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In a related article this week, I mentioned skimming through the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar to see if winter promotions actually ever made it. Thus, I came across an article you may find interesting, “Are Clothes Aging You?” by Simon Doonan, on page 253. Those of you who have followed my articles here since January know that I love pursuing such questions. When I was younger, I did everything to look older, and for the last 10 years-well, maybe for a few more-I’ve been fighting Father Time as well as Mother Nature. In this, we all need ammunition, and to think about the impact of clothing and accessories that advertisers fail to impart.

For example, Ms. Doonan mentioned certain items that only flatter the young-and by young, I think she means no older than 30. She brings up a worthwhile point to consider, and that is that the majority of fashion ads in print and television focus on young gals. True, only a small portion of space given to Women’s fashion, which, inexplicably, still utilizes younger models, or women who fail to look like most of our grandmothers. But neither the young or old generation really wants to look like the other. In this regard, the older gal faces more challenges. It is tempting to rush out and choose selections from the Junior Department, but, ironically, that will backfire just as surely as wearing your aunt’s castoffs when you’re only 40.

It takes a lot of work to find just the right mix of clothes, makeup and accessories to reflect a youthful state without looking like you’re trying to be 20 once again. Yes, the stars try to do it, but they’re celebrities after all. Dolly Parton once used words to the effect of, who wants to pay money to see an old bag? Now, I’m not implying that I’m any kind of expert, but I’ll offer some of my findings from research and experience; feel free to leave comments regarding the ways you try to not let clothes add any unnecessary years.

Ms. Doonan was right, I think, when she suggested omitting blue eye shadow; any stark color near eyes that suffer from crow’s feet or wrinkled lids just brings more attention to the lines. However, there is a concept floating around that I disagree with, and that is that if an older gal wears noticeable eye makeup, she should skip the obvious lipstick, or vice versa. I’ve never ascribed to the theory of looking like you forgot to do a portion of your face. Either go totally bare, or use sparing touches all over; half and half, in my opinion, makes a person look like they got distracted before finishing. Next, longer hair tends to be youthful, but ultimately, covering the grey is best for everyone, as the amount of years it can remove is stunning. But, it’s better to go with a shade or two lighter than your natural color so that it looks like subtle highlighting, instead of having a bottle of shoe polish dumped on your head. A uniform, matte color that’s obviously a dye job is more aging than even salt-and-pepper hair.

From here on, a lot is relative. “Mom Jeans” are better than polyester, elastic waist pants, but better fitting jeans are more young-looking. Athletic shoes are more in vogue than “old lady” loafers, but ballet flats are better yet. “Hoodies” may bring a bit more youth to your appearance than shapeless nylon jackets (depending on your actual age), and belts worn low, over long tunic tops, may again add an element of modern style. (They’ll also still camouflaging annoying figure problems around the bust, waist and hips.) Knee length skirts are probably the most flattering on everyone, but don’t forget to use body lotion on any skin that shows; dry, scaly looking skin with tiny white patches will instantly age a gal.

The rest (diet, exercise, sleep and attitude) are all up to you. Have fun with your choices no matter where your age falls, but don’t aim to lose decades. It’s better to be seen as an attractive, mature woman than a spring chicken wanna-be. Leave that for the celebrities.