VOGUE point of view

ATTITUDE & GRATITUDE

It took American women a while, but we've finally taken on board a certain truth:

How we feel about ourselves has more than a little to do with how well we care for ourselves. And that most definitely includes how we dress. Style isn't imposed on us by the establishment. It's a daily affirmation of, well, our joie de vivre. We are each a painted butterfly, with a different pattern on our wings. The concept that adornment can--like capoeira-yoga classes or a devotion to esoteric whole grains--engender well-being is especially good news for anyone older than, say, oh, 29. It's never been more true that you are only as old as you feel. You don't have to resign yourself to a life of tastefully restrained suits the minute you pass 35. You don't have to hide your punk-rock light under a bushel because you're over 50. Just ask Patti Smith.

Does this mean the average grand-mère should reveal her legs in walking shorts? Obviously not. Discernment and bare-knuckled self-critique go a long way. (Why not try a pair of chicpatterned stockings and a leather pencil skirt, Nana?) The message we hope you'll take home from this issue is that any person can translate the runway trends for her own benefit today.

The best fashion--finally, honestly,

for real this time--

is truly ageless.