No matter what your age, your personal style can be perfected at any stage in your life. But sometimes we need a little inspiration to help us along the way, which is why we've rounded up some of our favourite bloggers showing us how to master fashion when you’re over 50.
There’s plenty of celebrities 50 and over who have a fabulous dress sense, from Meryl Streep to Susanana Reid and her must-have dresses on Good Morning Britain but, even still, sometimes celebrity fashion can feel a little inaccessible. Online bloggers, social media influencers and the new ‘Insta-grans’ are now staple fashion inspirations in the modern world.
Like us, they believe that fashion should be fun and about celebrating who you are and what makes you feel good — whatever your age. Even if you don’t ‘do’ the internet, their style and confidence are great for inspiration and fashion tips. Here’s our favourites…
Anna Parkes (62), Tresco: Anna's Island Style
Anna set up her blog five years ago, after her daughter suggested it might help with the ‘empty nest syndrome’ that had set in. “I'm not strictly a follower of fashion, but I do have my own sense of style,” explains Anna.
Her blog Anna's Island Style is certainly an intriguing look into island life, not to mention her bold and beautiful fashion choices. “Clothes are my passion, my identity and an utter joy to me,” says Anna. “I think a lot of post-menopausal women feel they’ve become invisible and have to go beige! But we don’t all want to be that. I think if someone were to re-launch the likes of Biba for the over 50s there would be a style revolution!”
Anna's fashion mantra: “Keep that youthful spirit – I’m 62 and have just done a bikini shoot for my blog!”
Gail Hanlon (59), London: Is This Mutton
Blogging has been a creative outlet and great way to meet like-minded women for Gail. Working full-time as a digital marketer, Gail believes fashion is a way to show others that you can still be up-to-date and follow trends, whatever your age.
“The fashion industry is slowly improving, but I’d love to see more women over 50 represented in mainstream media and advertising – ageism is still the last taboo,” she says. “My blog (Is This Mutton) is about taking the latest trends and adapting them to suit you.”
Gail's fashion mantra: Bring any outfit up to date with new accessories. It can make all the difference”
Hilda Smith (63), Ireland: Over The Hilda
Retired teacher Hilda started her blog Over The Hildafive years ago and was one of the first fashion bloggers over the age of 50 in Ireland. “In a moment of madness and partly in jest, I announced to my family that I was going to start my own blog,” explains Hilda. “Once they stopped laughing (I was ‘technically challenged’ at the time), they helped me get set up and I haven’t looked back since.
“My style is something that is constantly evolving and changing, even now at 63. Ageing brings its own problem areas, but I believe that women should wear whatever they want. If it suits you and you feel good in it, then go for it!”
Hilda's fashion mantra: “There is no such thing as clothes for the older woman”
Jacqui Berry (56), Kent: Mummabstylish
Jacqui started Mummabstylishafter the feeling she was becoming ‘invisible’ began to creep in. “Originally, I wanted to learn about what kind of fashions I should be wearing for my age, but quite quickly it became obvious that everyone can wear what they want at any age,” says Jacqui. Follow her at Mummabstylish on Instagram.
“If you have good legs wear a short dress, but if your legs aren't the best (like mine) wear a more flattering midi style. When I see a trend I like, I try to find a way it would work for me. It's just a case of finding what looks best for your figure, height, colouring. ”
Jacqui's fashion mantra: “I’m a firm believer everyone can look chic and stylish”
Josephine Lalwan (70), London: Chic At Any Age
Chic At Any Age was born in 2009, when Josephine was frustrated by the lack of fashion advice for women over 50. With a background in fashion and 20 years as an image consultant, the blog reflects Josephine’s classic style.
“For wardrobe staples, I always buy the best quality I can afford, then add colour with less expensive tops, scarves, knitwear and jewellery,” explains Josephine. “My mother was my role model – she always looked elegant – but I also get inspiration from other blogs and Instagram.”
Josephine's fashion wish: “I would love to see brands cater for us more now we’re all shopping online”
Suzi Grant (70), Brighton: Alternative Ageing
Suzi Grant started her blog Alternative Ageingover five years ago for anyone 'well over 50'. Her mission is to inspire women to grow older looking good and feeling great, and never invisible or irrelevant. Suzi constantly campaigns against ageist tags and descriptions of women over 60 saying "most of us feel neither vulnerable nor elderly, we’re fit, fun and fabulous and we’re not done yet!”
Suzi’s not into fast fashion but is into vintage style and encourages her followers to shop vintage, preloved and sustainable to save money and the planet, as well as finding a unique gem that no-one else will be wearing. She’s passionate about wearing colour and using accessories to style up an old outfit – headscarves and sunglasses have become her signature look on Instagram!
Suzi's fashion mantra: "you’re never too old to wear colour"
Laurie Bronze (57), London: Vanity & Me
Laurie started her blog Vanity & Me in her early fifties when she found a vast community of over 50-year-old women all doing the same.
“Women of my age group are starting to be noticed and listened to. And I do think it's because we have proven that we're not ready to hang up the heels yet, we still love fashion and even more so when it's posted on social media by a woman in our age group. It's really inspiring. There are so many fashion and beauty tips to find and health matters too.”
Laurie Bronze has three children and eight grandchildren and loves to share fashion, skincare and makeup tips on both her blog and YouTube channel. She loves high street and online fashion that’s affordable and mainly classic styles brought up to date with on-trend accessories.