A Masterclass In Ageless Style
Four 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 style
Aki Kim, content creator, 73
Aki Kim is one half of @akiandkoichi – the LA-based husband-and-wife duo who have taken the fashion world by storm with their daily outfit posts on Instagram and TikTok. In just one year, they’ve amassed more than 1.6 million followers across both platforms and have collaborated with brands including Loewe, Ugg and Jimmy Choo.
“I've always dressed in a way that’s true to myself, not following any particular fashion. My style hasn’t really evolved over the years,” says Kim. “But comfort is definitely a bigger priority for me now when I choose what to wear; I also consider how long I’ll enjoy a piece before I buy it. I want to invest in clothing that I’ll love and wear for many years to come.
“I like outfits that are clean and classic but have cool little design touches that you might not notice right away. I’m excited when people embrace their individuality and dress in a way that feels authentic and genuine to them.
“My daughter, Yuri, has opened my eyes to brands like The Row and Lemaire, and I’m incredibly impressed by their high-quality designs. I’m also a big fan of Comme des Garçons Comme des Garçons and enjoy Toteme’s pieces.
“[As you get older] you wear what you enjoy, regardless of trends or opinions. You seem to care even less about what others think, which is freeing. There’s a common misconception that personal style should diminish as we age, but I strongly believe otherwise. My approach to fashion has remained unchanged since my 20s, and I continue to find great joy in using it as a form of self-expression.
“If I had to name an ageless style icon, it would be Audrey Hepburn. Her timeless looks remain relevant even today.”
JoAni Johnson, model, 73
“As with many people my age – or, as I prefer to say, at ‘level 73’ – my style has evolved from youthful trendiness to comfort and quiet luxury. My style remains, though the items reflect quality and enduring timelessness now.”
“The best thing about dressing at this ‘level’ is not having to conform to previous societal norms, which dictate what a woman of a certain age should or should not wear. If you feel good and look good, go for it.
“My ever-present, go-to outfit is a gray hooded jumpsuit – a throw-on and go. Although simple, it’s practical and can be accentuated with a novelty belt or updated by adding a blazer or bomber jacket. I would say that knits are my comfort choices, especially a sweatshirt dress. It’s easy and appropriate for most occasions; I can go from chic to casual, depending on what accessories I add.
“In a 15-minute crunch, I would go for a Norma Kamali basic, whether that is a black jersey jumpsuit or turtleneck maxi dress, and adorn it with magnificent jewelry from my personal collection. I dabble in creating my own adornments by sculpting in polymer clay, pearls and beads. I particularly love to wear a pair of earrings I made in an oval shape with baroque pearls. It’s a unique conversation piece and glams up any outfit!
“My favorite NET-A-PORTER brands in no particular order are Rick Owens, Loewe, Norma Kamali, Christopher John Rogers and Toteme. I love them because they reflect my eclectic personality, which incorporates an avant-garde vibe with simple elegance. Timeless design and fine craftsmanship are qualities I seek out and lean on. The items must also be practical and work with items that I already own.
“Style is an individual construct and an expression. Not everyone utilizes its benefits, but each person has the ability to create their own – on any day, at any time and at any level – and that’s what makes it universally beautiful.”
Véronique Tristram, stylist, 61
Véronique Tristram is a Paris-based fashion stylist and former fashion director. She can often be spotted dashing between shows during fashion month, wearing perfectly put-together outfits that combine timeless staples with one or two statement pieces for the perfect high-low mix. The key component of most of her looks? A beautifully cut jacket.
“I would describe my style as classic with a twist. I like wearing wardrobe basics like a trench coat, a men’s jacket, cargo pants, and a white shirt, but with unexpected accessories or something with a rock ’n’ roll attitude. I very much like classic pieces that have been deconstructed and reconstructed.
“In my workday life as a freelance stylist in Paris, I need something practical that allows me to run around the city. I would either go for oversized denim or cargo pants in military green with a tailored blazer and my beloved Maison Margiela ‘Tabi’ boots, or a dress or skirt, worn with an oversized leather biker jacket and sneakers.
“My favorite brands on NET-A-PORTER are Carven, Khaite, Sacai, Alaïa and Saint Laurent. Also, a small label from Germany called Allude for classic cashmere sweaters and cardigans.
“A new piece should always meet one very important condition: will I still be eager to wear it in five years? This includes the quality of the fabric and the workmanship. Sustainability in fashion to me means buying less and wearing the pieces for a very long time. I have clothes in my wardrobe that are over 30 years old! I bought the white jacket by Yohji Yamamoto (pictured) when I was a student in 1988.
“People may find that women over 50 have to dress in a more classic way, but I think it’s time to be bold. As long as you feel confident, you can wear what you want; you might just wear things in a different way than you did 25 years ago.
“It’s a bit cliché but knowing exactly what you want and what suits you is the best thing about getting dressed as you get older. Also, not searching for recognition in other people’s eyes, but dressing for yourself.”
Paula Sutton, writer, presenter and author, 55
A successful writer, presenter and author, Paula Sutton is also the woman behind @hillhousevintage on Instagram, where she documents her passion for vintage-inspired fashion and interiors from her countryside home in England. Some of her favorite brands include Dôen, Emilia Wickstead, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Erdem and NET-A-PORTER for King’s Foundation.
“My style is a timeless mixture of classic tailoring and vintage-inspired glamour. I love retro glamour, and dresses feature a lot in my wardrobe; but even if I’m wearing a tweed suit, I’ll throw on a jeweled brooch and have full makeup (a red lip with winged eyeliner). I’ve always been inspired by old Hollywood, so in my mind, I’m channeling Katherine Hepburn or Grace Kelly.
“If I had 15 minutes to get ready for an evening event, I would choose a ’50s-inspired black cocktail dress with a nipped-in waist and flared skirt – something by Erdem or Emilia Wickstead – and slip on a pair of black pumps. Simple, classic, elegant.
“Timelessness, longevity and quality are things I look for when buying something new. I can categorically say that there is nothing in my wardrobe today that I cannot see myself wanting to wear when I’m 80. I don’t believe in trends. If a current trend coincidentally happens to align with my established style, then I’ll have a look. I’ve heard that ballet flats and romantic embellishments are both things to look out for this year – both of which I already love, so that’s a great example.
“The best thing about getting dressed as you get older is caring less about what others think and settling into my own unique style without fear of judgement. I think the biggest misconception about style when you reach a certain age is that it’s time to quieten down and choose comfort over fashion. I think it’s wonderful if you choose to do that but equally wonderful if you choose to ramp things up and explore your more adventurous, sexier, or more eccentric side. The key word is choice. We do not need to be one thing or another, but we do need to ease into our own sartorial joy and own it.
“Ageless style to me means not conforming to anyone else’s notion of acceptability or suitability when it comes to your age group, and wearing what you love. Exuding confidence and being authentic creates the best ageless style – regardless of what one happens to be wearing.”