Interview: Aging, menopause, and rethinking fashion for comfort in midlife | Stacy London
May 13, 2025
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Stacy London, a stylist and fashion consultant renowned for her work on TLC's What Not to Wear, discusses aging and self-acceptance. She encourages women to embrace their bodies and reassess their relationships with fashion, prioritizing comfort over societal expectations. Stacy shares her personal journey through menopause and surgery, emphasizing the importance of health and wellbeing. She advocates for open conversations about aging and suggests getting rid of uncomfortable shoes as a step towards feeling good in your skin.
Stacy London redefines aging as a time for empowerment and self-discovery, challenging the stigma surrounding menopause and encouraging open discussions.
Her journey highlights the struggles of transitioning from a public figure to finding new identity, stressing the need for adaptability in evolving career landscapes.
London emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, urging women to assertively address their menopause-related health concerns with confidence.
Deep dives
Impact of Indoor Humidity on Skin Health
Indoor humidity plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy and glowing skin, as dry air can start damaging the skin within just 30 minutes. For years, humidifiers have been a popular solution to combat issues related to dry skin, sleep disturbances, and overall wellness. Traditional humidifiers, however, often suffer from drawbacks such as being bulky, prone to mold, and challenging to maintain. A newer solution, the Canopy Humidifier, has emerged as a recommended device by dermatologists, designed to elevate the experience of indoor humidity without the common limitations of traditional models.
Reinventing the Narrative Around Midlife
Stacey London has become a significant voice in changing perceptions about midlife, particularly regarding menopause, which has historically been viewed as a time of decline. Instead, she emphasizes that this transition can be seen as a phase of reinvention, empowerment, and deep self-discovery. Her advocacy seeks to foster visibility and discussion around menopause, challenging the stigma that often surrounds it. This shift in narrative highlights the importance of open conversations that can alleviate feelings of isolation and confusion during midlife.
Navigating Self-Identity After Public Life
After her tenure on the television show 'What Not to Wear,' Stacey London faced challenges in reshaping her identity outside of the public eye. The realization of being closely tied to her on-screen persona led to a period of self-reflection and re-evaluation of her professional path. Her struggle with transitioning from a prominent media figure to finding her place in the evolving landscape of social media illustrated the difficulties many face when their careers take unexpected turns. This journey emphasizes the need to continually adapt to changing environments and redefine personal and professional identities.
Redefining Fear and Acceptance of Aging
The conversation around aging reveals common fears tied to societal expectations and roles, as many people express struggles with the physical changes that accompany growing older. Stacey London points out that aging does not solely signify decline; instead, it offers opportunities for self-acceptance, curiosity, and the pursuit of new experiences. She underscores the importance of confronting and unlearning negative preconceptions about aging, advocating for a narrative that embraces the empowerment and wisdom that can come with maturity. By shifting the focus from loss to growth, individuals can find a renewed sense of purpose and joy in their later years.
Advocating for Better Healthcare in Midlife
There is a pressing need for improvements in how the healthcare system addresses menopause and midlife issues, with a strong emphasis on women advocating for their own medical needs. Stacey London highlights the importance of self-advocacy and being assertive in seeking answers about one’s health, especially when faced with dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers. Patients must learn to trust their instincts and ensure their voices are heard in consultations, particularly regarding menopause and hormonal changes. By fostering awareness of one's body and navigating the healthcare system with confidence, women can better manage their health and well-being during midlife.
“My lens around style doesn’t have anything to do with style anymore — it’s about physicality,” says stylist and fashion consultant Stacy London. “What do I want to be able to do? How do I keep myself strong?”
Stacy’s message has resonated for many women, and for this episode, she joins Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, host of TED Health, at TED2025 for a special live conversation about why women are so embarrassed to talk about aging. For Stacy, aging became a chance to reassess her relationship to her body, and her experience with menopause and spinal surgery shifted her focus to health and wellbeing. Her best advice on what you can do to feel good in your skin? Throw away the most painful pair of shoes you own.
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