BoomerGirl Diary

New York — Here it comes: warmer weather. There they go: all those layers of clothes.

As much as women look forward to shedding their bulky sweaters, those of a certain age also might find themselves wondering just how much skin they dare to bare.

TV stylist Christine Schwab, who is based in sunny Los Angeles, says she seeks to strike that balance every day for her clients and for herself.

"I think you have to be careful with bare as you get past 40 or you run the risk of looking older," says Schwab, the Boomer-age author of "The Grown-up Girl's Guide to Style" (HarperCollins, 2006).

Being too covered up, especially in dark colors, can be dowdy and hot, she says, but showing lizard skin on the chest or veins on the legs isn't much better.

The use of sheer fabrics and the idea of loose layers, Schwab says, have opened up a new world to women because they give the illusion of being bare without revealing too much.

Anything made of natural fibers furthers the summery vibe.

"I love a button-down white shirt. You wear it with a really pretty lacy white bra underneath and maybe you get a glimpse of lace through the shirt or you leave one extra button open," Schwab says.

Among her other favorite items are white ribbed tank tops under almost anything, as well as tissue-weight, long-sleeve T-shirts worn under sleeveless ones. On a recent Caribbean cruise, Schwab wore lightweight linen pants under sheer tropical-print, knee-length skirts.

For a little more coverage with a light-colored garment, she suggests choosing a fabric with a tight weave or a pattern, like a jacquard or even lace.

"A sheer blouse can give you a sense of bareness but can be billowing too," agrees Talbots fashion spokeswoman Betsy Thompson. "When you're talking about sheer fabrics, sheer doesn't have to be nude."

Another tip from Thompson is to wear open, interesting necklines. "A little goes a long way. ... It could be a bateau, a one-shoulder or a plunging neckline."

The eye is drawn to that flash of skin, she says.

Stores tend to stock barely-there clothes during the summer, so Schwab recommends shopping earlier for the lightweight, illusionary styles either during the winter resort season or if you take a vacation to an all-year warm-weather climate, such as Arizona. You'll be more likely to find the capri pants or layering shirts that are perfectly appropriate for most summer weather, she says.

Schwab also checks out surfwear stores for long board shorts. "If they're big on the waist, I gather them with a rope belt and wear a long-sleeve T-shirt with sleeves pushed up to the elbow."

Sleeveless tops have become a standard part of a warm-weather wardrobe, Thompson says, but the position of the armhole is important. "Think about where it hits you and the angles," she says. "Women's bodies vary greatly — pick your places."

On some women, a halter top is the most flattering, while a tank top is better on others. A cap sleeve, while it doesn't feel as bare as sleeveless, can sometimes create a more unattractive line.

The same thing happens with shorts and swimsuits: The line is more important than the actual length or leg opening.

While hot pants are probably off the list for most Boomers or seniors, a Bermuda cut might not be more flattering than shorts with a 5-inch inseam, Thompson notes. Meanwhile, an angled leg opening on a swimsuit looks better on most women than the boy short, which offers more coverage but also tends to cut women off at a thick point on their leg.

Exercise guru Denise Austin says that even those with well-toned bodies should make allowances for age.

"I want to be able to wear a miniskirt or shorts. They'll be more sophisticated miniskirts and shorts, but I still want to show a little body," says the 50-year-old Austin.

What she won't wear is anything too tight, a sure sign you're trying too hard, she says.

Many Hollywood stars — women of all ages — readily admit to wearing body-shaping undergarments on the red carpet to prevent bulges.

"I think your eyes naturally travel — you've seen people give the once-over — and if nothing is distracting, it'll improve your overall look," says Spanx spokeswoman Misty Elliot. "But muffin top and belly bulge are really noticeable."

Many older women buy bras they think will give extra support — and an extra lift — but which also may dig into the back and highlight back fat, Elliot says. She suggests switching to a camisole with built-in bra and midriff shaper.

As for skin, Schwab reminds women to think beyond the face and pay attention, too, to the neck, chest and arms — parts of which are usually exposed.

And don't forget hands. They typically are the surest indicator of age, says Tony Vargas, head of global research and development for Elizabeth Arden.

Proteins in the skin start to decrease about 1 percent a year once a woman hits her 30s, leading to thinner skin over time, he explains. It's the same everywhere on the body. When compounded with exposure to the sun and other free radicals, it leads to older-looking skin.

"When you have less ability to hold moisture, skin will be flaky, will lose firmness, and age spots will be more prominent," Vargas says.

What's a woman to do? Use products with a heavy-duty moisturizer, such as glycerin, shea butter or idebenone, and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, according to Vargas.

It helps, however, if you started using these products in your 20s.

"There is a cumulative effect," he explains. "If you take care of your skin early in life, you're going to age gracefully."