Smash hit

For Forbes, it’s this attitude that is the key. “I really feel that my age is all about what’s in my head, rather than my apppearance,” she says. “I took a view a couple of years back — having always dressed in a fairly straight way — to give out a more sexy vibe. And people responded to it. If you exude an ‘I am an attractive woman approaching 40’ attitude, then people believe you; if you apologise for yourself and get your face done and starve yourself, then that, ironically, is ageing. But the key is to be with a man who makes you feel good, who would be horrified if he thought you were considering having work done.” Maybe unconditional love is the answer, but whatever it is, it’s not the surgery solution any more.

AGE: MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU

1 There are certain parts of your body that you have to really watch once you hit your mid-forties: armpits, knees, cleavage. No matter how fit you are, you will never look as good in a vest as you hope to. And watch feet in high sandals: veiny can happen almost overnight.

2 Part of your look, whether it’s the shoes or bag or jacket, should be cutting-edge. One ultra-fashiony item saves you from looking predictable, which is one step from frumpy — a pair of crazy shoes stuck on the bottom of something sober can take years off you. Surprising people is the key.

3 Older women are always well groomed, so be careful to look well maintained, but loosened up around the edges. Stiff hair and perfect nail polish are killers.

4 Short hair is ageing. Long hair can look witchy on older women, but a short bob will take off 10 years.

5 Forget about wardrobe classics. Your precious old black Jil Sander coat is a potential disaster. And never wear three-quarter jackets (you’ll look as if you’re disguising your hips).

6 Make sure your dyed hair is never just one colour, or too dark or light. The more extreme the colour, the more washed-out you look.

7 Lots of precious jewellery is ageing — it gives off that “might as well wear it now” message.

8 Don’t get too thin. It smacks of desperation and makes you look worn.

9 Chuck away last season’s must-have. On a younger person, it looks okay. On you, it will make you look a year older.

10 Bad foundation in bad light is the biggest enemy of women at parties. Get a make-up lesson. You need more, but you don’t need to advertise it. Remember, too-red lipstick is for young beauties and dowagers — tread carefully.

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