The Myth Of Dressing For One’s Age

And Where The Focus Should Be

Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, both 64, star in “The Room Next Door”

Dear friends, particularly my California readers; my heart is breaking for the people of Los Angeles as we enter an unimaginable second week of devastating fires. I can’t imagine how difficult it is for those who have lost their home and community. Recovery will be long and arduous. That’s why I chose to donate to the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund. Established in 2003, CCF provides immediate relief as well as assists in long-term recovery efforts for the most vulnerable communities in Los Angeles and throughout California. You can find their website here.

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I believe the age-old question of how to dress for one’s age is misguided. At the end of last year, I attended a webinar for The State of Fashion 2025 Report hosted by McKinsey and Co. and The Business of Fashion. The report cites the top ten forces shaping the fashion industry in 2025. Number four on the list was titled Silver Spenders, which suggests companies must focus more on the growing population of over-age 50 consumers for growth.

This is reasonable, as demographics in the US and many Western countries suggest. How this translates to the products offered is what I’m concerned with. Thus far, I believe much of the industry, particularly luxury brands has got this wrong and it starts with design.