One of the best things about getting older? Unapologetically wearing whatever you like, without worrying about being in fashion.
What’s not so great is that getting older sometimes means your favourite styles aren’t as flattering or as comfortable as they used to be. Wobbly upper arms, a thicker waist, a rounded tummy or a heavier bottom or thighs are all common body niggles that are tricky to dress around.
And with so much of the fashion world designing for teenage bodies, it can feel hard to find clothes that match your youthful style but in cuts and fabrics that flatter your 60-plus curves. Who wants to be squeezed into outfits that pinch where they shouldn’t or pay for sweaty polyester!
That’s something Blue Illusion’s co-founder Donna Guest understands only too well, which is one of the reasons she established her chain of Australian fashion boutiques 20 years ago – to give women of all ages and sizes access to designs that work with their body shape, in comfortable natural fibres, from stores that celebrate individual style, not fashion conformity.
“Blue Illusion has always been inclusive of all women in all shapes and sizes,” Donna says. “When I look within my tribe of family and friends, I’m always imagining how we can create pieces so that every one of them can wear a Blue Illusion design.”
Donna’s focus on the needs of real women means Blue Illusion offers so many customer benefits that just aren’t available at other stores, including an Australia-based call centre to support customers, free shipping on online orders over $100, no-questions-asked exchanges or refunds, a free in-store personal styling service and clothing in sizes up to 20 or XXXL.
Oh, and there’s the $30-off voucher Blue Illusion offers every member of its Lifestyle Club every time it launches a new range, plus another $25-off voucher on members’ birthdays (you can join the club here).
That’s why we asked Donna for her top tips on how to beat your biggest body worries with cleverly chosen clothes.
Taking care of ‘tuckshop lady arms’
A lack of muscle-tone in your upper arms is a common concern. “We often hear from women who don’t like their upper arms, so I always suggest a top with a half-sleeve, which is a great trick for giving just the right amount of coverage while still being flattering,” Donna says.
Blue Illusion’s Tie Hem Printed Top (below) is a perfect example – sheer, loose sleeves ensure this top is just as comfortable in summer as in cooler weather, while the addition of a dash of leopard print means it’s right on trend.
Or you could try the classic Trench Coat. The three-quarter-length sleeves and unstructured fit give it a less formal, boxy feel than a traditional trench coat, so you can throw it over any plain t-shirt and a pair of jeans to dress up your everyday look. And being made of stretch cotton means this timeless piece will move with you rather than constricting your movements as heavier jackets sometimes do.
For a softer option, the gorgeous Cotton Cashmere Longline Cardi (below) is hard to beat, with lovely pointelle details that make it a little bit more special than the average cardigan.
Babies are a blessing but they don’t do wonders for your stomach muscles! Donna says you can dress around a troublesome tummy, though, with clever choices of fabric and cut. “Pieces that stretch or A-line shapes are a great option,” she says.
Blue Illusion has so many tops and shirts that fit this brief – a more detailed neckline or eye-catching features combined with a looser fit around the waist. You might prefer the softness of the 100 per cent silk Printed Silk Blouse (below) in up-to-the-minute animal print.
Or there’s the simplicity of the Basic Linen Shirt (below) in Ink colour that can be mixed and matched with brighter trousers or skirts.
You could couple the neutral-coloured Basic Linen Shirt with your favourite silk scarves – or pick some from Blue Illusion’s collection – for a variety of looks.
The vibrant Printed Layer Dress is equally flattering on a larger midriff and also works for women who’d prefer to keep their upper arms under wraps. Just add a pair of opaque tights or leggings and cool ankle boots (the Kylie Leather boot would look great) for a complete and cosy winter outfit. Or throw on some comfortable sandals in black or to match one of the many colours in the dress print (the Eden Sandal in white is a very summery look) for warm weather.
Is there a woman who has never asked, does my bum look big in this? No matter what shape your posterior, there are times when you’re not sure your outfit is flattering your lower half. That is, unless you’re wearing Blue Illusion’s famous Bengajeans.
They’re one of the brand’s most popular items, made of Turkish denim that stretches to fit every body size, from XS to XXXL. The high, wide waistband fits without squeezing your waist, ensuring there’s no unflattering gaping at the back of your jeans or fastening digging into your skin at the front. And Bengajeans come in a variety of lengths and colours so they can be worn throughout the year.
If a bounteous bum or Rubenesque thighs are your body bugbears, Donna recommends pairing your jeans with a top that only half-covers your bottom, rather than hiding it completely in a top that stops at the top of your tights – that draws the eyes right to your trouble spot. Blue Illusion’s cute Paris Scenic Print Top is just the right length.
Or draw attention to your slim legs, while using the floaty fabric to cover your hips, with the easy-fit, feminine Heart Print Dress (below).
There are plenty of good reasons for preferring to keep your skin under wraps, whether for smart sun sense or because it’s just not your favourite feature. But that doesn’t mean you have to hide your figure too.
The Printed Contrast Long Sleeve Top (below) in animal print has a higher-than-usual v-neck to protect the delicate skin on your décolletage and wrist-skimming sleeves to keep your arms covered but is slim-fit so shows off your shape and is light enough for layering under a sweater or jacket.
And what wardrobe is complete without a pair of go-everywhere black trousers? This is where the 7/8 Palazzo High Twist Pant (below) come in. The elastic waist and relaxed fit ensure they’re comfortable and flattering and the seven-eighths length means they can be worn with knee-high boots, flats or heels, depending on how dressy you need to be.
Blue Illusion’s founder Donna Guest firmly believes that there’s no age limit on a wardrobe full of the most vibrant hues. That’s why she collaborated with 93-year-old New York style icon Iris Apfel on the brand’s latest collection, called A Life in Colour. Iris is famous for her bold style – think huge glasses, chunky jewellery and a rainbow of colour – which she certainly hasn’t toned down in her later years!
“I’m a big believer that true style is more than a look, it’s a spirit,” Donna says. “It’s about confidence, being comfortable in your own body and dressing in a way that celebrates your individuality. To be honest, the older you get, the easier I think this is because life’s journey means you have a clearer idea of what works for you and what you feel most comfortable in.”
She says the blue tones tend to suit most women but from there, it’s all about personal taste.
“You can dip your toe in the water and introduce a pop of colour to a neutral outfit with bags, shoes or accessories,” Donna says. The versatile Ivy Cross-Body Bag is an easy way to do just that.
“Or be bold and confidently mix, match colours, patterns and prints,” she continues. “My number one tip for body-flattering dressing is to trust your instinct. You generally know what works best with you … Whether it’s your bust, legs, shoulders or waist, find the part of your body that you love the most and feature it.
“The perfect outfit is the one that makes you feel beautiful.”