Ask Mary Lou

Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!

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For April, 2006:

Q: I'm 36 years old, and I have a long waist. Most tops I find are a little short on me, so that if I raise my arms, you can see a bit of my tummy. Am I too old to be showing my belly? I work out and have a flat stomach, so it's really the appropriateness I'm asking about rather than my appearance.

A: : Showing your belly at work is risky, even if you have a flat, toned one. It's really about how it makes others feel (most feel uncomfortable), so I suggest covering up as best you can.

Try wearing a body suit (remember those — they are back!) under knit tops that are a bit short on you. The newer styles are very lightweight and comfortable. I sometimes have the same problem that you do. One of my favorite tricks is to wear a v-neck sweater over a body suit that has some lace trim. My back and belly stay under cover and the trim of the camisole peeks out at the v-neck. This is a pretty look that is very on trend right now.

Tucking a cotton shirt with tails into pants with belt loops and then belting is also an option for long-waisted women as you can typically manage to keep the material from bulking up around your mid-section — short waisted women do not have this luxury! (Note: Don’t tuck tops into pants that do not have belt loops — this is not a great look.)

Shirt jackets (i.e. shirts that are cut evenly across the bottom, do not have tails and are meant to be worn untucked) are also a good option for you because they are cut longer and tend to stay in place without rising up.

Finally, if you are currently shopping at mall stores, such as The Limited, that cater to a younger demographic, it might be time for you to shop at stores that serve professional women, such as Ann Taylor or Talbots. Good luck!