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Are your responses to pool party invites and days at the beach a panicky “no thanks”? Do you look longingly at shorts, sleeveless tops and breezy sundresses and pass them by? When was the

last time you went bare-legged or sleeveless … in public? Many mature women approach summer’s gloriously sunny days, heat and humidity with major fashion anxiety. The idea of exposing our

50-plus birthday suit — leg veins, jiggly upper arms and all — to anyone but the mirror, a significant other or doctor, pushes every stress button! Here are six ways to get over it and get

Chico's) 1. Break out of your rut

Somewhere along the way to 50 we sign a mental nondisclosure agreement with our newly aging body. Some women decide to never wear anything sleeveless, others to skip skirts and hide their

legs in pants, while yet a third group ban their flabby arms and veiny legs from the light of day forever. As a beauty and fashion editor who has dressed thousands of mature women and celebs

for photo shoots, let me reassure you: We all have something to cheer about — and something to hide. Even firm, toned skin can have lots of discolorations; almost everyone has one body spot

that jiggles, wobbles or makes them cringe. A combo of strategic body-baring clothes, self-tanner and body makeup can make all the difference.

To get started, choose one body zone — top or bottom — as your designated beginner show-off spot. Dresses and jumpsuits like the A New Day Women’s Maxi Jumpsuit in Black ($40, target.com)

and the Chico’s Zenergy UPF Knit Stripe Ruffle Sleeve Polo Dress​ in Classic Navy ($109, chicos.com) let you get used to bareness by playing hide-and-seek with discretion and style. You

might choose a knee-length, leg-baring dress with elbow-length sleeves or opt for a sleeveless midi or jumpsuit. Take it from there.

White (left) or Heather Grey (right) Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Quince (2)) 2. Reveal more skin gradually

Let’s be realistic. Going from a long-sleeve turtleneck, flared jeans and ankle boots to a bare-legged sundress and sandals is tough. Suddenly you’re showing the world all the stuff you’ve

become so good at hiding. Give your body and psyche a break and expose more skin in increments. Start choosing everyday basics that are chiseled at body boundary lines like the neckline,

wrists and hemline. Opt for three-quarter, extended-shoulder cap or elbow-length sleeves like the Quince Organic Cotton Micro-Rib Elbow Sleeve Tee in White or Heather Grey ($20, quince.com);

V, scoop, boatneck and off-the-shoulder styles (we all have great shoulders!); cropped pants and midi skirts and dresses that highlight the lower leg. An added benefit: regardless of size

or shape you’ll be displaying the trimmest parts of your body!