Dame Helen Mirren was yesterday (Fri) hailed as the ultimate style icon - for women over 50.
The Oscar-winning actress, most famous for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen, was lauded for her classic, elegant and understated look.
Mirren, who also graced our screens with roles in Calendar Girls and Gosford Park, beat world-renowned model and face of the swinging sixties, Twiggy, to claim the title.
Actress turned activist Joanna Lumley was third.
Rounding off the top five were sixties pop sensation Lulu and first lady of British cinema, Dame Judi Dench.
A spokeswoman for clothing brand Viyella, who carried out the poll, said: ''Dame Helen Mirren has as much style, grace and elegance off screen as she does on it and is a fitting icon for the women of her generation.
''All too often we are bombarded with images of youth and temporary trends, so it's great to see such a varied list filled with women of real class.''
Victoria Beckham was also named as one of the biggest style icons for women over 50.
The glamorous mum-of-four made a surprise appearance just outside the top five in the poll of 1,000 women.
The former Spice Girl was the youngest woman to feature in the top 20, showing she still has the pulling power to appeal to those with more refined tastes.
Kylie Minogue is hitting the note with our British ladies at number 12, while showbiz judge Amanda Holden has the talent to take 14th.
While another surprise appearance was that of Samantha Cameron - the Prime Minister's wife bringing her to the foreground at 15th.
Creeping into the top 20 and never far from any style debate was supermodel Kate Moss.Additionally, 85 per cent of the over 50s who were polled said they had their own style.
Nine out of ten women said they took pride in their appearance and more than half said they never worry about dressing inappropriately for their age.
In fact, nine out of ten women said they dress for themselves, with the majority admitting they have enjoyed shopping more the older they have got.
A Viyella spokeswoman added: ''Victoria Beckham has proven once again that she carries universal appeal.
''As the youngest woman in the results, she shows that women in their fifties aren't afraid to embrace younger styles when they're done the right way.''
''These results show that age really isn't a barrier to style or confidence. In fact, it can be quite the opposite.
''It's inspiring to see that many women over fifty are more comfortable in their self, confident in their style and brave enough to explore new clothing options.''
TOP 20 STYLE ICONS FOR WOMEN OVER 50
- Helen Mirren
- Twiggy
- Joanna Lumley
- Lulu
- Judi Dench
- Victoria Beckham
- Elle Macpherson
- Carol Vorderman
- Carole Middleton
- Nigella Lawson
- Jane Seymour
- Kylie Minogue
- Susan Sarandon
- Amanda Holden
- Samantha Cameron
- Demi Moore
- Tess Daly
- Elizabeth Hurley
- Sarah Ferguson
- Kate Moss
