<p>Wow, I’m surprised at some of the replies, I didn’t think this would be a controversial topic! I agree that after a certain age, legs can benefit from some cover at a formal event. My skin tone is uneven and I have often thought about trying one of the spray products. Someone recommended the Sally Hansen product years ago but i never tried it. I would, however, give it a practice run if I had a wedding or something coming up.</p>
<p>And whoever said to sit in the sun and get a tan - bad advice. Skin damage is skin damage and it’s not worth risking skin cancer for nice legs for a weekend. I don’t like the feel of pantyhose, but I would probably opt for them for a nice event if the spray stuff didn’t do it. </p>
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<p>I disagree with this. I don’t dress to attract a mate. I dress or wear make up because I like the way it makes me feel. I enjoy my age and my body but I see nothing wrong with wearing one thing that complements me over wearing something different that does not flatter me.</p>
<p>Exfoliation is critical when using self tanner, and moisturizing drier places like heels and knees.
I like the kind which just add a bit of color, then you can layer it until you are happy.</p>
<p>Personally, I realize I am not trying to " attract a mate" other than my own.
He thinks I am beautiful already, but I like to look the best I can for myself, especially when I am going to a festive event.
I think its healthy to care about what you look like, not to extremes of course, but to not put effort into your appearance, makes you come off like you are depressed.
:(</p>
<p>I’d go for the hose. Seems a lot simpler. Why the dread?
I’m usually wearing jeans and hate dressing up, but I’ve always worn hose for work/church/formal occasions. Or longer skirts. My legs aren’t bad, but at this age they definitely look better with hose–I like the smooth, even look. I’m not sure what people have against them. They can be a little warm in the summer, but most places are so over-airconditioned that I’m happy to have that extra layer. Maybe a little tight or uncomfortable, but nothing near the discomfort of high heels, imo. Seems a lot easier than trying to get even color of makeup/spray or worrying about staining. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but bare legs just feel too casual/naked for certain situations. I thought that hose made a comeback in the last couple years–Kate Middleton wears them, doesn’t she? </p>
<p>WI75, right on the sizing for the tall with generous gams. Me, wearing something of that nature, means going to a store, buying 3 pair, and hoping one fits. Wearing them certainly affects my enjoyment of an event. For a summer garden wedding, I’d go through a lot to avoid them. Being from Phoenix, shorts and tank tops are my preferred garb, anytime. </p>
<p>Some of us are single, and can dream, can’t we? As above, I like to look good for for ME on occasion, rather than the drowned rat amid the fairies. </p>
<p>Risking TMI, I did just return from an appointment pre vein injection. The Dr., who I know through work, looked at my legs as I said, yes, British heritage, transparent skin, I’m just looking for improvement, not perfection. She laughed and agreed to work towards improvement. </p>
<p>When you see a bunch of UW students dressed in party dresses and hose, you know that hose has made a comeback. :)</p>
<p>Maxi dresses, maxi skirts and flowy pants - a great solution for taller ladies who want to have the comfort and at the same time do not look like they are dressed for garden work. Despite having all that fabric, maxis can be quite comfortable even when it is hot - if the fabric is flowy and made of natural fibers. </p>
<p>I had never heard of leg makeup, so I can’t give advice. I think everyone shoujld do what makes them feel right. For my D’s wedding, we both wore tea-length dresses and no hose–I asked her what she thought, and she insisted that the prime thing was being comfortable, in whatever form that takes for each individual.</p>
<p>Mind you, her legs are much cuter than mine (which are generally dead-fish white and, uh, plump --to say the least). But I was comfortable.</p>
<p>That being said, I totally support someone who would prefer hose, makeup, self-tanner, or whatever makes you feel good. I think the only sin is to condemn someone for doing it differently. I didn’t always think that; but as I get older, I more and more feel that people should not be judged on whether they “should” or “should not” wear a particular piece of clothing, type of make-up, or anything else. It’s a freeing point of view, I must say.</p>
<p>My coworker did vein therapy and it turned into a never ending story. They’d inject her, then a couple weeks later new veins showed up, rinse repeat, rinse repeat. I too have the british legs mentioned above but my firend’s experience moved it from a “need to do” (need and covered by good insurance) to a hassle with lots of appointments. </p>
<p>I like to look of hose on my legs, but the elastic waistband makes me look cut in half, with waist roll-lines - not a great look. I think hose do make one look more finished for a formal occasion. Not sure how to solve the waistband problem. I have an event this weekend and was not going to wear the nylons. I have pretty sandals that are very comfortable, so no nylons would work. But the sandals and no hose might be too informal for my more formal dress.</p>
<p>Additionally, my feet are getting too arthritic to wear pumps anymore, and I really do love pumps and fancy shoes. <sigh.></sigh.></p>
<p>Sorry to go off topic. I never thought about using a self-tanner, etc in place of hose. I’d be afraid the shade would be unnatural and also that it would get on clothes or upholstery. Not familiar with it at all.</p>
<p>Just cannot imagine that leg makeup could ever look natural. Go with the hose, they are no more uncomfortable than the Spanx that everyone wears these days. Personally, I have not warn hose in a while. My bare legs are still ok enough to forgo them. But yes, Kate Middleton does wear hose and she wears the nude ones, which are the shade that everyone says are really passé. Go figure!</p>
<p>I recently used a self tanner for a formal event. My very aware D told me to buy St Tropez mousse. It has a green base not orange. I found it at Ulta. I exfoliated then applied lotion and then the mousse. I started 3 days before my event and applied it each evening. Looked very natural. </p>
<p>Wear what makes you feel most comfortable. Confidence is always attractive!</p>
<p>I hate control top hose. I don’t think I really need it as I’m blessed with a thin frame. But I find it so uncomfortable and sometimes painful or hard to breathe in. I can’t imagine if I were heavier how it would feel. </p>
<p>Anyway often it seems like its hard to fine pantyhose in my size without control top. Hey it’s just hard to find pantyhose anywhere these days except Leggs at the drugstore. </p>
<p>@VeryHappy, Thank you! That is a great suggestion. I will try to get to the department store tomorrow to see if I can find some that are not too tight in the waistband. I don’t wear control top, and I’m more on the thinner side, but nylons really make my middle look awful. I agree with @surfcity that the waistband is terrible to wear, too. I greatly appreciate your recommendation. I assumed the brands were all the same. Thank you, VH!</p>
<p>Not in that specific color, but just to give you an idea what I am talking about. I’m gong to get a pair (heading for the boutique) and give you my personal opinion. BTW, there are plenty of hose styles in non-control top. </p>
<p>@BunsenBurner, That looks terrific! I will look for them tomorrow when I go over to the department store. That would really solve everything! Thank you! I really appreciate it! We have a big event on Saturday. I’m hoping I can find both what you and @VeryHappy recommend. Thank you, BB and VH!</p>
Despite having all that fabric, maxis can be quite comfortable even when it is hot - if the fabric is flowy and made of natural fibers. </p>