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![from left to right brooke shields then oprah winfrey then sheryl lee ralph from left to right brooke shields then oprah winfrey then sheryl lee ralph](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2023/how-to-dress-to-flatter-your-shape/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/container_image/articlecontentfragment/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.png/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2023/03/1140-brooke-shields-oprah-winfrey-sheryl-lee-ralph.png)
Remember “dress slim” and “dos and don’ts” columns? These once-popular topics have pretty much vanished from women’s sites and magazines in the wake of body positivity, size inclusivity and a more freewheeling attitude toward dressing for all. But even the most confident 50-plus women (celebs and regular folk like us) still benefit from practical tips that turn “what to wear/what not to wear?” wisdom into a superpower. Here are six to count on right now.
![from left to right kim cattrall then viola davis then garcelle beauvais from left to right kim cattrall then viola davis then garcelle beauvais](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2023/how-to-dress-to-flatter-your-shape/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par1/articlecontentfragmeImage1/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.png/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2023/03/1140-choose-what-to-bare.png)
1. Bare bosom, shoulders or legs … not all three
Of course, celebs on the red (or, rather, champagne) carpet can get away with extreme exposure, but real life is not an awards show. The dilemma is, how much skin is too much when the old “age-appropriate” rules no longer apply? The fun of wearing a plunging V-neckline, a thigh-high slit or a sassy short skirt at 50 often means dealing with practical issues like a sun-spotted cleavage, leg veins or jiggly thighs. Do your body and psyche a favor and select one body spot you love (regardless of what anyone else thinks!). Then show that off and keep the rest under wraps.
![member card Image Alt Attribute](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/features/membership/inline-membership-promo/default/master5/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container_copy/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/uxdia/membership-card-d-and-t.png)
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![from left to right ellen pompeo then brooke shields then jennifer grey from left to right ellen pompeo then brooke shields then jennifer grey](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2023/how-to-dress-to-flatter-your-shape/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par3/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.png/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2023/03/1140-monochrome-fashion.png)
2. Go monochromatic … instead of mixing and matching
Want to look taller and slimmer fast? Just work a one-color tonal look from head to toe. Many women break the look at the waist by wearing a colorful top and black pants. However, an uninterrupted flow of color (and this can be anything from basic black to white or a medley of blues) elongates the body even when you’re wearing flats. Varying the shades and adding some texture and prints helps create an eye-catching effect and expands your wardrobe options.
![from left to right lisa kudrow then rita wilson then dame kristin scott thomas from left to right lisa kudrow then rita wilson then dame kristin scott thomas](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2023/how-to-dress-to-flatter-your-shape/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par5/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.png/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2023/03/1140-belt-to-define-shape.png)
3. Define your shape with a belt … and stop hiding in layers
Who doesn’t love the ease of wide-leg pants with elastic waists, oversized tops and tunics, and long midi and maxi lengths? Still, too much of a good thing can leave you looking shapeless and boxy. Pairing loose tops and bottoms with narrow, body-skimming pieces helps. But instead of changing clothes, just sling on a belt at the waist or hip to suggest a firmer silhouette lies beneath. And yes, this works regardless of weight, shape or size.
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