Senior Fashionistas

Are you familiar with these senior fashionistas such as Daphne Selfe, Baroness Trumpington, Bridget Sojourner, Sue Kreitzman, and the icons Iris Apfel, Helen Mirren and Judi Dench?  There are so many more in the real world awaiting to be acknowledged and found, if not by Ari Seth Cohen, who brought us a new TV documentary about being fashion-forward and life-affirming. 

I could never imagined myself as 'old' in my prime years when the world was my oyster. Unfortunately the ageing process spares no-one and it could be quite unforgiving to a certain extent. Health concerns, financial restraints. becoming dependent on others (or even a burden) are only a few of the nightmares which only to be triggered by a cold or a nasty fall. It certainly takes a lot of guts and courage to join the party and become a senior with dignity. There is no such thing as security and it is all so easy to give up as we lose our confidence in our body. Our body no longer functions as well, not dissimilar to a machine turned rusty. I am 46, considered to be 'young' among the seniors, but already feeling the challenges which are depressing, a beacon to evaluate my core values and beliefs. I am not a particularly reflective person but after all I have reached a point when I am forced to pause, take a deeper look at who I am and who I will be in my final years. The notion of death doesn't worry me as it will take care of itself.

The senior fashionistas show us that the ageing process doesn't have to be grim. I have been reading about some of them in blogs and news clippings, and there are a few things which I agree with. It is important to know yourself and find your style. I can still look chic without a body of a 20 year-old. I like to stand out so wearing colour is a must. I have never been a slave to trends but stay true to what I believe look good on me. I invest a lot on my bags and shoes, avoiding heels at all costs. I am constantly learning, which suits my scanner personality to the T. I am always working and retirement is not in my dictionary. I am still taking risks but more calculated these days. I like to be bold in the way I dress and the way I live. There is no reason to play small. Ideally I want to age gracefully without the botox and any surgery. Death is looming but I understand there is no point of thinking about it as it can happen so suddenly. 

Of course there are some of the things which I can't seem to care enough in the process of ageing. I have yet to find a role model whom I can adopt. I still haven't learnt the art of sewing and dress-making (or alteration for that matter) which is important for anyone into fashion. I must admit I find the young people rather annoying instead of inspiring, which is probably jealousy playing up on my psyche. I have no motivation to exercise or watching my diet at this point. I need to be more curious before I give up on life in its entirety. I can't say I love life but I do exist; as my old soul is telling me that nothing excites me anymore. It is hard not to think of my age when all I can see are families and friends ageing before my eyes. I can't lie to myself and pretend everything is pretty, can I?

To be frank, I have never been interested in fashion and I only flip through fashion magazines at the GP's office. My decision to be a Personal Stylist has changed everything and at midlife, my personal style has evolved with age. My skills and knowledge from the training certainly help but it has open my eyes to the fashion world with a new perspective never known to me before. Fashion is so much harder on women as they age as opposed to men but being a Personal Stylist, I can help older women to be visible again, if not head turning. I have been getting compliments lately about how I am looking younger everyday, thanks to my training, I know who I am and what suits me. I might be one of them who age into my beauty! 

As a Personal Stylist, I want to help older women to style themselves and not give up. I want them to feel good in their own skin. I want my clients to go through their days with determination and new found enthusiasm. It is important to engage the world with their aesthetics, wit, and honesty, be bold about it and refuse to apologize. I want to see the confidence seeping out of their pores in every way they present themselves. Like Apfel who refuses to be ignored and bullied out of fashion, I think it is mandatory to use our time to define ourselves, to maintain our sense of style, and to express our personality through our uniqueness. I too would like to be one of the senior citizens who look and feel good about themselves everyday, who actively participate in society and who is timeless. 

I would highly recommend the book 'Fashion and age' for those who are interested in diving a bit deeper in this subject. 

What are your thoughts on ageing and fashion?

How does age influence your choice of garments?

Why do you think women tone down their style as they age?

Share your opinions!