Sharon Stone, 63 and the other sixty-something celebrities proving age is just a number
It's been almost 30 years since Sharon Stone got the world hot under the collar with that infamous leg crossing (or, technically uncrossing) scene.
But in 2021, and at the age of 63, the Basic Instinct actor's body is still commanding attention.
Just take her recent appearance at a do to celebrate the launch of No Time to Die.
The Sliver star, 63, dazzled at the premiere of the new James Bond in the French Riviera, in a shimmering silver Dolce & Gabbana gown which perfectly highlighted her incredible figure.
It wasn't long before the actor received enthusiastic approval from fans on social media, including Brooke Shields, who commented, "You keep getting more gorgeous!"
She's not wrong!
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But Stone certainly isn't alone in seemingly flipping the ageing process right on its head.
There used to be something of an expectation that when women, and men, hit the big 6-0, they should just quietly fade into the background, slapping on the anti-wrinkle cream and covering up their cleavage as they went.
But recently a whole slew of 60-something celebrities have been challenging out-dated boundaries and calling out the age-shamers, as they strut their stuff in whatever they damn-well want.
And boy do they look good on it.
From Julianne Moore, 60, seemingly getting younger every time she steps on the red carpet, to Christie Brinkley, 67, proving that age is no barrier to looking totally hot in a strapless swimsuit, it seems certain stars in their seventh decade are tearing up the ageing rule book and we're totally here for it.
Meanwhile, Angela Bassett, 63 is still wowing fans with her red carpet looks, Michelle Pfeiffer appears to be ageing backwards and Andie MacDowell has joined the grey revolution, demonstrating that silver is totally still sexy.
"I think women are tired of the idea that you can’t get old and be beautiful," she said of the decision to embrace her natural colour.
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Jamie Lee Curtis, Tilda Swinton, Kim Basinger, Rita Wilson and our very own Carol Vorderman are also examples of 60-something women rocking the world with their sartorial choices.
This new found age confidence isn't confined to female celebrities either. Barack Obama, 60, Pierce Brosnan, 68, and Kevin Costner, 66, are all giving their younger counterparts a run for their money in the dapper stakes.
"I'm delighted that actors such as Sharon Stone are ripping up the rule book and showing us all that age really is just a number," says celebrity fashion expert Miranda Holder.
"Sharon Stone has always been a sex symbol and striking looks are expected from her to a degree to maintain this persona, but she does so with grace and finesse, yet still opting for bold designs by the likes of D&G that ooze confidence.
"She is the epitome of Hollywood glamour, and her recent figure hugging dress at the No Time to Die premiere, whilst also being completely suitable for someone in their 20s, actually looked like it was designed specifically for her and only served to add to her radiant, glowing appearance."
So what's inspiring all the three-quarter life hotness?
Holder believes the pandemic may have played a role in some stars youthful appearances.
"Over the past 18months, and with various lockdowns, we were all, at the same time, faced with two choices - we could get fit or let ourselves go!" she explains.
"Many of these celebrities in their 60s made the sensible choices to invest in their health and wellbeing during this new found downtime.
"Whilst indeed their celebrity status often comes with the privilege of personal trainers and private chefs, there's no denying that they look fabulous as a result of their time at home."
Holder says the return to the red carpet has seen many famous faces showing the fruits of their labour.
"They look good, they are fit and healthy - so why wouldn't they want to dress in jaw dropping fashion?" she asks. "The heels are getting higher, the suits more suave, the sequins more abundant. This demonstrates confidence, empowerment and a deep understanding of what they look good in."
Watch: Young adults concerned about negative stereotypes associated with ageing.
Celebrity fashion stylist, Karen Williams (@karenwilliamstylist) has a similar theory about this apparent new-found style confidence.
"Generally, people are doing a lot of work for self-empowerment, striving to become more confident in who they are," she explains.
"I think social media has a great role to play in this, along with a greater number of materials such as books and articles that give people the tools to do this. People are just more adventurous now and don’t care so much about ‘prescribed rules’."
Leading the charge for the Brits in this inspiring group of age rule-flouters is Emma Thompson, 62 who recently lit up the Strictly audience in an eye-catching hot pink jacket, as she supported her husband Greg Wise's dance debut.
"Whilst completely different to Sharon Stone, this was a demonstration that both women are doing their own thing, in their way," explains Holder.
Williams believes stars, such as Angela Bassett are offering proof that women are no longer throwing in the fashion towel because they've hit a certain age or had children.
"Women are freeing themselves of the archaic rules we have been brought up to believe and internalise," she explains. "Angela Bassett is rocking it and that will encourage other women of a similar age to believe they can do the same."
Flying the flag for the males who are total #ageinggoals is former US president, Barak Obama, who Holder describes as the "embodiment of sophistication".
"Looking more like a classic Hollywood star than an ex president, his suits are spectacularly cut, worn with an open collar shirt that says he is confident in his style choices. He is the ultimate GQ cover star," she adds.
Thankfully Holder believes this new found embracing rather than denying of age is a trend that is here to stay.
"What these over 60 celebrities are showing is that cookie cutter fashion is a thing of the past," she explains. "They have developed their own styles which suit their healthy physiques and more importantly, their healthy mindsets.
"These are aspirational people who we could learn a firm lesson from - life really is too short - do and wear what makes you feel fabulous."
Williams agrees that seeing 60-something celebrities rocking their own fashion rules could help inspire others to embrace the ageing process.
"All these celebrities help demonstrate that life doesn’t end at 60, it’s just the beginning," she says. "You can free yourself of the archaic rules we’ve all grown up with and be whoever you damn well want to be.
"It’s a really exciting time to free ourselves and finally be who we’ve always wanted to be – go get ‘em!"
