Sorry, I couldn’t resist. My inner nerd came out … I’m totally exposed!
But seriously, wouldn’t you love someone to refer to you as ‘Hot Legs’? No matter how progressive you are, we love to be told we look great. Because we take the time to take care of ourselves and dress our best, we love it when someone else notices.
So, if you’ve been working on your gams … here’s how to show them off best.
1) Lotion and/or Self Tanner
Prep is SO important. Always use lotion immediately after getting out of the shower when your skin is most ready to absorb it. You may even want to reapply just before you leave the house.
If you’re comfortable with Self-Tanner, I highly encourage it. If you’re really fair (and even if you’re not, actually), using a very light color will allow you to easily build a gradual ‘tan.’ I personally use this approach because I’m a perfectionist … and perfect at applying self tanner, I am not!
The main reason why I do it anyway is because it’s the best way to camoflauge and ‘tone’ your legs without much effort. Also, you should know that MOST women, regardless of size, have cellulite … and we ALL want to camoflauge it!
As a last ditch effort, if you’re not into the self-tanner, don’t be afraid of pantyhose. Donna Karen makes a FABULOUS sheer hose that matches your skin so it doesn’t look like you’re even wearing any hose. This is exactly what you want when opting for hose – sheer, barely there perfection.
2) Appropriate Lengths
The perfect length to flatter your legs (and depending on your age and/or the occasion), is from mid-thigh to just below your knees. A good rule of thumb for appropriateness is the good ol’ Catholic schoolgirl test – if you’re skirt skims your fingers when your arms are to your side, you’re good to go. This is also what would be considered mid-thigh for most of you.
Even if you don’t love your legs because of your age (not your shape), I highly encourage shorter skirts for special occasions. This is simply where the perfect sheer, nude hose come in to play.
3) Heels
This is obvious, but it never hurts to reemphasize a great point. Heels lengthen the look of your leg. Who doesn’t want legs that go on forever?
A ‘one better’ trick is a pair of nude heels … your legs will look like they go on forever. BONUS: You now have a pair of heels for every occasion!
When choosing the perfect heel, be careful of cutting yourself off. These days, we’re seeing a lot of ankle straps and chunky booties, These can still be a great heel option, but just be careful of where they hit you. Just below the ankle is best and scooping a bit is even better. The idea is to keep drawing your eye down. (Often times, this style is best for leggings and/or skinny jeans since you’re not breaking the line, you’re continuing it.)
4) Strappy Sandals
The more skin you are willing to shoe on your foot, the better. Again, we’re talking about pulling the eye down.
I personally am obsessed with the Jimmy Choo’s Jennifer Aniston has been wearing (and was WAY before she wore them … she just validated my LOVE!). They’re so subtly sexy and prove my point. Amore budget friendly option from Nine West work just as well, though. 😉
Even if you’re wearing a flats … opt for a strappy version. It will be just as flatter as a heel … justkeep pulling the eye down. It’s almost as if you’re not wearing any shoes at all when they’re strappy. This is one time where showing more skin is the best option AND still classy!
I wonder, did I emphasize enough … pulling the eye down?