Helen Mirren hit the headlines stepping out in a bikini on a recent holiday to Italy. Wearing siren red, the 62-year-old actress isn't afraid of embracing colour and silencing the age-critics.

Ms Mirren has obviously taken a leaf out of Colour Me Beautiful's new book, Colour Me Younger, which has all the hints you need to rethink your wardrobe and roll back the years.

The CMB theory isn't about chucking on the leggings and slogan tees to embrace your youth, but wearing the most flattering shades to suit your colouring.

"Your colouring – your hair, skin and eyes – take on a different appearance depending on what you are wearing," explains Pat Henshaw, co-author of Colour Me Younger.

"If you select a colour that harmonises with your own colouring, it will reflect similar tones and shades in your face, enhancing your natural look.

"Choose an inappropriate colour, however, and you run the risk of casting dark shadows across your face, emphasising the lines that age you and making your skin, hair and eyes look dull," Pat warns.

Ready for an anti-ageing wardrobe revamp? Colour Me Beautiful guides you through what to wear, and what not to wear, according to your individual colouring.


Warm dominant


CHARACTERISTICS: Strawberry blonde to auburn hair; blue, green or hazel eyes; freckled or golden skin.

CELEBRITY: Maggie Smith or Sarah Ferguson (below).

BUY: Yellow-based colours near your face will flatter and harmonise your complexion. Wear bright, contrasting shades. Darker, neutrals like light navy or olive need to be complemented with lighter shades near your face.

BEWARE OF: Pink clothes – go for a yellow-based coral or apricot rather than a blue-based pink. Swap your black for charcoal or chocolate.


Cool dominant


CHARACTERISTICS: Ash blonde, black or grey hair; blue, grey or cool brown eyes; cool (pink or blue) undertones to skin.

CELEBRITY: Annie Lennox (right) or Camilla Parker Bowles.

BUY: Red is a great colour with grey hair. Go for blues and greens rather than black and navy for a more youthful look if your hair is light.

BEWARE OF: Wearing any beige or taupe pieces – they need strong, cool colours to accompany them. Ban anything with a yellow undertone from your wardrobe.


Light dominant


CHARACTERISTICS: Light blonde or white hair; light blue or green eyes; porcelain skin.

CELEBRITY: Helen Mirren or Joely Richardson.

BUY: A fresh and feminine palette of light and pastel shades to suit your colouring. For neutrals, medium grey, taupe and lighter shades of navy will give you a more youthful look.

BEWARE OF: Wearing two dark colours together, which will overpower your natural colouring. Don't buy a dark winter coat – camel is a great option for you.


Soft dominant

CHARACTERISTICS: Mousy, often highlighted hair; soft brown, green or blue eyes; neutral complexion.

CELEBRITY: Twiggy or Sarah Jessica Parker.

BUY: Colours that blend together rather than clothes with high contrast. Lift the darker shades in your wardrobe with colours one or two tones lighter.

BEWARE OF: Shades like natural beige if your hair is grey. Stand-out or contrast accessories should be avoided,


Deep dominant


CHARACTERISTICS: Black to dark brown hair; dark brown eyes; anything from very dark to very pale skin.

CELEBRITY: Nigella Lawson or Diana Ross.

BUY: Adding shades of red and pink will soften the effects of dark colours on the face and achieve a more youthful look. You're one of the lucky few who can carry off black.

BEWARE OF: Wearing two light colours together. Whites, taupes or beiges won't work for your colouring. Pastel shades should be worn as a contrast with darker colours.


Clear dominant


CHARACTERISTICS: Medium to dark brown hair; bright blue, green or topaz eyes with a clear fresh complexion.

CELEBRITY: Liz Hurley (right) or Oprah Winfrey.

BUY: Black, but add bright colours to it. Always wear contrasting or bright colours near your face. Contrasting coloured accessories are great for adding to your neutrals.

BEWARE OF: Beige and taupe needs to be avoided, especially near your face. Don't wear dark colours on their own and avoid wearing two pale colours near your face.