Fashion knows no age limits, yet society often imposes outdated notions on what’s appropriate for different generations. This reality recently hit home for 76-year-old style influencer Candace Cima.

Candace, a grandmother of 11 energetic grandchildren, proudly shared a photo of herself modeling a sleeveless midi dress. While the post attracted a variety of comments, not all of them were kind.

“People have such outdated notions about age-appropriate fashion, and that needs to change,” Candace expressed to TODAY. It wasn’t the first time she had encountered such negativity, but this instance surprised her nonetheless.

In the photo, Candace beautifully flaunts a brown knit sleeveless dress paired with a stylish sweater. However, some commenters couldn’t resist passing judgment.

“From the side and back, this dress does nothing for you. Form-fitting below the waist is not your friend. Celebrate everything else about your body!” criticized one person on Facebook.

“The sweater on, not a fan of the dress,” commented another.

“Not flattering at all. Would never wear it alone. Too old to be showing all that skin,” audaciously wrote a different user.

Unfazed by the negativity, Candace courageously embraced her age and her body. “It’s perfectly appropriate to have wrinkled skin at 76, and I’m not ashamed of it,” she confidently declared. “Should I cover my face too just because I have wrinkles there?”

It was Candace’s unwavering self-assurance that led her to start a fashion blog in 2019. Recognizing the need for representation of older women in the fashion space, she became a trailblazer in advocating for age-positive fashion choices.

“I saw an opportunity to talk about how to dress as you get older. Women have been conditioned to think they need to cover up because that’s what their mothers and grandmothers did,” Candace explained. “But we need to shift our mindset and embrace modern ideas in a changing world.”

Despite the countless rude remarks she receives, Candace remains undeterred and instead chooses to offer advice to her newest and youngest followers.

“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.”

Next time you catch yourself passing judgment on someone’s fashion choices, remember Candace’s story and the need to celebrate style at any age.

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