Helen Mirren is hot

At age 65, Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren continues to take sex appeal to a new level. Ever wondered whether you should wear a bikini in your 50s and 60s? If you're Mirren, it's a definite fashion do. "Calendar Girls" anyone?

With no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Mirren received a career achievement award yesterday at CinemaCon, the annual convention and trade show for movie theater owners (formerly called ShoWest) in Las Vegas. She's also starring in the much-anticipated remake of "Arthur," with Russell Brand and Jennifer Garner, due out April 8, and will make her debut as host of "Saturday Night Live" the following evening.

Mirren proves that talented actresses of any age can compete with Hollywood starlets on the big screen. But she can show them up on the red carpet as well. It's a fact that Mirren still looks good in a bikini, but her real talent is masterfully exuding elegance fully clothed.

Never one to shy away from an opportunity to look devilishly sublime on the red carpet, Mirren took the Sunday going-to-church suit and gave it a much-needed makeover when she attended a special screening of her film "The Tempest" when it opened recently in London. She added some peek-a-boo cleavage and a flirty bubble skirt. To transform her skirt suit from business attire to red carpet-ready, she chose an uber-chunky statement necklace, sleek silver envelope clutch and nude heels.

A skirt suit is always great for the office, but you'll need to find one with character if you're going to wear it for after-work drinks. Mirren chose a striped version, but any pretty print, unique hemline or belt accent can turn your skirt suit into evening wear. Among our finds: a Tahari by ASL suit, with a fun belted jacket and skirt for $139.99 at Macy's; a Nine & Co. skirt suit from JC Penney in a chic tweed for $59.99; and a skirt suit from Metrostyle.com with a flirty pleated hemline for $47.99.

Statement jewelry pieces are an inexpensive way to add a fancy factor to any outfit, whether it's a skirt suit or a plain colored T-shirt and jeans. They make you feel like you're playing a modern version of dress-up, without the boring pearls. Get Mirren's chunky jewelry look with the Fanned branches bibbed necklace from Banana Republic for $41.50 or the Tinley Road three-layer necklace from Piperlime.com for $18.99.

For any style-conscious woman on a budget, to say that a go-to reversible clutch is a golden find would be a gross understatement. We're talking best-use-of-money-ever status. This reversible clutch by Nine West for $39.99 gives you a silver sheen for day and a little black clutch for your evening cocktail party.

A good pair of nude-colored heels should leave you just as giddy. They go with anything and everything and can be your closet's best asset. Kohl's carries a pair of Elle Yalena platform high heels for $39.99.