At 76 years old, fashion influencer Candace Cima is proving that age is merely a number, challenging outdated perceptions with her bold style choices. Recently, she found herself at the center of controversy after sharing a photo of herself modeling a sleeveless midi dress. While the post garnered admiration from many, it also attracted criticism, particularly regarding her choice of outfit.
Confronting Outdated Notions About Aging and Fashion
As a grandmother of 11, Cima is no stranger to the expectations society places on women, especially as they age. She believes these notions are not only outdated but in need of a significant shift. “It’s not the first time this has happened, but this one surprised me,” Cima shared with TODAY. “We need to shift the way we think about age. We don’t need to adhere to these old ideas in a modern world.”
The photo in question featured Cima confidently wearing a brown knit sleeveless dress, paired with a sweater. While some praised her sense of style, others were quick to criticize her appearance. Comments ranged from critiques of the dress’s fit to opinions on what is “appropriate” for someone her age to wear. One commenter on Facebook 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.”
Embracing Aging with Confidence
Despite the negative feedback, Cima remains unfazed by the criticism. She firmly believes in the natural beauty that comes with age. “It’s perfectly appropriate to have wrinkled skin at 76, and I’m not ashamed of it,” she confidently responded. “Sometimes I want to respond, ‘Should I cover my face too because I have wrinkles there?’”
Cima’s journey in the fashion industry began in 2019 when she noticed a glaring lack of representation for older women. Determined to challenge the belief that aging women should hide their bodies, she started her fashion blog to showcase that style knows no age. “Women have been conditioned to think they need to cover up because that’s what their mothers and grandmothers did,” Cima explained, emphasizing the need for change.
Inspiring Women to Celebrate Their Age
Rather than dwelling on negativity, Cima offers empowering advice to her followers. She advocates for embracing and celebrating the aging process. “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 encourages.
Candace Cima’s story is a powerful reminder that women can, and should, feel confident in their skin at any age. By challenging societal expectations and embracing her true self, Cima continues to inspire women to do the same, proving that style and confidence have no expiration date.
