76-Year-Old Grandmother Is Accused of Wearing “Inappropriate” Outfits, but She Has a Priceless Response to Haters

Resilient at 76, Candace Leslie Cima proudly flaunts her physique in form-fitting clothes, defying critics who suggest she should dress more in line with her age. Despite her confidence, she now finds herself encountering backlash.

Meet Candace Cima.

Embracing aging as an inherent aspect of life has consistently posed a challenge, given societal stigmas. Fortunately, trailblazers like Candace Leslie Cima, a 76-year-old fashion and lifestyle influencer, are proactively endeavoring to transform these perspectives. This effort extends beyond her own generation, aiming to impact those who will follow in her footsteps. Through her compelling presence on social media, curated under the apt title “Life in My 70s,” Cima champions the visibility of older women.

Inaugurating her style blog in 2019, Cima discerned a void for pro-aging influencers. Boasting a substantial following of over 400,000 on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook combined, she is on a mission to disrupt conventional notions surrounding aging and fashion. At the core of her content lies a frank exploration of the aging process, motivated by her discontent with the media’s fixation on youth. She distinctly remembers the dearth of headlines celebrating beauty beyond the age of 40, propelling her to emerge as a vocal advocate for dismantling age-related prejudices.

One post became viral.

Cima recently shared a video on Instagram showcasing a brown knit dress that reaches mid-calf, paired with a matching jumper. In the caption, she expressed her excitement about the dress’s versatility and its suitability for different climates. Additionally, she offered information on sizing, color options, and pricing, encouraging her followers to check out the Fall Section of her Amazon Store for further exploration.

Unfortunately, the dress stirred up controversy, drawing critiques on social media. While some lauded her pro-aging fashion sense, others took the chance to criticize the outfit. Certain users recommended that Cima should wear the accompanying sweater, considering the dress unflattering without it. Comments regarding age appropriateness and body shape emerged, with statements such as, “Not suitable for the arms after a certain age,” and “Makes your otherwise flat stomach look pouchy.”

The reactions took her by surprise.

With 11 grandchildren, Cima hadn’t expected the backlash from her Amazon try-on. Despite receiving support from hundreds of followers, she dismissed the negative comments, stressing that having wrinkled skin at 76 is entirely natural and nothing to be ashamed of.

In a touch of sarcasm, she contemplated responding, “Should I cover my face too because I have wrinkles there?” Cima advocated for a change in societal perceptions, urging a departure from antiquated notions of age-appropriate fashion in the contemporary world.

Her message to the followers

Cima observed a rise in younger followers who resonate with her empowering message. She advises, “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.”

Stylist Samantha Brown proposes that women should discard harmful fashion rules and dismisses negative feedback as “people projecting their own insecurities.” Brown commends Cima’s style, highlighting that revealing skin is entirely acceptable, and advocates for a departure from antiquated notions of covering up as one ages.

Candace embarked on her social media journey with the initial goal of challenging the negative connotations linked to aging. Through her website, she passionately advocates for women to embrace productivity, intelligence, compassion, and style throughout their later years.

Another influencer, 74-year-old model Colleen, boldly poses in swimsuits, breaking all stereotypes about how women should look and dress at such a venerable age.