Sunday, September 19, 2010

Think you might be shrinking? You are. As we age everything decreases from our hair to our hearing, our memory muscles and even our height. In fact after 40 we lose a half an inch every decade, and even more after 70.

If you've always been on the short side, that can really add up. So how can you dress to get back that extra half inch or more? Here are 9 Fashion Do's and Don'ts for How to Look Taller.

1. DO try Tone on Tone

Dress in one color family from head to toe and you'll instantly appear taller. For example, a brown top with a brown skirt, brown hose and brown shoes will keep you looking long and lean. Worried all one color might look too bland? Be sure to mix up pieces in different textures to keep things interesting.

2. DO create a Vertical Line

A great way to create the illusion of height is to create a simple continuous vertical line with your clothing. A long row of buttons, vertical stripes, zippers, a long scarf, ribbed patterns, pleats, an unbuttoned jacket with a solid color underneath- all allow the eye to flow from top to bottom.

3. DO wear Heels

This is an obvious one that many women avoid because they are concerned about comfort, but just remember that you don't have to wear stilettos to get some height. Platform pumps are in vogue at the moment. Nike makes a fabulous air sole that is very wearable. Taryn Rose is another recent brand that is all about pairing style with comfort.

4. DO put your hair up

Sweeping your hair up and off your shoulders elongates your neck and makes you look taller and thinner. We're seeing a resurgence of updos lately thanks to Sara Palin's famous updo, so the timing is right for this look. Keep your updo slim at the sides and high on top. A wide hairstyle takes away from your height.

5. DON'T wear Cuffs

Cuffs on pants break the line of the pant and make you look shorter. Long flowing pants that touch the top of your foot elongate your legs and make you look more statuesque.

Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler (The Glam Gals) are Image and Style Experts specializing in helping women 40 plus look and feel fabulous. They are the authors of the e-book, The Glam Plan~ 12 Simple Steps to Take You from Frumpy to Fabulous, as well as coaches for their Tweak Your Chic™, Image make-over program. For more tips go to: www.fabulousafter40.com and sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter.

You can also contact them at: info@fabulousafter40.com