Article by Fabafterfifty
We’ve had the SWOFTIE (single woman over 50), the ‘Olderpreneur’ and now it seems we have another label for the over 50s to contend with. The OAF! How DO they think them up? And why are they labelling anyone over 50 as old?!!
According to the Daily Mail (The Rise of the OAF) any woman over 50 showing any sense of style falls into this new category. Old Age Fashionista. An article highlighting how style savvy mothers make great role models for their daughters (a subject we highlighted recently) was ruined by the addition of yet another derogatory label.
True style has no ‘sell by’ date
So, we know what we like, what suits us and have developed our own sense of style. We want to make the best of ourselves. Why does that require a label? How do we change perceptions? 50 is NOT old ! At 50 most of us have not even lived half our adult life. We still have careers! We’re starting new business or growing existing ones? We’re writing books, climbing mountains, taking up new sports, and yes- evening buying clothes.
True style has no sell by date. If we have to have any collective ‘name’ for women over 50, just focus one. Fabulous. We’re Fab after Fifty- NOT OAF’s!
I agree – my first thought was “what do they mean ‘old’ at 50!” I don’t even think of myself as middle aged! I tell people I plan on living until I’m 150 so I won’t be middle aged until I’m 75…..