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New research shows women over-50 don’t want to be defined by age (no shit, Sherlock)

— by Alyson Walsh

Photos: Annie Johnston

In a survey of 50-plus women published this week by J. Walter Thompson London, 86% agreed that style should not be defined by age. But we knew that anyway (see mantra in sidebar). The report entitled ‘The Elastic Generation’ reveals how older women are doing their own thing, are engaged, active and anti-anti-ageing –  we want to look good, not young. It’s just that the world hasn’t quite caught up with us yet.

I am happy to disclose my age (54) but I don’t want to be defined by it. Basically, I want nice clothes and I want the fashion industry to show women of all ages, sizes and ethnicities wearing them. Which is why I am hoping to do a few more That IS My Style photoshoots this year. The report refers to ageless living and agelessness; and the term Ageless Style is being used, a lot, right now. How else to describe women of all ages and the clothes they wear? Maybe we should stop trying to put labels on everything and just call it style. And living. Surely, if fashion brands get the clothes right (good fit, good quality fabrics, good size range and no skimping) then everyone will wear them, whatever their age…

 

Your thoughts on The Elastic Generation and Ageless Style, please. Oh and while we’re at it, is there anything you’d like to see more of on That’s Not My Age this year?

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In a survey of 50-plus women published this week by J. Walter Thompson London, 86% agreed that style should not be defined by age.