Look Younger, Tip #12: Jackets, Not Cardigans

Want a defined waist, stronger shoulders and a pulled-together look?

Skip the cardigan, and opt for a jacket instead.

Although cardigans can have their place (especially face-flattering brights or shaped, belted cardigans), a jacket can help give your middle-aged figure more definition.

A jacket – especially a tailored jacket with a nipped-in or belted waist – gives your body more shape than a boxy cardigan can.

But it's not just tailored jackets that can look youthful. A leather jacket – especially one worn in an unexpected way like Helen Mirren's red carpet look with a leather jacket – is young and fun.

And a denim jacket – put over everything from a floral sundress to a white tee – is perennially young.

Here are jacket basics:

• Bustier women should opt for one-button jackets (or wear it unbuttoned/unzipped).
• Wider lapels on a jacket will create the illusion of wider shoulders (and, therefore, a smaller waist and hips.)
• For a flattering jacket length, make sure the jacket hem ends at a smaller – not wider – part of your body (for example, right below the widest part of the hips.)

More Tips to Look Younger:

• Tip #11 – Ditch Matchy-Matchy
• Tip #10 – Wear Multiples
• Tip #9 – Update Your Glasses