At 76 years old, Candace Cima, a style influencer and grandmother of 11, has gained a significant following for her bold fashion choices and pro-aging message. However, her recent Instagram post showcasing a sleeveless midi dress received a mixed reaction, proving that even with years of life experience, critics are still quick to share their opinions.

The photo, in which Cima posed confidently in a brown knit sleeveless dress paired with a sweater, sparked a range of comments. While many praised her for her confidence and style, others took issue with her look. Some comments suggested the dress didn’t suit her figure, while others were more direct in their disapproval, questioning why someone her age would dare to show off her arms. “From the side and back, this dress does nothing for you,” one commenter wrote. “Form fitting below the waist is not your friend. Celebrate everything else about your body!” Another person shared their distaste for the outfit, writing, “The sweater on, not a fan of the dress.” And one harsh comment simply stated, “Not flattering at all. Would never wear alone. Too old to be showing all that skin.”

Despite these critical remarks, Cima, who started her fashion blog in 2019, took them in stride. She responded with grace and confidence, reflecting on the outdated and restrictive notions about aging and fashion. “It’s perfectly appropriate to have wrinkled skin at 76, and I’m not ashamed of it,” Cima said. “Sometimes I want to respond, ‘Should I cover my face too, because I have wrinkles there?’” Her response highlights a deeper societal issue: the unrealistic standards often placed on older women, especially when it comes to fashion.

Cima is an advocate for challenging the norms around age-appropriate dressing, a concept that, in her view, needs to evolve. She believes that many older women are still burdened by outdated ideas about what they should wear. “Women have been conditioned to think they need to cover up because that’s what their mothers and grandmothers did,” she said. Her own style journey, which has garnered attention on social media, is about embracing the freedom to dress how you feel, regardless of age.

The online criticism, however, isn’t the first time Cima has encountered backlash for her fashion choices. Over the years, she’s learned to take such remarks in stride and focus on the positive impact her message has on her growing audience. “I saw an opportunity to talk about how to dress as you get older,” she explained. “There’s a space for older women to feel confident and stylish, and I want to help them embrace that.”

Through her blog and social media posts, Cima shares fashion tips, style inspiration, and empowering messages for women of all ages. Her goal is to encourage women to let go of the restrictive ideas about age and beauty that society often enforces. “We need to shift the way we think about age,” Cima asserts. “We don’t need to adhere to these old ideas in a modern world.”

Cima’s approach to aging is refreshing, reminding her followers that aging is not something to fear, but something to embrace. “Aging is great. Everything you have learned your entire life is now there for you,” she said. “You are now the wisest that you are ever going to be. Embrace it and be proud.”

Her message resonates with many women who feel pressured to conform to society’s expectations of beauty and style. Cima’s journey is a testament to the importance of self-expression, self-acceptance, and defying outdated stereotypes. She proves that confidence knows no age limit, and style is a personal expression that should never be dictated by others’ opinions.

While the critics may continue to voice their outdated views, Cima’s presence in the fashion world remains an inspiration. She is not just a style influencer but a trailblazer for older women who want to live boldly and confidently, embracing the beauty of aging without fear or shame. In a world that often sidelines older voices, Cima’s message is clear: it’s time for a shift in how we think about age and fashion. And she’s leading the charge, one bold outfit at a time.