Earlier this week I read an article titled '24 Things Women Should Stop Wearing After Age 30', and before I even began to read the article an opinion (aka rant) started to form in my head. Now, I still have 9 years until I hit the big 30 but, I'm a firm believer that fashion is not about abiding by a specific code. In the words of Leandra Medine, 'it is expressing yourself how you see fit … buy specific pieces that you love and buy sparsely.'
A 60-year-old today does not, for the most part, look like a 60-year-old. However, we still have preconceived notions of what a 40, 50, 60 or even a 70-year-old should wear. But because age is just a number, the old dress-your-age rule is becoming less relevant. Rather, we should be dressing to suit our body type and personal comforts.
Zimbio; Pinterest
There's an entire category of items women should and shouldn't wear in their 30's and another whole set of rules once the 4-0 comes around. In this category falls the leopard coat. Cue Kate Moss. A world-famous supermodel who at her current age of 44 has been seen wearing a leopard print coat since the 90's. And she has looked incredible. Victoria Beckham, again aged 44, was seen wearing her own version of the leopard print coat trend in November 2018. Jerry Hall, the 1970's American model, now age 62, was seen wearing an oversized leopard print coat in October 2018. Equally, 22 year old American model, Bella Hadid, wore a very similar coat in 2016. With the mix of age range and style aesthetics, the leopard coat does not, and should not, have an age restriction. When styled correctly, a leopard-print coat is timeless and surprisingly versatile; evidently its become something of a classic item.
Getty; Shutterstock; Getty; Shutterstock; Getty; Splash; Getty (2); Splash; Getty
Jennifer Lopez has been unilaterally bold and colourful, and frequently boasts form-fitting or skin-baring garments. More than simply ignoring stereotypes about how middle-aged women should dress, Lopez's red carpet style actually undermines their very existence.
Instyle; People
Jane Fonda, whose age isn't evident in photos of the 81 year old actress, is living proof that 80 is the new 20 with her fashion game. Walking the red carpet for over five decades, Jane's style reflects boldness. It signifies her modern personality, and what's more, her age isn't even apart of the equation. I had to look twice when I discovered her age!
Huffpost; Popsugar
From her smouldering Balmain emerald green jumpsuit at the 2015 Grammys to her Barbie Pink Brandon Maxwell column at the 2017 Emmys, Fonda rocks many fashion trends that are considered "not age appropriate". Yet she ignores the stereotypes and instead walks the red carpet in exotic prints, bold colours and classy skin-baring garments.
There's no denying fashion advice is invaluable. But, I think, the most important advice we should listen too is to walk to the beat of your own drum. It therefore stands to reason that choosing a fashion style based purely on your age is becoming less and less of the norm. And I love it.
What do you think of dressing your age? Do you think fashion should be based on age or personal choice?
Love,
Ella
No comments
Post a Comment