The Chic List: Keep it real, role models
It feels like fewer and fewer of my favourite female leads – strong women who deliver messages of empowerment on and off screen – want to grow old naturally. And, frankly, I find that confusing.
I’d been looking forward to the return of The Morning Show on Apple TV+ because of its killer combination of fast-paced storylines, inspiring wardrobes and great interiors.
Much of the plot revolves around TV anchor Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) and her battle to keep succeeding in an industry that has little respect for older women with years of valuable experience.
She co-stars with Reese Witherspoon, now one of the richest women in Hollywood after turning oodles of books such as Big Little Lies into hit TV series. So, two great female survivors both in real life and on the show.
Joanne is wearing a Zara shirt and jeans, with a bag by Celine - pictured with Milou the dog
Another big reason why I watch it is for Aniston’s swoon-worthy work wardrobe – understated but expensive-looking pieces worn with a number of Celine bags. Far more striking than the snoozy beige palettes you see in Succession.
In the latest series, she wears more edgy brands such as Saint Laurent, Khaite, The Row and Valentino.
Her look could easily be copied with pieces from the high street and is a brilliant example of how to exude professionalism at work – even when everything is falling apart.
Aniston, who has had the same stylist, Debra McGuire, for 30 years, actually wears some of her own wardrobe for the show.
‘We steal more from Jen’s closet than Jen would steal from us!’ says McGuire. ‘We do fittings at her home, and every so often I’ll put her in a pair of Saint Laurent trousers and she’ll say, “I have some from three seasons ago that will work better.” And often they do.’
But the confusing element to the whole stunning visual is how both leads – Aniston and Witherspoon – haven’t got a wrinkle between them. Their faces are as smooth as a baby’s bottom, and it’s obvious that both favour tweakments.
I don’t think women should be judged by their faces or what they put in them. If it makes you feel better about yourself, go for it.
Personally, I’ve never done it, but now, because of women like these, I find myself questioning whether I’m missing out. Should I consider fillers or Botox?
With stars like Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon making the most of tweakments like Botox and fillers, Joanne is questioning whether she's missing out
These two role models are sending a mixed message to both younger and older women watching. It says: yes, I’m a kick-ass survivor, but I’m not allowed to let my skin look its age – even though the male cast are.
From two powerhouses such as Aniston and Witherspoon, I find this disappointing. Why can’t there be more au naturel models in 2023?
They’re dwindling by the second.
@thestylistandthewardrobe
@youmagazine
Trainers, £85, adidas.co.uk
NICE FOOTWORK
This autumn, the surging popularity of Adidas’s Samba and Gazelle trainers is nowhere near waning.
The styles have replaced Nike’s Dunks as the latest It-sneakers among young, fashion-forward consumers over the past year and a half – and are still selling out fast.
PEARL POWER
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Looking to add to your jewellery collection without breaking the bank? Try Daisy London – its baroque pearl pendant is perfect for autumn.
A TRUE ORIGINAL
I recently rewatched the fascinating documentary Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold. Not just a great writer, Didion had great personal style, too.
In the documentary Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold, viewers get a sense of the writer's great personal style
In fact, her blunt bob and oversized sunnies really reminded me of someone – Anna Wintour, who was interviewed for the film.
It made me wonder, is Wintour’s signature look influenced by Didion?
