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Bold Elements Women’s Long Sleeve Jumpsuit in Black ($40, jcpenney.com) (Left), Gap Chunky Scarf in Modern Red ($24, gap.com) (Middle), Liz & Me Mockneck Sweater Dress in Soft Camel Animal ($63, jessicalondon.com) (Right)
AARP (JCPenney, GAP, Target)
The last time you tucked in a tee or wore a belt was 2000? You’re still blaming a C-section back in 1989 for your spare tire? In profile your girly gut protrudes as much as your 34DD breasts? Join the club. It’s not just you. Everyone complains about their belly. Even guys do. But as women over 50, we like to hide our bellies away. We put the onus on cheap zippers, jeans that shrunk in the wash, insomnia snacking and of course … menopause. It’s time to take control. No, I’m not talking about Ozempic or Wegovy. Here are 20 diet- and exercise-free ways to win the battle of the bulge with style:
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1. Wear bold, attention-getting prints
Simply Vera Vera Wang Women’s Roll-Tab Popover Blouse in Red Ikat Floral ($45, kohls.com) (Left), Liz & Me Mockneck Sweater Dress in Soft Camel Animal ($63, jessicalondon.com) (Middle), Loft Floral Tie Cuff Blouse in Jewel Red ($42, loft.com) (Right)
AARP (Kohl’s, Liz & Me, LOFT)
You know the way patterned wallpaper disguises a bumpy wall or how a multi-tone rug hides a floor in bad shape? That’s exactly how dresses and belly-covering tops work to camouflage a bulge. The key is to select tops and dresses in “busy” all-over prints like florals, and especially trendy leopard, and let them create a fool-the-eye stylish look that makes a belly vanish. Try the Liz & Me Mockneck Sweater Dress in Soft Camel Animal ($45, jessicalondon.com), a cozy midi in leopard, or the Chico’s No Iron Leopard Print Shirt in Camel ($90, chicos.com), a button-down to wear untucked.
2. Move up to empire waists
Florynce Empire Waist Dress in Dark Sapphire ($83, juneandvie.com) (Left) and Croft & Barrow Three-Quarter Sleeve Smocked Blouse in Wine Rose Bunches ($24, kohls.com) (Right)
AARP (Macy’s, Kohl’s)
No need to define your waist at the halfway mark if your belly is in the spotlight. For many women over 50, the narrowest spot on their torso is actually right beneath the bust or a few inches above the waist, making empire tops like the Croft & Barrow Three-Quarter Sleeve Smocked Blouse in Wine Rose Bunches ($24, kohls.com) and dresses like the Florynce Empire Waist Dress in Dark Sapphire ($83, juneandvie.com) a simple solution. And you’ll still get body definition!
3. Make untucked tops and tunics your daily go-tos
J. Jill Luxe Supima Turtleneck Tunic in Gingerbread Heather ($69, jjill.com) (Left) and L.L. Bean Women’s Tee Three-Quarter Sleeve Splitneck Tunic in Dark Cranberry ($35, llbean.com) (Right)
AARP (J. Jill, L.L. Bean)
Draw the line at tuck-in tops and stick to longer ones that make a belly a non-issue. The key to success is choosing those with a looser, more relaxed fit, like the J.Jill Luxe Supima Turtleneck Tunic in Gingerbread Heather ($69, jjill.com) or the L.L. Bean Women’s Tee Three-Quarter Sleeve Splitneck Tunic in Dark Cranberry, Deep Turquoise or Black ($35, llbean.com).
4. Create a diversion with flattering necklines
Roaman’s Lace-Neck Eyelash Sweater in Black (Left) and Ivory (Right) ($90, roamans.com)
AARP (Target, 2)
No one will be looking at your belly if what’s going on at the neck and shoulders has eye appeal. In fact, boatnecks, Vs and unbuttoned-to-a-V shirts can be one of the easiest ways to flip the focus. In addition, any really embellished style like the Roaman’s Lace Neck Eyelash Sweater in Ivory or Black ($90, roamans.com) or the Zara Woman Shirt With Embossed Gold Buttons in Light Blue 9699/255 ($46, zara.com/us) with emphasis on top will also get second glances.
5. Pick a peplum
Eloquii Peplum Zip Sweater in Cartouche ($90, eloquii.com) (Left and Right)
AARP (ELOQUII, 2)
No question that a fit-and-flare peplum top effectively hides a pooch but maintains a shapely silhouette. They’re often harder to find, but retro-inspired styles like the Eloquii Peplum Zipper Sweater in Cartouche ($90, eloquii.com) are now an under-the-radar trend. Grab one when you see it.
6. Switch all your underwear to shapewear ASAP
Stock up on control panties and bodysuits for a smoother line. Subtle to moderate compression like the Spanxsculpt Seamless Power Shorty in Chestnut Brown, Very Black or Cafe au Lait ($32, spanx.com) can make middle management an easy daily habit.
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