Everyone has an opinion, but sometimes it’s best to keep it to ourselves. In a world where age-related fashion trends tend to draw unnecessary criticism, it’s important to remember that style is ageless. Candace Cima, a 76-year-old style influencer and grandmother to 11 grandchildren, recently found herself at the center of controversy after sharing a photo of herself modeling a sleeveless midi dress. While the post garnered a lot of attention, not all of it was positive.
In response to the negative comments, Cima expressed her frustration: “People have such outdated notions about age-appropriate fashion, and that needs to change.” She gracefully donned a brown knit sleeveless dress paired with a sweater, confidently challenging the traditional norms of what older women should wear.
Unfortunately, the comment section was filled with unsolicited opinions that undermined her confidence. 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 commenter remarked, “Not flattering at all. Would never wear alone. Too old to be showing all that skin.”
Unfazed by the negativity, Cima firmly believes that it’s perfectly appropriate to embrace her age, including the wrinkles that come with it. “It’s perfectly acceptable to have wrinkled skin at 76, and I’m not ashamed of it,” she declares. “Sometimes I want to respond, ‘Should I cover my face too, because I have wrinkles there?’”
In 2019, Cima started her fashion blog to address the lack of representation for older women in the fashion industry. She saw an opportunity to challenge the outdated belief that older women should cover up. “We need to shift the way we think about age. We don’t have to adhere to these old ideas in a modern world,” she asserts.
Despite the countless rude remarks, Cima remains unfazed and chooses to focus on empowering her newest and younger followers. Through her platform, she offers advice and inspiration to women of all ages, showing them that aging is a beautiful journey to be celebrated. “Aging is great. Everything you’ve learned your entire life is now there for you. You are now the wisest you’ll ever be. Embrace it and be proud.”
With her unwavering confidence, Candace Cima continues to be an inspiration and a catalyst for change in the fashion industry. It’s time we embrace ageless style and celebrate the wisdom and beauty that comes with age.
