Have you switched out your seasonal clothes, put away the winter sweaters, and made room for the summer sundresses and swimsuits? Have you studied up on the latest trends and colors to match the season? Apparently, a turn toward alternative colors in our clothes as the seasons change is something practically biologically programmed in our brains. But are we also pre-programmed to stick to the script when it comes to clothing styles for older women? Can we veer from traditions and trends that prescribe how we are supposed to look at a certain age? From the advice flowing from today’s fashion influencers, it appears that fun, frivolity, and freedom are the new catch phrases that should dictate the wardrobes of older women.

For example, consider the words of wisdom recently shared in a Wall Street Journal article interviewing “Top Fashion Influencers Over 60,” who spoke of their inspirations and insights as to how to dress in today’s world. With a range of perspectives from such influencers as Alyson Walsh (the founder of That’s Not My Age) to Linda Rodin to Gym Tan, and Adelina Winfield, the through lines for all of these older women are to be bold, have fun, and don’t forget comfort when dressing yourself. Whether it’s a bold lipstick or chunky jewelry (by the way, silver jewelry is now in fashion, both because of its flattering of older complexions and its lower cost compared to gold), these are women who are not hiding themselves or trying to fade into the woodwork. Another “mature” influencer, 70-year-old Jo Good, also subscribes to the “visible and fun” playbook for dressing, with her advice to never match your shoes and bag and suggestion that “oversized” clothing can be a good look for older women. Even those of us who never previously paid much attention to clothing can discover the fun and liberation of becoming more fashion-conscious at an older age. As an example, take a look at the recent column from Isabel Berwick, a journalist for the Financial Times, who, in her 50s, has suddenly become a fashion enthusiast. As she states, “I’m not going gently into post-meno visibility.”

Perhaps the most “visible” of older influencers today is none other than Stacy London, the 55-year-old American fashion stylist and former co-host of the long-running television show, “What Not To Wear,” which featured fashion makeovers for the style clueless. What’s interesting is that after the show ended, and as Stacy evolved in her approach to fashion, she, too, has come around to the notion of freedom and liberation in fashion, to help people wear whatever they want. In fact, she has just returned to television with a new show, Wear Whatever The F You Want, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Rather than telling people how they should dress, Stacy and her co-host Clinton Kelly are focused on helping people live out their fashion fantasies. You can read more about their updated collaboration and new show here. Stacy has also developed her own line of clothing, specifically geared toward women going through menopause, and sold on QVC. With her new philosophy and focus on visibility and freedom, it seems that Stacy’s advice is, in fact, right on trend.

Finally, for a bit of fun and frivolity- and speaking of visibility- take a look at the fabulous and even outrageous outfits on many of the famous attendees over 50 that appeared on the red carpet at the recent Met Gala.