You're too old to wear THAT: Liz Jones gives her verdict on when women outgrow fashion trends

Stilettos: Age 60

Dolly Parton: Too pantomime in these heels

Dolly Parton looks a bit pantomime dame in these bright pink stilettos. Past 60, a kitten heel is more flattering, and less likely to break your hip.

But I've just seen Helen Mirren, in her 60s, walking around in LA in a pair of 6in Louboutins. She looked marvellous, but then - as we saw in the recent bikini picture - she is one of the exceptions to the age rules.

Spaghetti-strap mini dresses Age: 19

There are millions of maxis in the sales - but even if you need a holiday cover-up, please avoid at all costs. You will look like a tent. Far better are khaki pedal-pushers and a long white or navy sailor top with three-quarter sleeves - a look to suit any age.

Miniskirts Age 35                                                                                                

Lulu: Should have hidden her aged legs with tights

You will be pleased to learn that when I wrote about how old is too old for a miniskirt a decade ago, the cut-off point was 25.  But women now look better for longer, so we can show off our thighs into the cusp of middle age if our knees have stood the test of time.
 

If not, like Lulu, 59, you should hide the damage with opaque tights teamed with flats.

Second-skin dresses             Age: 55

In case you have been having a nap for the past five years or so, in which case you are definitely too old for this trend, skintight dresses are made of very thick, stretchy fabric, and cling to your every curve. They are also quite short.

But I think they can still look good on those of us who are in reasonable shape but have perhaps lost some tautness in the stomach, because they hold us in.  You can find lots of body-contour dresses that end just below the knee, autumn's new sexy length.

But not for those carrying a few extra pounds. 

Pussy-bow blouses Age: 25                                                                             

Madonna: The over 25s should avoid this look

Blouses are tricky as you get older. There are lots of pussy-cat bow ones around this autumn that can make even Madonna, 49, resemble Margaret Thatcher.

My advice, if you are past 25, is to avoid florals, pastels and puff sleeves and go for really luxe fabrics and jewel colours - purple is big this autumn.

Sixties or cropped Age: 40

I see so many women of a certain age in cute, boxy swing jackets and shapeless geometric shifts, but I think post-40 you are far better off in something with a more flattering cut.

Riding jackets and coats are big trend this winter, and will give you a bit of a waist while covering your rear.

Smart with a fashion edge, they will see your outfit through from day to night.

Banana flats Age: 12                                                                                           

Lily Allen: Adults should wear heels

Come on!

Now that you are an adult, do you really want to continue skipping around in silly, flat, often sparkly dancewear?

Lily Allen, 23, usually looks fashionable and fresh in her Fifties-inspired ensembles, but this shapeless dress, teamed with red flats, matching hairband and shades, makes her look like a 12-year-old going to a school disco.

Lace Age: 35

Cherie Blair: More granny than chic in this lace number

Tricky, this one, as lace will be huge this autumn. But Cherie Blair, 53, demonstrates unless you are in your 20s, lace can make you look like a southern European granny.

A cream lace blouse with huge pearls is a great look, but not for the over-35s.

Cleavage Age: 50                                                                                      

Barbara Windsor: A bit too revealing for her age

My friend Caroline, who is in her 60s, tells me she gave up plunging necklines and wrap dresses when she turned 50 because not only did she want to cover up any crepe-like skin, but showing off your breasts is not very classy when you hit that milestone age.

Babs Windsor, who is 71 tomorrow, might be a national treasure, but this neckline is a bit too Albert Square. Far more flattering is a not-too-deep V-neck.               

Sequins Age: 90                                                                                                 

Katie Price: Taking the sequin look far too far

Sequins can be tricky, but it all depends how you wear them. I have a friend in her 80s who, for dinner recently, wore a cream, edge-to-edge silver sequin cardi over a black skirt and looked fabulous.

Sequins can light up your face and will always stop you looking drab. But Jordan, 30, take note - that doesn't include sequinned leggings.

Bikinis Age: 65

Helen Mirren: Unless you have a body like hers at 62, don't show it off

Hmmm, I do believe that when you go on holiday you should be able to relax and wear what makes you happy. But unless you are the extremely toned 62-year-old Helen Mirren (or have a body to match hers), I see no reason why you have to spend the time you have left to the gym rather than just putting a sheer kaftan over the top.
Pirate Boots Age: 29                                                                                        

Heather Mills: Ages herself in pirate boots

All the fashion glossies are pushing these boots for this autumn, but unless you are fond of fly-fishing, these are very difficult to wear (see Heather Mills) and infinitely ageing.

If you wear them over the age of 29, people will think you run a brothel. Conversely, knee-high flat riding or biker boots look fabulous on all women.

Bondage shoes Age: 50

Bondage shoes: Wear with caution over 50

Unless you are the editor of French Vogue, you are best avoiding bondage shoes and lots of constricting straps when you are the wrong side of 50.

Let's face it, your fingers aren't as nimble as they once were at doing things up, and those tiny holes on the straps are miles from your bi-focals.

Far better are slim platforms, flattering thin ankle straps or pointy courts in bright colours (but avoid navy colours unless you want to look 100 years old).

Jumpsuits Age: 30                                                                                            

Jane Fonda: Jumpsuits are highly unflattering on most

What can I say: as you get older you need to be able to undo all those buttons and slip the wretched thing off your shoulders with a great deal of haste.

No, I'm kidding, it's just that this dreadful garment is so unflattering and infantalising on everyone, even if you look as good as Jane Fonda, 70. I want to put you off it.

Ponchos Age: 60

Vanessa Feltz: Wraps up in a shocking poncho

I love this trend for winter. I particularly love all the woollen ponchos with roll-necks (great for hiding crepe-like skin) and asymmetric hems.

Far better than bulky, chunky knits. But you might want to avoid shocking pink, a la Vanessa Feltz, 46.

Dhotis Age: 25                                                                                                  

Kim Cattrall: This outfit is too young for her

Sex And The City's Kim Cattrall, 51, is taking advantage of the fact that these low-slung 'nappy' trousers are very big this autumn. But this is a young woman's fashion.

Try jodhpurs instead, which look great teamed with high heels at any age.

Leather biker jackets Age: 75                                                                                             

Joan Rivers: Looks great in a biker jacket

No, seriously, a nipped-in leather jacket can look fabulous at any age - just check out Joan Rivers, 75. My friend Caroline, who is 65, wears hers with everything, and looks great.

Best not to team it with an old lady perm, though.