We live in a world where opinions run wild, but sometimes it’s better to keep them to ourselves. Just ask 76-year-old style influencer, Candace Cima. Recently, she shared a photo of herself rocking a sleeveless midi dress, and while many praised her fashion sense, there were a few negative naysayers.
“It’s not the first time this has happened, but this one surprised me,” Candace told TODAY. “People have such outdated notions about age-appropriate fashion, and that needs to change.” As a proud grandmother of 11, Candace believes it’s time to challenge these stereotypes.
In the photo, she confidently showcases a brown knit sleeveless dress paired with a trendy sweater. While some applauded her fearless approach to fashion, others took to the comments section with criticism. One person wrote, “From the side and back, this dress does nothing for you. Form fitting below the waist is not your friend. Celebrate everything else about your body!” Another commented, “Not flattering at all. Would never wear alone. Too old to be showing all that skin.” But Candace isn’t one to let negative comments bring her down.
“It’s perfectly appropriate to have wrinkled skin at 76, and I’m not ashamed of it,” Candace asserts. “Sometimes I want to respond, ‘Should I cover my face too, because I have wrinkles there?’”
Candace began her fashion blog in 2019 after recognizing the need for representation of older women in the industry. “I saw an opportunity to talk about how to dress as you get older. Women have been conditioned to think they need to cover up because that’s what their mothers and grandmothers did.”
But times have changed, and Candace is a strong advocate for shifting the way we think about age and fashion. “We don’t need to adhere to these old ideas in a modern world,” she explains. Despite the countless rude remarks, Candace pays them little attention and instead offers valuable advice to her younger followers.
“Aging is great. Everything you have learned your entire life is now there for you. You are now the wisest that you are ever going to be. Embrace it and be proud.”
Age should never be a barrier to expressing your unique style. Candace’s story serves as a reminder that fashion knows no age boundaries. Let’s celebrate the diversity and beauty of every stage of life. Remember, it’s never too late to rock that outfit you’ve always wanted to try!
