Has menopause changed the way you dress? It has for me. I’m somewhat of an expert on this since I started getting hot flashes in my late 40s and, at almost 64, still deal with them occasionally.
Does this sound familiar? You wake up an hour earlier to get dressed for work but end up drenched in sweat, having to change your outfit. Or when you try to dry your hair, the heat from the hairdryer makes you sweat so much that your hair won’t dry. That was me for many years.
Most of us will experience menopause symptoms like weight gain, bloating, irritability, hot flashes, and night sweats. So, how do we cope and still manage to look stylish and feel comfortable?
1. Dress For Your New Body Shape
Weight gain happens to many of us, often in areas we never gained weight before, like the tummy, thighs, or hips. It’s important to learn to dress for your new body shape rather than just going up a size.
If you’ve gained weight around your middle:
– Choose tops made of fabrics that skim your body and cover the belly area, ending at the hip.
– Look for tops with ruching or draping to help hide any imperfections.
– Asymmetric tops can create slimming vertical lines.
– Opt for skirts and trousers with side zippers to avoid emphasis on the front.
– Avoid pleated trousers and skirts to minimize focus on the belly area.
If you’re gaining weight in your hips and thighs:
– Balance out your figure by emphasizing your upper body with fun colors, prints, horizontal stripes, wider lapels, and shirts with breast pockets.
– Use accessories like scarves and necklaces to draw attention upwards.
– Choose tops and jackets that end above or below the widest part of your hips.
– Wear darker colors for skirts and trousers.
– A-line skirts and trousers with a flare or bootcut jeans can draw attention away from hips and thighs.
2. Make The Right Fabric Choices
If hot flashes are a problem, natural fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, flax, and wool are better at keeping you cool. For excessive sweating, look for moisture-wicking fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin and dry quickly, making you more comfortable. These fabrics are available in everything from workout wear to underwear and sleepwear.
To combat odor from sweat, avoid synthetic fabrics that retain smells. If an item has retained unpleasant odors, wash it in cool water and air dry, as heat can re-activate smell-causing bacteria.
3. Layer Up
Dress in layers so you can remove layers as your body temperature changes. In formal settings, try a moisture-wicking camisole under a blouse with a jacket or cardigan. In colder weather, layer with scarves, cardigans, jackets, or sweaters that can be easily removed when you get hot.
4. Be Comfortable
Avoid tight clothing as it can be uncomfortable. Opt for loose clothing like palazzo pants and tunic tops. Stick to the rule: if you’re wearing volume on top, go with slimmer bottoms, and vice versa. Don’t go too baggy all over or you might lose your shape.
For a sleeker waistline, choose pull-on styles of pants, capris, and jeans with stretch fabrics and a built-in tummy control panel. This combination offers comfort and a slimmer appearance.
5. Emphasize The Positive
Highlight areas of your body you feel good about. If you have great legs, show them off with skirts, dresses, or leggings. If you love your neck and shoulders, try an off-the-shoulder top or long, dangly earrings.
6. The Right Foundation
Good bras are essential for support and a flattering shape. Get fitted for bras every 6 months to a year as your size can change. Replace any bras that are no longer supportive, comfortable, or have stretched out. Different outfits need different bras—think seamless for t-shirts, sports bras for exercising, and push-up bras for special occasions.
7. Specialty Products
Try some fun products designed to keep you cool. Cooling necklaces and bracelets (like Hot Girls Pearls and Nano-Ice Cooling Necklaces) can be frozen before wearing and activated when needed. Gel-filled cooling bandanas, great for activities like golfing or running, stay cool for hours when activated with water.
8. Accessorize!
Accessories add the finishing touch to any outfit. If necklaces feel too hot, try statement earrings or cuff bracelets. For scarves, wear them longer and looser. Use unique handbags or colorful shoes to make a statement.
Menopause can be a time to re-evaluate your style and embrace new fashion choices. It’s the perfect opportunity to experiment and find what makes you feel most comfortable and stylish. So, how are you dressing for menopause? How has your style changed during this time?
