The very concept of a level playing field is anathema to fashion. This is unfair, politically incorrect, and makes People Like Us very cross. But it is what it is: if you are young, beautiful and slim, you have a head start when it comes to looking fabulous, before we even start on finances.

So when youth and beauty are taken out of the equation, the best-dressed competition becomes a little fairer, and more interesting. Even the most genetically blessed find that while cheekbones may last, the spell cast by youthful beauty loses its power to bewitch. Beauty fades; style becomes more important.

With this in mind, we present the 50 over 50. It's more interesting than your average best-dressed list, because style over 50 has a depth of character with which no youngster can compete, however good she may look in hotpants.

This may be the only fashion feature you read this season that does not include a photograph of Cara Delevingne. For this we offer no apologies whatsoever