The right attitude
When you are in your forties it’s more important to be sensual than sexy. Sexy is a word that is right for very young girls; as you get older you should focus on being elegant. The first thing to get right is your attitude. Of course, every woman has her own style, but the best way to carry that style is with confidence.

Create a bold look
When you’re young you can do so many crazy things with your make-up. As you get older you’re constantly told to wear less make-up, which I think is stupid. I know a woman who is over 50 and has crazy bright make-up with crazy blonde hair, but is so pretty and funny with it. You should be brave with your make-up. I love red lipstick, especially when I’m under the spotlight. Alternatively, I like dark eyes with natural lipstick. I like to be pretty for myself

Keep it simple
Even if you’re popping out to buy some bread and just wearing jeans and a T-shirt, buy the right ones for your shape. Pure and simple lines are very flattering in clothing, especially for me as my body’s curvy. As long as you have the basic shape right, then you can change colours and patterns. You need to wear clothes you feel strong in – you want to wear the dress, not have the dress wear you.

The hue for you
For my work I have to be careful about what I eat, which is a sacrifice, because sometimes I love to eat. In my wardrobe there’s a lot of black. I love black because it’s very forgiving.

Don’t be a slave to trends
I’m not a fashion victim. You can follow trends if you like, but it’s much nicer to mix things up and maybe take two completely different looks and merge them together. It’s good if a trend is flexible. You should know the looks that suit you. Now when I shop I’m the quickest woman in the world. I know exactly what I want and am in and out of the shops in half an hour.

Be yourself
You don’t have to fit one mould to be stylish in your forties. I like simple, elegant things, but it all depends on your attitude and character. For me, the problem with fashion sometimes is that they want to create a law where everybody is the same. I do not like perfection. It is so boring. Just walk tall and be confident in who you are – style will then come naturally.