As we age, the shape of areas of our body changes, our skin thins and the colour of our hair is likely to change.
To remain looking good we need to make some changes to account for these and enable us to look younger, but appropriate, and have that same confidence with our appearance that we did before.
With confidence in our look we will have inner confidence.
A key to looking younger is to know which colours suit us with our current colouring; these colours are likely to be different from the ones that suited us when we were in our 20's.
Look critically at your colouring.
Has your hair lightened so that you need lighter colours for clothing than the soft muted ones that were so flattering? If this is the case you may have noticed that some of your previous favourite colours just leave you looking drained.
If this is the case try some light brighter tones.
If your darker hair has gone grey, assess the amount of grey.
It could be that you need cool shades; if your hair is more 'salt and pepper' it could be that softer shades are more suitable, but if it is very light grey then it could be that lighter shades near your face will make you feel so much younger.
Not all hair goes lighter, some goes darker and if you are still wearing lighter shades then you may appear rather lifeless and washed out, increasing the depth of colour near your face can take off some years.
As an image consultant few of my clients have exactly the body shape they had when they were younger.
Often there is a reluctance to accept that the change in shape is permanent.
This can result in either buying clothes that are too big, hence hiding the shape or not buying any new clothes waiting for the old shape to return.
My advice is to accept the shape you are.
If you are more curvy than previously then don't hide this shape.
Buy clothes that are flattering to you now- there will be some in the shops.
Understanding the styles and fabrics that suit you will enable you to really knock off the years.
You will probably say 'I had no idea I could wear that', If you are unsure of your body shape, find this out straight away.
Once you learn about this you will be able to look both stylish and current.
Don't ignore your underwear.
Underwear is the key to establishing a good fit for your clothing.
Pay attention to your whole head.
Start by looking at your hair.
Changes in your hormones as you get older will affect your hair.
The three hair areas to assess and then take action on if needed are the colour, the style and the condition.
Getting these correct will have a profound effect on your whole look - something you might have noticed if you have been watching the make-over programmes on the TV.
Before rushing off to the hairdresser, look in magazines for styles you like, consider your face shape and how to balance this with your hair.
Think about the colour, and how much maintenance you are able to give this.
Consider if it is time to change hairdresser.
If this would help, it is best to ask for recommendations from friends.
It is also wise to arrange to have a consultation with a hairdresser before committing yourself.
Do be prepared to say if you are unsure about a hairdresser's suggestions - remember you are the one who is paying.
Next look at your skin and make-up.
Do ensure that you have a good skincare regime, you should be cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
You are also likely to benefit from nourishing your skin.
Go through all the areas of your make-up.
Consider the colour of your foundation, is it still appropriate? Do you need a skin adjuster to help with blemishes? Is your eye make-up appropriate now? Do your eyebrows need attention- getting these sorted can feel as if you have had an instant face lift.
Think about the blusher that you are using- is the shade suitable for your current skin tone? Look at your lips - they may have thinned and by finding out suitable techniques & colours for these your lips can flatter you rather than be something you might try to hide.
Maybe this is just the time to treat yourself to a make-up lesson with an image consultant.
Finally, if you wear glasses, then take a good look at them.
They can be used much more effectively than just to help you see clearly.
There are many reasonably priced frames on the market and it is worth using your glasses to help you look younger.
If you are thinking about some new glasses, do check that the frames are a good fit; that the bridge is appropriate for the shape of your nose and that overall the frames balance the scale and proportions of your face.
Why wait? If you need more advice in any of these areas then consult an image consultant.
With a few simple changes you could easily be looking younger for Christmas.