6 easy ways to fake a waist.

Lets talk about faking that waist!

As we get older, there is no denying the fact that our bodies change.
No amount of healthy eating, cosmetic procedures, positive thinking and gruelling exercise can change the fact that we are ageing.

Of course, looking after yourself is a good thing, and it can help make you look (and feel) better.
However, change is inevitable.
I am a firm believer in living (and dressing) for today.

Have fun, and flaunt what you have left! 

As we age, our natural body shape determines where we lay down those extra reserves of fat.
Unfortunately (in a cruel and ironic twist) we are unlikely to 'fill out' where we want to.
We tend to lay down more podge on the places we don't need it.

For me, it is the loss of my not-very-defined-in-the-first-place waist.
As a short waisted woman, I tend to get mini love handles and a squishy muffin top.
I can also suffer from the filling out of my 'baby belly'.
My youngest once said to me..

"Your belly is funny Mummy!" She giggled "It's so soft and crinkly."

She is right.
A small reminder of three big babies who were once growing inside it.

We all have different signs of living etched onto our bodies, don't we?
Whether they are scars, from accidents or surgery.
Stretch marks from pregnancy, teenage growth spurts or weight gain (and loss).
Or, just general wear and tear from daily life (hello, age spots and eye bags!)
We all carry our imperfections.

Luckily modern clothes (and makeup) allow up to disguise these imperfections.
Clothes and makeup are our friends!

6 Easy ways I fake a waist.

1. Belt it. Whether it is your top, dress, jacket or coat. Get a belt on it!
2. Wear it open. Wear an open cardigan, jacket or coat to trick the eye into believing you have a narrower waist.
3. High waists. High waisted trousers (or skirts) paired with a cropped top works wonders. 
4. Tuck and pouf. Tucking in your top and blousing it over slightly also gives the illusion of a defined midsection.
5. Wear a good bra. This is especially important if you larger bust. Get those girls 'up and out' and your waist will look inches smaller.
6. Distract! If your waist really has given up the ghost althogether, don't despair, distract the eye with layers, jewellery or another body part...like your legs!

5 other ways to fake a waist (That I haven't tried yet)

1. Overlay dresses.
2. Peplum tops.
3. Side panel dresses (The ones with the black sides).
4. Wrap dresses.
5. Full skirts with a fitted waistband.

Today I wanted to wear this leopard print jumpsuit.
It caught my eye immediately, in amongst a jumble of "final reduction" items.
I love the retro feel.
However, it is potentially quite a difficult item to style...

• There is the danger of looking a little too much like Peg Bundy or Bet Lynch! Retro is cool, trashy is not.
• The fabric is very light and without much structure (although, it doesn't have any stretch so it won't go baggy at the bum and knees...which is good!)

Unfortunately, this jumpsuit makes me look a little bit like an ironing board.
Probably because it is not tailored, or lined.

{See this post where my knitted dress had the same affect}

The way to remedy this 'ironing board' problem was to add a slightly cropped (and boxy) open cardigan that skimmed, and gave the illusion of some definition at my waist.
I decided to continue on the 70's vibe, and pair this jumpsuit with 70's-style shades, a mini bag (with wicker detail) and some (very) retro clogs.

A delicate necklace, and some plain hoops, finished things off nicely!

Beware of the baggy bum!

Some jumpsuits can make you look like you are wearing a nappy, or have a droopy bum (just like an elephants) even if your rear is still in decent shape.
To avoid this symptom, take care with the fit of your jumpsuit and avoid cheap fabrics.
To test the fabric: Do some knee bends, squats and a few rounds of sit-down/stand-up in the changing room cubicle, or at home (much less embarrassing).
Then have a good look at your reflection again.
If there is any sign of sagging and bagging, move on.
If you really love the jumpsuit, and have to have it, but it is still a bit droopy. Hitch up the waist with a belt, or wear a longer cardigan/waistcoat (vest) to cover any droopage.

Over to you...
What do you think of jumpsuits?
Are jumpsuits difficult to find in a decent fabric and fit?

How do you hide the signs of ageing and your changing body?
Please share your thoughts (and any tips you have) in the comments.
I love to read them!
Or tweet me @samantha4blair

Jumpsuit: Autograph at M&S (this one is gorgeous!)
Clogs: Gap (these are lovely...and a great price.)
Bag: Savoy (I like this one)
Cardigan: Zara (similar)
Necklace: A gift (this one is beautiful and unusual)

Linking up to: I will wear what I like (Monday), Visible Monday, Turning heads Tuesday The Pleated Poppy (Wednesday), Colour and Grace (Wednesday), Top of the World Style (Thursday), Brilliant blog posts (Thursday), Hat Attack (Friday), Forage Fashion Friday , Mummy's got style (Friday), Fun fashion Friday, Style story (Saturday)

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