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With age comes wisdom and, in Carolyn Dolling’s case, a sophisticated sense of style. The 75-year-old model embarked on her fashion career after retiring from a career that spanned her banking to philanthropic work and now appears in her campaigns for CVS, Athleta and more. Her newfound passion changed the course of her life. And now she’s on a mission to change her industry.
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“I just want to make sure women are confident even after they’re 70,” she says. I heard about
reject society’s standards of beauty
Despite social pressure, there is no fashion rulebook for style after 70. [after a certain age]’ When a boutique in Oakland, Calif., asked her to star in a social media campaign, she saw the next chapter and an opportunity to challenge those preconceived notions. Now, in addition to being in front of the camera, she hopes to bring more expression to the runway: “Models need to represent authenticity and it’s important that the market at large understands that.” I think,” she says Doelling. Her next goal is to attend her New York Fashion Week show. “I think it will go a long way in fighting ageism and making older women feel more socially integrated.”
Choose a style with a pop of color
Even if you’re not in a photo shoot, you can be the star of your life by choosing a style that stands out. [in our seventies] That sort of thing blends into the woodwork,” says Doelling. “So I think wearing bright colors is a good way to make yourself stand out.”
Add some sunshine to your wardrobe with pieces like the Cleo Long Sleeve Organic Cotton Shirt Dress from Doelling’s favorite designer, Mara Hoffman. Flowing dresses that can be belted for a streamlined look are available in her sizes XS to XL for women. Maxi Doelling, who likes her dress, says she likes to pair similar designs with sneakers and boots for a “slightly different mood.”
$325 at Nordstrom
Invest in tight-fitting pants and jeans
Find the right fit in a variety of ways. Besides choosing colors and patterns you like, proper tailoring is “really important,” Dring says. Especially when it comes to “classic” pants and jeans.
Consider the Anson Cropped Pants from Tibi, a brand Doelling has worked with in the past. The slim-fit, cropped style is classic, but the buttoned legs add a fashion-forward twist. Shop in women’s sizes 0-14.
$119 At Saks Off 5th
When it comes to denim, Doelling says Rag and Bone “consistently suits me.” The brand offers a variety of denim styles, but consider a versatile pair of straight legs like the Alissa Straight Leg Jeans. Available in women’s sizes 24-33 in a light blue wash.
$193 at Nordstrom
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Add sleeveless style to your wardrobe
Don’t be afraid to follow your own fashion philosophy, including going sleeveless. “I often wear sleeveless. I think that’s another thing that gets sidelined at a certain age because you don’t want to show your arms,” says Doelling.
When not posing for the camera, the model kickboxes in her spare time. For a knockout activewear outfit, try Athleta. This is the brand we tested and modeled by Doelling. Consider the highly rated Momentum Seamless Tank from the athleisure label. It comes in 17 colors including some bright shades. Women’s sizes are available from XXS to 3X.
$59 at Athleta
classic with a twist
Doelling calls her style “classic with a twist”, incorporating both timeless pieces and modern, hip touches. “I realized that you can both have classic style and look great and feel great,” she says. “[After retirement] I used to feel like I wasn’t recognized…and now, even though I’m not wearing a jacket, I feel like I’m not only recognized, but encouraged. [others],” she says.
One of her style staples for a classic yet modern look?a blazer. She recommends finding one that’s oversized (a very trendy look) or one with extra buttons or details. she says. For a buttoned blazer that doesn’t look buttoned up, consider her Atkins Blazer from Rachel Comey, another of Doelling’s go-to brands. Buy women’s sizes 0-10 in blue.
From $101 on Saks Off 5th
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