Australian women have a tendency to get a bit frumpy as they age. They do this to avoid being the old mutton dressed as lamb – something which is certainly more prevalent in America.

In America there is a term – 16/60 that describes the situation when a woman looks 16 from behind (since she is wearing a mini-skirt and a cropped top) but reveals herself to be 60 when she turns around.

The problem with wearing clothes too young for your age is that it enhances the signs of time on your face and body. However, dressing older rather than younger for fear of looking silly means that you risk sacrificing style for safety.

You should change what you wear every decade anyway. If you don’t, you will be aging yourself considerably. A good rule of thumb is, if you wore it the first time around, you can’t wear it the second time it comes round the fashion trend merry-go-round (Not if you want to maintain a youthful and modern image rather than an old lady look).

Anyway, with life expectancy at an all time high in western nations, there is no need to put yourself out to pasture too soon. Forty used to be the old sixty but now it’s the new thirty. This makes fifty the new forty. So what do forty-year-old women wear?

1. Cover Your Knees

Our skin heads south when we age and it is most noticeable on and around our knees. Leggings are good for this (holding you in & up) with a tunic, as are skirts, long pants and dresses.

Just remember the golden rule: leggings are not pants. Never just wear leggings. No really, this is serious. Leggings are not pants. Not even if you’re a teenager!

2. A Great Fitting Bra

Get professionally fitted for a great bra that suits your unique bust.

Your body has changed over the years and a well fitting bra will give you back your figure. Waists in particular seem to disappear through menopause and a good bra will give it back to you.

Most women wear ill-fitting bras tending to have the cup too small and the band too big. Most good underwear stores have fitters that will be more than happy to find the bra that supports you in a way you need to be supported.

3. Avoid Bright Coloured Trousers

Coloured pants either scream high fashion or old lady. Coloured trousers in the very young say high fashion so if you’re over forty, opt for neutral colours.

What you want is classic, elegance rather than cliched… Leave the “bling” for where it works best.

These three simple principles will enhance your midlife makeover and help you feel confident and optimistic.