The ‘Twiggy effect’ sends women into a fashion frenzy

I have to admit sometimes I am jealous, yes jealous, of the chic little designer clothing ensembles my mother pulls off.

After all, every self-respecting fashionista has to get their style inspiration from someone - but while I thought Mummy Sanders was a rare breed of woman who somehow still manages to look elegant and stylish over the age of 50, if would appear I am wrong.

Clever folk over at the University of Kent have told the Daily Mail that women the wrong side of 50 are becoming increasingly adept at showing off their style thanks to a phenomenon dubbed the ‘Twiggy effect’ in ode to the iconic model and face of Marks and Spencer.

Professor Julia Twigg says that while shopping for clothes used to be an expensive activity, the proliferation of affordable, stylish collections now means women can view clothing as a much more disposable commodity.

Fashion stylist Angela Barnard thinks this is down to the influence of glamorous older celebrities.

"It’s definitely the Twiggy effect. You see her and stars such as Judi Dench and Helen Mirren looking glamorous and fashionable in their sixties, even wearing bikinis, and people want to emulate that," she said.

The fabulous Twiggy has had the Secret Sales stamp of approval ever since she condemned clothing designers who use fur for fashion, saying fake alternatives are "so effective" and easily obtainable nowadays.

How about your mum? Is she as stylish as the likes of Twiggy or are you more likely to catch her in a comfy cardi?