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Putting on The Ritz
Gail Little and Belinda Alexander advise online readers on what to wear for tea at The Ritz, the right trousers for a flat bottom and how to hide blemished legs
Fit for The Ritz
I’ve been given a voucher for tea at The Ritz but I am at a loss as to what to wear. I am a plump 70-year-old and I need help. I have calf length floaty dresses and matching feminine tops and skirts, but what if the weather is chilly? I’ll be travelling by public transport.
How lovely to be invited to tea at The Ritz. Your collection of floaty dresses sound to be the perfect idea. I love dresses as they are feminine and I think perfect for this occasion. I know the English weather can be unreliable but may I introduce you to the idea of a cardigan that blends with your dress: hip, thigh or full length (this depends on your height and contents of your wardrobe) with a belt in the same wool or if it does not have a belt add another of your own. You then have a comfortable, warm cover-up that is less structured than a jacket and will not crease when you are travelling by train or bus.
Flattering a flat bottom
I am 5'4 with wide body shape; my bottom is very flat. What styles of trousers and tops etc would be suitable?
You do not say whether you have a flat tummy as well as a flat behind but I am assuming you do. One of the key looks this winter is the longer sweater or cardigan. For your height I would not go for too long, just to the top of the thigh and then wear a medium width belt just resting on the hip - don’t wear it tightly at the waist as this will only emphasize the wide bits! Marks & Spencer & Zara stock the longer jumper at present. When choosing trousers don't buy a pair that is too narrow at the ankle; the best is a boot cut or straight cut but never buy trousers that are really wide either, as they tend to make people look squat unless they are 6ft tall! Wallis petite can be good for trousers. Skirts for you should be A line, skimming over your hips and then flaring out; hemline should be just under the knee but avoid a pencil or straight skirt.
Covering blemished legs
My legs are very blemished and if not wearing trousers, I feel I should wear tights. However, I am finding it impossible to find the right shade and density. I want a natural look that isn't, if you see what I mean!
Tights these days come in all shades, designs and deniers. This winter 60 denier plus are de rigueur - that is, if you are following fashion. These can be found in major department stores but I have just bought from tightsplease.com They have every design and manufacturer imaginable - and delivery is quick too. You can expect to receive your purchase in a couple of days. If you are wanting a natural look, Aristoc do nude-coloured tights in 20 denier (you should opt for 20-40 denier to help hide your blemishes). They come in a smooth satin finish and have added support. They cost £ 4.99 per pair. Wolford are leaders in the hosiery industry. Their tights are more expensive and be warned - once you have worn them you will be hooked. They do 30 denier cosmetic coloured tights that are very smooth and luxurious at £12 per pair. Once winter sets in I would suggest you look at the warmer thicker tights on the market. Apart from disguising your blemishes well they will also look up-to-the-minute. Look out for Jonathan Aston whose tights are well priced at £ 4.95, come in 40 denier and in a vast assortment of colours. You can find these on www.mytights.com
More fashion solutions from Gail and Belinda
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- Packing for a Norwegian cruise; a non-frumpy dressing gown
- Gail and Belinda in Saga Magazine: can I still wear jeans?
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