For women who think it doesn't really matter how old they look, this recession may be just the time to reassess. Charla Krupp, who wrote the essential 2008 bestseller How Not to Look Old, says appearing younger and hip is even more important in tough economic times. "When I wrote [my book] I cared about women staying in their jobs longer. Now that everybody is being let go, women need to have a competitive edge."

That doesn't just mean working harder -- it means not looking dated. "No one wants to work with old ladies!" exclaims Krupp, appearing anything but in her chic print dress with her glowing skin. "It's not like you're trying to look like you're 20 years old," she says. "You just want to look fresh, current and ageless. You want to look modern." You definitely don't want to look what she calls OL (Old Lady).

And it doesn't have to cost a fortune to update your style. Here are some simple ways to look -- and feel -- younger:

1. Don't wear reading glasses on a chain around your neck: "That is so OL," Krupp says, laughing. "It's a sign you can't remember where you left your glasses. Why are you advertising that? Put them on your head. Or put them all over the place, so wherever you look you have them." And don't wear those necklaces with charms for each of your kids. "Would you wear a necklace saying you're 60?"

2. Think pink lipstick: One of the quickest ways to look younger is to wear pink lipstick -- and don't forget to gloss. It'll make your lips look plumper instantly and brighten up your face. Dark lipstick seeps into the cracks around the upper lip no matter what you do, Krupp advises. If you wear light pink, no one will notice.

3. Drop the dates off your résumé: Really, just take them off. Most people won't even notice. Plus, Krupp says, don't write about all the little jobs you did 30 years ago. Keep your résumé focused on the big picture.

4. Trim some bangs: Don't want to get Botox for forehead wrinkles? Just cut bangs to disguise them. "They're a great trick for an older woman," Krupp says. And they'll bring the attention to your eyes, which is where you want people to look anyway. You can wear the bangs straight across your forehead, but avoid an out-of-date Louise Brooks fringe. Just make sure the bangs are casual and not too short. You can wear them brushed to the side too.