THE CHIC LIST: Ten clever celebrity tricks to stay stylish after 40

Have you noticed that many women now get more stylish as they age? Those in the public eye include Victoria Beckham who, after turning 50 recently, looks infinitely better than she ever did as a Spice Girl. 

There’s also Angelina Jolie who, at 48, always looks polished and put together, even amid a turbulent divorce from Brad Pitt. Likewise former Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, 55, with the relatable on-trend outfits she posts on social media, and 45-year-old Rosamund Pike, who looks effortlessly sleek and in control.

These famous women all use clever little tricks to achieve the chic vibes they emanate. Here are ten of them you can easily copy without requiring their hefty bank balances.

Wearing a trouser suit from Arket and top from Cos, with a Gucci bag

1. The most important thing these ladies have in common is that they keep their outfits very simple and stripped back.

2. They share a love of tailoring and structured pieces that add oodles of instant polish. Trouser suits, blazers and the crisp shirt are their secret weapons, and they wear them on rotation.

3. Pieces that define their waistlines, such as high-waisted maxi skirts, worn with a low heel, exude power and femininity – and you’ll never see any of these women in ill-fitting sloppy knitwear or tops.

4. They know what suits their body proportions and all of them are fans of the cropped cardigan and wide-legged trouser.

5. An off-the-shoulder dress, a backless number or a well-placed split are favourites for the red carpet or a social engagement. Sexy over 40 is achievable by showing a little, not everything at once. Decide on your best asset and flash that like crazy.

6. They all use big sunglasses to lend an air of mystery and allure. Perfect for when you want to hide a tired face.

7. Timeless classics – trench coats, ballet flats and this season’s billowing skirts – are part of their armoury.

8. Victoria Beckham is particularly adept at colour blocking, often mixed in with a neutral palette.

9. They all elevate their outfits with a luxe bag and shoes. Angelina often wears the same designer accessories on repeat, which helps cement her style.

10. Linen waistcoats as tops are a favourite, while floaty dresses with statement jewellery and a wicker bag all come into play in summer.

Finally, all these women adore a blow-dry, which keeps everything looking elegant and pulled together.

Sweatshirt, £55, wardrobe44.com

Word up 

Slogan tops are having a moment and look great with trousers, jackets and blazers. I like this smart navy one from independent brand Wardrobe 44. 

Earrings, £55, jigsaw-online.com

In the loop

Jigsaw always delivers when it comes to sleek accessories. These loop earrings will go with everything you wear.

Bag, £195, sezane.com

The new weave

Seeking some covetable raffia for summer? Sézane has a stylish range in-store. The Isabelle (right) with shoulder strap caught my eye.

@thestylistandthewardrobe

@youmagazine