fans lots of variety to choose from. The tribal motif continues on shoes and accessories with accents such as bead work, lots of fringe, and Southwest color palettes.
4. Sheer fabrics. Sheer fabrics have quickly risen to become a leading trend. Fortunately for the average wearer, this style isn’t about baring it all, but more about adding interest and elegance to a look. Sheers are draped, flowing and layered.
5. Jumpsuits. Believe it or not, the Dynasty-era women’s jumpsuit is back in a big way. Current styles include both fitted and drape cuts in a huge variety of fabrics and prints. Add a wide belt for instant chic.
6. Harem pants. MC Hammer would fit right in with the current harem pant craze. This super comfortable look features a very loose cut through the thigh and crotch area, then gradually tapers to the knee, ankle or leg. It can be paired with just about any shoe, from sandals to boots.
7. Statement jewelry. Jewelry is big and bold, and includes everything you could find at a vintage shop: chunky necklaces, exotic bangles and bracelets, massive rings and costume brooches.
8. Accents such as flowers and bows. Feminine touches include pretty 3D floral accents at the shoulder, waistline and hem. Ruffles and bows are another recurring theme, particularly along hemlines. These girl accents also adorn accessories.
9. An emphasis on the shoulder and sleeve. Eye-catching accents are everywhere on clothing these days, especially at the shoulder. Shoulders are receiving a lot of attention from the fashion world as the one-shoulder design peaks in popularity. Puffed, leg of mutton, bating, cap and kimono … regardless of what they’re called, sleeves are also hot.
10. Daring shoes. Mile-high heels in interesting colors and textures, along with the bold gladiator sandal, are back this season.
How Do You Find Clothes To Buy That You Saw In A Movie?
When you watch a movie, often you see fantastic outfits that you immediately want to add to your very own wardrobe. They are often unique, cutting edge, stylish ensembles put together by professional stylists who have made a career from fashion. The looks we see in the movies are often things we would never think to put together or brand new styles for the coming season. When we leave the movie theatre, the problem is finding the clothes we fell in love with on the big screen.
In order to track down the movie clothes you want, your search should begin online. Do a Google search for the name of the movie and the word style or fashion. You will be amazed at how many celebrity watch sites exist to help provide you with the information you are looking for. They will tell you what designers were worn during the movie, where you can buy knock-offs to copy the look and more.
You will be surprised to learn that many of the styles you see in the movies can be found in many common mall stores, at consignment shops and from online retailers. Even though there are movies where the outfits are completely designer duds, these are by far the exception rather than the rule. Stylists charged with outfitting a crew of actors with multiple ensembles must do so, on a budget. Therefore they must scour every option for creating great looks at good prices. That means, you can do so too.
Another way to find out where to buy clothing you saw in a movie is to do a search for the actor or actress who wore the item. Often clothing worn during a movie becomes the property of the actor or actress who donned it. Finding buying information for clothing that a particular actor or actress wears is quite easy. There are numerous websites that are devoted to following the fashion styles of celebrities. Such sites will provide links to other sites where you can buy the item in question or you may even be able to buy directly from the fashion website.
When you see clothing in a movie that greatly appeals to you, make a note of exactly what it looked like or draw a picture of it, if you are gifted artistically. Then bring your description to stores that are likely to carry the style you are looking for. Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic and many other stores are common places for stylists to visit in their search for wardrobes. Salespeople in such stores will be pleased to help you find the look you are seeking.
Armed with a good description of the outfit or item you are looking for, you may also do an online search. Don’t be too specific and keep key words short in your search. You may just be surprised at how many hits you will get for the item you are looking to buy. If you have fallen in love with a certain movie look, take heart. There are numerous options you have available to you to help you find the articles of clothing you are looking for.
How to Dress for My Body Type
The way you dress should be influenced by the shape of your body. Your body shape is the biggest indicator of what you should be wearing. To understand your own shape and what will look best on it, you need to know what kind of body shape you actually have. There are four types of body shapes and each one has its own best clothing styles that will flatter it.
Apple Shapes
A person with an apple shape has more weight on their upper body than their lower body. They carry some extra weight, and that weight is generally carried around their middle. If this is your shape, then you need to choose clothing that will not cling to your figure. There are clothing styles that will skim over your stomach instead of making it more noticeable. Something with an empire waist will emphasize your bust while skimming over your stomach. Draw attention to your legs by wearing short skirts or skirts and pants that are brightly colored with a dark colored top.
Pear Shapes
You are a pear shape if you have more weight around your thighs and hips. The result is a torso that is shaped like a pear. If you have a pear shape, you need to try to balance your shape to make yourself look larger on top. This will de-emphasize your hips and thighs. Choose tops with wide neck lines to help create this balance. Stay away from any shirt that fits too tightly. This will make your upper body look smaller. Wear a brighter color on top than you do on bottom to help the eye balance the two. This will draw the eye upward and take the attention away from your problem areas.
Hourglass Shapes
A person with an hourglass shape is someone who has a full bust as well as full hips with a defined waist in the middle. If you have this shape, it’s easy to make yourself look heavier by wearing items that are not tailored well. If you wear something with a very high neckline, it can make you look for heavier than something with a scoop neck. You should also try to wear something that has a waistline in it. If you don’t have anything with a tailored waistline, wear a belt to show off your waist. Stay away from clothes that are too baggy to stiff because they can add bulk to your figure and make you look heavier.
Rectangle Shapes
Someone with a rectangle shape has a straight shape that is not very curvy. Their weight is distributed very evenly without any real problem areas. The challenge with the rectangle shape is to make it look as if you have a defined waist and a larger bust. You may also want it to look like you have larger hips. To do this, wear items that define areas of your figure rather than making everything look the same. A top that is low-cut and draws attention to the bust will make your bust look larger, while an item that has a waist feature such as a tailored waist or a belt will make your waist look smaller.
Are T-Shirts With Leather Jackets Fashionable?
A t-shirt worn with a leather jacket is one of the most classic looks that has ever come out of North America. The t-shirt and leather jacket combination is one that has always been a part of the wardrobe of young people. As far back as the 1930s, people were pairing their t-shirts with their leather jackets for a casual look that was effortless and that looked great.
The look was especially popular in the 1950s, as rock stars and actors like James Dean wore the look and gave it a reputation of being for rebels. Rebels of all types have loved the look ever since. Whether they are rebels against society, rebels against fashion or just those with rebellious hearts, leather jackets paired with a t-shirt will sum up that rebelliousness perfectly.
Modern stars like Shia LaBeouf and Jessica Biel continue to wear the t-shirt and leather jacket look as part of their own signature style. Jessica Biel wears it as an updated tomboy look, much like Amelia Earhart’s famous leather bomber jacket look. Jessica pairs her jacket with long-sleeved t-shirts of all colors and styles. Shia LaBeouf wears his leather jackets 50’s style, with a crew-neck t-shirt for that James Dean look.
To get any of the many retro or modern looks from this outfit is easy. Choose a t-shirt that has a color that will complement the leather jacket. If you are wearing a brown leather jacket, you can opt for a white t-shirt for a retro 50’s look, or you can pair it with a khaki t-shirt for a more updated look. Pairing the jacket with a green, blue or other bright color will transform the outfit into your own unique look.
The leather jacket you choose will also have a lot to do with how fashionable your look is. Thick, black leather jackets with plenty of zippers have come back into style recently. Many stars have been seen wearing these jackets, and they are easy to pair with a t-shirt of any style of color. Wearing a black t-shirt with one of these jackets is a quick way to get a fashionable rebellious look.
For a softer look, go for a light brown distressed leather bomber jacket. These have never gone out of style, and they look great with just about any color t-shirt. For an adventurous look, wear it with a khaki t-shirt. For a feminine look, choose a pink, yellow or pastel t-shirt to wear under the jacket. For a funky, unique look, through a t-shirt over a long dress and wear the leather jacket over them both.
One of the reasons that the t-shirt and leather jacket combo is so easy to wear is that it goes great with jeans of any style. The look will work with distressed jeans, intact jeans, light jeans, dark jeans- any color will do. Just throw on your most comfortable jeans, grab your favorite t-shirt and add a leather jacket and your fashionable look is complete.
Tie One On: What Color Tie to Wear
While picking out the right tie to match an ensemble is a talent that comes naturally to most wives and girlfriends, for a man this knack often proves elusive. Choosing a tie that will coordinate with your clothes and be appropriate for the occasion does require a bit of practice, so keep the following guidelines in mind.
1. A tie should complement the colors of your ensemble, but not match them exactly. First, consider the dress shirt you will be wearing with the tie. A dark-colored tie would simply blend into a dark-colored shirt, so a tie in a light color would be a better choice. Conversely, a white or bright shirt should be toned down with a darker tie. Avoid wearing a striped tie with a striped dress shirt unless the pattern of the shirt is very subtle.
2. Choose a patterned tie whose dominant color matches your trousers. For the color challenged, this is a safe way to ensure clothing coordinates appropriately. If the trousers you are wearing are navy blue, select a tie whose dominant color (the color that occupies the most space in the pattern) is also navy blue.
3. Another trick is to choose a dress shirt that coordinates with one of the secondary colors of your tie (the colors that don’t take up as much room in the pattern as the dominant colors). Find a dress shirt that matches one of these colors, and you will be well on your way to dressing like a fashion pro.
4. Try doing a gradation of color by selecting a shirt and tie that are the same color, but in lighter or darker shades. For example, pair a light blue dress shirt with a medium blue tie.
5. For business interviews and important meetings, keep your tie color classic and conservative. Dark blue and dark red ties are a conservative choice and look good on just about every man.
6. Never wear ties with pictures or cartoons to work, unless you are working in an informal environment.
7. Your choice of tie color can also reveal clues about your personality. If you would like to project a certain image (or avoid projecting a negative image), here are the underlying meanings of certain colors.
• Red. Red communicates power, dominance and attention, hence the name “power tie.” It makes you stand out from the crowd and establishes you as a leader ready to take on challenges.
• Peach or pink. These colors convey good health and a positive attitude, and also have calming effects.
• Black. A man who wears black assumes an air of authority, power and neatness. Due to its elegance and simplicity, black is a classic choice for formalwear, and for the man who always wants to be in style.
• Gray. A gray tie conveys that its wearer is ambitious.
• Blue. Blue is the right choice for a man who wants to appear sincere, calm and confident. Blue gives an impression of leadership which is more humble than red.
• Yellow. Youth, hope and happiness are associated with this tie color.
Business Casual for Women Guide
Business Casual is the standard in work wear for most women. Most businesses, with some exceptions, are content for their employees to dress in a professional yet casual manner. However, the drawback with stating that the dress code is business casual is that not everyone understands exactly what it is and what it isn’t. Knowing what business casual entails for a work environment is definitely critical information for every employee in that type of firm.
Business casual is made up of a wide variety of different women’s clothing. In fact, it may even be somewhat different from company to company. Here are some of the standard business casual clothes for women:
• modest dresses
• mix and match suits
• slacks
• sweaters
• blouses
• solid T-shirts layered with another top
• dressy T-shirts of good quality
• cardigans
• skirts
• Capri pants
As a general rule, business casual is not as formal as standard business wear, but is not as casual as street clothes. Many articles of clothing can be suitable for business clothing or not depending on the condition they are in. A new T-shirt that is ironed may be perfectly acceptable in a business casual outfit, however an older tee that is faded, has lost its shape or requires ironing is not acceptable. Neatness and a pulled together look are essential to business casual. So be sure to iron your clothes, match them up and keep them in good repair.
Certain items are never considered acceptable for a business casual environment. Knowing which ones they are will help you to avoid fashion mistakes in the workplace. Some attire that is definitely not business casual includes:
• flip flops
• worn T-shirts
• torn jeans
• sweat pants
• sweat shirts
• short shorts
• tank tops
• business suits
• pantyhose
• uniforms
• sleeveless shirts
• mini skirts
• revealing outfits
• lingerie as regular clothes
• scrubs
To complicate the category of business casual even further, there are some items that are maybes. Some attire that is considered to be business casual in certain companies but not in others are:
• jeans
• printed T-shirts
• shorts
• sandals
• polo shirts
The best thing to do is to check your company’s guidelines thoroughly in order to avoid wearing something that does not fit your firm’s dress code. If they are one of the looser ones, you should still err on the side of neatness and being conservative. Keep necklines and hems respectable. Do up most of your buttons. Do not opt for T-shirts with offensive or questionable text on them. Press your clothes in order to look sharp.
Business casual is meant to provide a more affordable style of dress for work and a more relaxed environment for the office. Be sure you are completely familiar with your firm’s standards when it comes to business casual. It is better to be overdressed than too casual. If you have doubts about what to wear, emulate the look of your supervisor. In fact, it’s always a good idea to dress for the level you want to be at rather than the level you are presently working at.
If You’ve Gotta Wear Loafers, Follow These Tips
“Loafers” don’t just refer to your lazy, good-for-nothing in-laws. It’s also the name of a shoe style first seen in the 1930’s, one that has enjoyed popularity among both men and women’s footwear over the decades. Loafers are traditionally low and flat, although some styles do have a bit of heel (especially among the women’s versions). They slip on and off since there are no laces, and are often made of leather. “Penny loafers” became popular in the 1950’s, so named because people would place a penny in the gap at the top of each shoe for decoration.
Loafers were first observed in the States in the 1930’s, when Esquire magazine published photos of a moccasin-type leisure slipper imported from Norway. The shoe style was quickly adopted by Americans. The Spaulding family of New Hampshire soon began manufacturing them under the name “loafers.” Loafers were originally intended as a casual slipper to be worn in the home, but their popularity has helped them cross over to become an acceptable casual shoe.
In the 1980’s, loafers were all the rage as Tom Selleck, Don Johnson and TV’s hottest male starts sported them with their pleated shorts and khaki pants. The preppy penny loafer style has been en vogue as recently as the 1990’s, but loafers currently do not enjoy a place on the must-have style lists. If you’re one to stay on the cutting edge of fashion, we don’t recommend adding loafers to your shoe wardrobe. If fashion isn’t a primary concern and you absolutely must sport your favorite pair of loafers, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Loafers are intended to have an upscale casual look, so avoid pairing them with jeans and t-shirts. For men, Bermuda shorts or khaki pants are good choices for a more sophisticated look.
2. If you’re wearing loafers with pants, then wear dark socks.
3. If you wear loafers with shorts, don’t wear socks. Especially don’t wear white socks, or you risk looking extremely nerdy.
4. Loafers are fine choice when you’re relaxing at home because they’re so comfortable. The best part? No one but the dog will know what you wear with them!
Is Showing Cleavage Slutty?
Many people wonder about whether following the current fashion of showing cleavage will be seen by others as slutty or whether it is simply keeping up with the latest styles. In most cases, it all depends on two factors- how much cleavage is shown and where the cleavage-baring outfit is being worn.
In most cases, churches and schools are places where showing cleavage will likely be considered inappropriate and therefore slutty. Avoid wearing outfits that show cleavage to these places, or put on a jacket to cover it if you have on an outfit that does bare some cleavage.
In general, wearing an outfit that shows cleavage is usually considered inappropriate in the workplace. Unless you work in an adult business, cleavage can be considered slutty because it takes attention away form the work that is being done. A professional outfit is one that conveys competence and being at the workplace to do the work. A shirt or dress that shows cleavage says that the worker is there to show off fashions and to attract attention rather than to work. This is why cleavage is usually seen as inappropriate and unprofessional.
When the situation you are going into requires you to look professional or serious, such as a meeting at a bank or with a business associate, the general rule is that cleavage is not appropriate. This is almost universally true during the day, but at night there may be some occasions when showing cleavage is acceptable.
If you have a business meeting in the evening, such as a dinner meeting, showing some cleavage may be acceptable in those situations. Evening attire and what is expected in the evening is often far different from the attire that is expected during the day. For evening meetings and events, showing a modest amount of cleavage will usually not be considered slutty.
If the event will involve family, such as a family lunch or dinner with extended family and family friends, showing cleavage will often be considered inappropriate. Consider the feelings of the people you will be with and what their reaction may be to showing cleavage in their presence.
If you are going to a wedding, the time of day is often the deciding factor. An afternoon wedding is generally not a good place to show cleavage. However, evening weddings are events that call for full glamour, and showing cleavage is often part of that look.
If you are going out on the town and wanting to get a little attention form the people around you, showing some cleavage is not only acceptable, it’s expected in most cases. The key to showing cleavage and staying in fashion without looking slutty is to take care not to show too much cleavage. If there is in danger of a possible wardrobe malfunction, you are showing too much cleavage.
If you are heading out on a first or second date, showing a very small area of cleavage may be stylish without giving the wrong impression.