At 61, I believe my generation has refused to grow up. I am getting older, but I wear the same clothes as my daughters, who are in their thirties, and even people in their twenties. Style does not suddenly stop because you are older, although I must be more careful at my age.
Embracing Age with Attitude
What used to be funny—doing granny chic—is no longer amusing because I am someone's grandmother. Now I must be a bit more rock and roll all the time. That edge is important to me, having something slightly undone like the khaki fringe knit top, which is a really fun piece, or the brown puff sleeve babydoll dress.
The George Collection
What I love about this George collection is that it understands women want fashion to be joyful but wearable too. The striped two-piece could easily be mistaken for an Isabel Marant two-piece—I could take it on holiday but also walk down the street in London. The dresses have just the right weight, not see-through, yet light and breathable. These are dresses to live in.
The earthy palette makes the collection seasonless, which is clever because I get put off by summer clothes. It's not that I dislike bright colours sometimes—I do—but I like collections that move through the year with you. There are pieces I will happily wear through autumn, like this khaki jacket, my favourite from the collection, paired with trousers in the same shade. They are cinched at the ankle, not too billowy or boho.
Accessories and Attitude
I now wear glasses for my eyesight, and once I accepted that, I realised they are useful—not least because they stop you frowning. Glasses and sunglasses add an extra layer of mystique and coolness; they can completely change the attitude of an outfit. You can throw on the simplest thing, like an old t-shirt or black vest, and with the right sunglasses it feels intentional and chic. I have always loved accessories for that reason. Even though I have the tiniest earlobes, I love a statement earring or a good gold hoop.
Supermarket Fashion Revolution
I would say to people: break your virginity and go shop at George, just go to a supermarket. They will realise they still have the same head on. Supermarket fashion has genuinely changed. All the collections are becoming cooler now. It is not just 'here's a white t-shirt.' You have studded bags, little funky moments, details that feel considered. You are not going there just for knickers and vests—although I love knickers and vests. Who doesn't love vests? I live in them. But the point is you should be able to have fun. This is a truly affordable treat.
Fashion as Expression
Fashion has always mattered to me because it is not a luxury; it is a need to express yourself if you have no other way. How you dress, what earrings you desire that day. Even if you are putting on a grubby old t-shirt, you still choose which one. That is a form of expression. It is joyful, or at least it should be. Finding things that work for you is difficult now because there is so much noise and choice. I think do not spend too much time looking at other people. That can become a rabbit hole when you start comparing yourself and trying to look like someone else. I did that myself until recently, and it took me the past year to realise that was not me.
Undoubtedly, whatever I put on, there will always be somebody who thinks I look like a complete idiot. Once you realise that and are happy with it, there is no problem.
As told to Antonia Lenon
