Collaborative Post | Women are often scrutinised for the way they look, and older women are no exception.

As they age, many women feel pressure to dress “appropriately”, which can often lead to the adoption of frumpy, dull styles to avoid doing the “wrong” thing.

Yet ageing doesn’t have to be unstylish. There are plenty of ways that older women can highlight their best features and feel more elegant than ever in their later years. Here’s how.

​Looking great without trying to look younger
 
One key thing to avoid as an older woman is trying too hard to look younger than your years. Conversely, this can actually make you look much older than you are.
 
There are plenty of ways to stay looking fabulous without wearing styles that are better suited to someone half your age.
 
What makes someone stylish?
 
Though style is often subjective, there are some commonalities when it comes to what makes someone stylish.
 
Women's t-shirt retailer Damart surveyed 2,000 UK adults to find out what Brits think makes someone “stylish”, finding that 20% of people think a timeless look - rather than following trends - makes someone stylish.
 
As well as the clothes themselves, self-confidence (16%) and feeling comfortable in your own skin (14%) were also deemed key factors in what makes someone “stylish”.
 
Does age matter?
 
As these results suggest, age is no barrier when it comes to being stylish.
 
Damart’s survey data found that a fifth of UK adults think we look most stylish between the ages of 35 and 40, showing that younger isn’t always better.
 
Around 29%, meanwhile, believe people can look most stylish at “any age”.
 
When asked which British celebrities over 40 are most stylish, Dame Helen Mirren topped  the leaderboard at age 77, demonstrating that chic style can be achieved at any age.
 
Mirren is well-known for her sophistication, as well as being relatively bold in her dress sense - no drab greys in sight.
 
Last year Mirren turned heads at Paris Fashion Week in a gorgeous printed power suit paired with graphic eye makeup.
 
Do’s and don’ts
 
While style is individual, sticking to a few key tips can help older women look their best as they age. These include:
 

• Avoiding loud makeup: going for a more natural look will keep your appearance fresh and youthful.
• Avoiding old fashioned skirts: try not to opt for old fashioned skirts, as these can age your style. Instead go for something more flowy and fresh.​
• Avoiding fleeces: while these can be fine for outdoor walks and other casual day-to-day wear, cardigans provide a much more elegant - and younger - look.

 
With just a few simple adjustments to your wardrobe, you’ll have everyone stumped over your real age.


​Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post

Collaborative Post | Are you coming up to a special anniversary and looking to celebrate in style with yother half? Italy is the ultimate indulgence for travellers with some cash to splash, perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway.

Italy's surroundings are spectacular, from verdant vineyards and lush hills to the golden beaches along its coastline, while its cities are hubs of exquisite art and architecture. Food is a joy, with rich wines and creamy cheeses to follow each Mediterranean meal. Heritage, beauty, and new experiences await around every corner.

Opting for guided Italy tours that link key destinations is a good way to remove the stress of travel and planning and allow you to simply sit back and embrace the delights of this idyllic place. If Paris is the city of love, then Italy is the county of love. Discover details of what makes Italy the ultimate romantic destination in Europe.