In July's issue of O Magazine [1], the stunning Ellen Barkin dishes about life as a 53 year old woman -- can we all agree that she looks amazing ? She says she feels more comfortable at 53 than she did at 35, admitting that she would rather discover herself at this age than in her earlier years, a feeling many women share.

By following these 10 simple rules, Ellen proves that 50 is the new 40:

1. Don't wear your hair longer than to your collarbone
2. No red lipstick, unless you have dark or olive skin. It's aging
3. No blue jeans to dinner out. (But black jeans are okay)
4. Don't expose your knees. And cover up. Don't try to compete with 20-year-olds. A woman between 40 and forever looks great because she has style, not because she shows off her body
5. Don't ever wear anything strapless
6. But at the beach, if you have a toned body, rock that bikini for as long as you like
7. No miniskirts. A short skirt is okay with black tights
8. Don't ever revisit a trend you lived through once before
9. Don't wear hats, except to keep the sun off your face. A hat makes you look as if you're trying to get noticed
10. Wear fewer accessories, and keep your look clean

So ladies, as you get more mature and more wise with age, do tell, do you live by a new set of "rules" like Ellen does?

Source [2]