Style inspiration for older people
14th October 2015
Just because you rely on a stairlift, or walk with a stick, doesn’t mean that the way you dress has to change. For many of us, the clothing we wear allows us to express our personalities, and while comfort often comes first as we get older, there are still plenty of opportunities for our outfits to say something about who we are.
There are so many iconic older people within the fashion and beauty industry who we can take inspiration from, which has been made even easier to do thanks to the internet, and the rise of bloggers. Here, we take a look at some of the celebrities and beauty experts who we can simply admire for their style and elegance, or be influenced by.
Iris Apfel
This article wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the legendary Iris Apfel, who we have already previously featured in our inspirational older people in the limelight feature. This wonderful 93-year-old lady has dedicated her entire life to fashion, while also running a textile business with her late husband, and working for an interior designer. Iris Apfel travelled the world with her business, which inspired her to begin buying pieces of non-Western, artisanal clothes, now known as her signature style. Today, she gives lectures about style and other fashion topics, and recently featured in a documentary about her fascinating life.
Carmen Dell'Orefice
This American model and actress is dubbed as the world’s oldest working supermodel, and still looks as breathtaking as ever. She first appeared on the cover of Vogue at the age of 15, yet at the age of 84, continues to wow in magazines and on the catwalk. With statement white hair, and remarkable beauty, Carmen Dell'Orefice dresses in a manner just as striking. Largely wearing monochrome pieces, the model knows just how to maintain elegance, while working current trends.
Dell’Orefice told New You: "Today I am in a territory that business considers unmarketable: age and white hair. Slowly, however, I started to own that territory little by little because I stood up for age."
Helen Mirren
Famed for her starring roles in a wide variety of blockbuster movies, Helen Mirren always looks just as good off screen as she does on screen. The actress recently rocked pastel pink hair on the red carpet, giving a modern twist on the more traditional purple rinse. She is rarely seen without a red lip, and statement jewellery, and is one of the most highly anticipated celebrities to see on the red carpet. Now nearing 70, Helen Mirren isn’t afraid to wear bold colours, and continues to dress for her hourglass shape.
Elaine Stritch
Although she has now sadly passed away, Elaine Stritch was not afraid to dress how she liked, while still embracing her age. She attended red carpet events with her mobility cane in hand, but merely saw the addition as an accessory to her stylish ensemble, which consisted of a black top hat, cape, and knee high boots. Renowned for wearing menswear just as well as the opposite gender, and her signature sunglasses, there is no doubt that Elaine Stritch will continue to be a fashion icon for both young and old for many years to come. See some of her best fashion statements here.
Beth Djalali
While famous people seem like the most obvious people to look to for style inspiration, there is now even more choice, with an incredible variety of fashion bloggers using the internet as a platform to show off their extensive wardrobes. Beth Djalali has over 13,000 followers on Instagram, and has created a wonderful portfolio of looks on her blog, Style at a Certain Age. Here you will find daily doses of her personal style, with links to the clothing, so you can get your hands on the very same pieces.
Image Credit: Global Panorama (flickr.com)
This news article is from Handicare UK. Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only and are up to date as of the time of publishing