AND NOW, A SYDNEY STYLE FILE
The portfolios of women’s style in Paris and London by Rachel Ward and Maggie Alderson, respectively, have been lovely and inspiring to behold.
But they also got me thinking: hang on a minute, what about Australian women?
I moved back to Sydney last year after 30-plus years away in New York and London, and among the many impressive changes I’ve noticed since returning is the effortless style I see among women who are past the age of dressing according to the latest fads.
There are plenty of older Sydney women who overdo it, of course, with their brassy highlights, drum-tight foreheads and puffy trout pouts. But from where I’m sitting, they appear to be in the minority. I am constantly spotting gorgeous grown-ups who look casually chic, confidently cool and just plain comfortable in their own skin. So let’s celebrate our own natural style.
Donna, 51
I spotted Donna as I was leaving the Saturday market by the El Alamein Fountain in Kings Cross and practically chased her down the street to get her photo – which she told me absolutely made her day.
First of all, I just love the way she owns her white hair, which she wore pulled back in a neat, high ponytail. And her style – just cool as hell. “I call it my ageing rock-chick look,” she laughs.
Donna’s outfit is a who’s who of high-street-meets-designer hip: Mango leather jacket, J Brand jeans, Gucci belt, Converse sneakers and “an old black turtleneck, which I wear every day – not the same one, of course.” I admire her perfect market-morning bag, which is by Bally. “A hands-free bag is a must for women who have to grab 12-year-olds before they run away,” she admits.
Donna says her fashion icon is New York’s legendary nonagenarian style guru Iris Arpfel. “She rocks the leopard really well.”
Norma, 88
In my neighbourhood in Elizabeth Bay, Norma has constantly caught my eye.
She was tickled pink when I finally approached her to discuss her style – which, as it happens, is entirely appropriate. Norma is always elegantly turned out in impeccable clothes accented with a pop of pink that works beautifully with her frosty silver-white hair and peaches-and-cream complexion. She paints her lips and nails to match as well. “I love pink,” she says. “It makes me feel good.”
Norma loves her classic labels: Her coat is by Trent Nathan, her pumps by Ferragamo and her bag is Gucci.
I love the way her burgundy gloves, also by Ferragamo, and double-strand pearls polish off her smart, sophisticated look. While Norma admits the details are very important to her, I suggest her best accessory is the fact that she’s always smiling. “I like to be happy,” she says with a gentle laugh, “because I don’t want to be a grumpy old lady.” She is my new role model.
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24 Responses to this article
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the*sparrow July 30, 2012
Love Norma. Keep it coming!
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Anne July 30, 2012
Love the Sydney style file – please keep it coming lets go for all seasons dressing!! It’s funny I am 47, and have just come back from a holiday, where I did a spot of people watching, and am wondering where all the women my age are? It\’s truly easy to find clothes for 20 – 30 something, but once you have an idea of your style, finding pieces and pulling off that ‘fabulous’ yet casual outfit can be really tricky, feeling comfortable, and glamourous all in the one look – well that’s a goal worth aspiring to. So thank-you and keep inspiring me!!
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Annette Piper July 30, 2012
Loving these stylish Sydney women… keep them coming – and perhaps some from other Australian cities too?
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Emma July 30, 2012
Thank you. So great to see mature women profiled as being stylish, sassy and attractive. It has seemed to me in recent years that in Sydney, once you hit 40 you become invisible. More please!!
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The Huntress July 30, 2012
Gosh, these women are all so stylish and gorgeous! I definitely have so much fashion to look forward to when I get older. Absolutely LOVING these chic ladies!
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Paula July 30, 2012
Great article. Can you do one next with photos of women that better represent the average size of the Aussie woman – which is size 14.
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anna July 30, 2012
yes, love this more Aussie women please!
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Julie Wright July 30, 2012
Thank you for this article. Once I hit 50, I wanted to rethink my own personal style. My role model is Helen Mirren. Her confidence exudes sexy and sassy, her syle is not old or young, she makes it her own. She is not a skinny minny either. Health and fitness is more important than being thin and she glows. I loved all the women you have featured, they are well put together and exude a confidence and pride in being who they are. When you see a woman comfortable with who they are and pride in how they look, you never think ‘old’, you think ‘wow! she looks great.’
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Bonnie Vaughan July 30, 2012
Thanks for the great feedback, everyone! I loved meeting these gorgeous women – a really fun, rewarding assignment.
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Ria July 30, 2012
Love it! I too have been noticing lately just how fantastic ‘older’ women look, I’m tempted to do a style file myself in my regional city. So much inspiration around!
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Benison O'Reilly July 30, 2012
Fantastic. Norma is my new idol! I live in fear of becoming a grumpy old woman.
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Robyn S July 30, 2012
I love this article, because it celebrates stylish women who own their look. As Emma mentioned once you hit 40 you become invisible and as an over 50 I can confirm this as the truth, but there’s something to celebrate about that, as I feel that I dress for myself in what I enjoy wearing without worrying too much about what’s in fashion and what’s not. I feel like I have well and truly found my style and it may have taken nearly all of my 52 years to find it – but I sure am enjoying it! There’s also a confidence in making purchases, as there are way fewer mistakes these days. Thanks for this story and hopefully there will be more.
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Lisa Hines July 30, 2012
How Divine is Norma!
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Lizabelle July 30, 2012
Just adding to everyone else’s comments – love this, and please keep them coming.
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Mrs Mac July 30, 2012
Love this – how refreshing to see real women with class and style that is all thier own – very over seeing the fake lips/tits/hair same-same woman being held up as what we all wish to aspire to .. I certainly dont! I love seeing women 40+ keeping it interesting and individual. We can all buy the same-same look but its so much more mysterious to own your own story
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Mumabulous July 30, 2012
These girls look OK but I know a thing or two when it comes to style. haha
http://mum-abulous.com/2012/07/10/wifely-fashion-must-haves/ -
ellenni July 31, 2012
i dress for myself. i cant follow fashion as i cant make out the fashions of today. i decided gray hair was the only way for me after a disastrous year or so. my hair grows quickly and white roots against my very dark hair looked very bad indeed. i am a neat dresser. i loathe black but sometimes it has to be. i just about always match my shoes with my pants (i only wear pants) and then the rest seems to fall into place. i love shawls and scarves and big bold necklaces and the right bag. i think colour blocking is in fashion now but really its only for those who know what they are doing. i am in my late 60′s so i was around in the 60′s when it was all about matching everything. i never go out without doing my hair and dressing as if i was going to meet someone. even when i run out to the shops for a loaf of bread i still get dressed. it makes me feel good and you never know who you may meet.
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Renata August 1, 2012
Love it Bonnie and look forward to reading more!
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Dee-Anne August 1, 2012
Thank you. We need more such role models.
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Mary Longford August 1, 2012
Oh I love love love Norma
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Cheryl Hardacre August 4, 2012
Greatl stuff! It’s time for us wise, beautiful and wonderful 40+ women to raise their profile in this country. We lag behind western European countries, and even the USA, in not celebrating the sensuality, beauty and style of the older woman. Time to throw off the shackles and raise our profile here … well done with this great assignment. Keep them coming! Regards Cheryl
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Lynne August 21, 2012
Love Donna – I recognise her and have worked with her in corporate life. I have to say she is an amazing business woman too. Very much to be admired
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Pamela August 21, 2012
absolutely love these style files – being in my 60′s I love fashion and guess I have an eclectic style – labels mean little to me….if I like it, and it suits me, I will buy it. Just love that there are no rules….am tempted to return to live in Sydney so that I can browse markets and vintage stores!
