by Dawn Crystal

Created on: February 19, 2009

Dressing to look ten years younger is quite different from what the average individual thinks they need to do. To shave years off of our age, we must learn what flatters our body, not what the trends of younger generations are. The following are some steps to follow when dressing to look younger than your age.

1. Choose the right fit.
Choosing the right fit in your clothing will streamline your shape, and hide those flaws you don't want exposed. Remember, size is not important. What is important is how you look and feel in what you are wearing. Most likely, if you are trying to look younger, low-rise jeans and pants are not going to be the most flattering. Choose a pant style that sits just below the waist - this will prevent love handles, but will also give you a shapely rear-end. Also, a pant that is straight through the hip and thigh will most iikely be the most flattering on most body types. Anything smaller, like a skinny leg pant, will make thighs look larger, as will flare leg pants.

2. Don't overexpose.
In an effort to look younger, many women feel that they need to wear low-cut shirts. This is not the case, though. Sometimes that could actually make you look older. Pick the parts of your body that you are most proud of, and enhance that through clothes and accessories. That doesn't mean you need to expose those areas. If you choose to wear a form-fitting top, pair it with a slightly looser pair of pants. If you want to play up your legs with a sundress, make sure it's not too low-cut.

3. Keep it simple.
I have always been an advocate for classic styles, even as a young girl. Classic items never go out of style, and work for all body shapes, styles, and ages. Never underestimate the power of a powerful suit, or a knockout pair of jeans. Keep your closet stocked with form-fitting t-shirts, a great pair of dress pants, a classic pair of pumps, and a pair of dark-wash jeans. All these items work well with anything you choose to pair them with, and will make you feel like a million bucks, if the fit is on point.

4. Don't go overboard with color.
While color is a necessity in keeping your wardrobe alive, and up to date, going overboard can make you look like a teenager. A splash of color will be just enough for that wow factor you are trying to achieve. This can be done through a black suit with a bright blouse, or a brown dress with coral jewelry. Always remember, less is more.

5. Mix it up.
To keep yourself looking and feeling young on a daily basis, make sure to mix up your wardrobe to prevent boredom. Keep a variety of pants, dresses, and skirts in stock so you have various options. You don't need to have a lot of them - just enough to change your look and mix and match with your tops and jackets.

While these are just the basics to looking and feeling young, i hope they give you some other ideas on keeping your wardrobe fresh and young. The key is to flatter your body, and everything else will fall into place. Remember, if you don't feel comfortable in it, it probably isn't the right style for your body. Happy shopping!

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