HALTER top, Wildflower at The Ramp, Crossings, P1,789; satin shorts, Rocco at The Ramp, Crossings, P1,199; yellow and pink pastry belt, Alexandria, P149.75
Apples Pickings Trendspotting: belts for every age By Apples Aberin Sadhwani Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 00:16:00 07/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines—As soon as Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex and the City” appeared on screen clad in her opulent green couture coat and black studded bondage-inspired waist-cincher, the belt took centerstage as the accessory of choice.
Suddenly, fashionistas were scrambling all over the metro looking for their very own stylish version.
It’s fun to follow fashion trends but it’s also important to remember that these trends should suit your personality, body type and age. Carrie can wear most anything —even in her 40s— because she’s a flamboyant, adventurous woman with a lithe frame. Unfortunately, not everyone can wear certain trends without looking like a fashion victim.
One way to look good while following the latest fads? Simple, dress in an age-appropriate manner. Here’s how:
In your 20s
Lucky you! Now’s the time to wear anything you want and experiment—granted that it suits your personality and body type, of course. Go for extra-wide waist cinchers or the skinniest belts available and match them with short shorts or swingy little dresses. Don’t be afraid to play around with color and to create different, unexpected combinations.
The rule: there is none—unless you have to follow certain dress codes at work, that is.
In your 30s
You’re in between that time when you can play around all you want (with fashion, mind you!) and when you have to practice a bit of restraint. Although basically, you can still pretty much wear anything you please.
Go girly and feminine by wearing dresses with details like embroidery or prints and match these with neutral colored belts. Or you can also opt to dress in a corporate manner by donning crisp button-downs cinched at the waist with trendy garter belts.
As you move through your 30s, your goal is to look like a mature, competent adult. Now’s the time to slightly alter your wardrobe choices. Maybe you can chuck that micro-mini in favor of a slightly longer skirt?
Or give away those hot pants for a more modest version—unless of course you’ve got what it takes (the body and the chutzpah, to be specific) to wear all those.
In your 40s
Just because you’re in your 40s doesn’t mean you have to dress like an “old” (It’s still just a number, ladies!) woman. In fact, you should take your cue from the likes of Demi Moore, who manages to look up-to-the-minute, younger than her years and yet still appropriate (hmmm, I wonder if Ashton has anything to do with it.).
Keep these in mind: exactly how much skin is appropriate to show, and how your body has changed. Not everyone will be the same shape in their 40s and 50s as they were in their teens and 20s. So, choose clothing and accessories that suit your particular size and shape.
Tailored pieces in structured fabrics can easily hide flaws while playing up assets so they’re good wardrobe staples. Jersey items are also easy to wear.
Remember that the most forgiving belt style is one that is around 1.5 inches thick. But if you’re anything like Carrie and her friends, go all out and have some fashion fun. Go ahead, roll with the punches and try something new.
Copyright 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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