What to wear if you are menopausal and having hot flushes

Francesca Cairns is an Image Consultant and Stylist based in Maidenhead and she recently posted on Facebook this fantastic, and very simple, guide about how to dress when you are struggling with hot flushes and menopause symptoms.  I asked her if I could share it on my blog as I loved her common sense approach.

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Sometimes it feels as if women are being advised to disappear at menopause.
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I am totally fed up with articles claiming that women who reach forty suffer from Fashion Disorder Syndrome!

Think getting older means following strict rules such as covering your arms and avoiding black? I DISAGREE!

Style is an individual thing. You just have to figure out what works for you. Our body shape can change around the menopause so you may need to adapt a bit but there’s no one-size-fits-all just because you’re older.

MY TIPS

LOOSEN UP
If you’ve got a bit of middle-aged spread you might find that looser shapes look better. A slightly loose cotton shirt is fantastic in the summer and I think most women can wear that.
You want to feel comfortable and relaxed so fit is really important!

LAYERS
Master the art of layering
Anything you can waft – or remove – is good for a hot flush!
A scarf in the winter can be pulled off fast or wearing a skirt in the summer can help you feel cool and not so hot!

FABRIC CHOICE
Fabric is also important – go for natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk and cashmere, as they absorb moisture from the skin and help air to circulate around the body better. They’ll help you keep your cool during a flush and tend to hold their shape better,

COMFY SHOES
Put your best foot forward! I don’t think anyone looks glamorous when their feet hurt. Nearly every designer brand now has a range of trainers. Not only are they comfortable but buying a new pair of fashionable trainers is another good way to look current. I also really like sliders, loafers and flats, which are great if you need to look a bit smarter.”

ADD FINAL TOUCHES
Don’t forget to accessorise to complete your outfit, but I wouldn’t necessarily wear a big statement necklace if you’re experiencing hot flushes.
You want to feel free and uncluttered and a heavy necklace can make you feel clammy and sweaty. Go for a pair of statement earrings instead.
Don’t stop at jewellery – why not wear a belt to add colour to your look and pull in looser tops. They are also easy to remove so if you do start to feel uncomfortable you can just whip it off!

Ultimately, wear what makes you look and feel good through the menopause (and cope with the hot flushes it brings).

The thing to remember is that you’re not dressing for your age, you’re dressing for your body shape!

If you’re not sure what suits you anymore and need a little help, you can always visit me for a Colour and Style Consultation and I will help you feel magical again!

Style doesn’t rely on age and the menopause is a great time to experiment and get creative to figure out what works best for you.

Book an appointment today-
www.imageconsultantmaidenhead.co.uk

​Francesca is currently offering her style and colour consultation at the reduced price of £70 (usually £180).

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Simple yes but not always obvious.  I embrace most of these ideas  now.  I want something simple and comfortable.  I don't want to faff about with items that are too complicated or restricting.  And I certainly don't want to wear heels and then find I can't walk and my feet are killing me.  Thank goodness for being able to wear trainers with anything now!

Cotton dress from & Other Stories with comfortable espadrilles from Vionic

Layering with a vest top, cashmere cardigan and a scarf along with comfortable trainers

A skirt with trainers! Yes we can!

Outfit details - my red dress (top) is from & Other Stories, the middle picture is all previous season items, the cardigan is from Pure Collection and then in the bottom photo, my outfit is from Hush and the skirt is now in the sale, although very limited sizes left.  My round bag is just £19.99 from Pull & Bear.

Love from
Michelle xx
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Other posts about menopause you might be interested in:
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Menopause and hot flushes (including a discount on wool duvets)
Menopause and alcohol tolerance
Wellness in Menopause Workshop and Tips

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