I distinctly remember many-a New Jersey shopping mall trip with my mama, urging her to try on all the styles my adolescent self deemed "cool," only to be greeted with a wave of the hand and an unflinching, "I'm too old for that." The "I'm too old for that" phenomenon is unfortunately one that seems to become increasingly more prevalent after women hit 40, but at the 2015 CFDA Awards, some our favorite 40+ celebs broke plenty of fashion's so-called "rules" for middle age.
Ageism within the fashion and beauty industries is a beast we're finally seeing people rise up against. In 2015 alone, we've witnessed Joni Mitchell cover New York Magazine, Caitlyn Jenner cover Vanity Fair , and Joan Didion team up with Celine. These are all powerful women — women unafraid of being visible despite having reached an age that not long ago was considered "past it."
Like so many other oppressive "isms," ageism is rooted in nothingness. Someone, at some point, decided "looking old" was a bad thing, and that subsequently anyone past a certain age should do everything in their power to, well, look young. Often, "looking younger" has been synonymous with "hiding," however. And that's why it's just so spectacular to see the women tonight offer up a giant eff-you to these prehistoric beauty standards.
From sheer to plunging necklines, these women don't care about being "age-appropriate." Because they know there's no such thing.
1. Fern Mallis
Obviously the Executive Director of the CFDAs was going to bring it tonight. I just had no idea Mallis would bring it this much! I love how her flowing, boldly-printed dress isn't about "highlighting her curves," or "showing off the figure in a traditionally flattering way." It's easy and looks comfortable as hell.
The 67-year-old proves there's nothing to fear in bold prints. And those tortoise-hued glasses? They're hipster-chicness at its best — because hipsterism is not just for Brooklyn Millennials, ya know?
2. Juliette Lewis
Princess gowns are "just for kids?" Really? Really, world? If there's anything to be gained from looking at Lewis rocking this swan-like gown, it's that dress-up is literally for everyone.
The 41-year-old actress is so dream-like and graceful. She's channeling major ballerina-queen vibes in this number, and it's literally killing me.
3. Julianna Margulies
The beloved 48-year-old ER actress is the very definition of "slayer" at tonight's CFDAs. Wearing a sheer gown that reveals plenty of panty, Margulies bestows several lessons upon us tonight.
1. You don't need to be a teenager or twentysomething to rock some sheer. 2. Showing off some skin on your own terms, your own way, is a sign of confidence and empowerment.
4. Betsey Johnson
It's pretty difficult for me to put into words the brilliance that is this ensemble. The 72-year-old fashion designer is killing me right now, guys. A boldly-striped jumpsuit? Check. Booties that look like Disney slippers had a baby with UGG boots? Check. Definitive evidence that humans — of any age, size, or style — can wear whatever they want? Triple check.
5. Diane Von Furstenberg
Obviously DVF is a queen. And obviously, she was going to let her queenly flag fly at the CFDAs. The 68-year-old fashion designers brilliantly reminds us that bold prints and quirky necklines don't belong to any age group. And for this, I bow down.
Images: Getty
