Caryn Franklin tips for fashion on a budget

Shop wise

1. Buy well in the sales, go for nice quality fabric and a good fit. But remember that even cheap fabric can look really good if the fit is right.

2. Stick to classic pieces and make sure the fit is absolutely perfect. Then you can keep the same pieces from season to season and just dress them up with accessories like a belt or jewellery. Remember that as young women we may have swung wildly from trend to trend, but as we get older we look great in classics.

3. By the time you reach 40 you know who you are and what looks good on you. Your wardrobe of classics will probably contain a trouser suit, black polo neck and a pencil skirt. Buy these to last for a decade, but re-invent the look each season with some cleverly chosen accessories.

4. You should also by now have found that there are one or two brands that suit you - brands that always fit. A size 10 in Topshop is not the same as a size 10 in Wallis.

5. Once you find your ideal shops, stick to them. Don't waste time hunting through every shop on the high street every time you have an important purchase to make. Brands don't alter their cutting blocks radically every season, so it's a fairly safe bet that the clothes will always suit your frame.

6. Form a relationship with the staff in your favourite shops - make sure they know what you like as they will be able to tell you what's coming in so you can snap up the bargains.

7. Don't fall in love with it on the hanger, don't invest any emotion in a garment until you know what it looks like on. That way you will avoid costly mistakes!

My favourite role models - the women who get it right

Tilda Swinton is one woman who doesn't play the over-produced game. She has confidence, and creates her own specific style regardless of peer pressure.

Kate Winslet is a woman who is holding the ground of not being someone who has to be ultra thin to be stylish. I admire her for this.

Read Caryn's top tips on fashion over 40 - what to ditch and what to keep

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