Whenever I begin a make-over, one of the most used phrases is ‘Please don’t make me look like I’m trying too hard. The next is ‘Don’t make me look like mutton dressed up as lamb,”

It’s an unkind thing to say and most women over 40 are traumatised by the idea that their fashion faux pas could earn them this pejorative issued from any number of passing white van drivers (no doubt on their way to a fashion conference of some sort).

That’s why I prioritise dressing for your body shape because then you know you have picked a look that will suit. Think ‘body shape appropriate’ not ‘age appropriate’ and it will help immediately.

Your favourite hand gesture will also help you regain your composure, when out on the street. But if you feel you need concrete guidelines then use below as a tick list.

Here are my quick tips on looking fashionable without looking mutton.

1. Educate yourself about the trends and then buy a more classic version. If polka dots are in, buy the shoes not the dress.
2. Choose fabrics for their sophisticated finish. Look for something that has a complexity to it rather than a flat dull finish.
3. Colour needs to be more subtle and complex. Simplistic primary colours only look good on children and those strange over produced adults that we have come to know as children’s TV presenters.
4. Go for a statement piece of jewellery to give drama. Avoid lots of little pieces of gold and silver dotted about your body making you look like a Christmas tree with flashing lights.
5. Spend as much as you can on classic well cut garments that will become your friends and stay in your wardrobe for many seasons.
6. Now add a touch of high trend like a current print or colour or neckline but buy this cheaply and donate after a season.
7. Accessories – make these the funky up the minute things that other women will notice. This is where you can go high fashion but always opt for quality materials like butter soft leather for bags for instance.
8. If your cleavage wobbles – cover it up
9. Textured tights unless they are black and subtle are out of the question.
10. Natural colours on lips look more chic, bright reds and pinks will have you looking like mad Aunty Barbara.

Related posts:

1. This week I am mostly wearing … (part one in an open ended series).
2. Get the knowledge and avoid those soul destroying shopping trips for ever…
3. Yes, you can wear a pussy bow whatever your shape…
4. Maxi dresses work for every shape
5. Shine and shape