The search for and valorization of one's own style identity may be a universal phenomenon, but the ways in which it manifests itself are truly varied.
If the Gen Z refers to the so-called aesthetics as fashion codes to mixMillennials seem more focused on selecting inspiration for occasion – office, informal evening – and season. But what emerges as a really interesting fact is the popularity of the search term «fashion over 50» on search engines: just think that it was one of the most clicked on Google in 2023, and the trend is confirmed by also taking a look at other platforms.
On Pinterest for example, a point of reference for visual inspiration of all kinds, i search terms «chic clothing over 50» and «fashion over 50» have grown by 100% and 80% respectively in the last month alone. Isn't it curious – but also, perhaps, worrying – as from the latest generations to the previous ones, will searches in terms of style become increasingly generic, until arriving at a single, large “label” relating exclusively to age?
Farewell to Iris Apfel, who left the world of fashion orphaned on March 2, 2024, at the age of 102, lived decidedly in color with style and eccentricity. Here is a portrait we took of her for her 100th birthday.
Despite the – discreet – progress of the fashion industry in the representation of different faces and bodies, the prejudice on the choice of clothing influenced by age seems to still be quite entrenched: the popularity of the search term «fashion over 50″ this is clear proof of this. However, they are there women whose approach to dressing undermines these limits imaginaries petrified over time, showing that every moment of life is the ideal one for really resonate with what you wear.
Linda Rodin
«My way of dressing has never really changed over the years» the American told us Linda Rodin, entrepreneur, stylist and timeless icon. «I was lucky enough – some would say – to have the same silhouette all my life, which I made the most of as I liked, that is, with sporty clothes mixed with more chic ones. I have never stopped wearing, for example, jeans and denim jackets, which I love.”
Furthermore, Rodin, who also had his base for several years in the Bel Paese, confessed to having been particularly inspired by the style of cities such as Milan and Florence, and above all from the period in which he lived in these places, the 60s. «In that period I traveled between Italy and London, in the golden era of Biba. It is undoubtedly my favorite decade, which has never stopped influencing my style choices. Age has never counted for anything in this sense. For example, I recently collaborated with an Italian brand to create shoes that I have always wanted to wear since I was a child!
Over the years, the entrepreneur has experimented more with accessories that with clothing styles too distant from her own feelings, to which she has always remained faithful: an approach very similar to that of Elizabeth Dessyone of the most loved models of the moment.
Elizabeth Dessy
«Since I was a girl I have always favored neutral colours, little make-up, tidy and strictly tied hair. I find in simplicity a great sense of elegance and sensuality” she declared, but having catapulted herself back into the fashion industry after a 45-year break, she finds it pleasant to dare with a few more touches: “The rules are the same, but I indulge myself more and more often of the more eye-catching accessories such as large earrings or beautiful bracelets.”
As a successful model – as well first Victoria's Secret angel over 50 – Dessy reflects publicly, and in an amplified manner, the desired change in perception on the relationship between style identity and age, from the advertising campaigns to the events in which she participates: «Once, on the occasion of an important evening, I chose the most chastised in a showroom. My son had accompanied me, and after 20 minutes he returned holding a nude black lace jumpsuit from ankles to hands, catwoman style. I wouldn't have worn it even at 20, but he looked at me and said “mom, they're still going to talk about something that won't be okay. She wears this, at least you decide what to make them talk about.” It was a triumph, and the following day they gave me that garment.”
Carla Gozzi
A personal style, therefore, which has always remained true to itself, but with natural evolutions not due to age, but to the desire to experiment and enhance oneself. One of the – many – style lessons of the master par excellence in this art, Carla Gozzi: «My personal style has changed a lot over time, it has followed the changes in my professional and personal life» he told us. «My previous image was austere and formal albeit feminine. Today, as a result of my lifestyle and professional experiences – the image consultancy sessions and teaching courses – my style has transformed. He has become softer, more ironic and more empathetic.”
Gozzi is one style coach, but it definitely goes beyond dressing advice when it comes to fashion in relation to age: «It's about communicating oneself, so I don't think about the passing of time. You should ask yourself how you want to feel on that particular day, occasion, moment, holiday, and choose what makes you feel good and allows you to convey your way of seeing things, your film, your story.” And, obviously, we couldn't help but ask her for some practical advice: Gozzi has three wardrobes, based on the occasions of use (formal, social and sport), in which there is no shortage of jackets of all types, shapes and colours, heeled shoes and boots, belts to match and many, many eclectic accessories.
«I recently rediscovered baseball caps in eco-leather, canvas and canvas to match with coats and long trench coats» he then added: «A great tool for structuring your outfits is also that of dressing in layers: it allows you to be foresighted when you travel, but also to create extremely chic layering, such as those with more fluid fabrics and looser garments.”
Lyn Slater
A extremely creative act, that of dressing, which has become the signature of the famous woman Accidental Icon, Lyn Slater: the influencer in fact – who as he makes his point well understood social nicknameshe became one by chance by simply showing off her favorite outfits – she is one of the icons of this expression.
«My personal style has always evolved depending on the roles I play, it is simply a material available to control the story that is told to the world about who you are and how you want to be seen» declared Slater, who just a few days ago published the book How to Be Old: Lessons in Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon. According to the influencer, dressing should always bring pleasure and never anxiety, and every age you've lived up to that point can be reflected in your look: «Did you like graphic t-shirts when you were young? Maybe it's something that now peeks out from a beautifully tailored blazer, providing a little surprise. I have clothes that I wore when I was younger and have subsequently worn throughout my life, but it always changes how and what I wear them with.”
Even if Slater chooses clothes considered trendy in that exact period, it is undoubtedly not their popularity that directs his taste, but the awareness of how a given garment or accessory is capable of describing one's self.
Paola Marella
An awareness he also told us about Paola Marella, architect, television presenter and cathodic style icon: «Awareness is the engine of change in terms of style, at any age. I've always been out of the loop when it comes to fleeting trends, but even though my tastes are the same, I've always had fun with fashion.”
A lover of black since she was very young, Marella has changed above all over the years his approach to color in dressing: «I really love greens and earthy colors, and especially whites in summer. I find that black can harden the features a little too much over time, but it's difficult not to wear it given its extreme elegance.”
Furthermore, with great joy, the presenter still wears gods items of clothing that he has had in his wardrobe for 15-20 years, demonstrating how the evolution of style over the years is not necessarily in conflict with very specific and coherent tastes, nor with more thoughtful choices in terms of new purchases: «You can buy all the designer items you want , but giving life to an authentic style – which you may like or not – is a completely different thing.” The key word is therefore uniqueness, which naturally cannot be caged within any stereotype relating to age. As the years pass, we discover – probably – more and more who we really are, letting go of family, social and even self-imposed pressures. And fashion, in this process as beautiful as it is powerful, varied and unpredictable, she can and should be a friendas told by these splendid women.
Source: Vanity Fair
I’m Susan Karen, a professional writer and editor at World Stock Market. I specialize in Entertainment news, writing stories that keep readers informed on all the latest developments in the industry. With over five years of experience in creating engaging content and copywriting for various media outlets, I have grown to become an invaluable asset to any team.
