Tag: women over 40

How to not look frumpy

Written by Scarlett De Bease on April 9, 2023. Posted in Image and Style, Makeovers, Shopping Tips, What To Wear.

Today I want to talk about how wearing clothes that are too tight and in the wrong colors can make you look bigger. frumpy, and miserable.

That’s exactly how Jamie Lee Curtis was styled in her Oscar winning performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

She was intentionally styled to look frumpy, unhappy, and shapeless in the movie simply by wearing clothes that did not fit or properly suit her.

Take a look below, at how Jamie Lee Curtis looks in her outfit from Everywhere All At Once.

The top color is awful on her as is the fit, size, and style of her clothes. Slumping also contributes to the tummy sticking out more than usual, as does wearing pants below the waistline.
Even her eyeglasses are not flattering.
All these ‘mistakes’ were deliberately made.

Note: Check out this post about turtlenecks and why they are not flattering for many.

Now, look at how her very same body looks in clothes that properly fit and flatter her.

Wow, right?

In real life wearing clothes that are in the wrong style, shape, or color for you can have the same negative effect that makes women of all ages, shapes, and sizes look bigger and frumpier than they are.

It also destroys self-confidence and ruins first impressions. Especially the most important first impression…yours… when you look in the mirror to check out what you’ve put on.

Here’s how to not look frumpy…

Wearing clothes that are too tight can create unflattering bulges and emphasize areas that you may not want to draw attention to. It will also make you look older and unhealthy. 😬

Instead, choose clothes that fit well, flatter your body type, and unique features, without being too snug.

Also wearing the wrong colors can make your skin look dull and washed out, which will make you look older, sicker, and more tired than you actually are. We are all a bit tired, so why bring more attention to it?

The bottom line is wearing clothes that are too tight, or too big, and in the wrong colors will make any woman look bigger and frumpier than she actually is, regardless of her body shape.

By choosing clothes that fit well and flatter your skin tone, you can create a polished and put-together look that accentuates your best features and makes you look and feel confident and beautiful.

As always, if you need any help finding the perfect fit and colors for your body type, don’t hesitate to reach out to me and get you started on finally learning how to dress the body and life you have now!

You deserve to always look and feel put-together and ready for anything on your calendar, no matter your age shape, or size.

How To Look Better In Jeans

Written by Scarlett De Bease on January 17, 2022. Posted in Shopping Tips, What To Wear.

Who else has spent hours, days, or years trying to find jeans that fit and flatter?

Let’s face it, finding a pair of jeans that we can get into and zipped, is as frustrating as trying on bathing suits.

Actually, worse because we can sit by the pool not wearing a bathing suit.

We could wear jeans…

and now we’re right back struggling to find a pair that make our tush and tummy look good.

Today I’m going to share tips on how to look better in jeans & where to find them.

The search began for me decades ago, and as my body, designs, and fabrications have changed, so have the jeans that look good on me and likely you as well.

Watch my video below to see why rolling up or shortening
your jeans can be a thumbs up or down, and so much more.

NOTE: I still love skinny-legged jeans, which is what I’m wearing in the above photos, despite the current trend of more baggy-shaped jeans being pushed on us.
Skinny/narrow styles can make your legs look longer and leaner when worn with longer tops, and if this shape isn’t right for you because it truly isn’t flattering on everyone, try straight-legged jeans.
Straight-legged have a bit more wiggle room, without adding unnecessary width to your body.

Grab all my jeans suggestions below.

Here are my current favorite jeans for you to try.

Questions, suggestions, or thank you my butt looks great comments?
Send them my way to Scarlett@ScarlettImage.com.

Why You Have Nothing To Wear

Written by Scarlett De Bease on August 31, 2020. Posted in Image and Style, Shopping Tips, What To Wear.

Recently a new client asked to work with me because she was fed up with having lots of clothes, yet nothing she loved to wear.

Every time she was getting dressed for either an in-person or remote meeting she would wear the same one or two outfits that she had in a few different colors, but always felt frumpy.

And she couldn’t understand why the clothes she had bought seemed great when she bought them, and not so great when she tried to make an outfit with them.

She hysterically shared that her recent way of accessorizing an outfit was to put a bra on. LOL

Then she confessed that things got worse when she let her 18-year-old daughter give her styling advice. 😳

Hence, her “I can’t take it anymore” ringy -dingy to my cell.

I virtually took a look at her clothes and a few selfies so I could see what was going wrong and how to make it right. And it worked.

I told her, here’s why you have nothing to wear…

Turns out she was buying clothes just because they fit, instead of loving how she looked in them and following the advice of a teenager might have worked if she was 18, but not at over 45.

She had lots of pieces, but very few that could be mix and matched to create lots of new outfits.

During her Zoom with me, I was able to show her which of her clothes were perfect for her and which to get out of her closet. And because she chose my Premium Virtual Styling service, I showed her the clothes and accessories to try and buy because I knew she’d look amazing wearing them.

Yesterday she emailed me a big thank you. She loves all the compliments she’s now getting when on camera, and finally her insecurities are gone. She also stopped buying clothes she didn’t even like to wear.

PS Now she’s giving her daughter styling advice and she’s listening!! Respect!

ANNOUNCEMENT – My Virtual Personal Styling fees are increasing on September 14, 2020. When you purchase a virtual styling service prior to 9/14/20, we’ll work together when you’re ready and you get to save money that you can use towards some new clothes.

Basic Virtual Styling service will go from $250 to $325
Premium Virtual Styling service will go from $400 to $475

Easy Way To Get The Right Fit For Tops and Dresses for Women Over 40 – Video

Written by Scarlett De Bease on August 13, 2014. Posted in Caring for Clothes, Image and Style, What To Wear.

Don’t discard a top or dress from your closet or dressing room, until you see how this quick, simple and inexpensive alteration can give you the perfect fit.

Never underestimate the impact of using a tailor so you get the right fit for tops and dresses.

I cannot count the number of times I have shown a client how this simple adjustment transforms the fit and look from a top or dress. No more sides of a bra showing, straps falling, tanks tops needed, and more with this easy solution.

Go ahead, and look for a top in your closet that you don’t wear because of how too much of you peaks thru, and see what a difference just lifting up the straps will make.

Please share in the comment box below what top or dress you can transform with this alteration.

“Prior to working with Scarlett, I had been shopping at the same store for many years, buying the same conservative styles in multiple colors, and not always wearing the most flattering colors, jewelry, or styles. During my virtual style consultation, Scarlett expertly evaluated my current outfits and showed me how making very small changes such as wearing a different pair of earrings, adding a belt, or raising a hemline by a couple of inches can make all the difference. I was amazed! Scarlett also gently encouraged me to leave my “style comfort zone” and suggested some fashionable, affordable styles online that would highlight my petite frame and add a youthful, yet professional element to my wardrobe. I’m grateful for Scarlett’s suggestions and am so excited to try some new styles!”
—Gina Basich N.J.

Virtual Style Consultation

Scarlett’s “Hotline” Style Consultation is a program she designed especially for her
virtual clients, or for those local clients who want to “try on” her services:
The Hotline Style Consultation includes:

– Brief questionnaire completed via email, along with a request for photos.

– A 60-minute style call, where she will give you recommendations on what colors,
shapes and styles are best for you. She will also make recommendations on where to
shop and what to buy.
Book Now

About Scarlett

Scarlett De Bease, a professionally trained Image Consultant and Wardrobe Stylist, is the founder of “The Always Know What To Wear Program™“. As an Image Consultant, Entertaining Speaker & Savvy Personal Shopper, she shows women how to project confidence & success by always knowing what to wear. As a bonus, Scarlett’s tips will help you Look Younger, Thinner and Taller while projecting Confidence & Success as you now will be wearing the clothes that fit and flatter you the most. Since 2006, she has successfully changed the lives of many women, by showing them the correct clothes, colors, styles and accessories that will flatter them the most. If you keep buying clothes and still have nothing to wear, Scarlett will make it possible for you to always know what to wear. Scarlett specializes in make-overs, that are fun and informative. She brings The What Not To Wear experience directly to your home or office, but without the tears, fears and trash can. Scarlett shows women how to Stop Stressing About Dressing. Scarlett’s tips have nothing to do with size, age, income level, career, etc – It’s not about where you shop, it’s about what you buy.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Ever Have Back Cleavage? Advice for Women Over 40

Written by Scarlett De Bease on July 16, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, What To Wear.

Lately I’m all about the back. Ever since I tried on a dress on that was a tiny bit snug, and turned around to see what my daughter was laughing at. There in the mirror was my reflection of what looked like some mighty fine breast implants, but they were on the wrong side of my body. I had back cleavage, and laughed along with my daughter who at that point, was practically rolling on the floor.

I regret to this day that I did not photograph my impressive back monstrosities and I am convinced that my front cleavage was quite jealous of the competition behind her.

Now it’s time to learn what to do: Remember that back fat is common, but can be contained and or minimized when following these tips:

1. Go up one size if you get back cleavage in a dress, bathing suit, or exercise top.

2. Shorten the straps and take in any spot that needs to be adjusted for a perfect fit.

3. If you are broad shouldered, have back fat or both, then only wear wide straps and avoid racer back styles at all costs. They are very good at creating quite disturbing looking back cleavage.

4. Get a professional bra fitting. The wrong size or ill fitting bra, can create oodles of puddles and accentuate or create back cleavage and back fat.

5. Always look at what is happening behind you and have a sense of humor about all the directions our bodies can go into when wearing the wrong clothes and lingerie. It is NEVER the fault of your shape, but rather the wrong clothes for your body.

Virtual Style Consultation

Get the facts you need to stop stressing about dressing with my virtual Style Consultation.

You’ll get:- Brief questionnaire completed via email, along with a request for photos- Style Analysis – Color, Body/Facial Shape & Clothing Style – A 60-minute style call, where I will give you recommendations on what colors, shapes, and styles are best for you. I will also make recommendations on where to shop and what to buy. Cost: $400 Book Now

About Scarlett

How To Pick The Best Bathing Suit for Women Over 40

Written by Scarlett De Bease on July 9, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, Shopping Tips, What To Wear. 1 Comment

Here’s how to pick the best bathing suit to get you out
by the pool or beach.

Congratulations! You are finally taking a relaxing vacation to a sunny tropical spot. All you need to pack are a few shorts or pants a couple of tops and a bathing suit.

Cue the music for “Jaws” when the young woman is swimming in the ocean, as the thought of finding and wearing a bathing suit may cause equal amounts of dread and fear, as well as some blood-curdling screams.

Relax a while and let me give you a few tips on how to pick the best bathing suit for you and get you back in the water, or at least be able to lie down on a lounge chair. I want you to enjoy your time in the sun in style and comfort.

Seven Tips on How To Pick The Best Bathing Suit:

Do not try on suits that are the same size as your clothes. Please don’t ask me why, but swimwear sizes do not correspond with clothing sizes. Women need to try one to two sizes up for a flattering and comfortable fit.

Choose a suit in a color that compliments you. And FYI: Avoid white, especially if you plan on getting wet. White suits will always become see-through.

Highlight your smaller parts with lighter colors and camouflage your somewhat larger parts with darker colors. I use this trick to minimize what I consume at the all you can eat at buffet tables and the few too many Pina Coladas.

See Photos above

Watch your back. No, really take a look and see if the shape of your back is pushing over the edge of your bathing suit. If it is, go for a style with a higher back so more of you is held in.

Of course, you wish you had a smaller waistline, so look for suits that have shirring in the middle. The fabric gathering is a great way to disguise muffin tops and tummy poufs.

Tuck, lift, and suck. Tuck, lift, and suck. Repeat this mantra each time you put on your suit. Tuck in your breasts, lift up your rear so it is in the bathing suit versus hanging out around the edges, and suck in your stomach when you walk to or get up from your lounge chair.

Never underestimate or abuse the power of the cover-up. A simple lightweight tank dress or oversized shirt is far more flattering than shorts and a t-shirt and fits so well with pool or beach surroundings.

An Afterthought:

If the mere idea of wearing a bathing suit still causes you flashes of terror, I have heard Alaska is a lovely place to visit.

Don’t Give Up – Go here & Sign Up to Get More Styling and Shopping Tips.

About Scarlett

Scarlett De Bease, a professionally trained Image Consultant and Wardrobe Stylist, is the founder of “The Always Know What To Wear Program™“. As an Image Consultant, Entertaining Speaker & Savvy Personal Shopper, she shows women how to project confidence & success by always knowing what to wear.
As a bonus, Scarlett’s tips will help you Look Younger, Thinner, and Taller while projecting Confidence & Success as you now will be wearing the clothes that fit and flatter you the most.
Since 2006, she has successfully changed the lives of many women, by showing them the correct clothes, colors, styles, and accessories that will flatter them the most. If you keep buying clothes and still have nothing to wear, Scarlett will make it possible for you to always know what to wear.
Scarlett specializes in make-overs, that are fun and informative. She brings The What Not To Wear experience directly to your home or office, but without the tears, fears, and trash can. Scarlett shows women how to Stop Stressing About Dressing.
Scarlett’s tips have nothing to do with size, age, income level, career, etc – It’s not about where you shop, it’s about what you buy.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyrighted to their respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it to appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Fall Fashion Trends To Follow For Women Over 40

Written by Scarlett De Bease on July 2, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, Shopping Tips, What To Wear.

So while we have the air conditioning on, drinking lots of water, iced tea and coffee, the magazines have started rolling out the fall fashion trends for us to follow.

In the July 2014 issue of Marie Claire magazine, their fall fashion trends are shown in their feature, titled: Legends Of The Fall.

Perhaps my perspiration got into my eyes, as I was having a hard time believing what I was seeing. Nope, , unfortunately I was seeing the spread of the fall fashion trends just fine.

I’m thinking a more appropriate title would be Oh That Ain’t Happening For The Fall.

Come on, not even the models look nice in these outfits. The first outfit reminds me of what Saturday Night Live would come up with for a female Pimp, and aother looks like she is wearing a week’s worth of road kill.

I’m sorry to be so forthcoming, but am I wrong?

The Fall Fashion Trends are created for you to feel you must go shopping. Sadly very often, they make a woman who should get some new clothes stay away from the stores. I would know.

“Scarlett entered my life at just the right time. I’ve always said, “In my next life, I want someone to pack for me when I go go on a trip.” Scarlett came to my apartment and not only weeded out my closet of clothes that should have been donated years ago, she also pulled together outfits – not too many and not too few — for an upcoming conference. Most of all, we laughed and had a lot of fun in the process. She has the “eye” and the talent. I can’t thank her enough.”
—Holly Cohen, New York City

Virtual Style Consultation

– Brief questionnaire completed via email, along with a request for photos- Style Analysis – Color, Body/Facial Shape & Clothing Style

– A 60-minute style call, where she will give you recommendations on what colors,
shapes and styles are best for you. She will also make recommendations on where to
shop and what to buy.
Cost: $250

Book Now

About Scarlett

Scarlett De Bease, a professionally trained Image Consultant and Wardrobe Stylist, is the founder of “The Always Know What To Wear Program™“. As an Image Consultant, Entertaining Speaker & Savvy Personal Shopper, she shows women how to project confidence & success by always knowing what to wear.
As a bonus, Scarlett’s tips will help you Look Younger, Thinner and Taller while projecting Confidence & Success as you now will be wearing the clothes that fit and flatter you the most.
Since 2006, she has successfully changed the lives of many women, by showing them the correct clothes, colors, styles and accessories that will flatter them the most. If you keep buying clothes and still have nothing to wear, Scarlett will make it possible for you to always know what to wear.
Scarlett specializes in make-overs, that are fun and informative. She brings The What Not To Wear experience directly to your home or office, but without the tears, fears and trash can. Scarlett shows women how to Stop Stressing About Dressing.
Scarlett’s tips have nothing to do with size, age, income level, career, etc – It’s not about where you shop, it’s about what you buy.

Time To Know How To Wear Skinny Pants for Women Over 40

Written by Scarlett De Bease on June 25, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, Makeovers.

Time To Know How To Wear Skinny Pants
Back a few years ago, I would not wear skinny pants simply because I looked terrible in them. Tops were typically designed to be cropped and the skinny pants were made so tight, that tools were practically required to pry my body in or out of them.

But then fashion designers heard the cries of women all over the world, as they wiggled their way out of their skinny pants, and added lycra to them so women would no longer need to go to extremes to get in and out of their skinny pants.

Around the same time, cropped tops were being replaced with longer tops. Perhaps designers actually noticed that most women over the age of 30 were tired of pulling down their shirts so has not to expose their belly buttons.

Now, I knew how to wear skinny pants and show many of my clients how to do so as well.

Here are some of my tips on how to wear skinny pants, no mater what age or size a woman may be:

1. Curvy, hippy or wider in the middle shapes women should wear tops that stop just below the widest part of your hips.
2. Straight body shapes can wear tops that meet the waistline or all the way down to to the hips. See below, how one of my clients looks fabulous in the right pair of skinny pants in one of these before and after pictures from ScarlettImage.com

3. Skinny pants can be worn tucked into boots, with flats or heels. Personally, I love wearing skinny pants with boots.

The photos on the top of this post are from a How To Wear skinny jeans feature, with great tips by Adam Glassman, in the February 2013 issue of Oprah magazine.

You Still Got It!

So what if you’re over 40, 50, 60 and you no longer wear the same size you used to. That doesn’t mean you can’t look great and walk into a room totally confident with how you look and what you are wearing.

I strongly believe that every woman deserves to look and feel her best. contact me to schedule your 15 minute You Still Got It, Free Consultation and find out how you can stop stressing about dressing your body.

“I just wanted to thank you for helping me complete my life ‘transformation’. Meeting you and working with you has been extraordinary and I am extremely grateful! After a divorce, and then working at a new and hugely stressful full time nursing management job, caring for my “special” son, and my daughter’s wedding… I began the journey to improve my health. I lost 40 pounds, and 1 1/2 years later left my job to pursue my fabulous new health coaching business. All that is great and I can hardly believe how fortunate I have been to have this opportunity.

My walk in closet, however, was like a scary haunted house!

I decided that YOU would be my birthday gift to myself… BEST GIFT EVER!!

You came to my house for hours and organized my closet, while I tried on loads and loads of clothes! You helped me donate 4 HUGE (GASP!) bags of clothes and accessories, and then created amazing outfits with what was left. Life changing right there!

…. and then the best part! A shopping spree at Nordstroms (birthday gift continues…). You had wonderful things hanging and waiting for me. You helped me choose the most flattering clothes for my new size, my

coloring, and all areas of my life..

I now have a fabulous, neat, organized closet, thanks to you and your GUIDE, and I am now able to choose outfits in less than 2 minutes (including accessories!).

Scarlett, you are amazing and I am grateful that we met, and that now I feel like my transformation is complete.” —Miriam Kahn Take Shape For Life

Warning: Your Waist May Be Larger Than It Appears

Written by Scarlett De Bease on June 18, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, Shopping Tips.

Ever look at the tiny words on your car’s side view mirror and note the warning: Objects in mirror, are closer than they appear?

Something similar can be said for our waists and bottoms if you wear, on a regular basis, elastic waist bottoms typically know as leggings, as you may be larger than you think you appear.

Whaaaaaat, you ask? Well, when women, and I have been guilty of this as well, wear bottoms that can easily expand as we expand, we don’t really notice how much closer our ‘objects’ are to not fitting into our clothes as well as they used to or should.

Sometimes, it is a huge shock, no pun intended, when we try to put on a regular pair of pants, and there is no way we can zip them up!

Keep in mind that leggings are not pants, and only should be worn under very long tops. Other than the gym, no letting your tush show, please. It really isn’t that flattering , and can actually be comically disturbing as in these photos.