What are some fashion tips for women over 40?

Ah, the illusive "keeping it young". There are lots of people under 40 who would be wise to check themselves out in the mirror too. Age, turning points, passages, going past the finish line, etc., are all deflecting the real issue of good fashion - AT ANY AGE. And unfortunately the proliferation of "makeover shows" by self appointed fashion gurus do more to objectify women than to help them in this insider's mind.

Your eyes and lips are your communication tools and when anything from your crown of glory to your stilettos fights that focus then it's out of balance and confusing. Think of your lips and eyes as the picture and everything else the frame. When the frame tries to outweigh the picture - well - need I paint a further picture?

Good fit, quality and appropriateness, for the event or type of business you are in, are more important than "what you should wear" at what age. The better question to ask is what's my figure type and what's best for its size and shape in the life situation I'm in?

"Personal Style" is something that is developed and added to over time and, like a good wine, gets better with age. Classic cuts, cloth and fit are never out of style and look as good at 20 as they do at 60 or 70. The very basics of a black or midnight navy suit (with pants and skirt), crisp white blouse, heels and flats and the "less is more approach" to complimentary accessories will take you anywhere at any age. Add a perfect fitting pair of jeans and, voila, you have another fabulous classic look for the relaxed business meeting or din dins on the patio.

When your frame changes or weight goes up or down, then you just need to take the same approach, only in a different size where the style is appropriate for that shape.

A streamlined closet with beautifully styled and fitted frocks with the "less is more" approach will serve you well over time and keep you looking good and feeling confident - AT ANY AGE.

True beauty and style sense are ageless and don't strain for effect. Wear foundations and clothes that fit you impeccably, don't showcase your legs and your décolletage at the same time, stay current and dare to be distinctive. Don't try to look younger, simply strive to look your best. Feeling good about your age never looked better!

Today, fashion is more flexible to express your personality; you can dress so elegant and chic in your mature ages and feel and look much younger. You can look young and sparkling if you use your personal colours.

You can look young and dynamic when you use the best colours for your clothing, hair, accessories and make-up from your colour palette and dress with your personality. For more details about the personal colours, please look into colour analysis.

In addition to all those, if you eat well-balanced and healthy food and exercise regularly, you can turn the time back on your body clock.

A woman who has style knows how to take a fashion trend and personalize it. Style cannot be bought. Yes, there are some women who seem to be born with style, while others can learn to develop it. If women want to achieve a polished and stylish look, it is important to pay attention to details.

We have all seen a woman on her way to work wearing a lovely coat with a scarf tied just so and a delightful hat that completes the look – that is style. What you’ve heard about “Less is More” is still true today.

Style also has to do with age appropriateness. There are many styles that look stylish on a 20 year old but won’t necessary look stylish on a woman of 50. Dressing age appropriate plays a major role in being stylish.

Sometimes women think they look younger by dressing like a teenager. Wearing appropriate clothes can still look fashionable. Avoid clothes that are too tight or expose too much flesh.

After 40, dressing is all about great fit and clothes that build shape and confidence. Your wardrobe should be built on fabulous anchor pieces that reflect modern, appropriate femininity, with tops and accessories that tell the world of your creative spirit.

Forty is the new 30 so I don’t think that you have to change your style much just because you turn 40. I’m all about classic style with one or two pieces that are truly unique to put a signature touch on each outfit. As you age, you just have to think of new ways to incorporate trends into your wardrobe…accessories are a girl’s best friend.

I hate it when people say 'dress your age'. I mean, yes, there is something off-putting about a grandma in spandex, but barring extremes, why shouldn't everyone dress in what suits their body type and their personal style?

Just be classy and use a little common sense! I feel like whatever is working for you at 37 will work for you at 40, and so-on. Adapt gradually. I will be 40 in a few years. I don't plan to run out and cut my hair up to my shoulders and start wearing boxy styles in all-neutral colors.

These days, 40 is so young! I see women in their 50s on my block in adorable I-look-like-I'm-heading-to-yoga class outfits and really hot jeans. I think that if women wear what makes them feel beautiful and confident they'll never have to think about what age they are. After all, it's just a number!

• Let the 'retro' go! If you can remember wearing the style of clothing the first time around –you are most likely past the prime to 'revisit' the style again! Fashion cycles and reinvents itself–but retro is best left for the ones who have not 'experienced' the look yet!
• Classic, however, is not retro. Classic are those pieces that are timeless and good great season after season. A crisp white blouse, pencil skirts or slacks, and stylish flats keep you in the trend–without being too trendy.