Ageless style: modern look helps a 90-year-old cover arms and legs without sacrificing elegance

A 90-year-old retiree from Southwest London has found fashion options that balance coverage with style, challenging the idea that aging requires drab dressing. Sheila Perry, who is 90, is about 5ft 5in tall and wears a size 8–10, and she has long preferred to keep her arms and legs modest.

"I’ve struggled for years to find smart ways to cover my arms and legs, which I’m self-conscious about baring," Perry said.

To address her concerns, a fashion solution centered on smart coverage that still flatters was proposed. A short-sleeved cardigan worn with a maxi skirt featuring an asymmetric hem was recommended as a balance between elegance and modesty. The ensemble features a cashmere cardigan (£149) and scarf (£49) from kiltane.com. A coordinating skirt (£95) from Arrange via asos.com completes the base outfit. Accessories include £15 earrings from jonrichard.com, bracelets at £4.99 each from newlook.com, a £595 micro bag from jandmdavidson.com, and £36 shoes from riverisland.com.

Victoria Adamson, who tested the outfit, described the look as elegant and practical for someone her age. "It’s so elegant! The scarf on the sweater is sophisticated, and the micro bag is youthful but still age-appropriate. And I can wear a maxi skirt without it swamping me. I’m walking out feeling like my idol Audrey Hepburn!" she said.

Hair was styled by Dayna Vaughan-Teague using GHD tools, with makeup by Levi-Jade Taylor at Carol Hayes using Charlotte Tilbury, completing a polished finish that pairs classic tailoring with contemporary details.

The feature reflects a broader shift in fashion coverage toward inclusive aging, presenting outfits that offer modern silhouettes while preserving modesty. The Daily Mail notes that the article includes affiliate links to the featured products; purchases through these links support the publication’s fashion coverage. In this case, the items are marketed as part of an ongoing effort to expand wardrobe options for older shoppers, without compromising on style or fit.

The look embodies a growing trend in Culture & Entertainment that prioritizes ageless style, blending refined textures, subtle skin exposure through asymmetry, and accessible price points to create outfits that feel both current and appropriate for older adults. The emphasis on lightweight knits, soft tailoring, and coordinated accessories signals a broader industry response to demand for age-inclusive fashion that does not default to frumpiness, while still offering discretion for those who prefer it.