We all know that everyone has their own opinions, but sometimes it’s best to keep them to ourselves. A recent incident involving a 76-year-old style influencer reminds us of just that. Candace Cima, a grandmother of 11 grandchildren, shared a photo of herself modeling a sleeveless midi dress on her fashion blog. Little did she know, the post would garner mixed reactions.
“People have such outdated notions about age-appropriate fashion, and that needs to change,” Cima told TODAY, reflecting on the comments she received. It’s disheartening to see how people still cling on to these stereotypes.
The negative remarks flooded in, with some commenters claiming the dress wasn’t flattering or appropriate for her age. But Cima wasn’t fazed. She believes that society needs to shift its thinking when it comes to age and fashion.
“It’s perfectly appropriate to have wrinkled skin at 76, and I’m not ashamed of it,” Cima stated defiantly. She refuses to conform to society’s beauty standards and wants others to follow suit. In fact, she challenges her critics by saying, “Should I cover my face too, because I have wrinkles there?”
Cima became a fashion blogger in 2019 because she noticed a gap in representation for older women in the industry. She wanted to empower women to embrace their style and dress confidently as they age. For too long, women have been conditioned to believe they need to cover up as they get older, but Cima wants to change that.
“We don’t need to adhere to these old ideas in a modern world,” she proclaims. Age shouldn’t define what we can or cannot wear. Fashion is about self-expression, and that should be embraced at any stage of life.
Despite facing countless rude remarks, Cima pays them little attention. Instead, she chooses to offer advice and wisdom to her newer and younger followers. She encourages them to see aging as a gift, a time when all the knowledge and experiences gained in life become assets. “Embrace it and be proud,” Cima advises.
Let’s join Cima in breaking free from outdated fashion norms and embracing our individuality at any age. Together, we can redefine what it means to dress with confidence and style!
