Ari Seth Cohen Archives - Don't Stop Now:

Fashion statements are no longer reserved for younger women. The book, Advanced Style: Older and Wiser, absolutely proves that.

For generations, other cultures have valued and esteemed the older woman. In America, however, she’s usually tossed aside with nary a glance—like an uninteresting magazine article or a day-old tuna sandwich.

And then along comes Ari Seth Cohen, whose mom clearly raised him well. Says Ari, “I hope that if we begin to see aging differently, we will start to treat older people with the respect and reverence they deserve. By refusing to accept the notion that growing older is something to be feared, we can begin to fully embrace our elderhood with as much joy, creative growth, and imagination as our childhood.”

Ari created a book entitled Advanced Style: Older and Wiser. It’s filled with photos of women—and a few men—in their sixties and well beyond. All of them are dressed fabulously, reflecting their individual styles. Many of them shared their stories, making it compelling reading for both fashion lovers and those who fear—wrongly—that their stylish years are behind them.

My friend Joy Venturini Bianchi is featured in the book. Joy is a five-year cancer survivor who is one of the most amazing women I know. Here she is looking dazzling in nonstop red:

I had the honor of attending a book-signed with Ari and Joy in San Francisco, and listening to them speak was nothing short of inspirational.

What I’ve learned from Joy is that age is truly just a number. Style is an outward expression of the inner self. And each of us is unique, precious, and special.

Don’t be afraid to show your true self to the world—whether that means dressed in a designer gown or decked out in jeans, your favorite tee, and Converse.

If you’re interested in checking out Ari’s book, you can find it on Amazon.