Ten Pounds Til' Spring Jeans!

Where did those extra pounds come from? This is the question of the month as millions of women 50+ shop for new jeans. Goodbye camouflaging layers, cozy carbs, festive cocktails, holiday desserts and SAD ( Seasonal Affective Disorder). Hello muffin tops, flab and a belly that wasn't there last time we checked. Common sense (and the daily media surge of diet and exercise warnings) says get your booty to the gym and start eating  healthy again because the warm weather won't melt fat. Besides we still have pound-packing issues like insomnia, stress, a sloth-like metabolism and ice cream all year round. We're not alone. Even celebs our age in enviable shape like Christie Brinkley, 59, Sharon Stone, 55, Julianne Moore, 52 and Demi Moore, 50, use fashion tricks to look slimmer, sexier and more self-confident in their jeans. Learn how they do it with these three tips! Then, DIY:

GO HIGH WAIST : Skinnies ( the trend that refuses to die

) now have long rises of 9 or 10 inches so belly squish and spillover are a non-issue ...even when you sit. The best cuts have some stretch and a leg opening that is narrow but not too narrow --11 inches, at least. They provide a slim base for more relaxed tops or tailored jackets over longer tees. Choose an ankle-cropped style that transitions easily from flats to booties, wedges or heels. Don't be afraid of a pop of color to rejuvenate neutrals like Christie does in red or subtle prints. In this case, keep the look tonal head to toe like Julianne Moore.

Try: NYDJ Alisha Skinny Stretch Ankle Jeans ($104, nordstrom.com), Anne Klein Camo Print Jeans ($89, bloomingdales.com)

DO A BAGGY BOYFRIEND JEAN: If you want comfort, choose these instead of straight or bootcut styles. They're newer looking, a lot cooler and you can totally relax in them. Look for at least a nine inch rise in front, 13 inch in back and cinch the waist with a belt for body definition, roll (don't fold!) the hems to display trim ankles. Wear boyfriends with a relaxed floaty top or a semi-tucked (front in, back out) tee.

Just add a crisp fitted jacket and metallic shoes like Demi does for polish. A lot of these are distressed, ripped and torn but I'd opt for a vinatge wash and call it a day. Try: CJ by Cookie Johnson Slim Boyfriend Stretch Jeans ($168.nordstrom.com) which Oprah Winfrey, 59, has raved about.

CHOOSE SHAPEWEAR JEANS : Look for brands that strategically double the typical percentage of compression and stretch for extra control. Try: Miraclebody by Miraclesuit Nikki Jeans ($110, bloomingdales.com) or Yummie by Heather Thomson Mid Rise Skinny Leg jeans ($ 98-$108, yummielife.com).

And when you want to look your slimmest, always add height with heels!

For more beauty & style tips for women 50+ check my new book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ($13.64, amazon.com)

Photo Credits:

Sharon Stone: www.dailymail.co.uk

Christie Brinkley: denim-diary.com

Julianne Moore: Blog.squareonelondon.com

Demi Moore: www.cocolee.com.au

Oprah Winfrey in CJ by Cookie Johnson jeans: www.oprah.com

 

Also of Interest

• Bobbi Brown's Own Beauty Secrets for Women 50+
• Hail Kale: Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Eat It
• Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being

 

See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more