Fashion

7 Age 60+ Fashion Icons Embodying #HumanGoals

by Christie Drozdowski

One of the things I've committed myself to in life is to stay young at heart forever, and this includes in my sense of fashion. I'm pretty sure the older women who I admire — those fashion icons over 60 — live by the same mantra, sartorially speaking anyway. To clarify, I don't think "staying young at heart" means dressing like you're ignoring your age. Rather, it's having an air of confidence that proves that just because you are aging doesn't mean you can't pull off an amazing ensemble or stay true to your personal style.

I've mentioned before that being in the middle of the age spectrum, things can sometimes get a little difficult to navigate when it comes to getting fashion inspiration. Do I turn to the women still in their 20s for tips on staying "on trend?" Or do I turn to those in their 40s, 50s, or 60s for ideas on how to preserve my personal intersection between fashion and self?

Just like I'm not ashamed to take style notes from teenagers, I'm also OK with (and quite keen on) getting cues from my elders, too. And I don't just mean looking back at the styles of their younger years, either. I mean the looks they are currently rocking. Sure, runways and magazine covers are still mostly filled with the "beauty of youth," (there's still so much ageism to combat in the industry), but there is so much more to be inspired by as well.

Here are my top seven sartorial influencers older than 60, who prove that "old, wild, and free" is and will always be a rad thing.

1. Debbie Harry, 70

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She's kept that signature blonde hair (I mean, hello, her stage name is Blondie, after all) right through her older years, and it's seriously perfect. Harry still rocks her leather at shows, but I love her dressed up event looks, too. She's not afraid of bright colors, bodycons, or fish nets.

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The Queen Mother of punk, Debbie Harry will always be legendary. One of the biggest lessons I take from her is that you are never too old to make a statement.

2. Jane Seymour, 64

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I'm switching gears a little here, but Jane Seymour has always been the epitome of class and grace to me. She inspires a romantic and traditional look in my own wardrobe.

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Solid, bold colors are sort of her thing, and she reminds me that bangs still look good after 30.

3. Julie Christie, 75

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Major vintage hair-spiration from the second Brit on this list. I'm in love with how Christie has managed to keep her hair so on trend!

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I also admire how she's been accessorizing her outfits, and her apparent affinity for dangling jewelry.

4. Phylicia Rashad, 67

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OK, so I know it's because I grew up watching her as the lovely Clair Huxtable, but Rashad's style is honestly so warm and nurturing, which is totally inspiring my look as I embark upon motherhood early this fall.

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Her style these days is so dignified and put-together. Despite sounding cheesy, it's not unlike one of those mother's hugs — just waiting to wrap its arms around you. And who doesn't need a loving cuddle every now and then?

5. Betsey Johnson, 72

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I'm enamored by this woman's energy — it exudes from every aspect of her personality and fashion sense. Not to mention, the designer is famously known for doing a cartwheel at the end of her fashion shows!

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Johnson is eccentric and outlandish and like an endearing little girl playing dress up forever. I love it, and if there's one woman who taught me to adore pink lipstick, it's Betsey Johnson.

6. Diane Keaton, 69

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That smile, those glasses, the hair! I love Diane Keaton's quirky cool, almost librarian-esque style that's super fun without being over the top.

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Biggest recent takeaway from the actress? Socks with heels will always work!

7. Priscilla Presley, 70

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I recently got to visit Graceland, the legendary Presley home, in Memphis, TN. Ever since, I've had this renewed love for the Presley's and tremendous respect for how influential Priscilla and Lisa Marie have remained.

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Though she's not particularly adventurous in her ensembles these days, Priscilla Presley proves that black will always be stylish. I do love that she's gone for that deep cherry hue on her hair as well.

Images: Getty Images