Women Over 50 Redefine Fashion Just Like They Used To When They Were Young

Breaking Free of Old Stereotypes:

Young women over 50 now set the new fashion trends by abandoning muumuus and warm slippers, once considered their age staple. Such an example is Pamela Blackman, who recently wore Barbara Bates's dress to a Kentucky Derby Day. Blackman heads Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, becoming the epitome of confident, stylish women over 50.

Embracing Personal Style Over Tradition:

It creeped up on me, but along the way, I realized my wardrobe was one big sea of black dresses, pants, and oversized white shirts: minimal style, which, at one point, I thought had been predetermined. My mom's closet, once upon a time, followed the same scheme: white shirts and black pants as far as the eye could see, like the world of fashion declared that age meant blending into the background.

It's been generations since the fashion world appeared to be saying, "If you are older than this, here's your floral house dress and slippers." And yet the women of today's older age can ignore all of it, strutting down catwalks as well as walking down the street dressed in the finest designer attire, proudly sporting every trend known to humankind.

A New Age of Self-Expression and Confidence:

I see it more and more—women boldly showing their style. Just last summer, walking down Michigan Avenue, a woman passed by in this flowing, chic linen or cotton outfit and her silver hair complementing her Mary Janes. The entire look announced, "I'm here and I'm fabulous." I nearly stopped to tell her how great she looked.

Changing Definitions of Style:

My older customers are using their resources to hone their style," says Melanie Whaley of South Side boutique Essential Elements. "These women grew up loving fashion, but now they're not under the same corporate suits; they're not having to wear the same handbag and shoes. Now they're expressing themselves in a far more artistic way." Says Whaley: "Women over 50 today have more wealth, health, and vivacity than ever before.".

She says once her clients begin receiving compliments for their unique style, they realize that they no longer require the typical department-store look. After browsing Whaley's boutique, I myself felt inspired to rethink my wardrobe.

Noticing Designers:

According to well-known designer Barbara Bates, it's because of her clients, mainly 55 and up. "I think it's true—50 is the new 30," she says, giving credit to the health and beauty products that help people feel younger. Bates recalls how her mother's generation would not hear of workouts or trainers, not like today's seniors who make fitness and selfcare a priority.

"We want to stay in the mix and keep a seat at the table," Bates adds. "My clients are mature women, they're still shopping, and they've kept me relevant. They're not slowing down without a fight."

So don't count out the women over 50 – they're making their own statement.