Why Ageism and Bias in Fashion is Getting Old for Women Over 60
Let’s be honest, the fashion industry’s long-standing obsession with youth makes many of us feel like we evaporated the moment we passed menopause and our 50s. We have become the invisible generation in terms of fashion. Even though we have more confidence, more knowledge , and more disposable income than we ever did in our thirties. The fashion industry tends to view us in a negative light, assuming we all wear orthopedic shoes, and shapeless outdated clothing. Major brands chase the youth market while ignoring the generation with the deepest pockets and the most brand loyalty. Let’s chat about a topic that gets me fired up, why ageism and bias in fashion is getting old for women over 60!
“Some people are old when they’re 18 and some people are young when they’re 90. You can’t define people by whatever society determines as their age. Time is a concept that human beings created.”
– Yoko Ono
Every time I post this photo, it sparks quite a debate! While I no longer own this specific pair, the distressing was a bit much even for me. I’m still a fan of a well-placed rip. I know many of you find distressed denim a total “no-no,” but I personally love the edge it adds to an outfit. My point is, if you like it…wear it.
Ageism in Marketing
While researching this post popular keyword suggestions were “older people”, “old age”, “older ages”, “older women”, labels I don’t care to use. When we flip through a magazine or scroll through a feed, it’s rare to see older models with wrinkles or a head of gorgeous silver hair. Even brands that are marketing to our demographic tend to feature younger women not much older than our daughters. We see young people styled in outfits that no thirty or forty-something would be caught dead in, instead of featuring a stylish woman our own age who actually knows how to rock a look. This ageism costs brands billions while alienating their richest and most loyal customers us!
The Fashion Power- Brands are Ignoring
Women over 50 represent the wealthiest demographic in todays consumer markets. Our generation “controls over 70% of disposable income in the United States” alone, translating to trillions in purchasing power. “Baby boomer women specifically account for more than $15 trillion in spending annually across all categories, with fashion and beauty representing significant portions of that figure”. Yet brands continue to pour advertising dollars and design energy into capturing younger audiences who possess a fraction of the buying power. and insight. I attended a conference a couple years ago where influencers were allowed to bring a guest only if they were a member of GenZ. My kids don’t even fit into that demographic.
Bias in Online Shopping
This one really gets my feathers ruffled but I have learned a work around. When you’re shopping online and they ask for your height, weight, and all that personal info to help “find your size”? This seems reasonable until they ask for your age. Apparently they assume that once we hit a certain age, we all suddenly morph into a one-size-fits-all. Do not fall into that trap, dodge the frustrations, and either skip it entirely or shave ten years off your age. Don’t let a biased algorithm or an outdated search result dictate your wardrobe. By using these tricks to bypass ‘age-bias,’ you aren’t just getting a better-fitting pair of jeans; you’re refusing to be sidelined by a retail world that hasn’t caught up to how women over 60 actually live. So go ahead, shave those ten years off the fit quiz, dump the age stereotypes, and wear what makes you feel powerful.
Body Changes that Most Brands Ignore
Many of us experience changes in where our natural waist sits and how our midsection carries weight, requiring different rise heights and waistband constructions. Many of us (including me) frequently cite upper arm coverage as a priority, yet sleeveless and cap sleeve designs dominate even sophisticated designs intended for mature consumers, which is ridiculous. Mature skin often becomes more sensitive, making fabric choices crucial for comfort Let’s be honest, things like arthritis or just not being quite as flexible as we used to be can make difficult closures and tight, overhead pieces a real struggle to get into. But why on earth do brands assume that needing a little ease of wear means we’ve lost our sense of style and are reverting to “old-fashioned clothing” that our grandmas may have worn. Brands that do acknowledge and design for these realities gain the “double whammy” of fiercely loyal customers who feel seen and served.
Ageist Taglines
My industry is also guilty of age-based discrimination. All over social media you will find women our age touting trends and what we should and shouldn’t wear. Do not listen to them. Style isn’t about following a set of rigid instructions; it’s about how a piece of clothing makes you feel. When someone tells you that you’re “too old” for a certain hemline, distressed jeans, or sassy sneakers, do not listen to that narrative. They are projecting their own limitations on you. We’ve spent decades ageing better and learning who we are, so why on earth would we let a stranger on the internet tell us how to express it? If it makes us feel confident, chic, and the best version of ourselves, we need to go for it. We are all unique with different limitations and strengths.
Combat boots are another no no to many. I like them for the same reason I like a well placed rip, they give a little bit of attitude to an outfit.
Women of a Certain Age Should not Wear Color
I am on a mission to add color to my Spring wardrobe for this very reason. Who wants to be the “invisible generation”? I am a big fan of neutrals for travel and simplicity, but all of these “rules” the fashion industry are pigeonholing us in are beginning to irritate me and make me want to wear more color. Why not “go big or go home”!
Color Palettes I am Loving-Olive and Aubergine
I am loving chartreuse, mauve, blue and aubergine. I put together some fun prints and solids in this capsule.
This capsule in a more traditional color palette of red, blue and yellow has items I already own with some fun items that I am loving.
Shop Olive & Aubergine Capsule
Color Palettes I am Loving-Red, Blue, and Yellow
Shop Red Blue & Yellow Capsule
The Psychological Impact of Fashion Invisibility
The absence of older women in fashion media sends a clear message: after a certain age, we don’t matter . This exclusion affects how some of us perceive ourselves and our place in society which can lead to depression. Fashion has always played a role in self-expression and identity, but the industry essentially tells those of us over 60 that our identity and style preferences hold no value. What is wrong with this picture?
“When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everyone else.”
—Iris Apfel
At the end of the day, if the fashion industry and the fashionistas choose to see our age as a reason to offer us less style, then it’s time to change the conversation. Let’s make a pact to stop playing by their rules. We’re not fading into the background, and we’re certainly not letting an algorithm or an internet persona tell us what we can or cannot wear. Whether it’s adding a bold pop of color to your favorite neutrals or finding those statement pieces that call your name, the goal is to feel like you. We’ve spent a lifetime becoming the women we are today. Let’s let our wardrobes reflect that strength and confidence. Style doesn’t have an expiration date, and we’re just getting to the good part!
Thank you for letting me rant on Why Ageism and Bias in Fashion is Getting Old for Women Over 60. “Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s one fashion rule you’ve been told you should follow that you’re absolutely ready to break? Are you embracing more color this season, or have you found a brand that actually ‘gets’ us? Let’s get the conversation going!
Sorry this post is so late! I spent way too much time on the research and the capsules!!
Further reading:
Older and Bolder-Don’t be Afraid to Add Color to Your Wardrobe
Six Tips for Looking Chic and Confident in Color
Ageism is Never in Style-jacynth bassett
Does the Grandmacore Aesthetic Trend Perpetuate Ageism
Allyson Walsh Older and Bolder the Mood Changing Benefits of Wearing Bright Clothes
Can you please give some examples of stores or brands that work with our age group 🙂
What a wonderful read! You described my exact thoughts and feelings I have felt for years!
Thank you for a well written article about what women face as we age and how nit to listen to online “experts”.
Thank you
Hi Suzanne
Thank you so much. I worry sometimes that people think I am some sort of expert. I am not. All I can do is share my thoughts. Far be it from me to tell you what you should or should not wear. We are all unique.
Loved this post…..soooo relevant and really hit home with me. I’m thinking our demographic is ignored by the fashion chain stores because their employees are young! They can’t imagine what it must be like to be over 60 lol..
Hi Lisa
You have a point!!
So happy to hear your thoughts on ageism. Totally agree with you. It’s quite annoying to be told this or that what you should wear or how you should look by the media, including social media. I’m quite done with designers and their attitudes about woman of a certain age. Instead of embracing us they’ve made us mad. Consequently we’re not buying clothing from considerable retailers. Wouldn’t it be lovely to find more women owned clothing shops throughout the US. Currently there are a some including Chicos and J. Jill. We’ve reached an age to have fun, enjoying every moment without pressure to be or do what anyone else might think about us.
Well said Andi!!
Cindy,
I love all that you research and write about!
Wearing white after Labor Day! Why, white is a neutral when whenever you want to wear it!
Lori
Hi Lori
Absolutely, what the heck was that about, anyway?
I’m not talking about this anymore. That only adds to the energy of this topic. We’re at the age that we know what we like and I don’t care about anyone else’s opinion
Hi Abby
I couldn’t agree more!!
Oh, one of my least liked assumptions is “don’t wear short skirts”. While I don’t feel comfortable in a so called mini skirt, I wear most of my dresses above the knee, and feel I look my best that way. I feel frumpy and hot in dresses that are longer, and my legs are good. I walk 4 miles a day and have earned those legs!!! I live in a HOT climate and the longer skirts I wore in a cooler climate made me miserable when I moved here. So–I dare you to try to tell me how to wear my clothes.
PS You look fabulous in your longer dresses. Just not for me!!!
Hi Ann
Absolutely! If you can rock them wear them!
Here here! Well said. Let’s rock it and have fun !
Amen to that!!
I guess I have always been a fashion rebel or refugee, mainly because I don’t like to be told what I should be wearing. The few times I actually followed the “age appropriate advice “ I felt like I was a clone of someone else. I say wear the colors that make you shine, rock the shoes, and be the best you ever!
Hi Louise
Thanks for weighing in! I couldn’t agree more!
I really love the red, yellow, blue combination of clothes. As for ageism, governments can take some blame, pitting Baby Boomers against younger generations, particularly when it comes to housing affordability and ‘intergenerational wealth’. Absolutely love your blog and how stylish and confident you are. Having shied away from red lipstick as I aged, seeing how great it looks on you, I have gone back to wearing red. However, when it comes to fashion, if a brand targets older women, no matter how stylish those clothes are, do they then become known as ‘an old lady’ label? Better to shop where younger women do and wear the clothes with confidence and pizazz. – although easier said than done. Ironically, when shopping it can often be the older sales assistant who is more judgemental than the younger ones, who try and squeeze you into a skin tight pair of trousers resembling a sausage casing.
Hi Susan
You made me chuckle. Sometimes we women of a certain age can be our worst enemies. In regards to brands. A friend once said that her sister said once you start shopping at Eileen Fisher you have given up. I personally do not agree. I love Eileen Fisher. Your point about shopping at the brands that target younger people has merit. I think we just need to tell our own story with a mix of high and low and young and old.
Cindy, I have a theory about why the fashion industry ignores us. As a demographic, we may spend less even though I believe we are still the largest demographic. Reasonable explanations might include: we’ve built a suitable wardrobe already, our favorites have disappeared, and we’re not so willing to embrace of -the-moment trends. Fashion has always depended on shock value and manipulation of their customer. We’ve already seen the man behind the curtain.
Hi Gayle
Excellent observation. We shop mindfully for our wardrobe just as we do for our home. We are not slaves to trends. I have a couple designer friends that got caught up in the contemporary furniture movement and they replaced a few of their lovely well made pieces for new junk. Now that the pendulum has swung back their homes look silly in spots.
This is why your a rock star! You get it. You just stated the conversation that I have with myself when out shopping. Why is no one wanting our money? I dread dress shopping. I found a few things at
J Mclaughlin recently. Had to go way up in size so the items fit. Forget their pants as they are made for the very slim legs lady.
Hi Lynn
Thank you. We do not have a J McLaughlin nearby so I forget about them. I love some of their things. Why can’t sizing be more consistent like mens? I don’t get it!!
As I mentioned when you interviewed me, my mom is who I aspire to be like.Although she didn’t dress like a hipster, she also didn’t dress like an old woman, even at 92. She dressed with style and class and my friends thought so too. Maybe there’s a style that remains classic through the years that doesn’t need to change much but also didn’t speak an age.
Thanks for being our spokeswoman, Cindy! We all need to have your resolve to not let society treat us shabbily just because we’ve lived a full, longer life. Rock on, sisters!
Hi Wren
You have your own style and own it. I love that about you. You know what looks great on you and you don’t throw your money away on items you know you won’t wear.
Thank you for your rant! Right on.
I ignore any age rules that don’t suit me. On the other end of the spectrum, I also ignore styles/trends that hint of TikTok fashion, most of which remind me of kids trying to irritate their parents. Heh.
Last month, I read a “trends” article that said light blue is everything for spring. This month an article said pink and yellow are everything. I wear blush and rose pinks and sky blue every spring, and I never wear yellow, trending or not. I have wide-leg pants that drape nicely. I’ve only found one pair of wide-leg jeans that drape. But without a drape, the pants look like saggy bottom clown pants on me. So no more $ for those. I’ll turn 80 in just a few weeks…I’ll do it MY way. LOL.
As for best places to shop for me, I can usually find the basics I want at Chico’s, Talbots, J Jill, or Nordstrom’s house brands.
Hi Susan
That is the beauty of age, isn’t it? We know what we like and how to wear it. I am forced to shop online most of the time. We primarily have boutique shopping which I love. We do have Athleta, a college anthro, and Banana Republic which I am thrilled about!
BRAVA!!! Beautifully expressed. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for writing this. Hugs.
Hi Sheila-Merle
Great to hear from you here on the blog!!
I’ve never let anyone express what I should wear at any age. I wear what I please…. I say be confident in yourself!
Agree with your insight that the fashion industry is missing out on marketing to the demographic that has a good deal of money to spend. Nothing burns me up more than getting the catalogue from Neiman’s or Bloomingdale’s with the waif-like models wearing clothes most of them couldn’t afford, and expecting us to buy them??? The modeling-advertising industry really needs to start featuring REAL women. That said, I have found that since I retired there just aren’t that many places to dress up for anymore. I’m a very active “senior” (70) who volunteers at a cat shelter, practices for & sings in a weekly church choir, goes to Pilates and does a whole bunch of stuff at home, online & otherwise, that doesn’t require getting dressed up for. Additionally, have you noticed our culture lately? Most people don’t even dress up for dinner or lunch at a nice restaurant of theater/concert etc. As far as rules for what we can wear? Well the young women with generous abdomens & busts don’t seem to care about rules, let alone modesty, so whoever doesn’t want to follow them at our age, go for it if it makes you feel good. I have rules for myself, but only because I feel better using them. I would never wear ripped jeans or combat boots, nor would I dress like Iris. But I sure as hell wouldn’t criticize anyone for doing so. None of my concern!
Well said Gemma!! I like your point “I have rules for myself, but only because I feel better using them”
thank you for this! I agree wholeheartedly! I don’t mind wearing neutrals a lot, but yes, I would love some color. And, I am petite–our shopping options are fewer.
Hi D
So true!!
Rant on Cindy. Women don’t stop caring about how we look just because we turn a certain number. I’m 76 , in great shape,.I shop at Anthro, Athleta and several resale consignment stores in my area. I have lived in California, New Mexico and now Colorado, where everyone dresses like they’re going to the gym. I’m the most stylishly dressed person at almost every event. Just a few years ago I decided to wear my leather skirts, western, hats, boots and cashmere sweaters where others wore sweats. I get lots of compliments on my clothing, especially from younger women. I’m trying to set an example for others, especially my 50 year old daughter.
Yay, you! I love that you have YOUR style, and I’m not surprised that others respond to it.
I love your style, Cindy. I’ve been into fashion since I was a teen (am 77 now), but living on the East Coast, most women dress very conservatively. So I walk a fine line between dressing creatively but still looking as though I fit in. The comment by Susan about getting compliments from younger women resonates with me—the last few years I have been pleasantly surprised that most of the compliments I get are from women in their 20’s! The type of dress that generates a lovely comment seems to be an interesting blazer/jeans/colorful shoes and bag. At first I was surprised about that generation noticing me, but it’s nice to know that some of the younger people still appreciate style.
Hi Cindy,
This rant has been one of my living favorites of yours I have ever read. I agree with you a thousand per cent on EVERYTHING you said, AMEN. Iris Apfel is so cool, totally her own person, love her style, color and who she is.
One of the million and one things that I so enjoy about your blog is you tell it how it as it is, no sugar coating your opinions. I love that about you, I get to know the real person.
I really embrace your style, ripped jeans, combat boots, whatever that might be. This is YOU, it’s nice to see a beautiful person inside and out style herself the way she wants to and seriouly does not care what another person thinks. That is SELF CONFIDENCE! I say you rock and “You Go Girl.”
Giving credit to Chicos (I do not buy much ever from them) they do show up in their ads and marketing with women of silver hair, and 70+ and not just “lily white women.” Finally, before not so much ever. They have got with their program.
What bugs me and knowing the person that says it, is not a compliment, more of a put down “you always look so nice,” “you are so fancy,” my comments have been nice too. I wear lots (mostly comfort clothes) of regular looking go out look, that looks more like Yoga baggy pants because of my tummy that turned into a huge problem for being on antibiotics for so long. Messed up my intestine and stomach. I’m starting back into jeans. It would be nice to have zippers only. With RA (bad progressive arthritis) it’s hard to handle anything else. Button holes on shirts are too tight, I have to take them to alternations. I don’t like having to run to my hubs to help me. Independence is important for self-confidence.
I would like to see more sneaks offer extra wide shoes. I’m a New Balance gal, and I’m thankful for them,
but it limits what sneaks I can buy color wise. I have to buy inserts on line. For you ladies that want a soft super comfortable insert I buy from an outstanding company on line called “10 Seconds Insoles,” they offer a variety of insoles that help big time if you have lost your foot padding on the bottom of your feet and on your heels. It helps if you have “no fat atrophy.” It helps you to walk without intense pain. They are offering a 10% discount right now. A wonderful and professional company to work with. Shipping is excellent.
Thx again Cindy, I love your subject matter. It’s EXCELLENT.
Great Post, Cindy,
This all needs to be said! I have always believed that age is just a number. And we should live and dress for our best lives. It is disappointing how marketing and algorithms are dictating so much of how we think and feel. It’s great that we are waking up and showing our true selves.
I completely agree. I even notice it in the news and political commentary. They poo-poo anyone in the boomer generation, blame everything ON the boomers and are constantly discounting anyone in polls that is over 65. “No one cares what they think.”
It burns me up.
I actually LIKE to put in my age on those things…I want them to know that someone my age is eyeing it and might buy that style.
Hi Gray
Go girl!! Yes they need to know that! Good reminder. Don’t do it on those quizzes or you will end up with something that doesn’t fit!!
AMEN SISTER!!!!
Thanks pal!!
In my 20s and 30s I was a busy Mom and dressed comfortably like every other Mom. Kind of preppy. In my 40s I went back to work and wore the “dress for success” suits with those horrible bow tie blouses. Finally, in my 50s and now at 72, I wear exactly what I want to and what makes me happy. That is usually something from Anthropologie, Zara, Free People, or J Crew. Being from Texas I always wear cowboy boots, lots of vintage silver jewelry, and sometimes a hat. Although I think vendors like Chicos have lovely things, I think they sometimes look matronly. Mainly, I try not to worry about it! Throw something on that makes me happy and go! Like is too short to worry if your wardrobe passes inspection with someone else! It passes mine.
Hi Becky
Well said!! OMG those blouses are back. Isn’t it hard to look at them in a new light when we remember how they were styled way back when? I don’t mind a tie, but no bows for me!
Amen!!!!
Hi Mary
Good to hear from you!!
Rant on! I can probably attest to most every woman reading this article doesn’t feel her age, whatever that is supposed to feel like.
We are wiser and stronger and braver and we are not to be reckoned with. Our bodies are really beautiful, albeit maybe softer. We can wear whatever we want and take on any role we want to. Doc Martens, distressed jeans, shorts, baggy levis, designer whatever etc…. onward!
It is our generation of females that got our first credit cards, protested, took birth control and many other firsts that our mothers and grandmothers did NOT have the power to do. Now we must stand up to ageism, patriarchy and ANYONE that makes us feel less than the amazing powerful woman we are.
Well said! And I so agree with Cindy’s beautifully expressed opinion. We were trailblazers, and there’s no reason to stop now. The phrase, “the older the violin, the sweeter music” comes to mind.
Hi Mary
I love that quote! Thank you for sharing …it is new to me!!
I love your style, and your sage observations. The quote is from Gus in Lonesome Dove.
Speaking of mixing comfort and style….I wonder if you have recommendations for pretty shoes that can accommodate supportive insoles. Is this a subject that would interest others? I know you have a bunion issue, as do I, as well as bouts of plantar fasciitis. More supportive shoes fitted with a custom insoles has helped me a lot, but they don’t fit all my pretty shoes. Does anyone else have an interest in this?
Go girl!!
So well said! I can’t believe we just ran into each other at lunch! Let’s met there soon!! Maybe Wren will join us!!
would love to….. I think you have my info.
Best.
Cindy, your style truly inspires me! I’ve been wearing colorful Accesories and red lipstick daily since I was 20. Now in my 70’s. I think a youthful hairstyle, colorful comfortable shoes,
Great earrings , and scarves make most of us feel youthful . Confidence and a nice smile will never make you invisible. It’s worth a try .
I loved Iris and your confidence . So glad color is back and goodbye to all crop tops.!
Hi Lilli
You are so right about confidence and the smile!! Oh lord crop tops…thanks for weighing in!!
Great article!!!! Everything you said is so true. I too have often wondered why a certain skin care/make-up company features 20 something year olds, while trying to cater to older women. Recently I purchased a red-orange skirt that I thought was really cute and made me happy. But will admit, I did wonder if people would make remarks that the skirt was so colorful.
I will join the pact. We need to wear what makes us happy and feel good.
Hi Frances
I still love neutrals for the simplicity of things especially for travel, but I am embracing color this Spring. Maybe it has something to do with all that is going on in the world as well. We need a little sunshine!
Thanks for this great editorial regarding ageism. I especially appreciate the tip about ignoring or fabricating the age question on online catalogs/shopping sites. I conducted my own very non scientific research and discovered that what you say is absolutely true. You will get different sizing and style recommendations depending on the age you choose. I want advice on the right size for my height, weight and body type, not based on what I’m “supposed” to be wearing at my age! Love your posts!
Cindy, thanks for another great post. You put so much thought into what you share with us. My granddaughter (19 years old), who’s always been an artistic person, has inspired me to embrace fun and colour in my wardrobe. She doesn’t just get dressed, she enjoys creating a look based how she feels on waking, telling her what colours she is that day, and how to brighten her day. Now heading towards 80, I choose clothing firms that respect the earth and all women, not just the under 25s – companies like Eileen Fisher, and here in Canada, Shepherd’s Fashions. Have a great day, and celebrate just how wonderful you re and what your blogs mean to us.
Hi Ruth
You made my day! Your granddaughter sounds wonderdul! How blessed you are!
Hi Nancy
Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing ever? It took me a few times to realize that they were pigeonholing me. One size or age does not fit all…
As a 76 year old one who likes to dress with verve, I truly appreciated your article above. And truly, we are at least 10 years younger in many ways than our parents & grands. You hit it right on talking about the ‘invisible’ feeling and I agree that we must dress the way we want and feel. I love color and it’s so important for all women, esp. to find their best colors
Hi Kelli
We are at least 10 years younger than our parents generation, good point…thanks for weighing in! I sent you a dm on Instagram by the way.
Gorgeous YOU! Leading the way for us all, bravo Cindy
Debra
😘
Hi Pal
Would tomorrow be good for a call?
Hello Cindy,
Love this post thank you for putting it all together. I am 62 and lately I have been going back to textiles for variety in clothing, gorgeous scottish tweed and fair isle, and wearing more saturated color, in jewelry especially. This is part of my personal history too being creative with knitting and sewing in my past so I like that roundabout sense of returning to things I have loved. It is depressing how little we are thought of, or represented, older women of a certain age. I have just come back from a lovely vacation in Australia to see friends and we went to Bondi Beach on a gorgeous sunny morning, and I had a surreal moment when everyone in sight seemed to be instagramming, under 30, all pushing their body images of so called perfection and sexiness, the young had completely taken over, no grey hair in sight. The conversation then started on the very real problem of body dysmorphia and plastic surgery with young women and teenagers in Australia.
So yes it is alarming how we are ignored as a demographic.
Happy weekend Cindy enjoy the outside!
Hi Francesca
I love beautiful unusual textiles. I don’t want to look like everyone else. I want to tell my story in my home and on my body!! I was talking to someone today with a couple kids that are in their mid 20’s. She said they have given up social media, that they are sick of it and so are many of their friends. I love my blog but I don’t love Social Media-I have to be honest…
Cheering you/us on! Women of any age enjoy a range of sizes, colors and style preferences. What are your thoughts about seasonal color analyses? Do they enhance our wardrobe or limit it unnecessarily?
Hi Penelope
I am going to have mine done by my friend Susan from Une Femme soon. I can tell you more how I feel about it then! I had a very good friend (now passed) that was very good at colors. I have not had mine done since she did mine many years ago. I think I have a fairly good sense of what colors I should wear but I don’t always wear them!
Love your blog with all your topics. Am a loyal reader. But please, as a sister bunion/foot issue person, don’t use the “orthopedic shoes” as a point of disdain. What we really need is for more designers and manufacturers to offer more stylish shoes that are designed with orthopedic support or flexibility. There are several out there who do a good job, but we need to stop the negative point of view. Older ladies have older feet!
Hi EP
I should have been more specific about the shoes. I meant the kind the “old ladies” wore while growing up. I only wear comfortable shoes now. We have much better options now. I will make a note of that and thank you for calling me on it!!
I won’t go quietly into the dark. As an artist I’ve long given myself permission to be colorful. So happy to see Cindy take up this subject. No need to be a slave to fashion. It’s ok to be yourself and rock whatever curls your toes.
Hi Leslie
No way will you go quietly!! You rock girl!!
I have been wearing a lot of black and gray and feeling invisible. Thank you for this post it explains a lot for me.
Hi Diane
I love neutrals too but I am on a mission to wear more color!
Cindy, I also failed to mention I want to share this post on my Saturday Meanderings this week. My subscriber base would feel the same way!
Hi Mary
That is so kind of you!! I hope you and Katherine had a good time when you got together!! She is such a sweetie!
Cindy, I love your passion about this and you are ABSOLUTELY right! But look at health care for women…after a certain age they no longer do pelvic exams or pap smears. I feel like they just want us to disappear and die. I love your suggestion to shave 10 years off any age question-~ great idea. Love all your photos. My only reason for not wearing torn jeans is my legs are not my best asset (injury scars from being too active) and I prefer to keep them covered. You should start a wardrobe capsule line for women over 50….it would be very successful. Hope all is well your way!
Hi Mary
I do not like jeans with big tears at the knees. Why do they do that? I do like light distressing. My legs are not pretty either!! Thanks for weighing in!!
(Sound of the audience cheering!!!) You are preaching to the choir, Cindy! It’s one of the many things you and I bonded over some years ago. Brands have come around since then, but I’m reminded of an in-person conversation I had with the Executive VP of Marketing for Lululemon. When I told “her” I was doing 1010ParkPlace.com, a site for women over 50, she looked me in the eyes and said, “Women over 50 are no longer relevant.” Without missing a beat, I said, “When’s the last time you looked at your website’s homepage? There’s a photo of a yoga class full of women, wearing Lululemon, half of whom have grey hair.” Her nostrils flared, and she turned around and left me standing there as she exited the room. Since then, I have not, and will never, buy Lululemon ever again. xoxox, Brenda
haha You intimidated the hell out of the Lululemon. For her to say that we are no longer relevant should be reason for her to wake up to the reality that strong wise older women are not only role models but they have the finances to buy the Lululemon stuff. Truthfully it is boring and there are many other companies that are rocking the athleisure threads.
I totally agree with everything you said ! Another thing that is irritating to me is that clothes are no longer made well. The fabric isn’t as good and the construction is terrible in a lot of cases. And I’m talking about brands that are considered to be good brands not cheap fast fashion.
When I’m looking for a clothing item I shop women’s consignment shops and upscale resale locations first. I can usually find what I am looking for made out of beautiful fabric and put together well. I wind up with something that no one else is wearing and will last me a long time, at a reasonable price.
Love this Cindy. Thanks for covering it so well. The ageism in our industry really irks me too.
When Iris was on HSN at times I would watch just to see her. Her comments were so sharp and bright! Her clothing sold in an instant in my opinion..one of a kind jackets that were beautiful and boutique in appearance. Yesterday there was a project here in the building and I met the workers. They had expected a young man I guess to direct them and instead were met by an 83 year old woman who could talk construction with them. This should not be a novel thing! I was secretly amused to myself. Today someone is coming about a fence issue but he and I have worked together for around 6 years now and trusts me. Thank you for this topic and today I am wearing grey jeans, a long sleeved black tee, gold jewelry and black Mary Janes. I’m not totally confident with math so have decided not to try for a contractor’s license…but you never know.. Thanks, Donnie
Your outfit for today
“…today I am wearing grey jeans, a long sleeved black tee, gold jewelry and black Mary Janes.”
sounds absolutely perfect. Probably my uniform 50% of the time! Easy, comfortable, chic. What else do you need?
Ve your olive and aborigine capsule! Always look forward to your post!