The Secrets to Dressing Sexy at Any Age

LESS IS NOT MORE

Whoever instigated the rule that you need to cover your arms or knees after a certain age was plain wrong. Kristen Park of The Mom Stylist explains, "As you get older, you can wear the same shapes you did when you were 20, but you'll look more polished and feel more confident if you show a little less skin. Accentuate what you love about yourself — a miniskirt if you've got great legs or a body-conscious dress, but pair them with tights and a thin V-neck cardigan or a blazer for more coverage." Personal stylist Noelle Cellini adds, "Shoulders are a sexy body part that don't get a lot of exposure. I also think the back of a woman's neck is sexy, so wearing your hair up is nice. Hair worn away from the face signals confidence!"

PUT SOME WEIGHT ON, REALLY

It's not quite as good as permission to eat unlimited dessert, but when it comes to clothing, heft can do a lot of good. "Heavier fabric skims the body and will lay or drape nicely," says Cellini. Unlike silks and shiny materials, these don't cling as tightly, calling attention to every lump and bump. But, beware of anything that straddles the line between thick and shapeless. "Boucle and tweed can look old if they make up an entire suit, and can add unnecessary bulk to your body," she adds. Mix, match, and remember the power of a waist-defining belt.

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS

 

"Most women work really well in jewel tones," says Cellini. Rich, deep, saturated color — "think of Michelle Williams in that yellow Vera Wang gown at the Oscars," says Cellini — will be unique and extra flattering. Avoid "bubble gum colors" — as Cellini calls them — like bright pink and shiny red. "They look too young and aren't as sophisticated."

V IS VERY, VERY EXTRAORDINARY

 

No matter your bust size, height or age, go for a V-neck over a crewneck, which can make you look wider rather than taller. "Three-quarter length sleeves are the most flattering because they draw attention away from the hips," says Cellini.

STRIKE THE PERFECT BALANCE

 

Author of Secrets of a Fashion Stylist Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt says, "Know the great parts of your body. Even if you have more than one, just pick one to accent." You don't want to make people jealous! "If you're wearing a tight, low-cut top, don't pair it with a miniskirt. Wear something more demure on the bottom for balance."