What would make me look younger?

I never cease to wonder at the number and variety of Gloria Hunniford's necklaces. I'm sure she must have a walk-in wardrobe just for them. You'd need a long, elegant neck to carry one of those off.

Gloria is rather orange and tiny, in the flesh.

Do rather admire Pru Leith's style, her use of plain bold colour with very interesting objects around her neck. She doesn't overdo the make-up, looks groomed and most importantly she smiles! As a glasses wearer myself I love hers.

Why don't you want to look the age you are? I do and am quite happy with it. Whether you are 60, 70, 80 or 90, you can look and be who you are quite happily without trying to pretend you are something else. You've been there and it's over.

I know this is a fairly lighthearted thread but it has made me think. I have one relative who certainly would be in the ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ category. She’s really neurotic and nervous. I known lots of colleagues who dress beautifully and have natural style but spend a great deal of time on diets. I know others who follow every twist and turn of what’s in and worry about getting old. I have one most wonderful friend who when I was chatting about struggling with looking older told me to get rid of most of the mirrors because she just gets up, washed, brushes her hair, puts in her teeth and stumbles out. She always looked older than she is, her sense of style is definitely well worn and comfortable but thinking about it she’s the happiest person I know, she’s comfortable in her own skin. I wish I could be like her. She’s my hero.

We have a new neighbour, I met her first in the rain and was struck my her smile and vivacity despite the weather. Over the last few months we have stopped and gossiped about all sorts, sometimes over the garden walls sometimes sitting outside in garden. She has not had the easiest life but is always busy and motivated. She keeps very fit but otherwise pays little attention to her appearance. Her hair is often just scraped back in a knot or a comb and her dress is sporty or casual with hardly a trace of make-up. Mentally I had put her down as barely 40, have since found out she's over 50. Its not so much her face or her figure, its just her upbeat cheerful attitude and no nonsense approach that is totally ageless. Its a real tonic to see her and to be with her. The opposite of those dreary types you seem to suck the joy out of life. Its very attractive and I wish I could emulate it a bit more!

I don't think it is a case of wishing to look younger than one actually is, it is more a case of not falling into the trap of certain hairstyles, manmade fibres, elasticated waists etc. I disagree about make up, I think that good make up, lightly and well applied can brighten up anyone. Not slapped on, just a light tinted moisturiser or light foundation, shaped and thickened eyebrows, little sweep of mascara and a bit of colour on what can be very pale lips; the just scrubbed with flannel look is very ageing to my mind.

In defence of flannels GillT I have found them to be a good, cheap exfoliator. After the scrub then comes the judicious application of some makeup.