Fashion...slip on some style!

I've written a few fashion/style columns here at hubpages, but usually connected to a movie theme, and often dealing with extreme examples...i.e., red carpet dresses on celebrities! Not exactly fashion that we "normal mortals" can relate too! I've also moaned and groaned over the lack of style I see walking the streets, sitting next to me in restaurants, in the grocery line, standing at the ATM, buying a Starbucks...basically, everyday life. I've been a bit harsh to young women and their "muffin tops" and to women my age who seem to have gone androgenous way too often. (see ultra-babes, dumpy donuts column)

My sincerest regrets to any I've offended, hope all understand I'm trying to advocate images of self-worth and self-respect!

The number one desire women over 35 seem to have is COMFORT, and that issue addressed here with every single example For women under 35, I don't think it's comfort or they wouldn't be squished in to jeans that are THAT tight! (see muffin tops photo) This column gives just a few pics showing women's outfits that look simply great for spring/summer dressing! Inspired, I must say, by the simply simple, stylish dress worn by Barbara Walters on her interview show with Oprah Winfrey to promote her new book Auditions.

Simply stylish, easy to wear, easy to look great in!

Many women, whatever their age, say comfort is key to their dressing. Of course! If you're not comfortable, you won't feel good, pleasant, at ease...no one says style means bone corsets and girdles! And these clothes prove it! The red/white dress, above, is fresh, loose, stylish cotton from Liz Claiborne, with several comfy features, and several figure flattering ones as well (since the average size of the USA woman is size 14). First, cap sleeves make our hips look slimmer. Second, a v-neck makes our necks look longer and slimmer. The high banded waist line calls attention to the slimmest part of a woman's body (a tip I learned from Stacy and Clint on "What Not To Wear"). The overall print keeps the eye from settling on any particular "flaw." The gathers under the highwaist fall gracefully over tummy and hip bulges that might be lurking underneath, and the length long enough for the mature woman who's upper knees may not be "all that." The cotton will make it comfy as a soft t-shirt, and much cooler when July/August roll around than anything with rayon, nylon or spandex!

For spring/summer Donna Karan showing the safari look in multiple ways, but one common element is the longer hemline! And while this long length probably needs someone 5'6" or taller, this swishy light long skirt hides lots of "flaws." Plus, for those who live in Chicago, Boston, anyplace where it's still barely spring temperatures, this length keeps you from freezing! Wearing a same color blouse and skirt is also a slimming look.

Another comfy slip-on, dressier this time

Here's one guaranteed to be comfortable AND to hide a bulge or two! Is anything more classic than Navy...THE classy color of Spring/Summer for decades. And the ruffles say feminine. If you've got a wedding, a new dress for your restaurant outings, a new favorite for church look for a pull over style. Trust me...the ease of NO waistline will keep you comfy all day!

Granted, for women over 50 (ahem, that would be me), good arms are required! Get out those flex bands or hand weights, go swimming! Every doctor knows resistance training great for your metabolism, osteoporosis, and you look fit and active!

For you younger womenn out there...please take note! My daughter says she has seen mid-twenty-somethings showing up at wedding showers, rehearsal dinners and even afternoon weddings in t-shirts, frayed denim shorts and flip flops! Everywhere from San Diego to Denver to Oklahoma City to Houston! Even she was stunned!!! BUY A DRESS!

Yep! I actually bought this dress last week! At my age it takes a lot of trying on to find an outfit that looks current, fits me well (comfy), doesn't cost a fortune, flatters me, and pleases my husband. This dress went home with me after trying on almost two dozen outfits at four different stores. The straps are wide enough to properly cover my bra straps. The black and white over all pattern hides "flaws" the green sash focuses on my narrowest body part (learned this tip from watching TLC's What Not To Wear), the fabric light and silky feeling...it's lined, so no worries about "see through" issues. The v-neck slimming, but not too low cut.

This dress as comfortable as wearing a cotton knit nightie! I'm wearing it to a wedding shower, outdoor patio party for my daughter's upcoming nuptials. I've also worn it, with a black light-weight cardigan to cover my arms for air-conditioning chill, to a job interview appointment. Plus, who doesn't already have cute black shoes they love, so it's economical!

I chose this dress because the buttery yellow color is flattering on many, many skin tones. Did anyone see Gayle King on Rachel Ray 5/13/08? She had on a dress very much like this one. The solid color serves as a "muted" background if you want to call more attention to your fantastic purse or incredible shoes than your figure! Like the red/white this style very flattering for the "typical" woman. Why? Cap sleeves here broaden shoulders, which narrows the image of hips. The fuller skirt here hides full hips or bulges, the v-neck very slimming on most figure types. The belt, slightly high, avoids the typical tummy pooch problem that can occur if belt sits right at the waist. (Nordstroms)

The fabric a silk and linen blend that should provide a soft swish from the silk and a bit of crisp body from the linen. A classy summer blend that has so much more style than artificial fabrics like rayon, nylon, or bulge hugging spandex!

If you can't give up your t-shirts and capris...here are a few tips from fashion writer Susan Martin.

'These accessories put a fresh spin on the safari look, including any tan, khaki or white clothing you may already own. Or try adding them to a white shirt and jeans. The best part: These come in all price ranges:

• Big sunglasses
• Wooden beads
• Big bangles and lots of them
• Sandals, including gladiator styles
• Earthy espadrilles
• Wedges with heels covered in raffia or other natural material
• Head wraps
• Wide belts in tan or brown
• Metallic accessories
• Animal prints on bags and other accessories. Giraffe prints are really new. '