As a personal stylist for women, my conversations with clients go well beyond clothing. Naturally, we often discuss weight fluctuation, shifting identities and aging. Yes! There are a zillion clothing options for you to choose from and of course, flattering your frame has a major impact on how you feel. But the most important filter when choosing an item is whether or not it aligns with your authentic personal style. Does it fee like YOU? Does it feel like the YOU that you want to be, not the one that avoids risk of rejection or embarrassment. We’re talking about the you who wears that leather jacket or those wild shoes. Or perhaps this is the you that feels more comfortable in “menswear” or clothes that feel genderless. Whatever your innermost desire, that’s the you that the world deserves to see.

I’m in my late 40’s and am well aware of the changes in body, skin and hair that women my age are experiencing. Body acceptance is about loving your body where it is right now and finding beauty in it at every age and every size. This is absolutely achievable.

Body acceptance does not mean that you have to embrace changes that you don’t love. After all, we’ve got tools to address this. One of the most common concerns I hear from women over 45 is a sudden awareness of their necks. And not in a good way. When we’re younger, our necks aren’t really a thing and then one day… they are. So, if you’ve suddenly discovered your neck, here are some tips to help you love it again.

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Your neck is part of your face.

When it comes to your skincare routine, the first rule is remembering that your neck is part of your face. Whatever love (and fancy products) you are gifting to your face should also be shared with your neck.

Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.

I recently listened to an episode of Life Kit all about sunscreen. The main takeaway: wear it even inside (what?!), even in the winter (yes!) and even on your neck. I like Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum 46 and Radical Skincare Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 30. Most importantly, remember to reapply. Sunscreen only lasts a couple of hours. As a backup, I keep Colorscience Brush On Sunscreen in my bag. If you aren’t sure which sunscreen to choose, check out this blog post from the team at Cake Skincare with tips. Fun Fact: There’s a skincare trend that’s going viral focused on layering sunscreen. The idea is that putting a light coat all over your face and neck and then letting it soak in creates a primer. Then, add another layer or maybe even a third. Sunscreen, especially facial sunscreen, is not cheap. So, I vote you experiment with this one. But, it does have some real benefits.

There are flattering cuts for your neck. Believe it!

We’re all familiar with Diane Keaton’s love of the turtleneck. That’s a great approach if you are feeling self conscious about your neck. But, hiding it isn’t the only solution. The goal is to make your neck less of a focal point. Do this with low cut necklines (think v neck, u neck, plunge) and avoid crew neck tops or any other high neckline that make your neck the center of attention.

Have pieces that you adore but the neckline isn’t flattering? That’s just one aspect of tailoring. Poplin has worked with the same tailor for over 7 years, transforming women’s new and existing wardrobes to flatter her frame and communicate her authentic style. Whether you work with us or your own tailor, don’t be afraid to go beyond hemming.

Also, remember that your neck is only one part of the equation when getting dressed. If you opt for pieces that draw the eye through light colors, bright colors, prints, texture and shine to other parts of your body, your neck will become less the star of the show.

Jewelry can also be your friend here. A long necklace will draw attention toward your breastbone and away from your neck, as an example.

Adjust your screens.

Craning your neck to look at your phone isn’t doing you any favors. Fortunately, there’s a super easy fix. Just hold your phone in front of you and adjust any other screens so that you are looking at them, rather than down at them.

Hats are essential.

The right hat can provide sun protection for your face and your neck. I keep three on hand and swap out depending on the situation. I have a baseball hat for manual labor days (as you know, we do lots of work on our house and yard), a roll up hat to keep in my bag for unexpected needs like eating outdoors at a restaurant and a floppy hat for times when I don’t need to worry about it blowing off. (It’s also possible to choose a floppy hat with a tie to prevent blow offs.) Yes! I do wear either of the sun hats when shopping downtown or on a walk in my neighborhood because baseball hats don’t make me feel like myself. If a large brimmed hat is overkill for your authentic personal style, consider a Panama hat or a bucket hat.

UV Protection Clothing is your friend.

Any opportunity to protect your skin from the sun is worth taking. As someone who loves to soak it up, I’m appreciative of pieces that allow me to do that without worrying about sun damage. Fortunately, UPF clothing (or UV Protective Clothing) has come a long way and is no longer restricted to outdoor clothing brands. There are stylish and functional pieces that will become beloved members of your collection. Consider a swimsuit top with a mock turtleneck for extra sun protection when you are out on the water. Fun Fact: All of Summersalt’s swimwear has UPF 50+ protection. I especially adore UV Protection Collection from Uniqlo including a cardigan on sale for $10 and a hip packable jacket for $50. Want more? Check out this blog post with my favs.

Take it to the next level.

If you’ve tried all these methods and are still looking for the next steps, check out this article in New York Magazine, “Can I tighten my saggy neck without surgery?”

Remember that you can love yourself and your body and still want to address specific areas. I get that. But also remember the Poplin mantra, “Don’t Change Your Body. Change Your Clothes.” You’ll be amazed at how far changing your clothes can take you. Sometimes, that is plenty.

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