Today's Women of Age

Okay, the title is a little tongue in cheek, but I got thinking about this issue because an article came out a few years back citing a British survey that found women over 53 should stop wearing jeans. At the time I was well over 53 and Levi jeans were and still are a staple my wardrobe and had been since my teen years.

The survey explained that once past that age it becomes harder to find a pair that fit, subtly saying our bodies are now a mess. And granted our shape typically changes over time for a variety of reasons, but let’s be real, jeans come in a zillion different sizes, some even in stretchier, more forgiving fabrics.

One of the things I like about a good pair of jeans is their ability to be dressed up or down. Helen Mirren (now age 79) rocks this look and I think it’s one that would work on different body types and sizes.

And let’s face it jeans are hard-wearing and washable. So thank you very much, but I’ll continue to wear them.

Another source of consternation for some members of our society regarding the more mature woman is the sight of crepey skin. Beautiful internet personality Candace Cima, now 77, writes and talks about a variety of aging issues, but definitely enjoys focusing on fashion. She models clothes that can then be bought through her affiliate links. After one of her try-on videos, a plethora of viewers body shamed her saying she needed to cover up her arms. Candace shared in a Today.com article that this is not the first time reactions to her choice of clothes has been so negative. She is unapologetic and still bares her arms with pride. But it breaks my heart a little that folks can be so harsh about normal signs of aging in women. In their eyes sleeveless tops are verboten if your skin isn’t smooth and tight.

And apparently once you’re over 60, you should avoid loud, busy patterns. AI came up with this reason: “Busy patterns can create a distracting visual effect, especially on mature individuals.” Why is a loud or busy print any more distracting on an older woman rather than a younger one? I’m confused.

Truth be told, I do favor simple, monochromatic outfits so I can highlight my jewelry or accessories, but every once in a while a print grabs my attention like this fantastic linen top in a Kandinsky-inspired print, which according to some I shouldn’t consider buying at my age. Plus it’s sleeveless! Oh dear.

But why no loud, busy prints? Besides creating a “distracting visual effect” (whatever the heck that is) if you’re over 60 you shouldn’t draw attention to yourself. (Yes older women feel free to fade into the background.) Another person posited that older women don’t have the confidence to wear louder, busier prints. (Tell that to my friend Ann who has a bold and creative fashion sense that includes wearing a variety of vintage hats.)

Thank goodness there were (and are) women like fashion maven Iris Apfel (she died in 2024 at age 102) who were never shy about their over-the-top styles and perfectly illustrated that women of any age can be bold and daring with their fashion. (Thank you Iris!)

There will always be people who try to tell you what you can and can’t wear. Ignore them. Be a Candace, an Iris or an Ann. Own your style and your choices.