Baddiewinkle: Fun fashion, great lifestyle + truisms

Baddiewinkle is in her 90s and is another amazing older woman who won’t be invisible or ignored. She joins the ranks of Grandma Moses, Beulah Henry, and Mary Delany, but her style is more like that of Iris Apfel.

I love her!

The Story of Baddiewinkle

Baddiewinkle grew up during the Depression in West Liberty, Kentucky, and had a hard-working life doing farm work. She worked at Dresser Industries in the inventory department and met her husband while she worked in his auto supply store, which was called Dependable.

After losing her husband and son, she spent years grieving and neglecting herself. Then, one day, with the help of her granddaughter, she decided to reinvent herself.

Her granddaughter posted pictures of her dressed in fun, youthful outfits at 87 on Instagram, and Baddiewinkle was born.

Now, her granddaughter styles her, manages her social media, and is involved with Baddiwinkle’s online business.

It’s a great partnership that shows how two generations can come together to redefine aging.

Baddiewinkle’s Tips for Life

In her book Baddiewinkle’s Guide to Life, she shares lots of fashion tips—she tells us to take risks, show off our best features, and, most importantly, break the rules.

One of my favorite quotes from her book is, “The real secret to my life is I’m finally comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Reinvent Yourself at Any Age

Her book isn’t just fun photos and wild outfits—it’s full of truisms and encouragement to be the woman you want to be at any age.

You don’t have to wear neon or makeup like Baddiewinkle, but you can reinvent yourself in your own way.

And if you have a friend going through a tough time, Baddiewinkle’s book is a great pick-me-up. It’s a lovely reminder that life is fun!

Women Who Won’t Fade Away

It’s so great to see older women who won’t disappear.

Nowadays, we see gray-haired women as fashion icons; others are social media stars; many are back to work or traveling solo and loving life.

No more sitting at home and crying over spilled milk.

As a teenager, I remember having lunch with my mother and some of her friends, sharing their struggles as divorced women trying to get back into their old social circles. Some wanted to work but didn’t have the training and didn’t know how to start again; others gave up and barely left their homes.

It was one of the most depressing lunches I ever had with my mother, and I’ve never forgotten it.

Life for divorced and older single women in the ‘60s and ‘70s in São Paulo, Brazil, was challenging. 

Things have improved a lot.

Hooray for women who won’t quit and who inspire us.