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7 secrets to finding the most flattering pair of jeans

<p>When you think about the cost per wear of your jeans, you can see why it pays to invest in a good pair. But it’s not enough to just go out and buy a well-known brand of jeans and expect them to be the perfect fit.</p> <p>There are a lot of elements that are important to take into consideration when choosing the best denim for your body shape. </p> <p><strong>1. Allow for some movement</strong></p> <p>It’s not a great option to have 100 per cent cotton jeans as they don’t have enough ‘give’. Go for jeans with a little movement (usually known as elastane) and this will also help with the fit, as they won’t be so tight on the waistband.</p> <p><strong>2. Forget the zips to reduce a belly</strong></p> <p>If you want to flatten your stomach, go for jeans without a front zip. Instead, find some with a higher stretchy waistband that you can just cover with your top.</p> <p><strong>3. Be mindful of faded colours</strong></p> <p>It’s common to find that jeans have patches that are lighter than others. It’s best to avoid any that have faded space in your problem areas, as this will draw the eye to them.  Same goes with rips and tears – less is more.</p> <p><strong>4. Go for less fiddly bits</strong></p> <p>Flaps, sequins, dangly bits – all of these add bulk to your jeans, making the area where they are placed (usually waist or butt) look bigger. Keep things clean and simple to downplay any areas you are worried about.</p> <p><strong>5. Try them on with heels</strong></p> <p>Jeans always look better with heels on, so it’s important to try them on with your favourite shoes. Heels make your legs and butt appear more toned, which is always a good thing.</p> <p><strong>6. When in doubt, choose boot cut</strong></p> <p>If you’re not sure where to start, reach for the boot cut jeans. These suit most shapes, and unlike some slim fitting jeans they are quite flattering for nearly everybody.</p> <p><strong>7. Double up when you’re sure</strong></p> <p>Found a pair you adore? Why not buy two pairs – say one dark, one light? Then you don’t have to head back to the shop too soon.</p> <p>What are your tips and tricks for finding a flattering pair of jeans? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Beauty & Style

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The ultimate guide to buying a summer skirt to flatter your shape

<p>Summer is most certainly on the way! With the warmer weather comes a chance to update your wardrobe. Instead of going on a shopping spree and breaking the bank, instead we suggest investing in a few key pieces that are good quality, fit well and are easily mixed and matched. Step in the trusty old skirt. An easy-breezy – not to mention comfortable – summer staple, a skirt that fits you properly has the power to make you feel confident and look gorgeous whatever your shape. But stuck on what best suits your body type? Here is our buying guide to ensure you pick a figure-flattering skirt.</p> <p><strong>For hourglass shaped ladies</strong></p> <p>Show off your small waist with gorgeous 50s style shapes, in full, flared and pleated styles.</p> <p><strong>For big busted ladies</strong></p> <p>A-line or slightly flippy styles will add balance and volume to your bottom half. Avoid high waisted, very wide or pleated styles and instead go for straighter shapes.</p> <p><strong>For pear shaped ladies</strong></p> <p>If you’re bottom heavy try an A-line skirt or something that adds a bit of volume, which will flatter your hips and thighs. Avoid fussy pleats from the waist as they’ll add volume to your tummy and hips.</p> <p><strong>For straight up and down ladies</strong></p> <p>A-line and flared styles will help create shape and a waist, while patterns and embellishment will add the illusion of shape to your figure.</p> <p><strong>For petite ladies</strong></p> <p>Pencil skirts are really flattering because they look elegant rather than girly. Steer clear of ruffles, which will shorten the look of your legs and be careful with A-line shapes, which can look a bit young.</p> <p><strong>For ladies with a full bottom</strong></p> <p>Avoid A-line skirts that will just stick out over a rounder bottom and instead choose more fitted styles. Those that are fitted over your bum and legs but kick out at the knees are perfect.</p>

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Fashion tips for flattering the neck

<p><em><strong>Josephine Lalwan is the owner of fashion blog <a href="http://www.chicatanyage.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chic at any age</span></a>, a fashion resource for women over 50 who want to learn more about style, fashion and what will suit them as mature women.</strong></em></p> <p>I recently discovered the series <em>Grace and Frankie</em> on Netflix. It can be little over the top, but quite fun to watch on an evening when there is nothing inspiring on terrestrial TV.</p> <p>Jane Fonda, who plays the character of Grace, portrays a chic and elegant style in my opinion. At times a little too classic for my taste but overall I like her look, especially the knitwear.</p> <p>One aspect that particularly got my attention was how she continually wore her shirt collars up. I began to realise that this “trick” gave a flattering frame to the face. You would need to have a reasonable long neck for this to work for you. I do, so it seems to suit me.  I have even started using it for some of my jackets.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see some more examples of how Jane pulls of this look.</p> <p>Have you been taking note of the fashions on “Grace and Frankie”? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/04/5-tips-for-creating-the-perfect-wardrobe/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 tips for creating the perfect wardrobe</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/04/ways-to-use-vaseline-in-your-beauty-routine/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 surprising ways to use Vaseline in your beauty routine</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/04/things-to-do-with-shampoo/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">9 surprising things you can do with shampoo</span></strong></em></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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10 handy hints for flattering your figure

<p>When it comes to fashion and style, simple is often better. Trends may come and go but timeless classics and good grooming is perennial. Extend the life of your wardrobe and make the most of your assets with these simple rules for a flattering figure.</p> <p><strong> 1. Update your bra</strong> – An incorrectly fitting bra does nothing for your silhouette. Make sure your current style is lifting and shaping without any unsightly bulges or uncomfortable bits digging in. If it’s not fitting well, consider investing in a new bra and a professional fitting.</p> <p><strong>2. Carefully consider prints</strong> – A classic print is always fashionable. The best rule of thumb to stick to when wearing spots, stripes or florals is to match the pattern size to your waist size.</p> <p><strong>3. Flattering your rear</strong> – Large, straight, well-spaced pockets are a generous bottom’s best friend. Look out for them when buying jeans or trousers.</p> <p><strong>4. Stick to the one shade</strong> – Look instantly taller and more streamlined by dressing in the same shade, head to toe.</p> <p><strong>5. Perfect hemlines</strong> – To flatter all leg shapes, ensure your hemline hits right above or right below the kneecap. Hitting the middle of the knee visually cuts into the leg and looks less than flattering.</p> <p><strong>6.  Dashingly diagonal</strong> – A downward sloping angle has the capacity to create a slim reflection. Wrap dresses, chevron prints and asymmetrical angles will all achieve this effect.</p> <p><strong>7. Celebrate your collarbone</strong> – Unlike cleavage, which can look less than stylish in some outfits, your collarbone is always classy and almost ageless. Try an open neck shirt or scoop neck blouse.</p> <p><strong>8. Clue up on colours</strong> – Light, bright colours draw in the eye and accentuate while dark shades downplay whatever they’re paired with. Remember this rule when putting together an outfit and choosing where you want attention focused.</p> <p><strong>9. Terrific tailoring</strong> – A well-fitted, tailored silhouette is effortlessly stylish and helps disguise wobbly bits. A beautiful blazer or an A-line shift dress are wardrobe essentials.</p> <p><strong>10. Lengthen your legs</strong> – Nude coloured shoes help lengthen and tone the leg effortlessly.</p>

Beauty & Style