Women of a certain age are challenging perceived notion of attractiveness

We have been conditioned to believe that only men get better with age, suggests Paula Burns.

Christie Brinkley

You know the distinguished salt and pepper look that the Harrison Fords and George Clooneys of the world have made famous and desirable.

But in recent years, women have been stepping up making 50 the new age of beauty.

The latest Sports Illustrated Swimwear issue stars 56-year-old model Nicola Griffin.

The single mum of two from Nottingham is seen coming out of the water, pulling back her long mane of grey locks wearing a gold bikini.

The image lends a certain Bond-girl moment to it.

Not only is Griffin the oldest ever Sports Illustrated swimwear model, she is also 30 years older than the usual swimwear issue star.

This may prove problematic for some but not with Griffin at the reign. Her image is stunning and oozes sexiness.

Not bad for a woman who only starting modelling in her 50s.

Nicola Griffin in Sports Illustrated

Looking at the Sports Illustrated shots and those of her previous campaigns with Anne Scholz plus size clothing and JD Williams’s Lingerie, it’s no wonder that the striking Griffin was scouted.

It was while queuing in a bank with her twin daughters one day, that Griffin caught the eye of a scout from the White Hot Hair Company.

Thanks to her grey locks she was the perfect fit for the company.

That was just three years ago and since then the curvy size 16 has forged a credible modelling career resulting in her landing her biggest job to date with Sports Illustrated.

Despite being a pin-up the Nottingham model stays true to herself.

There’s no retouching even for the Sports Illustrated piece.

“I have a big tummy, but I gave birth to two 7lbs babies at the same time. This is how a beautiful woman should, can and does look”, said Griffin in a recent interview with The Telegraph.

“It is not a flat stomach, it is rounded. This is me. It has not been photo shopped and I have not gone on a diet.”

It was recently reported that 60% of women over 50 feel underrepresented in the media.

But thanks to the Sports Illustrated shoot, women of Griffins age are beginning to feel a shift in the media.

“I have had wonderful feedback from normal ladies, who are saying this is a breakthrough,” says Griffin.

In January 2014 at the tender age of just 60, former model Christie Brinkley set the red carpet ablaze at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 50th anniversary celebration in Hollywood.

Christie Brinkley

Wearing a micro-mini long-sleeved black dress Brinkley let her amazing, toned, bronzed legs do all the talking.

Society may tell us that after a certain age you should put it away but why?

Yes, there are those fearful moments of mutton being made up as lamb, but if you have great legs, show them off.

Do as Brinkley did and opt for a long sleeves.

Just because you’re that little bit older doesn’t mean you should hide your best assets.

Ever since minimalist design house Celine featured 80-year-old Joan Didion in its spring/summer 15 campaign, designers have been looking to the mature ladies to represent their brands.

And why not? Women over 50 are design houses target age bracket because they now have disposable cash.

Designer of the moment, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain has just enlisted the ‘Supers’ as the stars of his spring/summer 16 campaign.

Cindy Crawford

Veterans of the modelling world, Cindy Crawford has just turned 50 with Naomi and Claudia aged 45.

They dominated the world of fashion through the 80s and 90s and this latest campaign is a testament to the girls still owning their ‘Supermodel’ crowns.

Keeping with the ‘Supers’, 51-year-old Elle Macpherson may be the school- run icon but judging from recent bikini pics her reign as ‘The Body’ remains firmly intact.

Elle Macpherson

It’s not just the older models of the world giving us body and beauty envy.

There are plenty of Hollywood stars proving that being over 50 doesn’t mean you’re ready for the used pile.

Julianne Moore is a constant winner of the best dressed on the red carpet. The 55-year-old never disappoints.

Her love of statuesque, figure-hugging gowns show off her stunning figure. Matched with beautiful porcelain skin, Moore is the over-50s inspiration.

Julianne Moore

Who could forget Kim Cattrall’s awe-inspiring nakedness from Sex and The City?

Ten years on, now at the age of 59, you would be forgiven for thinking the actress best known as Samantha Jones has been frozen in time.

Closer to home our Irish celeb scene is filled with inspirational women over 50.

Former model turned fashion stylist Celia Holman Lee continues to defy age.

Aged 65 and never falling for Botox, she always looks elegant.

Her secret: “I make my body more youthful-looking by standing straight and holding myself correctly.”

Celia Holman

Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan is the definition of the yummy mummy. With a brood of eight the 56-year-old is an inspiration.

Known for her unique and daring style O’Callaghan isn’t afraid of highlighting her assets.

What is it that makes these women of a certain age stand out from the crowd?

Apart from good genetics, skin and exercise regimes it’s all about how you present yourself.

Your 50s are all about confidence.

By now you know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to your wardrobe.

Bring that confidence into what you’re wearing. And don’t be afraid to show off your best qualities.

Susan Sarandon was recently wrongly ‘body shamed’ online for wearing a revealing bra top under a tuxedo suit jacket at the SAG Awards.

The 69-year-old actress bared a bit of cleavage while following all the style rules of covering up by wearing a suit jacket and trousers.

Susan Sarandon

Sarandon was far from doing a risqué Miley Cyrus moment but the sight of some flesh left the fashion critics divided. But don’t let this put you off baring a bit of skin.

If those Pilates classes are creating pins to die for then get them out.

Just always stick to the style rule of legs out, top covered and vice versa.

Being Fab at 50 isn’t an unattainable fairy tale myth.

In the past reaching the big 50 was looked at as the beginning of the end.

Now it’s the beginning of a new chapter.

STYLE RULES

Cleavage: If you have it flaunt it. But stay clear of hoisting it up too much, the ‘I could carry a tray of drinks with these’ is never a good look for any age. Remember cleavage out legs in.

Legs: If you’re lucky enough to have avoided varicose veins then get those pins out.

Don’t be afraid of the shorter skirt as long as the top is covered.

Also black opaque tights are not only right on trend but are an instant way of sculpting the leg.

Swimwear: Swimwear can be tricky no matter how old you are.

Khloe Kardashian who is in her 20s is a big advocate of the one-piece, which is having its style moment.

Of course if you’re proud of your body and the yoga is paying off then opt for a bikini.

However, maybe go for something a bit more sturdy than a string bikini.

Arms: The dreaded bat wings can send the ultimate fear into the most confident of women. Showing them off can be easily avoided.

Choose a cap sleeve or the 50’s inspired three-quarter length sleeve that works with all styles of dresses including the cocktail dress.

Even with a touch of the wrist showing you won’t feel so covered up.

Hair: Hair colour is such a personal thing. Whatever makes you feel comfortable and whatever suits your skin tone then stick with it.

If grey tickles your fancy then don’t be afraid to embrace it.

Nicola Griffin is proof that grey can be not only striking but youthful too.

Top tip: Find a colourist to whom you would entrust your life, the rest falls into place.