I may be 40-something but I still celebrate all things young -- music, clothes, popular culture -- without actually trying (or wanting) to be young again. It's an important distinction because there's nothing sadder than a middle-age woman trying to dress or act half her age. Going into Fashion Week, I know it's difficult to decipher trends because so many of them -- skinny jeans, long print maxis -- are geared to young women.
Behind the youthful facade of fashion are plenty of seasoned (and wrinkled) faces running the show, so you'd think mature women would have better guidance about how to dress. Most notably, at 59 is Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and influential grandmas/designers (Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson). Even supermodel Christie Brinkley (pictured, left) qualifies for a senior citizen discount (she's 55). With all of these glamorous role models over 50 you'd think it would be easy for women of a certain age to find fashionable, age-appropriate clothing. But it still isn't. (Photo Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
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Valentina
Your comments are sooo true. One magazine showed over 70s in beige (boring), a suit (needs stockings?) and those high-high heels.
My over 70 friends and I LIKE color. We like reasonably fitted clothing, and none of the yucky maternity top looks. Most of us aren’t fat, but not skinny either, and certainly not pregnant.
Most wear pants, shorts in hot weather, and tops, shirts, and blouses, and we wear jewelry.
Women over 70 can be beautiful for their age.
Thanks for the article.
With all the older women in the fashion biz you would think that someone would be able to design for a older woman…and not tent dresses. To find a top that is not skin tight,see-thru,short, or with no sleeve or better yet with elastic around the sleeves would be heaven sent. Good name for a line “Heaven Sent”…lol anyone hear me?