Looking old? Do something about it.

Fashion expert Charla Krupp gives her advice on looking young. (Timothy Hogan)

Charla Krupp made a name for herself in the fashion and beauty industry for her real woman's approach to style. As a beauty director for Glamour and senior editor at InStyle, she's hosted more than 100 style segments on NBC's "Today Show." Now, this fashion veteran writes the column "Fashion for Grownups" for More magazine and compiled her trademark style tips into the book "How Not to Look Old," out yesterday. In it, she instructs women on the dos (wear high heels) and don'ts (never bring your jeans to the drycleaner) of looking effortlessly chic if you're over 40. We recently caught up with Krupp to talk about the book and glean a few tips from the expert. The first? Don't ask how old she is. - KATE M. JACKSON

So, how old are you, Charla?
(Laughs.) You're the first person who's asked me that but I'm prepared for the question. I'm not answering it. Never, ever ask a woman over 40 their age. It doesn't matter if someone's 42 or 62.

I guess that's why you wrote the book on how not to look old. I wouldn't have guessed you were over 40.
Thank you. Yes, I thought it was time to put all of this information into one book for several reasons. Of course, it's always important for women to pay attention to the way they look. Looking good gives women confidence. But it's even more important for boomer women these days. They have to compete with the younger generation. At work, they're being downsized and forced to retire before they're ready. Many of these women are single, others are taking care of their families, some are even taking care of their parents. Women are living longer today and can't afford to have their power and livelihood taken away before they're ready. Face it, if you look gray and dated, if you don't feel good about yourself, there can be a domino effect both personally and professionally.

So in order to stay relevant, it's crucial to look young and hip.
Yes. But that doesn't necessarily mean you have to dress like a 25-year-old to look young and hip. You have to recognize what's too young, too old, and what's right for you. That's what this book does, in essence - it helps women over 40 find their own personal style.

What are some of the most common traps women over 40 fall into?
One thing I see is women wearing lipstick that is too dark. If you just put on some pink lipstick, you'd be amazed at how much younger you look. Also, lip-liner that is darker than the lipstick. That has to go. Heavy dark eyeliner, acrylic nails, red nail polish - all of these things can age you. Other traps include dressing like your teenager.

What's one thing a woman could go out and do today to look a little younger?
Their eyebrows. Some women have never had their brows shaped in their entire lives. It's such an easy thing to do; it lifts up your entire face and can make such a difference. It's like an instant facelift.

What is your take on Botox and plastic surgery?
I think Isaac Mizrahi said it best, "If you want to look 70, get a facelift." Once you start down that plastic surgery road, it's hard to stop. But, let's face it, once you really have deep furrows, a cream is not going to do the trick. Still, there are so many other options aside from plastic surgery these days. There are peels, microdermabrasion, LED photopulsation. Also, the injections like Botox, Restylane, and Cosmoderm are becoming more available and affordable and they offer instant results. I'm a big fan.

What is the most important point that you'd like women to take away from your book?
That it's OK to spend time and money on yourself. Looking good and feeling good is important both personally and professionally.