It wasn’t at all inevitable, but it appears that stylish older adults have become fashion trendsetters and social media influencers. While just going about their lives in a way that reflects their personal style and confidence, and recognizing the need for comfort (and comfort in one’s own skin) once you reach a certain age, these influencers have hit a chord. As a recent article in Vogue makes clear, either due to their own initiative or just because of the style and impression they leave on younger fans, there are now plenty of “silver influencers” who are making their mark as fashion trendsetters. Wearing clothes that reflect a simple good style and an authentic persona, fashion psychologist Carol Mair comments, “The kind of styles preferred by older people are more likely to be lasting or perennial styles because they know what they like, what suits them and why. They are less likely to be led by trends [and] are more confident about their fashion choices.” For a sample of some of these “senior style celebrities” Instagram accounts, take a look at Sciuraglam, which celebrates the style of older Milanese women, The Spanish King, which celebrates the style of a 90-year-old Spanish gentleman or Gramparents, an Instagram account devoted to the classic and comfortable style of older men.

It’s no wonder then that a recent list in The Telegraph of the most stylish women from 2021 prominently features older women in the top slots or that up-to-the-moment fashion shows like Prada and Martine Rose are using older men to model their stylish clothing. Moreover, a recent article in The Telegraph profiled older women whose daughters are regularly emulating their style (or stealing from their closets!). The message in these profiles? That older men and women project a sense of confidence and comfort in who they are and in the fashion choices they make, and there’s wisdom to be absorbed by younger generations.

Nonetheless, there are always tips and strategies that can up your wardrobe game if you’re open to thinking out of the box (which may be a challenge for those of us who have stayed with the same style items for decades). None other than AARP has some instant and easy style tricks to dress up your basics, including suggestions such as pairing your denim or leather jacket with a silky feminine skirt, or mixing your seasonal fabrics, so a summer skirt can be paired with a chunky winter sweater, for example. The Telegraph also has a new list of 17 style suggestions for those of us who want to look better (but not younger). Among their recommendations? With the strategic advice that you’re “past the point of wearing something just because someone tells (you) to,” they suggest such bold choices as statement shoes, bags, and glasses, attention to personal grooming (with a less is more attitude, unless it comes to lip color- then go with bright colors) and stocking your closet with the best investments any 60 + year old should own, including white sneakers, a good pair of jeans and a classic watch. And while their recommendations for places to shop are mostly British stores, many do sell online to Americans. For one British shop recommended for classics that every older woman should own, check out Winser London, which is recommended by That’s Not My Age blogger Alyson Walsh, whose readers right now can access a 20% of discount and chance to win a free blouse.  A discount and a freebie? Now that’s stylish advice for everyone!