The right outfit can make a woman look chic, fashionable and youthful, but the wrong one can age her prematurely.
A style expert for women over 50 spoke exclusively to GB News about her top clothing hack that takes years off. She advised forgoing shapeless and unflattering pieces.
Deirdre Nicholas from 50 & Fabulous with My Friend Deirdre, told GB News: "Age is just a number. This is a great thing to remember and in my view, having the 'right clothes' can make that number a lot harder to guess - and you may well end up looking 10 years younger than you are too."
The fashion enthusiast offered her top tip for "looking younger, more 'with it', modern and contemporary".
Women over 50 have been advised to rethink their wardrobes
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Deirdre told middle-aged women and above to "ditch wearing totally shapeless clothing" in favour of more form-fitting, flattering pieces.
She said: "One of the key things that will indicate your age is your silhouette. That’s the initial impression that people get when they look at you.
"For example, when we see a well-dressed, modern, youthful-looking woman, she isn’t normally wrapped up in hundreds of layers or draped so heavily that we can’t see her body at all.
"So, a little waist definition or cinching in, particularly around the torso, is really important.
"I’m not saying wear tight clothes or tuck everything in, as I know that not everyone feels comfortable doing this, but just try to make sure that your outfits are balanced and not too baggy or saggy."
The expert said that it's fine to wear the occasional loose item, as long as it's paired with something figure-hugging.
"So, if you want to wear some slouchy trousers, for instance, try to team them with a more fitted top," Deirdre advised, "just to balance out the proportions". She said: "This will really help you look more youthful."
In a similar vein, the expert encouraged women over 50 to show some skin occasionally, telling them to "ditch covering up every inch".
Now this doesn't have to mean wearing low-cut tops or very short skirts if you aren't comfortable doing so. Showing a little arm or ankle should do the trick.
Deirdre said: "This is a really easy little tip and costs nothing. Don’t be afraid of showing a little touch of skin. I’m not talking about being revealing - unless that’s your thing, of course.
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'Don’t be afraid of showing a little touch of skin - just roll up your sleeves to expose a touch of wrist and lower arm'
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"But in the same way that too much material and fabric is very ageing and drags us down, if you cover up all your skin from head to toe, it can make us look much more block-like and, basically, older.
"So, instead, just roll up your sleeves to expose a touch of wrist and lower arm, undo a button at your neck and, as we move into summer, expose a tantalising ankle too. The effect will be much more youthful and will 'lift' your look."
According to Deirdre, women over 50 can look 10 years younger if they "stop" wearing an outfit colour that makes them seem "tired".
According to some, a healthy diet can work wonders when it comes to anti-ageing. One woman said that sticking to a single food from morning until noon every day helps keep her skin young.
