Age is just a number, and these three celebrities are proving it! They are over 50, but they flaunt their style with confidence. They do so even if it means showing their underwear through see-through outfits. They are fashion-forward stars who aren’t afraid to break the mold. They also embrace their boldness, no matter their age.
Kelly Ripa being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 12, 2015 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In a world where ageism often sets fashion norms, a few celebrities refuse to obey them. These beloved stars, all over 50, embrace their unique sense of style. They opt for daring outfits that include completely see-through ensembles.
Some may raise eyebrows at their fashion choices. But, these celebrities are confident and do not apologize for it. They are challenging stereotypes and inspiring others to embrace their individuality.
One such celebrity is the 53-year-old talk show host Kelly Ripa. In March 2024, she stepped out for the Oscars and turned heads on the red carpet with her husband, Mark Consuelos. While some thought the couple looked good, others thought otherwise.
Kelly Ripa looked dazzling in a black Jason Wu gown for the event. Her brief-baring dress was strapless with a sweetheart neckline. The semi-sheer lacy overlay featured black spots and was finished off with a train at the waist.
Kelly’s styling team kept her signature loose blonde curls. Her makeup team finished off her glam with smoky gold eye makeup. The talk show host took to Instagram to flaunt her looks with the caption, “Mom and dad storming the red carpet.”
Kelly Ripa as seen on Jason Wu’s Instagram story dated March 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/jasonwu/
However, not everyone loved her outfit. Amid the diverse reactions, admirers commented, “Beautiful! Kelly!! That DRESS!! So gorgeous!,” “Omg!!! That dress!!!,” “It’s a 10 plus ! Best dress ever,” “Kelly, your hair, the dress… you look gorgeous,” and more, highlighting the overwhelming approval of her look.
Others offered critiques such as “I love you Kelly but not this dress,” and “Kelly wear some bike shorts. You are lowering your self in the see through dress. You’re better than that!.” However, the consensus was that she looked beautiful, stunning, and amazing.
Kelly is renowned for her commitment to fitness and well-being. She has always been open about the importance of exercise in her life. “There are a lot of people that don’t have to work out, and I am so happy for them, but I have to work out for my body type,” she shared.
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos at the 2024 Oscars | Source: Getty Images
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on the Oscars 2024 red carpet | Source: Getty Images
Her regimen includes a mix of activities: dance-cardio class AKT, SoulCycle, and running. The talk show host said these are crucial not for her looks but for her emotional health. She has even been with her trainer for over 10 years.
Kelly Ripa and her personal trainer, Anna Kaiser, as seen in a January 14, 2019 Instagram post | Source: Instagram.com/kellyripa/
Kelly’s approach to health extends beyond the gym. She is focused on nutrition, and it has profoundly impacted her life. She adheres to a high-alkaline diet. The talk show host credits her diet for keeping her pain-free and energized. While she enjoys coffee and wine, Kelly balances these indulgences with periods of strict adherence to her diet.
Kelly and her husband are parents of three. Their kids are Lola Consuelos, Joaquin Antonio Consuelos, and Michael Joseph Consuelos. Her only daughter, Lola, also has a keen fashion sense. They have amusingly acknowledged her flair for fashion. Their daughter’s fashion sense often leaves them questioning their own fashion choices.
While Kelly is in her 50s, another celebrity, Cher, in her 70s, has had fans talking about her fashion choices. Cher is a phenomenal musician known for her daring looks. She collaborates with the iconic costumier Bob Mackie. He has designed clothes for many Hollywood A-listers.
Cher at the Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures Opening Gala on September 25, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Their paths crossed in 1967 on the “Carol Burnett Show.” Their then-newfound friendship gave a whole new meaning to fashion and glamor. When Cher appeared at the 1986 Oscar Awards in a stunning and glittering look by Bob, she turned heads.
Cher and Don Ameche at the 58th Annual Academy Awards on March 24, 1986, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She has since worn various signature outfits by Bob. This includes figure-hugging dresses and his dramatic illusionist styles. Cher’s journey from being unknown to becoming a famous and talented icon is exciting. She has been a big part of music for almost sixty years and has done things in her special way. She’s not like anyone else!
Cher’s path to success has been unique and remarkable. It is filled with fun, surprises, and boldness. She’s not afraid to be herself and express her style through fashion, showing off her complex personality with confidence.
Despite her age, the singer’s revealing style has remained unchanged. Her choice of seemingly inappropriate outfits has kept her in the spotlight for years. In 2014, a social media user tweeted, “cher looks so ugly in that purple dress she needs something longer.”
Portrait of Cher in 1972 | Source: Getty Images
Portrait of Cher in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
At the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, her outfits once again had people talking online. She had rocked two sparkly outfits that showed off her skin. The then-71-year-old singer rocked a head-to-toe silver outfit with pink heart-shaped pasties.
The outfit looked like a short “robe” made out of silvery strands of jewels. Cher accessorized her look with a pair of silver ankle boots and a platinum wig with tips that matched her pasties.
Honoree Cher performing onstage at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards on May 21, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Honoree Cher performing onstage at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards on May 21, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Her second look was a body-baring black jumpsuit with rhinestones. She wore this over a black lingerie. She completed her look with a huge, black curly wig, black leather jacket, and thigh-high black leather boots. She posted a picture of this second look on February 8, 2017, and there were divided opinions.
Cher at the Billboard Music Awards on May 21, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Cher at the Billboard Music Awards on May 21, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Some fans thought her look was stunning. They left comments like, “Only Cher can pull off an outfit like that,” “I C O N ♥️,” “You are looking like age 45 must be mineral water what’s your secret (sic)???,” “My fav outfit💙,” “Love this song & her outfit and voice is amazing,” and more.
However, not everyone loved the look. They wrote, “Horrors! 😳🙈,” “This is pitiful. At 70 not 21. Get a grip,” “Yikes that is disgusting!!! #MAGA #TRIGGERED LIBERAL TEARS 😭,” “Eeeew how old? Can grannies really dress like this? Crrrrrinnngggge (sic),” and more.
Cher at the Billboard Music Awards on May 21, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Despite receiving mixed opinions, Cher remains undisturbed by the passage of time. Cher’s long career spanned decades. She has fearlessly embraced various fashion and beauty experiments. She achieved milestones like winning an Oscar. However, despite her boldness, there’s one line she reportedly won’t cross: she refuses to let her hair turn gray.
Cher with her Oscar award on April 11, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
During the pandemic, numerous celebrities opted for a natural look. But Cher clarified that her iconic jet-black hair was not going anywhere. She shared: “[Going gray] is fine for other girls, I’m just not doing it!”
Cher in July 1984 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Cher is willing to try different beauty styles but emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process. She feels that people who excessively criticize others’ makeup choices should focus on more meaningful things.
Her approach to beauty has changed over time. She enjoys adding glamour with “big eyelashes,” and suggests that those trying to emulate her iconic look should remember that “less is more.”
Cher believes that living life on her terms is the key to happiness. She thinks it’s essential to hold onto the playful spirit of one’s youth to stay young at heart. According to her, if you never stop being a girl, you will never get old. On X, formerly Twitter, in May 2023, she shared her thoughts on aging on her birthday.
She wrote: “Ok, Will Someone 🙏🏼PLEASE Tell me…..When Will I Feel OLD👶🏻. This is ridiculous🙄. I keep hearing these numbers, but I Honestly can’t understand them. WHATS THE DEAL WITH #’s⁉️ I’m dyslexic & #’s Are hard 4 me. Thank you for staying, I know it’s been hard. Got to go work out. Twitter is harder for me than TweetBot [sic].”
Later that year, she was asked her secret for looking fabulous in her 70s. Cher replied, “I remember when my friend Paulette and I were talking about when we were gonna have to cut our hair and stop wearing jeans because it seemed like in those days, that’s what women did.”
However, Cher remarked that it hadn’t happened yet. She also couldn’t believe she would be 80 at some point. Even though it was sooner than her wishes, the singer said she would still be donning her jeans and long hair. She would also be doing the same things she had always done.
Although Cher has made the internet buzz in her 70s, Donna Mills took it by storm at 82. The actress stunned social media users on August 7, 2023, when she posted recent pictures on her Instagram. The first photo grabbed attention as she posed on the road.
Donna Mills at the signing event for the book “Dear Bob: Bob Hope’s Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II” on November 4, 2021 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the photo taken at Orcas Island, she wore an all-black outfit featuring a sheer long-sleeve lace top. The top showed off her bra, and she wore a flowy wrap skirt. She finished her look with black shoes and a matching bag.
She had worn the outfit to attend her godson’s wedding. On seeing the photo, some fans praised her writing, “You look stunning. Love the dress!,” “Absolutely stunning as always. You are a woman whose beauty has no bounds,” “Drop dead gorgeous! 🌟🌟🌟,” “Ageless, stunning! My girl crush!,” and more.
Donna Mills stars as Abby Cunningham, in the CBS television series “Knots Landing.” | Source: Getty Images
Despite Donna Mills receiving many positive comments, some did not like what she wore and voiced their opinions. One person commented, “Too old to wear such a dress.” However, most of her fans loved her outfit and wanted to know her secret to look young. In the past, she had to field hurtful and ageist comments and criticism for having a child later in life.
In 2022, Donna shared that she prioritized her career until she felt a void without a child. Despite being single at 54, she pursued her desire and adopted Chloe Mills at four days old. Her actions received criticism, and people said Donna was “so old” to have a toddler around. But that’s not how she felt. The actress didn’t feel any older than mothers in their 20s.
Donna spent the initial years working on television films, taking her daughter along wherever she went. However, when her daughter started school, she halted her career for 18 years. She didn’t want her daughter to be raised by a nanny, and extended work periods away from home weren’t feasible.
Nowadays, Donna has resumed acting as she loves her job. She had to hire an agent and manager. Her daughter is in college, but they remain close, meeting weekly and staying in touch through calls and texts daily.
Donna believes in continuously reinventing herself. She pursues new dreams through her work. Despite nearing 90, when asked if she plans to retire, her answer is always a resounding “no.”
She values the opportunity to work, volunteer, or bring joy to others. The actress sees it as a way to impact the world, even in small ways. In the end, she appreciates giving some of herself to others.
In the world, fashion norms often dictate age-appropriate attire. But these three beloved celebrities are challenging stereotypes. They are inspiring others to embrace their individuality. They refuse to conform to societal expectations.
Kelly Ripa makes stunning appearances on the red carpet. Cher makes iconic fashion statements. These stars prove that age is no barrier to expressing oneself through clothing. These iconic figures keep making waves in fashion. They remind us all to be real and to live as we want.