Hemlines are up and midriff revealing crop tops (bras) paired with a suit are still a thing this spring/summer season. Other trends that are still carrying over from previous seasons are: cargo pants, the puffed-sleeved top, high-waisted baggy jeans, and the oversized blazer. The spring runway showed baby blue and some of this year’s color- Viva Magenta!! 

If you are wondering how to wear trends that are sexy and don’t show your tummy (I get this concern a lot from my 40+ set of clients), there are options. Here are few quick tips.

Crops tops and baggy pants/jeans are trending but you can show off your waist sans skin. Pair a puff sleeved top (or V-neck) that tapers in at the waist and kisses the top of a high-waisted baggy pair of pants.

If a shorter top that might show off your mid-section when reaching for the top shelf is a concern, tuck your longer top into your baggy pants. You will highlight your waist without worrying whether your shirt will pop out of your pants.

Large appliques (metal zippers, buckles) are trending and can be used to give balance to a look. What do I mean by that? Let’s say your shoulders are slight or slope downward. Appliques on your shoulders will create structure around the shoulder line which de-emphasizes the appearance of sloping shoulders. They also draw the attention upward and away from the midsection of the silhouette.

Oversized blazers are all the rage this season. A structured shoulder in a blazer, or a top with structure (foam padding) on the shoulder will provide a sharper edge along the shoulder line. Be aware that since the trend is oversized, buy blazers in your size as they will already be oversized.

You can show off your lovely legs with this season’s shorter hemline trend. Try pairing a big blazer with a shorter skirt or shorts. This look is good if you have a few extra inches around your midsection that you want to downplay.  A darker color worn on top, under a lighter or brighter colored blazer can also achieve this same effect. 

Alas, there are times where we must go out into the world and present ourselves when we aren’t feeling up to it. Sometimes we feel fat, bloated, or just emotionally or mentally ‘off’. For these days I recommend a monochromatic look. Monochromatic looks are definitely on trend this season!  Dressing in the same, or near same color makes us feel simple yet elegant, and uncomplicated. Monochromatic looks (and not just dressing all in black) help make the silhouette appear thinner and streamlined because there is no break in the color scheme.

Wearing a longer blazer or vest is another iron clad technique for hiding a few extra padding along the midsection. But keep in mind that you want to create balance in your silhouette.

If you like these suggestions, I’d love to hear about your style journey. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation. wanderingparisian@gmail.com