Meet my Aging Role Model and Style Icon, Marlene

Like me, many of my Chicago friends are turning 60. I’m starting to hear some grumbles like, “we’re so old now,” or “I can’t do that anymore” or “everything changes after 60.” My response is, “What the hell are you talking about?”

In Florida, I hang out with plenty of women who are older than me, and they’re living brilliantly. They’re far too busy kicking ass on the tennis court or traveling the world to waste their energy lamenting the limitations of their age. I thought spending winters in a retirement community might make me feel washed up, but quite the opposite. These chicks are on fire. I’ve decided what every woman needs to feel good about aging is a cool older friend as a role model. Mine is the radiant and stylish Marlene Tatham, 74.

What I love most about Marlene is her positive attitude and confidence. She’s always kind, gracious and in a good mood. She doesn’t gossip and never puts anyone down, including herself. She had a knee replacement in the fall (her second, and she’s had her right hip done too) and came back to our tennis team in full force in January, playing challenging matches and winning them. “Marlene,” I said, “I think you’re playing better tennis than ever!” She agrees. And Marlene is fun. She shows up to every tennis party with a jug of yummy margaritas made by her partner, Stanley. They just returned from a trip to Sicily.

Marlene says, “I definitely see the glass half-full. I’m happy and I’m healthy and for that I am grateful every day. So I go about life doing and moving as much as I can.” Marlene and Stanley spend summers in Hendersonville, North Carolina at their lake home. She plays tennis and pickle ball 3-4 times a week each. She kayaks, makes beaded jewelry, socializes with her many friends and neighbors, is close with her two daughters and active in her grandchildren’s lives.

Then there’s Marlene’s style. Whenever I see her out, I have to take her photo. She’s always dressed with a sense of celebration. Below, I show four of her fashionable looks. If you note the brands, you’ll see Marlene is a master of the high/low mix. She often buys pieces on sale or consignment. And she pays attention to the details. Her accessorizing skill is as keenly honed as her drop shot.

Here’s how Marlene approaches fashion.

“I love really nice things, but I don’t like paying top dollar for those things,” she says. “Whether I can afford it or not, I just don’t want to pay $5,000 for a handbag. I like to shop for bargains and I feel rewarded when I find one. I’m getting by with a little less these days, I love to mix and match what I have. I also love color! I grew up in Miami, which is full of art and color. That’s just me. I also coordinate everything. Most of the time, even my underthings match my clothes. I come from a time in the 60s when the clothes all matched. It’s how I grew up.”

Here are four of Marlene’s inspired outfits and the details of what she’s wearing (excluding the underthings).

Outfit 1: Sunny Spectator

Marlene cheers on her teammates wearing linen pants and a top from Steinmart, sandals from Target, and a vintage Louis Vuitton handbag. She owns the cute hat she’s wearing in three colors, purchased at Victoria’s in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Outfit 2: Date Night Delight

For a couples club event, Marlene goes for a sleek monochromatic look. Her slit-front navy pants are at her Florida home, so she can’t remember the brand. The jewel neck sweater is J. Crew and her Chanel shoes are from a Naples consignment shop.

Outfit 3: Party in the Parking Lot

(Actually we met to carpool together to dinner.) Marlene rocks the chic half-tuck with a flowing black silk blouse, J. McLaughlin pants, Gucci belt, Valentino handbag and GB shoes.

Outfit 4: Margarita Mama

For my 60th birthday, we celebrated at Rocco’s Tacos in Naples. Here, Marlene wears one of her festive dresses from La Vida Loca boutique in Hendersonville with Michael Kors Collection shoes and a handbag from TJ Maxx.

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As you can see, Marlene doesn’t stick to any particular style, she enjoys creating different looks to express herself. “Women often say to me—I don’t think I could get away with that outfit. I say, all you have to do to ‘get away’ with something is put it on and wear it. Then you’ve gotten away with it. One thing about getting older is you just don’t care as much about what people might say. If you like it and you feel good in it, it’s a good outfit.”

Can’t you just feel the positive vibes? I want to be like Marlene when I grow up!

If you’re feeling down about your age, look around at all the wonderful, talented women who are older than you and living vibrant, interesting lives. It might be your mother, your aunt or even a celebrity. I love Julia Louis Dreyfus’ new podcast Wiser than Me, featuring brilliant women like Jane Fonda, Carol Burnett and Amy Tan. We aren’t the first women to grow older; let’s get inspired by those who are crushing it.

Here are a couple age-positive style stories you might enjoy.

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