The new rules of 40-something style Forget the old rules about hemlines. A raft of celebrities turn 40 in 2014 - starting with Kate Moss - proving that the old edicts are definitely out of style Don't think you have to cover up In her new film, American Hustle , Amy Adams (40 on August 20th) wears necklines slashed to the waist. Chloe Sevigny (40 on November 18th) still rocks short shorts like a pro. And Victoria Beckham (40 on April 17th) hasn't worn opaque tights since 1979. "Many of my clients over 40 look fantastic in a short dress or something body conscious - it's about accentuating your best attributes," says celebrity stylist Tanya Gill , who has worked with Hilary Swank (40 on July 30th). The same advice applies to hair, with lots of women hiding behind blunt fringes as they get older. "They aren't flattering," says Sarah-Louise Okin, creative director at Daniel Hersheson . They draw attention down to your neck and jowls. I love what I call the Freya Beha fringe: it's open, and draws attention to your eyes. Amy Adams in American Hustle and right: Chloe Sevigny Consider colour While Beckham almost exclusively stays safe in black these days, plenty of her peers are proving pastels and prints don't look babyish on grown-ups. Just look at Eva Mendes (40 on March 5th, below): she's regularly spotted in pale pinks, strong reds and florals, and never looks anything but cool. "Colour and print can be very flattering and should definitely not be avoided," says Selfridges personal shopper Kitty Cooper. Eva Mendes loves pastels Embrace your own look "By 40, I would hope you know what looks good on you - but if you don't, find someone who can advise you," says Gill. It'll be money well spent. And the same advice applies to hair. "As they get older, a lot of women either embrace who they are or start to feel more insecure," says Okin, who observes that when people bring in celebrity pictures as references for their haircuts, they tend to bring ones of women older than themselves. Bring in pictures of Alexa Chung or Olivia Palermo - we'll find a way to make it work on you. Don't chuck out the skinnies Mom jeans may be back , but if you can remember them the first time around, you'll need stratospheric levels of confidence to carry them off - they're possibly best left to the teenagers. Instead, stick with skinnies. "Skinny jeans can be worn at any age," insists Cooper. Look no further than Moss herself: her vast collection is almost surgically attached - no danger of her giving them up any time soon. Choose quality... What looks like dressing up on the kids looks chic and cool on grown-ups, so splurge on quality fabrics. "Relaxed natural fabrics like cashmere and silk are sophisticated and flattering," says Cooper. And rare is the 40-something celebrity who hasn't worn a tux to a red carpet event - Moss, Beckham and Penelope Cruz (40 on April 28th) are already fans. ... but don't ignore trends Worried about the dreaded "mutton dressed as lamb" look? It's all in the styling, says Cooper. Slip-on skate shoes, like Phoebe Philo's for Céline are chic with cigarette pants and a simple jumper. Statement sweaters and sweatshirts - like the Givenchy Bambi one - look great with a knee length black pencil skirt and high heels, a la Carine Roitfeld. And slogan t-shirts can make a more demure outfit unique - tuck them into a floaty mid-length skirt and wear them with low heels. "Own the look and be happy with yourself," adds Gill. Forty is just a number. 'Burnout' sweater, £36 from Topshop. Neoprene dress, £12.99 (in sale) from Zara