MANILA, Philippines ? Looking effortlessly gorgeous regardless of age comes naturally to a lucky few who seem to have the knack for making even the most ordinary house dress look chic. As most aging women know, when the years start to creep in and the wrinkles and love handles decide to set up camp, the only clothes that seem to fit are those that, ironically enough, resemble a ramshackle tent.

So, should aging women resign themselves to loose floral dresses that make them look like upholstery, or can they defy the years and pour themselves into clothes that looked good on them aeons ago?

A few tips to zip yourself out of this dilemma:

1. Do not dress for someone else?s body. Know your body type. Access your strong and weak points. E.g. great legs (show them off), serious cleavage (flaunt it discreetly), small waist (emphasize), etc.

2. Always dress for the occasion.

3. Update your wardrobe annually. Make the time to browse thru fashion magazines, surf websites, watch TV and fashion shows regularly to keep yourself in the loop.

4. Get a second opinion by shopping for clothes with a fashion-savvy friend whose style you admire or is similar to yours for serious purchases like a wedding attire, etc.

5. Do not overlook current make-up and hair trends. There is nothing sadder than a fashionably dressed woman going astray by wearing makeup belonging to a bygone era.

6. When in doubt choose quality over quantity in making your wardrobe purchases.

7. Find a good seamstress or tailor in your neighborhood for fashion emergencies. E.g. hems, minor tears.

8. Be consistent. Once you establish your look, stick to it.

9. Scope your wardrobe and buy basics for less. E.g. T-shirts, tailored shirts, jersey shirt dresses, etc.

10. Wear lycra sparingly and at your own risk.

The 20s: The perfect age to experiment.

Be aware that there is nothing hipper than being twentysomething. The only terrible sin is trying to look older than your age! (Why?!)

1. Rule to apply: The more accessories you pile on, the less make-up and hairspray you should pound on. Balancing sophistication and freshness is a tightwire act that can be treacherous but fun to negotiate.

Final word: Experiment! Dress your age, not your mom?s. Go vintage; it shows creativity and savvy dress sense. Minimize the warpaints to lip gloss, light blush and sparkly eye shadow.

The 30s: The age of sexy

1. By now you already know your body type so dress to maximize your assets.

2. You are at the perfect age to start a serious shoe and bag collection. Focus on wardrobe staples that will last forever.

3. Consider well-tailored ?killer? suits, scandalously delicious heels and a drop dead dress that will turn heads.

Final word: Angelina Jolie is one hot mama and so are you.

The 40s: Still cutting edge

1. Now is not the time to think ?over the hill? but ?cutting edge.? Try new modern designers and current trends with your basic style.

2. Focus on clean lines and be confident in carrying off new silhouettes that flatter your body type. Add glamorous touches to your current wardrobe (e.g. silk scarves, slinky lace camisoles) and don?t overlook adding subtle feminine touches when dressing for the evening. Your style icons Halle Berry, Julianne Moore, etc. are all-women and at 40, so are you.

Final Word: Now you truly are old enough to know better and still young enough to sizzle. Think Demi Moore and demolish the competition.

The 50s : Drama and sophistication

1. Work that drama and sophistication to the hilt. You have a wardrobe steeped in enough heritage/history to make people sit up and take notice.

2. Know your limitations but don?t hold back on making an entrance in that vintage ?Givenchy.? Being a grandmother does not mean you can?t be belle of the ball.

Final word: Think luxe fabrics that glide over the body. If you still have the body, by all means work it.

Final final word: Madonna is 50 and is an inspiration even for 15-year-olds so rock on.

The 60s +: Bling it on

This is the age where you can have fun with your wardrobe. Like youth, age is also forgiven its peculiarities. Key words to remember are graceful, witty, elegant and majestic.

1. Splurge on over the top accessories (e.g. cocktail rings the size of robin?s eggs, oversized cuffs etc.) and bring out those antique heirloom pieces. Wear them with denim and look regal.

2. Bling it on! Focus on details because these will be your finest asset. People love good stories so be prepared to share them about the signature pieces that you wear. If they don?t have a good story, feel free to make one up.

Final word: Catherine Deneuve, Lauren Hutton and Sophia Loren are style icons who still manage to make men?s hearts skip a few beats. Celebrity status aside, they are prime examples that true style is ageless.