Have you ever gone out to the movies with friends on a Sunday afternoon in knee-high boots and a wide-brim hat? Maybe one of them looks you up and down, crinkles her nose, and says, "Why are you wearing that?" as she stands there in her cozy sweats. While she's just doing her, and you're doing you, the reason you're wearing a stylish outfit is simply because fashion empowers you.
At least, for me, the day seems a little brighter and my work feels all the more fun when I'm wearing my confidence on my sleeve. Sometimes, the urge to get all dressed up hits me when I least expect it - like before a casual movie outing with friends - but when I slip into a perfect look that hugs my curves, flatters my features, and makes me feel glamorous, I'm going to embrace the spotlight. And so is Jane Fonda.
The 77-year-old actress, who's also a writer, activist, former model, and fitness influencer, has been showing off her killer fashion sense and impeccable taste since the '60s, when she got her start on Broadway. She commands attention on the red carpet, no doubt making photographers stop in their tracks and point their cameras at her, catching her poses in the best light.
Her outfit choices are clearly selected with careful consideration based on her favorite designers, silhouettes, and power colors. Jane totally loves fashion, and whenever she's able to show it - whether that's on the street or at a fancy film premiere - she seizes the opportunity. I believe this will only continue, as Jane proves there's no age limit to getting creative with your look, being bold with your accessory choice, or trying a cut that's been deemed "too sexy" or "too young." In my opinion, we need to see a little more of that in the fashion industry.
Jane Fonda hasn't become my icon simply because she wears sheer tops and racy, skintight Balmain jumpsuits like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid (though I admit I'm blown away by how well she pulls this off). I admire Jane, and vow to always dress like her, because she wears what she loves - even if it's eccentric, even if it raises eyebrows, even if lands her on "worst dressed" lists.
Though I've never spoken to Jane, and can't be 100 percent sure that this is true, I've yet to find a photo of a star showing off her look with such enthusiasm and such a genuine smile. And I'm a fashion editor - it's my job to look at pictures of people wearing clothes, all day, everyday.
Jane could be anybody - just an average woman with no claim to fame - and I believe I'd still recognize her confident style. Read on for 28 reasons why, and then let me know if you find someone who better enjoys showing off her fabulous wardrobe. I'll be over here, wearing the damn dress just to sit in a dark movie theater - maybe Jane will even be the one I'm watching up on the screen.