Fashion over 40: Caryn Franklin's tips

Fashion guru, writer, TV pundit and all-round style expert Caryn Franklin gives the low-down on fashion over 40 and advises on what to ditch, what to keep. By Bernadette Fallon

Caryn Franklin doesn't deal in rules, she deals in tools, and believes the key to looking good past a certain age is all about empowerment. Ask yourself - what are your assets?

 

Good cleavage?  Then don't be swayed by anyone who says you need to cover up as you get older, she advises. But remember, less is more. If you are drawing attention to your bust, cover-up elsewhere.

 

Always liked showing off your legs? You still can and will look great in opaque tights, boots and a mini skirt. There's no reason why you can't wear mini skirts past a certain age - but remember the rule above and don't bare everything all at once.

 

You don't have to radically change your style as you get older, it's all about how you present it, how you work it, she claims.

 

‘For me, looking good as you age is all about presentation and maintenance,' Caryn explains. ‘When you were younger you could throw on whatever you wanted and leave the house looking like a spontaneous rush of colour and energy.' This is no longer a good look!

 

Underwear is crucial

 

When I work as a personal stylist with women, I'm always amazed at how easily I can improve their shape just by tightening their bra straps, she explains. Always have one or two favourite bras - underwired, seam free - and these will be your best friends.

 

If you are wearing fitted clothes, a Spanx dress underneath will be well worth the money spent to give you confidence.

 

Grooming is important

 

Keep hair and skin looking good, she advises. Hair doesn't have to be coloured - it's up to you - but it should have a good cut and a healthy shine. And take time on your skin - things you took for granted as a younger woman now need more work.

 

Caryn's top tips: What to ditch and what to keep

 

Ditch

 

Cheap fabric: Get rid of anything that is matt and flat, that doesn't have good texture and complexity

Lyrca: You might think it keeps it all in, but really, support underwear does a much better job

And finally: Neon colours, distressed fabrics, ripped jeans,T-shirts with slogans, anything that looks studenty

 

Keep

 

Great denim and good-fitting jeans: To smooth thighs and create a corset effect, dark indigo is best

Funky accessories: If you love bright colours this is the best way to introduce them to an outfit, just add a great bag or shoes in an eye-catching shade

Good looking prints: Go for bold and really make a statement

 

Fashion as you age

 

Turn negatives into positives. If, for example, you find you need glasses for reading, make this part of your look and choose frames that allow you to re-invent your image. Glasses can make a stronger statement than jewellery if you chose correctly, explains Caryn.

 

She has recently teamed up with Boots to produce a guide to choosing the right frames for your face shape - which is crucial if you want to make the most impact. For more information, visit the Boots website.

 

See Caryn's top tips for fashion on a recession budget

 

 

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