In a previous article we explored what we can wear after we turn 70. But that begs the question, “Who dresses like me? Where can I find some inspiration?” As with any marginalized group, older women are disproportionately under-represented in the media. It’s kind of ridiculous, really, considering that today there are about 400 million of us over-70 women worldwide.
That’s because time and science are on our side. We are living longer than ever before. And fortunately, that means there are more style and fashion icons our age to offer us inspiration. Let’s look at some of them and consider what we can take away from how they have adapted their wardrobes to their current age.
The whole idea of featuring older women in media probably started with the Advanced Style books by Ari Seth Cohen that also spawned a movie about older fashionistas in New York. Those women wore wildly creative, colorful, striking, expensive, and pretty dramatic outfits.
Then came the “overnight sensation” of 80-year-old Linda Rodin, a former stylist and beauty entrepreneur who became an unexpected fashion icon. With her signature silver hair, oversized sunglasses, and effortlessly chic style, she embodies a modern take on timeless elegance. Linda’s look is a mix of minimalist sophistication and playful, eclectic accessories – always polished, never boring. She has shown that personal style doesn’t have to fade with age; instead, it can evolve and become even more refined.
But every day we are seeing more and more women over 70 who are still living large and rocking their style, both in public and in their day-to-day lives. Let’s look at some of the ones we have followed over the years.
Actresses Over 70
Joanna Lumley entertained us wildly in Absolutely Fabulous. Today she dedicates herself to humanitarian and animal rights activities. Her style was always classic with a bit of a twist. And she demonstrates at 78 that style doesn’t need to change at all. Here is an Instagram fan page that shows some of her more recent looks.
At 79, Helen Mirren is one of the most photographed older women on media pages these days. Her wardrobe incorporates a lot of her fundamental classic and romantic style, plus a little bit of the youthful elements she still expresses (which is why she can wear something like polka dots and get away with it).
This is a demonstration that elements like dots and small prints still will work well for you if you have rounder cheeks and an innocent expression that is part of the youthful style.
And we would be remiss if we ignored two of the fabulous women we featured in the past, Jane Fonda, 87, and Lily Tomlin, 85, the stars of the show we still miss, Frankie and Grace. Their off-camera wardrobes aren’t too far off from those of their characters (with the exception of Tomlin, who dresses up more for the red carpet.)
Fonda is fundamentally Classic and simple classic pieces still work best for her. Tomlin is primarily Natural in style and a bit Bohemian, as her character was.
79-year-old Diane Keaton honed her style during her Annie Hall role and has perfected it since. Her wardrobe is always fun, playful, quirky and unmistakable. And it’s almost entirely black and white. (But she looks lovely in pale colors too.)
When you have individual pieces in the same or similar colors that work together you can create a huge and varied wardrobe by interchanging the pieces. And if you are known for some element, like your hats, keep wearing them!
Actress and model Lauren Hutton, 81, still enchants us with her gap-toothed smile, a feature that originally kept her off magazine covers as being “too controversial.” And, she’s still working the runways, having appeared on the Valentino runway just a few years ago, and nearly nude this year (hands covering bare breasts) on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar.
Out in the world, her hair is often tousled, her attire is very relaxed and classic, but she remains very stylish and current. Trends work for us if they reflect our fundamental nature, regardless of our age.
Read more: 21 Beautiful Celebrity Women Over 60.
The Songbirds: Diana Ross, Cher, Debbie Harry
We would expect that women who have appeared in wild, glamorous, or flashy outfits performing before tens of thousands of fans carry through their style as they age. For the most part, this seems to be true, although off stage, they can be more relaxed.
In the case of 80-year-old Diana Ross, we see that she continues to let her glorious natural hair take center stage, and just about all her looks off the red carpet are black. It not only suits her on-stage persona, but is perfect in her errand-running clothes, which are also almost entirely all-black. It definitely works for her.
Cher, 77, has never shied away from extravagant fashion, and that hasn’t changed with time. While she may not be stepping out in Bob Mackie’s most daring creations daily, her off-stage style remains sleek, bold, and unmistakably Cher. Whether in leather jackets, oversized sunglasses, or head-to-toe monochrome looks, she exudes confidence. She has said in interviews that she feels most comfortable in black and white, often favoring tailored pieces with a bit of edge.
Debbie Harry, 79, of Blondie fame, inspired many a young woman to dye their hair blond in the wild fashion days of the 70s and 80s. And, she is still performing! Both off stage and on she still rocks wild and artistic outfits.
Fashion Designers: Vera Wang, Donna Karan and Diane von Furstenberg
Proving the point about how our style doesn’t have to change, fashion designers Vera Wang, 75, and Donna Karan, 76, continue to represent what their respective brands define in terms of style, color, and silhouette in their own wardrobes. (We would expect nothing less.)
As with most designers, at least the ones who have been around for quite a while, you will always find a lot of black in their wardrobes. It suits both of them, considering their fundamental coloring.
Anyone who has ever worn a wrap dress, the garment that makes every body type and size look attractive, can thank designer Diane von Furstenberg. Diane loves color and pattern. But IMHO she wears many of them that aren’t really in her own color harmony, which is primarily autumn or “Earthy Rich” combined with winter or “Striking Contrast.”
Still, she is a stunning woman and at 78 can wear whatever she pleases. Her wardrobe varies from relaxed to playful to bombshell elegant.
The takeaway from all of this is that we can – and must – continue to wear what delights us, what flatters us, and what helps keep us visible. If they can do it, we can too!
Read more: Embracing Change as a Woman over 70.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What is your style now? Who are your over-70 style icons? What, if anything, would you not be caught dead wearing now that you did in your 50s?
