WEAR WHAT YOU WANT AT ANY AGE…FIND YOUR AGELESS STYLE! New

Many years ago, some annoying self-appointed style guru — came up with the concept of age-appropriate dressing. The basic idea is as follows: The older you get, the more conservatively you should dress. Color and flamboyance are for young people. Restraint, propriety and formality are for elders. For some reason it was decided that once women hit a certain age, they should ditch that metallic snakeskin disco purse and start dressing like depressed librarians, circa 1940. Boring!! Whatever your age, fashion is a continual evolution that expresses who you are and the only rules are the ones you set for yourself.

This oppressive concept of age-appropriate dressing has never made any sense to me. In fact, I propose the exact opposite: I believe that the older you get the bolder and playful you should become in your dress. Do not allow yourself to be inhibited by someone else's notions of good taste and bad taste. You have paid your dues. You have earned the right to sassy it up!

I am talking about injecting your style with fun and creativity, and — this is the really important part — I am talking about expressing yourself. We are living in a fashion-obsessed universe.

Reinvigorating your personal style is not as complicated as it may seem. There is an easy formula, whether you're a man or a woman.

The secret is that the same answer applies whatever your age: dress in contemporary styles that fit and flatter your body shape, coloring, personality and lifestyle.

How to dress well in 6 steps:

These 6 elements of style show you how to dress well and look great at any age...

Great grooming -- this includes good personal hygiene, looking after and maintaining your clothes, makeup and hair.

Make sure your hair is in good condition by having it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks and using good quality shampoos and conditioners. A contemporary hairstyle is one of the keys to looking good at any age. If you're not sure what styles are "in" try looking at fashion magazines, celebrities and online hair style sites. It also helps to have an understanding of your face shape and the styles that will suit your face.

When was the last time you updated your makeup and skin regime? Makeup fashions change as much as clothing fashions and a change in this area is also a great way to keep looking contemporary.

Understanding and wearing your best colors.Having a realistic understanding of your body shape, proportions and figure challenges and dressing to flatter your current shape.

Reflecting your personal style in the image you project to the world. When you have the 3 fundamentals of style (the 3 points above) mastered developing your style personality should be a fun and ongoing journey

Regularly reviewing and planning your wardrobe to ensure you have outfits to wear for all the occasions of your life

Shopping to your plan to update your wardrobe. When you stop impulse buying and last minute, panic buying for special occasions you'll find you'll make fewer mistakes and get better value out of your purchases.

Women are tired of being told to shrink and conform or "normalize" themselves once they hit 40. Don’t dress your age - modern women know it's about style not following fashion rules dictated by people we don’t know! The boundaries between the generations are blurred; it’s all about ageless style now. Wear what looks and makes you feel fabulous …as they say, “if you got it and feel comfortable flaunting it…do it as long as you can!”