YOU LOOK GREAT..." FOR YOUR AGE "

In an era where inclusivity and diversity are championed so passionately, do the rules of age still apply to fashion trends?

- Aaron Kok

For decades, the fashion and beauty industries have tapped on ageist sentiments against women as a marketing tool – and this happens even today.

Perhaps that is why stereotypical comments like “You shouldn’t be wearing this after [insert age here]”or headlines such as “Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Older” are still prevalent.

And don’t even get me started on the insensitive “You look great... for your age” remark. What is that supposed to make someone feel? Should they be grateful for being acknowledged for their discerning taste at 47? Is being “older” a scarlet letter to be hidden away in shame?

We sell anti-aging creams as if they were the answer to eternal youth. We fawn over celebrities beyond 50 who have nary a shadow of a wrinkle around their eyes – as if we haven’t conditioned them to run to their plastic surgeons and doctors at the first sign of ageing. We praise young women for channelling Old Hollywood but deride older women for attempting Gen Z-led trends.

Vanity Fair’s 2022 annual Hollywood Issue featured Hollywood A-lister Nicole Kidman on its cover in a Miu Miu outfit – a barely there cropped top and miniskirt combo. The look drew comments such as “This is so inappropriate for a woman her age” and “School girl look, not a good look at her age”.

A year later, the 56-year-old addressed the buzz, saying that despite being aware of the intense criticism, she has chosen to remain in blissful ignorance. “There are times when you hear things and you go, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s really hurtful’,” she was quoted in response. “Don’t tell me, I don’t really want to know.”