My secrets to a stylish 50s? Slather olive oil on your hair and NEVER wear beige! 

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My mother’s the one I should thank. Not just for passing on the genes for long legs and thick hair, but for bringing me up with style and skincare habits that I have kept up for life.

She was a big believer in avoiding sugar (long before it was fashionable to do so), drinking a lot of water and getting enough sleep. Her best beauty tip — one I still follow religiously to this day — was to slather my hair and skin in olive oil, once a week, to keep both soft and supple. But more important than any of this was her attitude towards getting older.

So many people seem to give up making an effort. But my mother, Marjorie, never did, and as a result, she wasn’t just fabulous into her 50s, but looked beautiful, long beyond, into her 80s.

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Jerry loves her luscious long locks and has been inspired by her mother who was glamorous into her old age

She loved to dress up and look glamorous, right to the end, two years ago. Like me, she had a signature hairstyle, and every week she went to the hairdresser to have it set into beautiful, sculpted waves.

So no wonder you won’t find me suggesting that a woman should cut off her hair when she reaches a certain age. My long, blonde hair has been my trademark ever since I started modelling in the Seventies, when I was scouted sunbathing in St Tropez.

I am now 58, and it was cut to shoulder-length for a L’Oreal advert earlier this year. While I liked it — it certainly made it look fuller — it’s already grown three inches since then and I have to admit, I prefer it longer. Where I hail from in Mesquite, Texas, a lot of women my age have long hair. The main thing is that it isn’t thin or straggly — if that’s the case, you’re better off cutting it; but if it suits your face and figure, what’s the need?

Jade and Karis Jagger with Jerry and her mother Marjorie, who she credits for her long legs and healthy hair

The other big decision is whether to go grey or to keep reaching for the dye bottle. I love the look of grey streaks in hair — on someone else. But I’ve been colouring my hair blonde since I was 14, and I don’t see any reason why I should stop now.

At work, my hair takes a lot of punishment from hot rollers and curling tongs, but the olive oil keeps it beautifully shiny.

On Sunday nights I massage it in, like my mother taught me, tuck my hair under a shower cap, tie a scarf over it and leave it as long as I can. Overnight is ideal, but it can stain pillow cases, so I tend to let it soak in while watching a film, before washing it out using Philip Kingsley’s shampoos and conditioners.

When it comes to clothing, I’ve got one really hard and fast rule: never wear beige. That’s such an old-lady colour. Having said that, I think that the colours I choose these days are a bit softer than they used to be.

Harsh, hot pinks can look inappropriate and draining to the complexion, and I think patterns are ageing. I love greens and blues and silvers, which bring out my eyes and hair. Black is always good in the evening, and red is stunning.

Another rule is never, ever to wear anything with an elasticated waist — jogging pants are only for jogging. That’s the beginning of the end: you won’t know when your waistline starts expanding and it’s time to cut out desserts.

My other firm rule is to keep updating my wardrobe, although these days, I follow trends only if I know the cut will suit me and my figure. And I’ll clear clothes out and trade them in at TK Maxx, who sell them on at Cancer Research shops, so I have the space.

Elizabeth Jagger with her mum Jerry who says she tries to look classy rather than sexy

Jerry Hall, 58, with her daughter Georgia. She says it is crucial to keep ahead of trends but dress age appropriately

I’ve still got lots of vintage clothes from my modelling days, but I’ve handed most of those over to my daughters. I’ve always worn a lot of Chanel and Vivienne Westwood, and right now I like Dolce & Gabbana, because the clothes are elegant and age-appropriate, but sexy at the same time.

At my age, though, you want to look classy, rather than as if you’re trying too hard to be sexy. I was famous for my legs, but when she was a teenager my daughter Georgia, 22, told me my mini-skirts were too short, so I auctioned them off for charity at Sotheby’s.

These days, my skirts don’t go higher than a couple of inches above the knee, and that’s with opaque tights underneath.

It’s the same with cleavage: a little bit on show can be very nice if you’re going out in the evening, but a plunging top tends to look a bit tacky. And as for leggings — avoid them like the plague. They’re for young girls only.

On the other hand, I think a good pair of jeans is an essential item in every stylish woman’s wardrobe —whatever her age. If they fit well, they’re the most flattering thing in the universe.

Avoid bell-bottoms, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans or anything ripped. What you want is a good quality pair of simple, straight jeans in a slightly traditional cut. That’s what I usually wear during the day, with a shirt or a turtleneck jumper from Brora or Joseph.

I’m a big fan of leather trousers. I have a pair from Calvin Klein which are smart, comfortable and just a bit edgy — if you have the figure to carry them off. A good coat is also a must, but there’s no need to spend a lot of money.

You can find great classic styles in High Street shops such as Hobbs. I never think it’s worth splashing out on a coat, because you’re always going to leave it in the cloakroom if you’re going anywhere smart.

When it comes to jewellery, less is more as you get older. Just before I go out to a party, I look at myself in the mirror and take off half of the jewellery I’m wearing. Anything that rattles or clanks is just too dowager duchess.

Jerry Hall with her then husband, Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger. She says their divorce made her look older.

Pearls reflect the light beautifully and are so flattering to the skin, but personally, I think there’s nothing wrong with a bit of costume jewellery, as long as you don’t pile it on. I wear Swarovski crystal bangles that people assume are real.

As I don’t need the extra height, I can wear flat shoes and run around during the day in ballerina pumps. But whatever a woman’s height, the good news is that as you get older comfort and style become synonymous: really tall shoes look tacky on anyone but young girls. Much better to wear an elegant kitten heel, which is a lot more comfortable into the bargain.

My universal tip, which I’ve learned through years of bitter experience, is never to buy any shoe that isn’t comfortable from the start, in the shop. There’s nothing less chic than hobbling along, wincing with every step you take.

I wouldn’t go out without make-up, but as I’ve got older, I prefer a slightly lighter look. My favourite moisturiser is a Dr Hauschka face oil, followed by a light foundation from Rachel Riley and no powder: you have to be very careful, or it gets into the lines.

On my cheekbones and under my chin I wear a Tom Ford cream shader to increase facial definition. I still love the red lipstick, black eyeliner and mascara I’ve always worn, but I’m always careful to take it off before I go to bed.

I do have one very bad habit, however: I still love a tan. I’ve tried faking it, but I have a boat in the South of France and, even though I put sunblock on religiously, I always end up with a real tan. I must say, it does feel and look wonderful.

The important thing is not to go out at midday and never to get burned. And slathering olive oil on my skin once a week, just like I do to my hair, makes sure it stays soft.

Of course, I watch what I eat — a lot of protein and vegetables, not many carbohydrates, no sugar and never desserts — but I like a glass of good red wine if I go out for dinner. Although I know caffeine is supposed to be bad for the skin, I just can’t give up my morning coffee — and as a weekend treat, I’ll always have a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon.

I always used to say that housework and my love life were enough to keep me in trim — but these days I swim, walk the dog, and do yoga twice a week to stay in shape. Every morning I do sit-ups, and about three times a week, I lift little dumb-bells to keep my upper arms firm. If you have good posture and you keep your stomach flat and your arms slender, that keeps you looking years younger than any amount of surgery.

With her current boyfriend Armand Leroi who she credits for her happiness and youthful appearance

Some women of my age swear by the odd nip and tuck, but I think it makes perfectly intelligent women look like lunatics. I’ve always said I won’t go there, and I haven’t changed my mind. I’m going to try to grow old gracefully instead.

The problem with cosmetic surgery is that people who have it can only see how they look in the mirror. They don’t realise how weird they look from other angles. I particularly hate the injections that puff out the face, which are hideous.

I’m against Botox, too. For one thing, it’s very bad for your health to put poison in your forehead, and for another, if you paralyse the expression, you don’t feel emotions properly.

My solution is not to look in the magnifying mirror. After all, there’s something very handsome about an older woman who looks healthy and natural.

And the real elixir of youth is happiness. I’m fully aware of how lucky I am: I have four beautiful children who are all doing well, lots of friends and a lovely boyfriend, scientist Armand Leroi —there’s nothing like love to make you look beautiful.

Mick and I were together for 23 years and we had some very happy times, but when we were splitting up, I’m sure I looked much older. A divorce is a horrible thing, but we have managed to stay friends.

So my most important secret of all is not to be bitter and angry. Keep smiling, and at least your wrinkles will be laughter lines.

Jerry Hall is supporting the Give Up Clothes For Good campaign, a partnership between TK Maxx and Cancer Research UK to raise money to beat kids’ cancer sooner. For more information, visit tkmaxx.com