At 76 years old, fashion influencer Candace Cima is proving that style has no expiration date. However, her bold approach to fashion hasn’t been without criticism. After sharing a photo of herself modeling a sleeveless midi dress, Cima faced a wave of mixed reactions. While many admired her confidence and elegance, others criticized her choice, labeling it “inappropriate” for her age.
For Cima, this isn’t just about clothing; it’s about challenging outdated societal norms. “We need to shift the way we think about age,” she said in an interview with TODAY. “We don’t need to adhere to these old ideas in a modern world.”
The Controversial Photo
The photo in question featured Cima wearing a brown knit sleeveless dress, styled with a sweater. While plenty of comments praised her fashionable look, others took the opportunity to express their disapproval. One individual remarked, “From the side and back, this dress does nothing for you. Form-fitting below the waist is not your friend.” Another added, “Not flattering at all. Would never wear alone. Too old to be showing all that skin.”
Despite such remarks, Cima remains unfazed. Her response reflects her unapologetic attitude: “It’s perfectly appropriate to have wrinkled skin at 76, and I’m not ashamed of it,” she said. “Sometimes I want to respond, ‘Should I cover my face too because I have wrinkles there?’”
Advocating for Representation
Cima began her fashion blog in 2019 after noticing a glaring lack of representation for older women in the industry. Her goal was to challenge the ingrained belief that women must cover up as they age. “Women have been conditioned to think they need to cover up because that’s what their mothers and grandmothers did,” she explained.
Through her platform, Cima encourages older women to embrace their bodies and express themselves without fear of judgment. She believes fashion should be a form of self-expression, no matter one’s age.
Turning Negativity Into Positivity
Rather than dwelling on negative feedback, Cima focuses on empowering her followers with positive messages about aging. She emphasizes that growing older is an opportunity to embrace one’s wisdom and life experiences. “Aging is great. Everything you have learned your entire life is now there for you. You are now the wisest that you are ever going to be. Embrace it and be proud,” she advises.
Her resilience and confidence inspire women to reject societal expectations and embrace the freedom that comes with aging.
A Powerful Reminder for All
Candace Cima’s journey is a testament to the importance of challenging societal norms and embracing authenticity. Her story inspires women of all ages to celebrate themselves and live unapologetically. By following her example, we can all learn to see aging as an opportunity rather than a limitation.
