Style File - The rise of the Cougar

Ever since god blessed Mrs Robinson in ‘The Graduate’, older women have been hot property. The advent of the “cougar” has seen women in their 40s and 50s awakened to the fact that just because they hit the dreaded middle-age milestone, it doesn’t mean they can’t be desirable, attractive and most importantly, worth the effort it takes to look good.

If you’re an older woman and you need a reminder of how amazing you can feel, just take a look at these tips for bringing out your inner cougar, without looking like you just stepped off the set of Outrageous Fortune.

Firstly, my goal for you this month is to leap out of your comfort zone. No one ever feels sexy wearing the same thing every day – even if it is a leather cat suit. I’m sure Catwoman gets home at the end of the day and says “Not tonight honey, I just don’t feel sexy”. As an example - do you never wear lipstick? Try it. How about heels? Just give them a whirl for once. There is nothing more invigorating than trying something new and realising that it’s not as difficult as you once thought.

If feeling sexier is a bit overwhelming for a woman of your age (gasp, I can’t believe you just said that!), why not at least try dressing to enhance your figure? No one looks better than a woman who knows her shape and flaunts her best features.

Most women are easily grouped into a certain body shape type, and from there you should be able to work out what styles suit you. Are you an apple, round in the middle with skinny legs? Then try to give yourself more shape by adding a cinched-in belt to give the illusion of a waist. Perhaps you are pear shaped with a small upper body, wide hips and a Bridget Jones-esque bum? Then aim to draw the eye up by wearing tops that have lower necklines and décolletage detail.

Ruler shaped women have straight up and down figures that can pull off almost any outfit - although a fitted dress can add an aura of femininity to this boyish shape. Hourglass figures have a small waist and generous bust and hips (think Marilyn Monroe) and are usually the envy of all other females; however their shape is notoriously hard to dress. The best suggestion for hourglass women is to get to know a good seamstress who can put darts in your clothing to accentuate your curves.

Finally, just because you’re of a certain age doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress up every now and then, and when you do I suggest you really go to town. Every woman has her favourite feature and it is this you should focus on. Push up those boobs, suck in that waist or flaunt your pins – go for it and feel good about it! Even if you manage just one small change, see if you notice an increase in your confidence (or even the teenage boy next door).