Physiologically our bodies are changing and some of us will suffer water retention, thinning hair or duller skin. Lifestyle-wise you may be on the brink of empty nest syndrome, you may be newly divorced or beginning new jobs.

If you are a woman over 40, you can look just as sexy and vital as your younger counterparts; you just have to learn how to flatter your body without doing a major style overhaul and without looking like the proverbial mutton dressed as lamb. So, are your pleated trousers giving your age away? Perhaps you’re stuck in an 80′s beauty and style rut? Has your hairstyle barely changed in the past few years? If so… Change!

The key to dealing with the changes and to modernizing your look is to get in tune with what is in fashion. Handbags and shoes are the quickest way to update your look. Look around, browse through magazines, tune into the fashion channel and get a feel for what’s ‘in’. You are not necessarily aiming to be ‘hip and trendy’ but to develop your own timeless signature style. If you need inspiration, look at the ‘mature’ television stars and movie actresses you admire, pick out what you like and emulate their look.

The worst thing you can do is dress younger than you are – all it does is make you look even older and slightly bizarre. So, even if you have the world’s best legs, please no miniskirts! Avoid baggy, formless clothes and chose pieces that give you shape. When out and about shopping, don’t think you can wear the same colours you did when you were in your twenties, especially not next to your face. Experiment with various colours in a good light to find what flatters your forty-something skin.

Fashion and beauty tricks

Stand-up or turn-up collars are great for disguising a wrinkly neck. They cover the area and bring the focus to the face. It helps too to always wear a bit of white close to your face. Soft colours such as pale pink, white, beige or ice blue also bring light to the face and thus detract from the neck.

If you have lost your waistline along the way, wear jackets and pieces that will give you shape.

Take a look at yourself in the mirror, decide what your best features are and emphasize them. If you have nice hands, manicure them, good cleavage – show it off (in moderation) and so on.

If age spots begin to appear on your hands or face – fight back. Many products are available that will lighten and fade liver spots and at sites like Skin Lightening Advice you’ll find the best whitening products articles, guidance and information.

Many forty-somethings suffer from thinning hair. If this sounds familiar, then explain to your hairdresser what is going on and discuss with her a fresh new style that will help you get the appearance of thicker hair. Ask her advice on products too, there are many on today’s market that are specifically formulated to ‘fatten’ thinning and/or flyaway hair. You can look fab at forty; it just takes a little attention to detail and a few tweaks.