Timeless Elegance and Style: Fashion Icons over 50
In a society that places so much emphasis on youth, it's refreshing to see women over 50 who continue to inspire us with their timeless elegance. These fashion icons have taught us valuable lessons, such as the power of confidence, the importance of tailoring, and the impact of quality accessories. They've also learned to embrace their unique style, experiment with color and prints, and always invest in quality pieces. By following in their footsteps, we, too, can cultivate a sophisticated, timeless, and ageless look. So go ahead, take a cue from these inspiring women, and shine. Remember, with a bit of confidence and inspiration, you'll be turning heads wherever you go.
Aging with grace, strength, and beauty is a goal most of us aspire to, but finding the right fashion formula can be a challenge. However, fashion icons over 50 have proven that age is just a number for fashion. So, whether you’re 20 or 60, stick around to learn how to achieve the perfect look for you.
TL;DR
Today Beth shares what makes a woman a fashion icon
With tips on how to develop your personal style to look elegant and chic over 50
Plus, fashion icons over 50 - women who exude confidence and effortless style
Timeless Elegance and Style: Fashion Icons over 50
1. They Know What Works for Them
Fashion icons over 50 have discovered their unique style and know exactly what works for them. They have mastered the art of dressing for their body type and comfort, and that confidence is contagious. It radiates from them and is evident in how they carry themselves. They exude a sense of self-assuredness from knowing who they are and what they stand for. This sets them apart from the rest and allows them to showcase their elegance, grace, and beauty effortlessly. Their confidence is admirable and inspiring, and it's no wonder they are rocking the industry.
One key takeaway from these fashion icons is to prioritize comfort and confidence. Whether wearing flats instead of heels or a statement piece that makes you feel empowered, comfort and confidence is essential to looking and feeling your best.
Photos by Getty Images
2. They Are Redefining Beauty Standards
Fashion icons over 50 are not just changing the game in terms of style, but they are also redefining beauty standards. They are proving that there is an undeniable power and beauty in aging gracefully and embracing your natural features. Society has long perpetuated the idea that youth equals beauty, but these women are challenging that notion and showing that beauty is not restricted to age.
By confidently showcasing their wrinkles, gray hair, and imperfections, they inspire women of all generations to embrace their unique beauty and love themselves regardless of age. Their impact on the fashion industry goes beyond just style; it empowers women everywhere to redefine beauty. But they keep themselves in tip-top condition with a healthy diet, exercise, and skincare.
Photos by Getty Images
3. Embrace Your Unique Style
When it comes to fashion, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your personal style sets you apart from the crowd, and it's essential to embrace it. Our style naturally evolves as we age, and we learn to dress for ourselves rather than impress others. I always suggest investing in accessories that reflect your unique taste. It’s what adds pizazz to any outfit and truly reflects your personality. So go ahead and experiment with different looks and, in the end, achieve a wardrobe that is tailored to you.
Choose Colors That Complement Your Skin Tone
A critical aspect of achieving ageless style is choosing colors that complement your skin tone. Fashion icons over 50 have mastered and used this skill to their advantage. The key is to know whether your skin tone is warm or cool. Warm skin tones have yellow, peach, or golden undertones, while cool skin tones have pink, red, or blue undertones. Choose colors that work well with your skin tone once you determine your skin tone. For warm skin tones, go for earthy colors like browns, oranges, yellows, and warm neutrals like beige and ivory. Opt for jewel-toned colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red if you have cool skin tones. You can also wear cool neutrals like grey, navy, and black.
Embrace Statement Pieces
Embracing statement pieces is another way to achieve ageless style. Statement pieces can be anything from bold earrings to a printed scarf or statement coat. The key is to choose one item that stands out and build your outfit around it. This way, you can let the statement piece shine without overwhelming your outfit.
You can create a timeless and stylish wardrobe by choosing the right colors and embracing statement pieces.
Mix High and Low-End Pieces
Another way to achieve ageless style is by mixing high and low-end pieces. While I do recommend splurging on designer clothing, it's not always necessary. You can create a chic and sophisticated outfit by pairing a more affordable item with a designer piece. A designer handbag, a pair of luxurious shoes, or a statement piece of jewelry can make even the most basic outfit look expensive and put together. Not only is this an affordable way to create a fashionable look, but it also adds dimension and interest to your outfit. Mixing high and low-end pieces allows you to showcase your unique style while staying on trend.
Pants | Top | Blazer | Similar White Sandals
Their Impact on the Fashion Industry
The influence of fashion icons over 50 goes far beyond their personal style choices. They are creating a seismic shift in the fashion industry, challenging the long-held belief that fashion is a young person's game. Their presence in the industry redefines what it means to be a fashion icon and what is considered fashionable. Designers and fashion houses are starting to realize that there is a significant market of older women looking for stylish clothing options that aren’t geared toward 20-somethings, and they are finally starting to cater to this demographic.
My Favorite Fashion Icons
In a world where youth is often glorified, these fashion icons over 50 break barriers and inspire us to embrace our unique style at any age. They have shown us that confidence and a clear understanding of what works for us is the key to timeless elegance. By redefining beauty standards and continuing to impact the fashion industry, they prove that age is just a number. As we look up to these women as role models, let us celebrate the beauty of aging and continue to challenge societal norms. Here are a few of my favorite Icons, and I imagine yours too!
1.
Prue Leith, 82
Do you love the Great British Bake Off? It’s my daughter-in-law Kelly’s favorite show. Dame Prudence Margaret Leith, age 82, is one of the hosts. Her Instagram handle states she’s a color lover, glasses wearer, and necklace obsessed. She has statement pieces down pat! Not only does she have a cookbook to her credit, but she also has clothing and glasses lines!
Photo by Getty Images
2.
Jane Fonda, 84
Jane has been on our radar screen for decades. She’s a former fashion model, the face of Workout Starring Jane Fonda, whom I religiously worked out to in the early 80s. One of my favorite roles is her portrayal of Grace on Grace and Frankie. And I adore her classic style on that show. Fun fact: The costume designer dropped by my Instagram page and stated I was Grace! We can all thank Jane for igniting a fashion movement that doesn’t involve jeans.
Photo by Getty Images
3.
Rita Moreno, 90
Rita Moreno has influenced the entertainment industry for over 70 years as an actress, singer, and dancer, with no sign of slowing down. One of her most iconic roles was in Westside Story as Anita. She became the first Latina woman to have an “E.G.O.T.” after winning the four major entertainment awards: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. How impressive is that!
Photo by Getty Images
4.
Helen Mirren, 76
A typical day at the beach for Helen Mirren flipped the world on its head as she showed off her rocking bikini body. The iconic picture landed Mirren in the two-piece Hall of Fame. When fully clothed, she wears eye-catching patterns while still keeping them classy.
Have you seen Dame Helen Mirren's performances in Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II? Or her latest stint on the hit television show 1923. If you haven’t watched this show, I highly recommend it!
Photo by Getty Images
5.
Iman, 66
Iman began her career in 1975 as a model and has challenged the prevailing notions of beauty ever since. Iman is a Somali fashion model, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. She speaks six languages and was married to David Bowie! Iman has no signs of slowing down and is the guiding force behind Iman Cosmetics and Iman Global Chic
Photo by Getty Images
6.
Jennifer Connelly, 52
Jennifer Connelly hit the spotlight as a child model before heading into the movie business. With years of red carpet practice, Connelly is comfortable in her style and happy to experiment with fashion-forward pieces too. With a wearable style that is easy to replicate, Connelly's off-duty looks include jeans and boots or simple dresses.
Photo by Getty Images
Emulate These Fashion Icons and Shine
It’s true; age is just a number for fashion. These fashion icons over 50 have shown us that style has no expiry date. Their secrets to ageless style are not complicated but relatively simple and achievable. Choosing colors that complement our skin, mixing high and low-end pieces, and choosing statement pieces are all keys to achieving ageless style. Ultimately, what matters most is confidence and feeling fabulous in your own skin. So, go ahead and experiment with your style, and remember that fashion is not just for the 20 or 30-somethings.
By channeling the style of fashion icons over 50, we can all aspire to look timeless and elegant. These icons have shown us that style is not limited by age and that it's never too late to experiment with different looks and trends. From Helen Mirren's classic sophistication to Prue Leith's playful and bold ensembles, there's a fashion icon to emulate. Ultimately, these fashion icons remind us that style is not about conforming to trends or societal norms but about expressing ourselves and our personalities through what we wear. By following their lead and embracing our own unique style, we can all shine and feel our best at any age. As the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent once said, "Fashions fade, style is eternal."
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Wonderful article! You are definitely a “Grace”! Both of you are very classy! Classic but feminine. Love it!!
I’m a classic girl through and through! Thanks for stopping by!
Love today’s post…very informative! Not only are you a classic gal, but a great writer! Thanks for your blog and hard work ❤️
Always love to hear from you Janet! I so appreciate you being here!
I am just going to go grab a statement necklace and clean out my pantry. I bet Helen Mirren doesn’t have to do this – LOL
Helen might not, but Prue might be!
I really love the blog because it gives me ideas. I am shorter than you at 5 2 . My weight is 120. I wear a size or sometimes smaller. I have a regular Woman’s body except my arms and legs are shorter. I do buy petite pants sometimes and jackets. This depends on the length of jackets . I like a longer length .
Keep up the good work
I appreciate it
Thanks, Mary! I so appreciate you being here!
You are an example of style and grace, Beth.
What a lovely compliment! Thank you!
Oh how I wish I could tuck my tops in without my belly taking centre stage. Petite and plump is a fashion challenge, but I use your general guidelines, when possible. Always so helpful. Thank you.
The good news is there are so many style choices besides tucking tops! I’m so happy that you are finding the blog helpful.
Thanks for stopping by!
You and Kelly are both timeless beauties with wonderful classy looks! Thank you both for all you do! Love your style and Kelly’s and love Helen mirren and Jane Fonda!!!
You are so welcome! Thanks for being here!
lovely post Beth. You always look fabulous
I obsessively people watch wherever I am. So much fun! The best outfits or style or look, whatever you want to call it, are on 50+ women probably 95% of the time. Looking stylish or pretty is not dependent on age or body type. I see living proof of that every day. P.S. You are on the icon list.