Style tips for the over-40s

Paula Ryan. Photo / Supplied

This week fashion doyenne Paula Ryan returns to town with her ever-popular style seminars, where she shares practical and inspiring ways to keep your image fresh. Here she shares with Viva her 10 top tips:

1 Don't underestimate the power of beautiful teeth. Straighten them, whiten them, and even consider cosmetic dentistry.

2 Keep hair modern (soft to touch) and forever evolving stylewise. Don't wear outdated dos!

3 Your skin lightens and promotes pink pigment with age. Unless your skin is olive, mustard and khaki do not flatter most women.

4 With cosmetics, less is best. Apply foundation with a brush (not sponge) and no more than a pine nut-size amount.

5 Keep your feet and hands feminine; nails manicured and footwear light.

6 For comfort, layer lightweight pieces with either the top or bottom layer sleeveless. Avoid the double layering of sleeves unless you require the extra warmth.

7 Never wear a skirt mid-calf. That is the most unflattering part of your leg. Go above or below, even 2cm either way.

8 Replace negative body image with action. Get your bum off the bed and exercise it and simply eat less. Permanent weight loss doesn't happen overnight but it does happen!

9 Keep your sleeves narrow. Optically you look the size of your clothes.

10 Remember, wrinkles never killed any woman.

* To find out more, join Paula at her half-day seminars on May 18 & 20, 9.30am-12.30pm. $300 (includes morning tea). Or full-day workshops on May 19 & 21. 9.30am-6pm, $750 (includes Champagne lunch). Venue: The Lippincott Room, Level 6, Smith & Caughey's, City. To book ph: (09) 377 2200.