Stop impulse-buying
Why make it? 'It's a waste of time unless you know the item you're buying will fit into your existing wardrobe,' says image consultant Gail Morgan of studyinstyletraining.com. 'What usually happens is that the impulse purchase sits unworn in your wardrobe while you ponder what to wear with it or have to splash more cash on something new. Before making any fashion purchase, ask yourself the "magic three" questions: Can this be accessorised in three different ways? Can I wear it to three different events/occasions? And, most importantly, does it go with three things I already have in my wardrobe?'
Ignore size labels
Why make it? Yes, there may once have been a time when you could grab anything off the rails in your 'usual size' and be pretty certain it would look good on you. But now that you're older, it's so important to make time to try before you buy - not just because your body shape changes as you age, but also because sizes vary from shop to shop. 'Dress sizes certainly aren't standard throughout,' says personal stylist Lisa Talbot. 'So don't worry about what the label says: just make sure you buy clothes that fit you well and make you feel confident.'
Give your make-up bag a makeover
Why make it? There are three good reasons to 'tip it up and start again': to ditch out-of-date products, spruce up your favourites and lift yourself out of a make-up rut. 'Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, but cleaning them with a mild shampoo will prevent these germs from transferring to your face,' says beauty expert France Baudet of canellebeaute.com. 'Make-up can also go off so throw away anything you've had for more than a year.' And rather than invest in direct replacements, take the opportunity to try out new colours and products.
Dress your age
Why make it? 'There are ways of being up-to-date without being a slave to fashion or worse,' says Gail Morgan. 'The simplest way of doing this is to invest in some well-cut, classic garments in neutral colours that flatter your figure - not your daughter's. Then add interesting, on-trend accessories: jewellery, shoes, scarves and bags can all update your clothes quickly, simply and cheaply. French women have been doing this for decades! Oh, and once you understand what suits you, don't feel you have to shop in "age appropriate" stores: it's still possible to find fantastic garments for older women in Topshop.'
Smarten up your act
Why make it? It's easy to get stuck in a fashion rut - both at work and during your down-time - but if you want to be taken seriously, you need to put a little more thought and effort into your outfits. 'The easiest way to smarten up is to invest in a decent coat, mac or casual jacket,' says Gail Morgan. 'These garments add structure to your frame and substance to the rest of your outfit - even if it is just jeans and a T-shirt. They're also the perfect way to inject some colour into your wardrobe: for example, a red raincoat or pink jacket is so much smarter than your old fleece or anorak!'
Stop covering yourself up
Why make it? No, we're not suggesting you go all-out to bare lots of flesh. But nor should you completely swamp your body in shapeless or oversized garments - even if they do feel more comfortable. 'No matter what size you are, your body loves structure,' insists Lisa Talbot. 'Clothes that fit perfectly will make you look slimmer and sexier. Use the New Year as an opportunity to have a good clear-out: only have clothes in your wardrobe that fit and flatter your figure. Throw everything else out - whether it be too big or too small.'
Update your skincare regime
Why make it? If you've been using the same skincare products for 10 years or more, a rethink is long overdue. 'Your skin's needs change over time, so shop for products according to your age and skin type,' says France Baudet. 'But there's no point in using anti-ageing products if you forget to also use them on those real tell-tale areas, the hands and neck.' Skincare expert Dr Howard Murad of murad.co.uk agrees: 'It's important to target specific areas with your skincare regime. Don't forget your neck and décolletage will show your age, too.' His product recommendation? Murad Rejuvenating Lift For Neck and Décolleté (£63.50).
Have a proper bra-fitting
Why make it? Approximately 80% of UK women wear the wrong-sized bra - which can lead to sore backs and shoulders. 'Plus when you wear the right size and style, your breasts will sit where they're supposed to, which in turn gives the upper body great shape under clothes,' says Lisa Talbot. And Jemma Barnes, general manager from Anita UK (www.anita.com) adds: 'Many women continue to wear the same-sized bra throughout their adult life, thinking they'll be the same size they were a decade or more ago. This is hardly ever the case. Take time out to go to a retailer who will "fit" you with the right size: doing your own measuring doesn't always work as each brand may be slightly different.'
Eat to glow!
Why make it? Those New Year dietary resolutions can have a positive effect on your skin and hair, too: they need to be kept nourished and hydrated to ensure you look your best. Nutritional therapist Jackie Lynch (www.well-well-well.co.uk) advises: 'Commit to eating oily fish - fresh salmon or tuna, tinned sardines or mackerel - three times a week. It's packed full of omega-3s, which promote hair growth and lubricate the skin. And Howard Murad suggests: 'Replace one glass of water a day with a piece of raw fruit or veg. These contain "structured" water, which is more efficient and better at penetrating our living cells.'
Don't forget your feet
Why make it? 'Our feet work really hard for us, so give them some TLC and commit to having a professional pedicure every three months,' suggests France Baudet. Making this a regular part of your routine - in the same way you'd go for dental check-ups or eye tests - will ensure your feet look their best when they're out on show again in summer. 'It's also really important to keep your feet hydrated to prevent sore cracked heels,' France adds. 'So invest in a rich, deep penetrating foot moisturiser and slather it on daily.'
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