The Accidental Icon
— by Alyson Walsh
If ever you need to give your eyes a rest from the usual, look-at-me, street style fashion fandango, click over to Accidental Icon. Lyn Slater is an academic who writes eloquently about creativity and style and lives her life in monochrome. Her cool aesthetic and unerring sense of style are a tonic for anyone with a preference for pared-down simplicity. With a 40-year career in social work, the 61-year-old now lectures in social justice in New York – and there’s a fantastic feature about her in Uniqlo’s fall/winter Lifewear Book.
‘I’ve always been creative, for me fashion is about performance,’ she tells journalist Alice Newell-Hanson, ‘I reject the idea that there is a set way you must look if you want to make a difference with your life. The vast majority of my readers and my students are young. And I show them that you can still be a rebel at 61.’
Lyn’s wearing Uniqlo’s cashmere polo neck sweater, rayon shirt and ankle length pants.
Read The Iconclast feature HERE.
Discussion (29 Comments)
- David Iain Craig says:
I don’t wish to be unkind but I fail to anything profoundly iconic. I see a tastefully dressed sixty something but the Icon eludes me. And what’s with the shades in what looks like ordinary daylight, I hate them at the best of times, the burka of the soul. What about her indicates rebelliousness exactly ? It’s just marketing of another “usual, look-at-me, street style fashion fandango”.
- Esme Basson says:
David I think your first sentence must sum you up perfectly! And when would shades be appropriate other than in ordinary daylight?
- Fiona Edwards says:
I guess being male and not living under the same constant pressure to look youthful explains why you don’t understand the rebelliousness of her. For a woman the pressure when you reach a certain age to dress and look a certain way is enormous. As far as fashion shopping goes we have disappeared. She has made us seen again. Be careful your privilege doesn’t make you ignorant.
- Janet says:
I really like Lyn’s blog, her look, her style, her verve & that take-me-or-leave-me attitude. It’s not my look even though we share a love of black & white & blue jeans. But — and I’d never say this on Lyn’s own blog because I wouldn’t want to offend her (& will probably offend even here, so this comes with a side-order of apologies) — BUT she so rarely smiles! Mind you, 40 years in social work would probably leave me not feeling like smiling much either, but, as with Victoria Beckham, a smile can only improve the beauty that is already there. That said, the black turtle neck, white shirt, black jeans & B&W sneakers? Love it.
- ODYSSEY says:
Lyn is a true icon in the blogging world. Both her personal style and her writing are a breath of fresh air! I hope Lyn continues to inspire for many years.
Oh how I miss Uniqlo! I loved shopping there when we lived in Asia, but alas, it has not made it to Canada yet.
That’s wonderful! I had heard that they were coming to Canada. Now, I’ll just have to wait for them to expand into the western provinces!
- Sarah says:
What a great look Lyn has, love the under cut. Very inspiring.
- Moi says:
David asked “What’s with the shades in ordinary daylight?”
I’m puzzled by people who think sunglasses are an affectation. They are sunscreen for the eyes. Go without, and risk serious damage–and it’s worse as we age.
- Muriel JELSMA says:
I have blue eyes and light skin. My eye doctor and dermatologist have both emphasized the importance of wearing sun glasses and a hat daily.
- Sweet Sue says:
Sunglasses help prevent cataracts. If you’re not wearing them in the daylight, you should be.
They also help prevent age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over 60.
- Barbara says:
In a sea of older women dressing like clowns, Lynn shows us how it should be done.
- Sue Burpee says:
I love Accidental Icon. Love that pared down style. Gives hope to those of us creeping up on sixty.
- Patti says:
I love Lyn’s minimalism, she pulls it off beautifully. Fabulous hair too. xo
- The Style Crone says:
I am always inspired by Lyn. Her style, her writing and her kindness.
- Karen Barlow says:
Thanks for highlighting another great blog for me to follow Alyson. No wonder I never get round to writing any posts for my blog, I’m too busy following all you inspirational women!!!
- Sheepskins Fairylights says:
She looks amazing, pared back stylish simplicity….and her hair!!! Xx
- Viola @ Bodacious Goods says:
I love, love Lyn Slater/Accidental Icon. She represents to me excitement, energy, value, sexuality, fashion style and attitude that says “see me, I’m still fabulous looking as I grow older.”
- K VanFosson says:
Just found this site love it as I try to transition to flats due to my MS and don’t want to look frumpy and not chic in my wheel chair or flashy cane quite insperational still can use some of my beautiful things that I love ❤️ Thank You Needed some inspiration I guess so I don’t end up in that old granny rut that stores love to sell us
- Jackie Brewer says:
You are an inspiration Lynn.
I have just cut my hair like you . I went grey a year ago & although I had a sharp bob, I wanted my hair to be sharper!! I wanted to be edgy!! I have a FANTASTIC hairdresser & my cut is perfect. (I’m nearly 65)
I look at your pictures all the time! Do keep going.
Many thanks
Jackie, your admirer - Emily says:
Lyn is AMAZING!!! I love her style and everything about her inspires me. I’ll be 64 years young on Feb the 10th! And I also feel fabulous, I’m 5’2 just like Lyn, 108lbs, have a lot of health issues but I don’t let them stop me!
Have a great day everyone!!! - Sheila Mitchell says:
I love her style ! I am also 61 years old and try to stay stylish… you can be fashionable no matter what age you are! Sometimes you have a hard time finding clothes that are not to trendy and short for a “mature “ woman! Everyone don’t want a dress that stop at the middle of the thighs or a long frumpy looking dress! Sooo I have learned to sew, but quality frabric and make me some nice fashionable pieces to wear! This lady is inspiring!
- KaZ says:
Yay!! I’m 59 and NOT COUNTING. Let my hair grow out long and silver and dress for ME!! Classic with my own little touches. I have friends of all ages and love exploring the world. Love seeing what women my age and older like to wear. It’s a beautiful world out there for being yourself!!
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So crisp and beautiful. Lyn is a genius.