Social media personalities are typically linked with younger audiences, yet a new group of individuals is gaining prominence. Fashion campaigns Media ads continue to frequently target young women as models for their products, even though many older women possess significant purchasing power that teens typically do not have. Faced with such limited portrayals, women across all age groups are now shifting towards social media platforms, where women over 50 are gaining massive audiences that traditional outlets tend to ignore. On these platforms, content creators generate empowering and genuine material that highlights aging, inclusivity, and lifestyle choices in later years.
Within a society obsessed with young age, these role models present an unconventional option that seems hopeful and positive . Although social media has historically been dominated by younger individuals, significant changes are happening.
In this section, we encounter three influential figures from the forefront of this emerging trend.
‘Wear the miniskirt!’
Claire Hall, 53, from Essex, fashion consultant ( @clubforty.claire )
"Every day we must put on our clothes," he says. Claire Hall My approach is to have fun with it and wear clothes that showcase us at our finest and boost our self-assurance, as this can significantly impact how we feel. When you're comfortable in what you're wearing, your vibe shifts.
A 53-year-old woman from Essex launched her online journey a decade back through a blog. "The fashion scene was completely different back then," she says. "It seemed as though once you reached your forties, you were expected to wear cardigans and unexciting clothes. I wanted to show women that they could still buy from River Island or H&M—places they may have believed were not suitable for someone their age."
It developed into a significant social media following, where she regularly shares fashion tips, ensembles, along with a "Size-by-Side" segment featuring Hall and her friend, Nina, who both wear identical or nearly identical outfits to demonstrate how they look on a size 10 and a... size 18 body A lack of varied age groups and body types in fashion magazines and advertisements motivated her to take this step.
I'm a personal stylist, yet I believe my job is to close that divide and teach women how to incorporate fashionable looks into their style, since our generation isn't often seen in such contexts," she explains. "Fashion advertisements—whether found in magazines or online—typically feature youthful, slender models. While there has been some improvement regarding diversity in size and age, it's still not sufficient.
She adds: "So I'll demonstrate how it appears on a 53-year-old with an 'average' body shape—and that's something many of my contemporaries do." Without seeing older and larger figures represented, middle-aged influencers like Hall may be providing a certain kind of perspective. a public service. I receive numerous messages from women stating, 'I wouldn't have thought of wearing that outfit had I not seen it on you,'” she mentions. "I believe together, we are demonstrating to women the potential, joy, and benefits of growing older.
Middle age can often present significant challenges for numerous women facing menopause, all while managing aging parents, kids, and professional responsibilities. What advice would she offer to middle-aged women who feel as though they're fading into obscurity?
I believe we can feel unseen when we lose our self-confidence and our feeling of belonging in the world," she states. "I think addressing this issue starts from within—we must focus on improving ourselves." For Hall, fashion serves as an effective means to restore that sense of being seen. "I truly believe it's very significant to dress Being mindful helps you realize how clothes, styles, and colors affect your emotions. So I know that if I want to feel self-assured, I'll go for vibrant hues. Color has the power to influence your mood, as well as the way others perceive you—people tend to appreciate colorful appearances.
Hall recommends that anyone seeking to update their look in later years should conduct an assessment. "Reflect on this: When did you feel most confident? What were you wearing then? What aspects of that clothing made you feel great? Use these insights—pinpoint the specific details like color, fit, and design—and gradually incorporate similar items into your closet," she suggests. She also questions common fashion guidelines: "If you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, that's all that counts," she states. "Fashion is personal. Go ahead and wear the mini skirt!"
I believed nobody would be interested in me with gray hair
Mia Maugé, aged 60, from London, works as a writer, actor, and model. ( @miamauge )
"When I decided not to fight against aging anymore, my struggle ended," Mia Maugé says to me. Reaching this stage wasn't simple for the 60-year-old woman, as her life underwent significant changes once she ceased resisting. dyeing her hair I was in my early forties and working in publishing," she says to me. "It was during a shift towards digital, and I felt like I was becoming outdated. I was going through... perimenopause And I felt as though my natural hair color was signaling to everyone how aged and out of touch I had become.
Although choosing to embrace gray hair was "extremely freeing," her path to getting there was challenging. "My friends and family believed I was going through a midlife crisis and couldn't understand it," she remembers. "I felt extremely isolated during this process and considered myself quite unattractive. Plus, I was single! The surprising part is that I adore my natural color now, but back then, I was struggling emotionally and kept thinking 'nobody will find me attractive.'"
She adds: "It took time to release the internalized ageism I wasn't aware I held onto. Yet on the flip side" was 50 and an unwillingness to listen to that sound anymore. It simply meant 'this is who I am now—and the world will have to embrace it.' And they did—people approached me on the street and offered me some modeling opportunities, and I made my Instagram profile public."
Starting from a place of low self-esteem, Maugé transitioned into modeling in her undergarments for Marks & Spencer. Her online presence skyrocketed, and today she stands as an influential personality among women aged 50 and above. "A shift occurred within my confidence, prompting me to embrace opportunities that previously made me uneasy, such as model work," she shares. "Before this period, I could never imagine doing something like that. However, it stemmed from finding a sense of purpose and using it as a means to create change regarding representation—yet it was deeply personal too. I felt I was catching up on missed years."
Maugé is also a strong supporter of breaking down misconceptions regarding elderly individuals. women’s style I felt a sense of underrepresentation as a customer and shared an Instagram post that gained significant attention regarding streetwear," she starts. "Our generation has truly been the builders and innovators behind this style, which remains a big part of my clothing collection. However, companies keep focusing on a younger audience—we are often ignored in advertising.
Within this environment, artists such as Maugé thrive—and it isn’t only among women of her generation. "I receive an overwhelming number of messages from younger women indicating that my work allows them to imagine their future lives in 20 or 30 years. At times, I've even become emotional upon reading deeply moving messages from young women facing challenges." ageing In their 30s. Therefore, there's certainly a need for us as a whole."
Currently, Maugé urges older women to be "bold and confident." Regarding conventional standards about "how" women ought to appear, attire, or act, "a significant amount of reflection and shedding old beliefs is necessary."
Methods to address this involve concentrating on appreciation and searching for happiness wherever possible, she adds. "Many of us have dedicated our lives to fretting over minor issues, and we don’t wish to carry this forward into our later years—it's an enormous loss of time."
We have reason to be thankful for longevity , family members, our houses – and for greater understanding and expertise," she continues. "We're informed that we remain unseen for a purpose. When a woman beyond middle age recognizes her strength and radiates it, it may pose a challenge to the patriarchal system."
For Maugé, social media is merely one of several methods through which she provides an alternate perspective. "I don't play around. I'm deeply committed to creating change—that's what drives me to be active online. It's not simply about attractive images—it's about advocacy."
I wish to become that peculiar 80-year-old who couldn't care less
Louisa Sugden, 53, from Norfolk, specializes in antique trading ( @elegantlyknackeredstyle )
I've disregarded all fashion guidelines — I dislike rules," says Louisa Sugden to me. "There are absolutely no fashion rules! Recently, someone left a comment saying, 'You can't wear red lipstick unless your teeth are completely white.' Well, I wasn't aware such a rule existed. Who established it anyway? Everybody should simply be their true selves.
Sugden began sharing her transition to a Norfolk cottage on social media more than 10 years back, yet she seldom appeared in front of the lens until discussing things with renowned content producer Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage. She asked, 'Why aren't you in front of the camera?' I wondered: who would want to see me? However, she persuaded me. She captured my image and told me, 'I want you to share this today.'
While driving home, Sugden felt uncertain. "I felt completely uncomfortable," she remembers. "However, I realized that if something happened to me on the way back, that photograph would be the only one remaining of me since I was constantly behind the lens capturing images of the house and my family, yet never appearing in them. Therefore, I decided to take on a personal challenge: stepping into the frame."
This change has led to numerous unforeseen advantages for Sugden. As a content producer and "middle-age advocate," she observed an increase in remarks from women around her age or slightly older who mention her as motivation in their personal fashion and self-assurance paths. "One of my mantras is 'nothing reserved for later,' implying" wear the good dress, “She says. 'And messages began pouring in such as 'I dressed up for the grocery store today' or 'I have an entire closet filled with outfits and I've finally found the bravery to wear them once more.' And I thought, 'there's something going on here.' Sharing about my garden is one aspect, yet I truly enjoy being able to inspire another person, even just slightly. These messages make me feel as though I'm accomplishing something minor yet meaningful."
Don't anticipate fresh fashion updates on Elegantly Knackered, though. "You'll never catch me wearing new clothes every week," explains Sugden. "However, I enjoy putting together looks and exchanging my thoughts. Whenever I purchase something new, it needs to fit into at least five different ensembles—it must prove its worth in my closet. My fashion sense is changing, and I'm really enjoying the process."
According to Sugden, confidence is something she has steadily developed throughout the years and continues to refine. "People often remark about my" confidence Before the camera, I was the most timid child," she states. "When I enter a room full of people, I feel like that young version of myself, but I apply my makeup and a grin and step forward.
She adds: "I aim to test my limits. I also wish to inspire my kids to step beyond their safe areas. How can I advise them on this when I'm staying hidden at my kitchen table in Norfolk?"
Sugden believes that platforms similar to hers can offer encouragement to middle-aged women feeling overlooked. "It's never too late," she states. "Each stage of our lives is a new chapter; you must generate some excitement and dive into it wholeheartedly. I enjoy being in my fifties—I find it amazing and empowering."
Senior women bring a lot to the table," she says. "We possess wisdom—and we don't feel compelled to keep up with each latest fad. My suggestion is to discover your own fashion sense, stay true to who you are, and step out to savor life. Each day holds opportunities for happiness.
No comments:
Post a Comment