Within the next two years, for the first time in human history, there will be more people worldwide over 65 than under five.
That should be a wake-up-call to BRANDS that they should be more inclusive when it comes to promoting their products. Older people can be more discerning (in many instances) and have a brand loyalty that the younger age demographic has not yet found.
Call it experience, or the wisdom that comes with ageing. I do not understand why brands still fail to see this.
Yes, there has been some improvement in this area, but it is minimal. We have seen a few older women on the catwalks in various Fashion Weeks and some brands have used older women in their campaigns, but these are few and far between.
My regular readers are aware that I have been championing the older woman, particularly the over-50 woman, since I started this blog nearly 4 years ago. Where has the time gone?
I am 62. Yes, like everyone I have had to deal with different challenges in my life. But, I love life. I like eating out, I like meeting friends. I like staying physically and mentally active and I love FASHION.
Like my friends and acquaintances, I am not ready to hide away in a corner; I still want to look stylish. I want to feel good about myself. And I make no apology for that.
I am particularly keen to fight ageism in fashion and I frequently use the hashtags #iwillwearwhatilike and #ageismisneverinstyle.
Another woman who feels the same way is Jacynth Bassett from The Bias Cut. I started following Jacynth through the Facebook Page ‘Ageism is Never in Style’. Read the latest from Jacynth on her Blog and read more About The Movement.
‘Ageism is never in Style’ is a forum for all who agree that ageism in the fashion industry needs to end. Jacynth states, “Ageism is the only ‘ism’ that will inevitably affect us all” so “we must unite to better understand and celebrate each other in order to banish this prejudice once and for all”.
We got to know each other (I admire her activism for the older woman; she is only in her twenties) and I spent a very pleasant day modelling for her in London 18 months ago.
In today’s post I am wearing a Scotch and Soda printed safari shirt (from her site) which is perfect for any time of the year and particularly this bad weather.
The skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple from Zara and the sandals are an old favourite from Clarks. The bag from TK Maxx is borrowed from the stylist daughter @courtneysmithstyle who also took the pics. GG is sacked! (Well, temporarily anyway!)
Animal print is very much in vogue and will still be around in Autumn/Winter so this would be an addition to any wardrobe.
You can check out her online boutique:
www.the-bias-cut.com where you will find many more beautiful pieces.
Let us Fight the Good Fight against Ageism and all other ‘isms’. Let us have inclusiveness in The Fashion Industry; it would be a start.
Love this post Hilda! I totally agree with you and it applies to the beauty industry as well as the fashion industry. Where are the 50 & 60 year olds in the skincare and makeup commercials? But I do think ageism is having a moment right now. This is our time & they are going to have to listen!🙌 Love the adorable outfit, the animal print & that cute bag!❤️
I agree with you about the beauty industry too. Maybe brands are beginning to listen. I certainly hope so…
Love all these fabulous looks Hilda. I’m 68 and just do as I please. I actually buy from the TV because some have better selections than I find in the store. ~ Phyllis
Thanks Phyllis. My problem is I love shopping..it is a hobby!! And I am glad ..more of us are now wearing what we like….
Yeah!! I am all for that! I wanted to buy shorts this season but wasn t sure if I still could wear them. Until I read Jodie s latest post just now! Now I know I want shorts! These photos of you are fantastic! Especially that skirt ! But the last look is fantastic too!
Thanks Nancy.. yes we can wear what we want. Thank you for commenting x
I thought this stuff was getting better!Very interesting POST to me!
Fingers crossed my comment goes through……………..XX
Thank you Contessa.. we still have a long way to go over here…
Full up my fashion alley💋
My hashtag is #wearwhatyoufeel which matches my philosophy of outfit empowerment. I promote ageless, the idea that our essence and embodying our truth and passion is more important than looking at age. But then, I supposed o inspired to bravery in others I should mention my countdown to 70?
I asked my friend Charisse, a casting agent, why I don’t get advertisers hitting me with promo jobs and marketing offers and she said,”you’re too young for the age group.” She’s “STILL kicking” is the thing right now. Let’s change that by being relevant JUST because we are our true selves.
And that is ageism too. You don’t act or look your age, so you are not behaving the way advertisers want to portray you. We can’t win!!
THIS is exactly WHY I do what I do…to show women 55+ MOVING & staying fit…WITHOUT all the “gym” mentality…the fitness industry has ageism, as well!!!
That is interesting Geri and I believe you are right. Well done you.
I am Delighted to read this article .
Golden Spiderweb is a Irish Retail fashion company.we have 8 stores throughout the country and an on line store http://www.goldenspiderweb.ie We would like to think we are doing our bit for women in there 50s 60s and beyond. And Our clothes Irish designed by a woman in her 60s. 😊
You certainly are. Thank you.
I am totally in agreement with you on the topic of ageism. And I think you have fantastic taste and style, and you are a gorgeous model! Your blog is fun and interesting! You are always doing something that inspires me! I think you are the perfect person for any company to do business with because you give such a positive vibe to everything you are involved with! I’m also a huge fan of Jacynth Bassett. Love this post!
Amy you are such a supportive friend. Thank you so much for that lovely comment. You have made my day xxx
Goodness, have you looked at Vogue lately? I think you make an excellent point. We will be in the majority and the world will have to listen. You look fabulous. I simply do my thing and don’t buy Vogue! I’ll show them. Ha!
And you are an inspiration Sandra in every way. Thank you for commenting. xxx