According to a recent survey by campaigners Age Without Limits, the Great British public thinks that 56 is too old to be wearing the latest fashions.
Astonishingly, the findings also revealed that, after polling 4000 people, one in ten considers 40 to be the cut-off point when it comes to pulling off the most up-to-date trends.
Understandably, this news has been met with disbelief among women of a certain age who enjoy keeping up with current styles. Myself included.
The Loose Women panel recently discussed it, with Judi Love saying: "Whoever wrote that can go and sit down because I've just started" and Myleene Klass adding "this is when you find your stride and get your confidence... no one's surveying what the guys are doing."
The survey may appear flippant, but it highlights the prevalence of ageism in the UK. Dr Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: "This year the campaign focuses on the absurdity of everyday ageism, highlighting how the persistent acceptance of negative attitudes towards ageing has the potential to limit all our lives as we get older. "
I've always championed the idea that style has no age barrier. If wearing the latest trends makes you happy, then go for it. Clothes are an expression of our personality, and women often feel more confident to experiment as they get older. With less pressure coming from having a young family and a busy career, I've found I've got more time to focus on myself, and I enjoy keeping my wardrobe up-to-date.
As I have gone through life, my style has naturally evolved and adapted, mainly due to my body changing shape and a fluctuating budget. One thing that has remained constant is my passion for keeping up with the latest trends. I've worked as a fashion editor for almost 30 years, so it's always been an essential part of my job.
In the last ten years, I've seen a positive increase in fabulous fashion brands that cater for women over 50. M&S recently revealed their latest campaign with actor Gillian Anderson, 57, and online retailer JD Williams joined forces with Carol Vorderman, 65, to redefine the term 'MILF'.
There is a choice if you want it. Not surprisingly, the survey revealed that, as women, we can be our own worst enemy, often imposing self-inflicted prejudices about things we can and can't wear.
On a more positive note, around one in three people (32%) think there is no specific age when women stop looking good in the latest fashion trends. Hurray! Let's celebrate this good news and remember - it's never too late to find your personal style, and if you want to be a fashionista at 55+, go ahead and join me. Here's how I'm styling this season's latest looks
Staying on-trend at 55+
Here are the key fashion trends to watch out for this spring, with some hints and tips on how to wear them...
Elevate your outerwear by opting for a jacket with a funnel collar. This bomber style, from one of the best British clothing brands, also has a bubble hem and sporty checked pattern, so you will be ticking off three trends in one. I will style it with smart tailored trousers and kitten heels for a less sporty, more refined look.
The most popular print trend to be transported from the catwalk to the high street, poka dot, is everywhere right now. You'll find lots of bold monochrome options, but I prefer this softer, sophisticated mix of black and butter yellow. Wear this dress for a special occasion or dress down with flats for a more casual approach. I think Albaray is one of the best female-founded brands that understands the needs of women my age.
Banish any thoughts of granny blankets or tea cosies because crochet is now firmly established as a key fashion trend. I love the preppy look of this collared shirt. I'll wear it over my swimsuit on the beach and with a pair of denim jorts (jean shorts) and best white trainers for relaxed sunny days. I'll pop a flesh-coloured cami underneath to avoid showing my bra.
If you are looking for a quick way to inject freshness into your wardrobe, start by replacing your basic jeans with a pair that has more personality. In my search for the best jeans for women over 50, I found a growing trend for styles with extra-wide turn-ups. They will add a style twist to a 'jeans and a nice top' combination, and are a great way to show off a pair of statement shoes.
While neutral hues like navy and beige play an important role in your capsule wardrobe, the experts agree that wearing a bold colour will lift your look and boost your confidence. This season, it's fashionable to combine more than one bright shade and accessorise with contrasting colours. This candy coral dress from ME+EM's new in section is a classic shape that will look great with a royal blue clutch and red slingbacks.
Yes, you can wear shorts! Nothing is stopping you from embracing this look, whatever your age. Relaxed tailoring was popular last summer, and the trend continues into this year with a plethora of co-ords that combine shorts with a matching jacket or top. These linen shorts from Boden are part of a suit, with a blazer that completes the outfit.
How do you feel about wearing the latest fashion trends? Maybe you prefer a more classic approach to dressing and agree with the results of the survey. Whatever your thoughts are on 'dressing appropriately', I think we can all agree with Dr Carole Easton when she says "Ageism limits work, health, relationships, ambition and confidence—and ultimately whose lives are seen as worth investing in. Ridding society of ageism would have such a transformative impact on so many lives.”
As our clothes are a representation of ourselves and a great way of expressing how we feel on any given day, limiting our wardrobe by age seems like madness. Whether you go full hog and embrace the spring/summer fashion trends for 2026 fully, or just like to keep abreast of changing tastes and want to inject a little aspect of it, such as updating your denim to barrel leg jeans, how far you take your personal style is up to you, but most importantly, you should feel happy and confident in your outfits.
