Appear Slim After 40

I would love to be smaller and fit comfortably into a size 4 but I know that the chances of that happening, especially with me being over 40, are illogical. Life doesn't work that way for most of us so we must find ways to work with what we have.

First, wear the size that fits you comfortably. Wearing clothes that fit too tight around the waist and/or hips will just make you look like stuffed sausage. It's also quite painful so you are more likely not to have a pretty face for people to look at either. If your figure is in between sizes like mine is, go for the larger size and do the little bit of alteration that may be needed. Wearing clothes that are noticeably too big for you will make you look dowdy and unkempt, and people will know what you are trying to hide -- unwanted fat.

Remember all the bright colors you wore when you were younger? They looked good on you too. Now that you are no longer a teenager, it's time to change to colors that are more subdued and dark colors are better than the light ones usually. Do you think you'll fade into the woodwork with muted colors? With some accessories, you will be noticed. A necklace and some earrings will bring people's eyes to your beautiful face.

The little black dress you use to wear when you were in your twenties that hugged your slender curves? It's time to switch to a style that is more straight up and down and hits you at or just below the knee. I know that it probably doesn't look as or feels as sexy to you, but, believe me, bulges showing where you don't want them to is a definite turn-off.

How your face and hair look can make a big difference on what people notice about you. It can be fun to be all about clothes but if people's attention is focused just on what's on your body, they will notice the extra pounds.

Makeup should blend with the natural hues of your skin. To disguise the extra just under your cheekbone, apply your blush there instead of right on the cheekbone. Apply a slightly darker shade of your foundation under your chin and down your neck to camouflage any double chin you may have. Don't forget the highlighter for your eyes to play them up to the maximum.

How do you wear your hair now that you're older? If you have kept your hair long, do you wear it down draping down from your shoulders hiding your neck or do you wear it back? If you wear your hair shorter, is it still touching your shoulders? To accentuate your positive qualities, you are better off showing your neck to give you an elongated look. If you prefer to have long hair, keep it back so that at least the lower part of your ears are showing. If you've opted for shorter hair, keep the length short enough so that your neck can be seen. Bring attention to your hair with earrings, fabulous clips, and hair ties.

Lastly, but not least, attitude is everything. Whatever your general attitude is, it will show on you. A person with a good attitude will stand straighter, her gate when she walks will be more graceful, her eyes and her skin will glow with radiance.

All of this makes for a slimmer look that is, most definitely, elegant.