Q. I’ve just turned 40 (how did that happen?) and I’m having a complete image crisis. I don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb, but I don't want to look like an old frump either… have you any advice?
A. It’s so confusing. There is 44-year-old Elizabeth Hurley looking flawless in a bikini. Then you see 30-year-old Katie Holmes all lamb-dressed-as-mutton in head-to-toe Chanel. In the past, when women reached their 40s, they used to dress the part. But nowadays, twinsets, cardigans and tweeds no longer fit the bill – today we simply refuse to be condemned to a life of beige and navy, adjustable waistbands and common sense.
Check out our gallery for a great selection of looks for your 40s and beyond.
It would be fair to say that a woman’s style changes with time. But older needn't mean frumpy or unfashionable. A savvy dresser knows how to utilise the hottest trends to knock years off her body and face regardless of her age. With the health and fitness trend - and the popularity of Botox - a lot more women are looking, feeling, thinking and dressing ten years younger than their chronological age, particularly those in their 40s and 50s.
Images of Madonna strutting her stuff in the latter stages of her fifth decade, and the stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives have totally changed out attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour.
Clothes play a dramatic part in turning back the years. The temptation is to try to hide curves as we grow older when, in fact, it is far more flattering to show them off, irrespective of your size. Don’t be frightened to show off your assets. A bare midriff can look awful, but an open neckline and lots of shapely leg is fantastic.
You don't need pots of money to look good either and you don't have to be physically perfect in order to enjoy all the benefits of a great wardrobe. Successful dressing is mostly about attitude, having confidence in what you wear, knowing that it's working for your body.
Aim for a wardrobe that is roughly two thirds investment buys (well-made favourites that you keep for a long time) and a third of-the-moment. Don't be afraid to try new shapes and colours, but make sure they are really you. Be wary of anything too prim: the A-line skirt may look better on a 20-something (a stuffy look on a sylph-like body sizzles) than on a 40-something (when it just says 'frump').
When it comes to beauty, there are so many mistakes women make as they get older, and the first one is choosing the wrong haircut. Women always think that once they hit their 40s, they should cut their hair off. But the effect is often more mumsy than sexy. A little bit of length is essential is you want to remain feminine, so ditch the man-do ladies.
Also, remember that subtle makeup changes are the key to ageing beautifully. With the turn of each decade, makeup needs tend to differ. The glossy bright eyeshadow that looked stunning in your 30s may look harsh and ridiculous in your 40s. With makeup, the rule Less Is More applies. Address problem areas on the face, such as dark circles, broken veins and wrinkles, with a concealer.
Keep foundation to a minimum, and switch to a creamy formulation. L'OrÈal's Translucide foundation is sheer, healthy looking, and contains Vitamin C and an SPF12 for protection, E11.59. If you want to look youthful, opt for a pop of pinky peach on your cheeks with a touch of highlighter and try a lighter lip colour such as a soft pink. Eyebrows should be filled in with a soft pencil and a neutral shade such as ‘blonde’ at Tesco beauty is perfect for shaping your brows without it looking too aggressive.
Still confused? Check out our gallery for a selection of great looks for your 40s and beyond...
