Art of Style

A Masterclass In Ageless Style

Six ultra-chic women tell COLLEEN ROSS about the confidence that comes with getting older, the fashion brands they swear by, and their best tips for timeless elegance

Fashion
Elisabetta Dessy

Elisabetta Dessy, 68

When she’s not on the runway, model and former Olympic swimmer Elisabetta Dessy prefers to keep her look relatively simple and swears by quality staples, be it a simple black turtleneck or an impeccably cut suit.

“Being a model today means showing that confidence, elegance and presence don’t disappear with age (and wrinkles) – they grow stronger. It’s about storytelling, emotion and authenticity, not just clothes.

“My style is rooted in simplicity, elegance and timelessness, a philosophy I learned early on and that has stayed with me throughout my life. Over the years, it has evolved into something more conscious and refined. When I was younger, fashion was about expression and experimentation; today, it’s about knowing myself, choosing pieces that feel authentic and embracing a sense of ease that comes with experience.

[My go-to look is] a black bodysuit by Wolford (a must-have in my closet), black trousers, a pair of ballet flats and a beautifully structured coat, preferably with strong, defined shoulders.

[One item that makes me feel most myself is] a Valentino Garavani Haute Couture dress I’ve owned for over 25 years, a piece that carries memories, emotion and continuity. It reminds me that true style isn’t about novelty, but about connection.

“At the moment, I’m really loving the latest arrivals from The Row – it’s quiet luxury and precision feel very aligned with how I see fashion today. I’m also always drawn to accessories by Saint Laurent – they’re timeless, strong and effortlessly chic. And since skiing is a true passion of mine, Perfect Moment has been my discovery of the year. The two founders are simply geniuses.”

  • WOLFORD
    Stretch-jersey bodysuit
    €156.00
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    x small - out of stock
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  • FOUNDRAE
    Resilience Oversized 18-karat yellow and white gold diamond necklace
    €25,155.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Mombasa paneled leather shoulder bag
    €3,500.00
  • THE ROW
    Ardyn hammered-silk wide-leg pants
    €3,140.00
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Mouchette Bell

Mouchette Bell, 60s

Mouchette Bell went from working behind the camera to in front of it when she swapped her career as a fashion editor for modeling. She has since collaborated with brands such as Borgo de Nor and Emilia Wickstead.

“My style has many influences, and I am always discovering. To narrow it down, I would say it’s classic chic with a big twist. I love jewelry, especially earrings, big or small. I like to throw in an element of surprise.

“I will often wear a colorful dress in summer, or simple jeans and a beautiful blouse, then accessorize. In winter, it’s more casual tailoring, a loose trouser and an easy sweater. I particularly love to have a good choice of coats, mixed in with a lot of vintage and classic or baggy jeans.

“Hopefully by the time you’re older, you understand what flatters you. You have more conviction in your choices, but I feel it’s always good to be open to new elements.

“When making a purchase, I look for good quality, especially if it is an investment piece. I like the unusual and beautiful. At NET-A-PORTER, I love the vibrance of Borgo de Nor, the chicness of The Row and the romance of Simone Rocha, to name but a few.”

  • BORGO DE NOR
    Biba tiered floral-print cotton-poplin maxi dress
    €606.00
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  • MATEO
    Large Venus 14-karat gold earrings
    €6,070.00
  • ALAÏA
    Mina laser-cut suede tote
    €1,950.00
  • THE ROW
    Leather ballet flats
    €1,010.00
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Gym Tan, 65

Gym Tan is a former fashion executive and content creator based in California. With some encouragement from her daughter, she began documenting her outfits on Instagram and TikTok during the pandemic and now has over 300k followers and counting.

“My old-world family heritage definitely influenced my style. Being dressed well, having clothes that fit and being respectful and mindful of the occasion has always been my style mantra. I was exposed to very elegant role models early in life – my mom, my aunts and my grandparents.

“I've always mixed high and low pieces and brands and still do. But I’m also not afraid of a bold statement piece or a showstopper either.

“Living in the Bay Area, where the weather is changeable, my go-to outfit is a chic cashmere sweater over jeans and a great shoe. It could be a fun sneaker, leather slide or mule, cool boots, or leather sandals in summer, but always something with personality. My go-to bag is a great tote or leather crossbody – chic but practical.

“Fashion is cyclical. I’ve usually already worn a similar look at an earlier point in my life, so it’s easy to pick it back up again or leave it. I’ve also had time to hone my style, so I typically know immediately if something is going to work for me or not.

“I love the mix of hard and soft, so I’m excited to see soft textures like lace, sheer [fabrics] and florals mixed back with tailoring and sportier pieces. I’ve also been embracing more color, so I’m looking forward to trying the softer pinks and yellows that seem to be everywhere.”

  • SAINT LAURENT
    Wool, cashmere and silk-blend top
    €950.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
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  • KHAITE
    Kye glossed-leather shoulder bag
    €1,390.00
  • CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
    Nora mid-rise jeans
    €222.00
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  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
    Kate Max 100 leather ankle boots
    €1,195.00
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Gym Tan
Mette Sørrig Andersen

Mette Sørrig Andersen, 55

Copenhagen-based fashion and lifestyle content creator Mette Sørrig Andersen loves to mix classic wardrobe staples with statement pieces (both old and new) that add character and individuality to her look.

“My style is rooted in Scandinavian simplicity, but always with a twist. I love clean lines and classic pieces, mixed with texture, craftsmanship and a slightly unexpected element. Over the years, my style has become more intuitive and personal. I’m less interested in rigid rules and more drawn to pieces that tell a story, have longevity, or feel creatively considered – whether they are new or found second-hand.

“My everyday outfit is great denim or relaxed tailoring paired with a crisp shirt or soft knit, finished with a long, structured coat. I often mix new pieces with vintage or pre-loved finds, and I usually add one distinctive element – an embroidered detail, a quilted bag, or a strong shoe – to give the look character.

“I like designers that balance strong identity with craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Gucci for its confidence, character and texture mix; Max Mara for elegant, enduring classics; Zimmermann for femininity and beautiful details; and Loewe for its artistry and innovative approach to design.

“The thing people often get wrong about style [as you get older] is that it should become muted or cautious. In reality, age often brings clarity and courage. Style after 50 can be bold, joyful, sensual and experimental – it’s about presence, not restraint.”

  • TOTEME
    Shield oversized double-breasted wool-blend coat
    €840.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
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  • LEMAIRE
    Wool and cashmere-blend sweater
    €295.00
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    xx small
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  • GUCCI
    Cropped silk-satin jacquard wide-leg pants
    €1,300.00
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  • LOEWE
    Sierra leather loafers
    €660.00
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    36 - out of stock
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Rachel Waller

Rachel Waller, 67

Rachel Waller returned to modeling at the age of 61 after a 40-year break. Although based in Australia, she can often be spotted dashing between shows in Paris and New York, looking chic in tailoring and a cape-effect coat.

“If you are a collector like me, then dressing your age means you have a cache of items to choose from spanning many decades. It’s also so much easier to dress to your own style once you know exactly what that is. That takes time to evolve, but getting to know yourself as you travel through the passage of time is really wonderful.

“I have a wardrobe full of vintage pieces both pre-owned by others and collected by me over a period of 40 years. I love to mix old and new, so my look has a common thread but is constantly evolving as I add new items into the mix.

[For evening events], a tailored pant suit is always my go-to. I love velvet suits in dark tones like midnight blue or a deep, beautiful green. Equally, you can’t go wrong with a black or white tuxedo-style suit with heels and a vintage bag – it’s such an easy, elegant look that takes no time [to put together].

“I don’t love trends because that means everyone has it, but I do find that somewhere in my wardrobe I have an older version of a piece that may be current, which is always great to reintroduce to an outfit. There’s something lovely about having an original that reworks for now.”

  • SAVETTE
    Symmetry Pochette satin tote
    €1,250.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Pleated grain de poudre wool and mohair-blend pants
    €1,450.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
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  • PROENZA SCHOULER
    Tee sequined mesh pumps
    €834.00
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    38 - out of stock
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Yasmin Furmie

Yasmin Furmie, 63

When it comes to style, South Africa-based business owner Yasmin Furmie likes to push boundaries and encourages her social media followers to do the same. Some of her favourite brands for timeless pieces with a directional twist are Maison Margiela, Jil Sander and Bottega Veneta.

“The biggest misconception about age and style is that women of a certain age have to slide quietly into the shadows and prepare to be invisible. But I think there are many of us who refuse to do this, and we refuse with great style.

“My style has many layers, so to speak – sometimes bold, often quirky, even elegant at times, but always going against the grain. It’s a style that speaks to my philosophy in life: never questioning whether I belong in spaces (I do), never apologizing for who I am, and always pushing boundaries – not just for myself, but for those whom I inspire. It’s unapologetic and free.

“I’ve often wondered what item makes me feel most like myself, and it ranges from a pair of jeans to the perfect coat, but I think, ultimately, it has to be a fabulous, unique pair of shoes. The feeling a new pair of shoes evokes in me is indescribable – it’s what takes any outfit from ordinary to superb.”

  • &DAUGHTER
    Sligo wool sweater
    €228.00
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    x small
    small
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    x large
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Campana small Intrecciato leather shoulder bag
    €3,500.00
  • JIL SANDER
    Mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    €445.00
    Select a Size
    34
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  • MAISON MARGIELA
    Tabi split-toe metallic leather ankle boots
    €852.00
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