There are 10 key things that you need to know in order to be young no matter how old you are:

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.

Source: www.timesonline.co.uk