Review by Ceri Wheeldon

Who could fail to be inspired by the six women in the documentary Fabulous Fashionistas. With an average age of 80, these feisty women show that style is not ageist. More importantly they show that following your passions in life, taking care of yourself and living life to the full equates to happiness at any age.

How fabulous to have a television programme applaud age, and show that we do not have to be  resigned to dull  baggy clothes with elasticated waistbands and can look forward to being stylish at any age. As artist Sue said – ‘I hate beige – for me beige equals death’ as she literally wears her colourful art on a daily basis.

Bridget

I love the fact that all the fabulous fashionistas show how you can show your personality through your clothes – without it costing a fortune, as 75 year old Bridget demonstrates as she finds her best buys in charity shops as she lives on her pension of £100 per week. Bridget feels that if you look good you feel good, and you can do amazing things. A great grandmother –  is not  fading into background . When she was younger nobody took any notice of what she wore. Her style has become more noticeable  as she’s got  older. She dresses flamboyantly for the identity and fun of it – not to look younger

75 year old Jean describes her style as street rather than smart. She returned to work at the age of 70, working for GAP, as she moved her life forward following the death of her husband of 56 years. She believes in taking an interest in life, looking back at the happy memories and not dwelling on the sad ones.

I have been lucky enough to meet Daphne Self, who at 85 is described as the world’s oldest supermodel – in the flesh she is far prettier than in her pictures and so serene. A lovely lady who re-entered the world of modelling when she was spotted by a scout in a shopping centre. Again, her career started following the death of her husband.

Dressing for the fun of it – not to look younger

The formidable Lady Trumpington, 91, is the oldest woman in the House of Lords and has a wicked sense of humour. ‘The moment you start letting yourself go is the moment when you are old’, she says.

Gillian

Gillian, an 87 year old choreographer, married for 34 years to a husband 27 years her junior, exercises every day and still works – her energy and zest for life are clear for all to see – she says that she will never stop working and refuses to ‘let the ageing process in’.

Ageing with attitude

All six women have a strong sense of self and their own individual style. They don’t care what other people think. They are all ageing with attitude.

I couldn’t help but compare this programme with the Channel 4 series ‘How Not to Get Old’ These six women with an average age of 80 are far more youthful with their love of life and steely determination to enjoy every moment than the women in How Not to Get Old looking for the next magic treatment to hold back the clock and look younger.

If you missed the programme- do try and check it out on ‘catch up’. Prepare to be inspired. If only there were more programmes like this with such great role models, showing that life is for living – at every age, and with the right mindset we can be fabulous at every stage.

I’m adding the official trailer as a taster!

Ceri Wheeldon

Ceri is Founder and Editor of Fabafterfifty.co.uk She is a frequent speaker at events and in the media on topics related to women over 50 , including style and living agelessly. With 20+ years experience as a headhunter Ceri also now helps support those looking to extend their working lives.

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