Smash hit

Yes, you can wear florals. That said, exercise extreme caution. They come in several categories — twee, blowsy, Women’s Institute; flash and bold; and so-abstract-you-can’t-tell-it’s-a-floral. But it’s not the print that matters so much as what it’s printed on. You can wear pretty much any pattern, provided the cut is unfussy and grown-up and you toughen up the rest of your look (a shrunken denim jacket counterbalances the sugar content).

If in doubt Avoid fussy and keep everything else sharp. Florals demand tough ankle boots, not kitten heels.

The real cutoff date There isn’t one. But the more graphic prints do work better on the over-40s.

What you should avoid Blowsy flower prints in muddy colours are the worst. And never be tempted to wear floral-printed chiffon over the age of 30 or you’ll end up looking like Hyacinth Bucket.

Who does it best Jo Wood (above) rock-chicks up a floral dress with a sharp jacket and boots. She gets away with polka dots, too.

BARE ARMS

The rule is: if you’ve got the definition, flaunt ’em. Michelle Obama gets hers out all the time, because they’re her No 1 asset. Anna Wintour, at 59, looks younger and brighter with her arms on show than with them half-hidden under a cardie. (Showing flesh stops you looking old, and arms are a safer bet than thighs.) Strapless is harder to pull off (it’s the armpit-creasing). If you have pretty shoulders, then compromise with an off-the-shoulder strap (see Nigella).

If in doubt For the effect without the commitment, sling on a shrunken cardigan — just make sure it’s very, very small.

The real cutoff date When your arms look unhealthy.

What you should avoid Getting too thin. Stringy biceps are very ageing.

Who does it best Michelle Pfeiffer, Obama (above), biceps queen Madonna in those Louis Vuitton ads.

SHORT SKIRTS

Anyone can wear short, provided they have the legs for it. However, texture issues are more likely to strike older legs, so, while short goes on and on thanks to silhouette-enhancing opaque tights (see Mary Portas), bare and short definitely has a cutoff date. A short shirt dress can look great on a 44-year-old, but a ra-ra skirt will make her look like a try-hard. Past your late thirties, make the legs your one area of exposure. No cleavage. No arms. No fuss. And definitely no chiffon.

If in doubt Wear cropped leggings underneath, à la Madonna.

The real cutoff date If you are cute and pocket-sized, you can go on for ever. But chances are you won’t want to.

What you should avoid Flared miniskirts, sheer fabrics.

Who does it best Sharon Stone (above), Carine Roitfeld.

FASHION SHOES

Not only is it okay to wear fashion shoes at any age, it’s vital. Shoes keep you in the game. Put on something average with average accessories and you will probably look your age. Add a pair of leopard-print platforms and you are somebody edgy who gets it. As Carine Roitfeld, the 54-year-old editor of French Vogue, puts it, the secret of looking young is to “stay a bit rock’n’roll” — and, besides attitude, shoes and hair are key.

If in doubt Go half an inch lower. And check your feet after standing. Bulging veins are as ageing as black teeth.

The real cutoff date Never. So long as you can walk properly.

What you should avoid Cheap or uncomfortable. Roitfeld says snake is better on older women than leopard. Who knew?

Who does it best Roitfeld (right), Princess Letizia of Asturias.

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