Sorting through my fall wardrobe, I find the leopard-print mini skirt I bought last year. I was 35 then; I’ll be 36 this fall, and my daughter starts school next year. Nicole Kidman has perfect legs, yet I can hardly imagine her wearing a skirt like this. I usually pair mine with a leather jacket and heeled boots. But maybe it’s time to retire it this year?
Body positivity aside, even the most supportive influencers and stylists often share the message on social media that certain clothes just aren’t elegant after a certain age. That some styles are off-limits once you hit a milestone.
But why do we think that? In an era when it’s clear—at least I hope so—that you don’t need a model’s BMI, a six-pack, or bronzed legs to rock short shorts or a crop top. While we encourage everyone to celebrate their bodies and express their personalities through fashion, age still feels like a taboo topic.
Should We Quietly Accept Aging?
I watch older women on the street, the bus, in stores. I notice their posture, their gaze, and now, after days of thinking about Nicole Kidman and her sky-blue silk blouse, I also wonder what they’re wearing.
And I realize it’s not only porcelain-beautiful Nicole Kidman who’s stunning. Around me, the world is full of fascinating women in their 60s. Some have mischievous eyes, wear colorful scarves around their necks, and long skirts flowing behind them.
Some quietly observe the world with wise calm beneath their ivory hats, while others wear bold bracelets over hands that show signs of age—hands that still hold together and manage family, business, home, and life.
I watch them and realize what they share: these women know who they are, what they want, and what they’re capable of. They don’t hide their age because they simply don’t care. There are so many other things in their lives that matter more.
Nicole Kidman wouldn’t look less attractive in my leopard-print skirt because she’s 57 and supposedly shouldn’t wear leopard print at that age—it’s because that skirt isn’t her style—it’s mine.
For the same reason, I don’t believe there are clothing items that are off-limits after a certain age. But it’s obvious when someone wears something just to look younger. That desperate attempt is never elegant. Being yourself, wearing what you love, and owning your style boldly never goes out of fashion. Because it’s not the clothes that make us attractive—it’s us who bring our clothes to life with personality and joy for life.
When I get home, I pull my leopard-print skirt out of the closet again, try it on, and find my favorite black top to wear with it. This year, I’m still the same person I was last year. Maybe one fall I’ll be someone else, and that skirt won’t come with me—but that will be because I’ve changed, not because someone told me I can’t be that person anymore.
Opening image: Liudmila Chernetska/istockphoto.com, belchonock/depositphotos.com
