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Like many women, I have discovered a uniform that suits me — and my lifestyle. For me, that means a high-necked blouse and a pair of trousers or jeans.

It’s a classic go-anywhere outfit that I feel confident in and — crucially — is age-appropriate.

Yes, I know that there’s a lot of talk about how age is nothing but a number and you should be able to wear whatever you like, but, I’m sorry, I don’t agree. It might be an unfashionable opinion but, at 59, I am a firm believer in dressing your age. And for me, that means, the more birthdays you’ve enjoyed, the higher your neckline should be.

I’m not a prude — far from it — when I was young I was more than happy to show off my legs in a thigh-skimming mini, or reveal my decollete with a low-cut top, but that was decades ago. As far as I’m concerned, flashing the flesh is for the young and they deserve their time to shine — we’ve been there and now it’s their turn.

My current style is far more modest than it was in my younger years. I’ve always been blonde and big-busted (size 16 on top) so am very conscious of not looking muttoney. And that’s where my love of a power blouse comes in. Just to be clear, I have no intention of becoming invisible, or of not having fun with fashion — far from it on both counts. But a power blouse lets you turn heads.

So what to wear on the bottom? I usually go for comfortable loose size 14 trousers or a pair of jeans like these from Good American. I brought them with me to the fashion shoot because I love them so much I always wear them when I can! At a little over £100, they aren’t cheap but I’ve never regretted splashing out. It’s hard to find good smart denim over 50 and you can’t go wrong with this brand — especially if you are not a standard size 10.

At the shoot, I rifled through a rail packed with high-necked blouses from the High Street and tried on 26 of them. These seven are hands down the best of the bunch, from just £36…

Just loved, loved, loved this one! The colour, the fabric, the fit, the sexy sheer sleeves which could easily work for a glamorous evening do. The front zip (which I would keep firmly up to the top) meant I didn’t have to reach round to do up at the back which really gets a lot more difficult as you get older

Although they call it olive, I’d say this thin pleat satin blouse was gold, and a great colour that would take you through the Christmas season, day or night. It had a really glamorous feel to it and the shimmering, loose pleats were very good at hiding my assets.

This didn’t have hanger appeal – the combination of the florals and the bow looked a bit much. But once on, I was sold. It feels so glamorous and could hide a multitude of sins as the pattern and the design cover everything up.

This comes with a belt which is definitely NOT needed as the blouse is too short in the body for that, but without it’s divine. Colour and fabric are are on point for this season and it would be gorgeous with chocolate brown trousers or a skirt too.

While I’m not usually a big fan of leopard print, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this floaty chiffon blouse. The fabric and fit just worked really well together and the neckline was super-flattering.

I haven’t shopped in Next in ages but I am so impressed by this khaki green blouse with gold detail on the neck that immediately draws the eye away from the bust and great detail on the cuffs. Such good value for money, and available in sizes 6 through to 26.

The fit and the soft fabric are simply a revelation. The neck isn’t too tight, and there is a slight dip in the cut at the back which covers your bottom in such an elegant way. This could be daytime or evening and is a shirt to last you a lifetime that’s worth every penny.

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CLAIRE CISOTTI: I’m a 59-year-old editor and I’ve just tried on 26 High Street blouses. These are the 7 that will make you look slim, stylish and youthful (and the perfect jeans that every woman over a size 10 needs!)