Wide bottom?
“I like to cover my thighs with long shorts, but they still showcase my old-lady knees and backside.” THE PROBLEM: The boxy appearance of baggy shorts that hit right above knees causes the eye to scan back and forth, adding optical width from hip to knee—at every angle! Plus, the contrast between dark shorts and pale legs can shine the spotlight on agers like droopy knees, dimply skin and spider or varicose veins.
THE FLATTERING FIX: Try the season’s lightweight cropped jeans. The light denim material shapes the rear for a more toned look, skims over any flaws and exposes enough skin at the ankle to let air flow in on a warm day. “And by hitting right above the ankle, this cut pulls the eye down so legs appear long, tricking the eye into seeing a trimmer, higher tush,” says celebrity stylist Eric Himel. He adds that detail at the hem lends playful pizzazz while enhancing the leg-elongating effect. Himel’s easy key to even slimmer? “Keeping the look in all primary colors—blue denim, a yellow tank and red mules—creates a chic colorblock effect that keeps the eye moving up and down for a more statuesque silhouette.”
GET THE LOOK: T.J.Maxx top, $17, TJMaxx.tjm.com for similar styles; Chico’s So Slimming Tassel-Hem Girlfriend Crops, $109, Chicos.com; Shoe Dazzle Shea Block Heels in Red, $40, ShoeDazzle.com; Gen3 Jewels Gotta-Have Glam Beaded Necklace in Mint, $19, ModCloth.com
CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING BONUS
MASK SKIN FLAWS with self-tanner. The bronze tone camouflages everything from purple veins to scars while imparting a healthy glow that gives the illusion of a toned appearance. And one infused with seaweed firms skin to reduce the look of cellulite or arm jiggles as well.
Try: VersaSpa Self-Tan Spray with Bronzer ($45 for 6 oz., VersaSpa.com).