Looking Great at 40

       Once you begin to realize that you do indeed have to start letting go of your young-ish ways and to begin dressing your age, like a stylish woman in her 40s, here are tips that will help you create your signature look:

       Change your hairstyle to something short. Our hair begins to thin as we age, and keeping your hair short gives it a lift and body.

        Lighten up and wear lighter colors near your face. Soft colors, like white, beige and the pastels bring light to your face and lend a glow to it. You can still wear dark colors, but avoid bringing them close to your face.

       Begin wearing collars that hide the wrinkles of your neck and bring attention to your face. A turned-up or a stand-up collar perhaps, or a turtleneck, will do the trick.

       If you have seen ?Laws of Attraction,? that movie where Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore played opposing divorce lawyers who eventually fell in love with each other, you would be familiar with the words of Julianne Moore?s mother?s character: ?The shoulders are always the last to go.? She is right. Along with the legs, the shoulders are slow to age. You can wear clothes that flatter your shoulders.

       Bring attention to your legs. Mini-skirts are a no-no, but you can achieve this nonetheless by wearing nice, knee-length skirts with sexy shoes.

       Emulate the styles of Hollywood women who are in their 40s yet still look fabulous.

       Life does begin at 40. You may not be young anymore, but you have the poise, the style, the grace and the confidence lacking from women in their 20s. At 40, the best is yet to come and you still have a long way to go.