Hide & Chic

Many baby boomers have to deal with booming waistlines. May Yip goes in search of clothes that are stylish and yet forgiving to those with matronly figures

So you're no longer a spring chicken. In fact, all your chickens have come home to roost - around your expanding waistline. Fashion now is more about disguise rather than wearing a so-this- season clingy jersy mini-dress.

But, baby boomers, that doesn't condemn you to big T-shirts and elastic-waisted trousers.

Think classics, think fits that flatter.

"It used to be just following trends and ending up with clothes you have absolutely no use for after a season," says Gary Soon, 45, a public relations manager.

"Now, it's more like, wow, what a great piece, I'm sure this is going to last me several years."

The search for timeless threads with strong tailoring shouldn't have to be a re-enactment of The Da Vinci Code. Just go armed with Urban's guide for the Aged of Aquarius.

Flaws and fixes

• Flabby arms: Avoid capped sleeves. Go for sleeves that fall an inch from the elbow instead, says Felicia Wang, a spokesman for British label Dorothy Perkins.
• Bulging tummies or love handles: wear bottoms made from sturdier fabrics. Avoud knits. Or try support underwear like the Spanx Power or Spanx Higher Power panties which smooth bulges and don't create panty lines, says Pamela Tjahyadikarta, owner of Closet Raid. Audrey Quek of Audrey Quek Image Consultancy suggests wearing blouses with an indented or belted waist. For men, opt for pleated trousers to play down beer bellies.
• Varicos veins: Don semi-opaque panty-hose or a longer skirt for more coverage, says Quek. Long or A-line skirts are great for creating a longer silhouette, says Wang.
• Sallow complexions: Avoid drab colours like brown and black. Try bright colours like salmon pink, periwinkle, teal or turquoise blue, says Quek.

Think laterally

• Explore beyound your favourite shopping haunts for a variety of styles (you can begin with Urban's recommendations).

Fashion student

• Flip through magazines to get an idea of styles that catch your eye.

Keep fit

• Ignore size labels. Focus on finding the perfect fit. A well-cut garment will make you look a million bucks. Take advantage of boutiques' alteration services, says Quek.

Extracted from The Straits Times URBAN on 8 June 2006.