Jun 11
7
How not to look old–show some leg!
The lower half of your body may receive less attention than the top half, but that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to forget about your legs. What you wear on your legs is a key factor in how old you look, or don’t look, as Charla Krupp explains in her chapter entitled Show Some Leg.
If you’re proud of your legs and have good muscle tone, uncover your legs as much as possible! But, while there is nothing more young and hip than baring your lower limbs, there will indeed be times when you will want to cover them up. Whatever you decide to put on your legs should “meld seamlessly with your outfit, not scream for attention.”
Opaques are solid tights that are especially great for fall and winter. Choose lightweight opaques however, as those that are too thick will look and feel bulky. A favorite is Wolford’s Velvet De Luxe Tights. Stock up on brown, black, and gray. Sheers are a lighter option, but as Krupp vehemently demands, stay away from nudes! “If you have to wear a sheer stocking,” she says, “make it black and seamless.” Black sheers can camouflage minor imperfections and create an airbrushed look, while having a very slimming effect on your legs! Fishnets are also a good choice for creating a more modern sheer look. Stick to small netting and solid black to avoid looking like a club-goer.
There are few things that Krupp hates more than nude hose, but there are certainly close seconds. She warns us to steer clear of bizarre patterns, kooky textures, prints, and glittery embellishments. Also, she says never, ever put on legwear with reinforced toes. Even if you are wearing closed-toed shoes, you never know when you’ll have to kick off your heels. Krupp is a huge fan, though, of control-top panty hose. It can have the same effect as shapewear, creating a streamlined look under your clothes.
Now that we know how to cover our legs properly, let’s discuss how to make them look their best uncovered. Nowadays, leg makeup is much less messy than it used to be, and can “create the polished look of stockings without getting all over your clothes.” Try Lancome Flash Bronzer Instant Colour Self-Tanning Leg Gel (29.50) or Clarins Radiance-Plus Self Tanning Body Lotion ($40).
Whether you choose to shave, wax, or lazer your legs for hair removal, it is absolutely essential that they are consistently silky smooth for a young & hip look. And finally, moisturize!!! Apply your favorite lotion after every shower, or try Krupp’s favorite moisturizing product: Olay In Shower Body Lotion. Slather it on, rinse, towel off, and voila- smooth, silky skin!
Great news! You don’t have to hire Jennifer Aniston’s trainer to bare beautiful legs. Be sure that your wardrobe contains several options to cover your legs properly (and get rid of nude hose)! And for times when the weather is right, you’re feeling good, and you want to be at your youngest and hippest, in Krupp’s words, Show some leg!
