Interview: Aging, menopause, and rethinking fashion for comfort in midlife | Stacy London
Digest
This podcast features Stacey London reflecting on her post-"What Not to Wear" journey, focusing on midlife, menopause, and aging. She shares her initial fears about aging and how her perspective has evolved to embrace authenticity and self-acceptance. London discusses unlearning societal beliefs about aging and menopause, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and self-advocacy in navigating these transitions. She emphasizes the need for better healthcare support for menopause and advocates for a more holistic approach to women's health. The conversation also touches on her evolving perspectives on beauty and fashion, shifting from external validation to self-expression and comfort. London discusses the impact of her father's death on her perspective on mortality and legacy, embracing a "the artist's way" approach to life. Finally, she stresses the importance of community and supportive relationships in navigating life's challenges.
Outlines
Reframing Midlife and Menopause: A New Beginning
Stacey London discusses her post-"What Not to Wear" journey, focusing on midlife and menopause as opportunities for reinvention and self-discovery. She addresses challenges in adapting to new media and the importance of self-compassion.
Confronting Fears and Societal Pressures of Aging
Stacey shares her initial fears of aging and her shift towards embracing authenticity. The conversation explores societal pressures surrounding aging and the importance of accepting life's changes. This includes discussion of unlearning negative beliefs about aging.
Menopause: Unexpected Gifts and Healthcare Advocacy
Stacey discusses menopause as an evolution, sharing unexpected positive aspects and highlighting the challenges of navigating menopause without adequate medical support. The importance of self-advocacy and challenging societal narratives around women's health are emphasized.
Healthcare System Reform and Menopause
Stacey and Dr. Ungerleiter discuss the urgent need for healthcare system reform regarding menopause, emphasizing self-advocacy and trusting one's intuition. They address societal narratives surrounding women's health and the need for a holistic approach.
Evolving Perspectives on Beauty, Fashion, and Self-Expression
Stacey reflects on her evolving perspectives on beauty and fashion, emphasizing the shift from external validation to self-acceptance and comfort. She discusses her new show, "Where Whatever the F You Want," and its focus on self-expression.
Mortality, Legacy, and Embracing the Artist's Way
The conversation explores Stacey's perspective on time, legacy, and mortality in midlife, influenced by her father's death. She describes her current life phase as "the artist's way," emphasizing curiosity and learning. The importance of community is also discussed.
The Power of Community and Support
Stacey emphasizes the crucial role of community and friendship in navigating life's transitions, particularly during challenging times. She highlights the value of supportive relationships and the power of asking for help.
Keywords
Midlife Reinvention
Redefining oneself and goals during middle age, embracing change and pursuing new passions.
Menopause
Natural cessation of menstruation; characterized by hormonal changes and physical/emotional symptoms.
Self-Advocacy
Actively advocating for one's needs and interests, especially in healthcare.
Body Image
One's perception and feelings about their physical appearance; positive body image is crucial for well-being.
Gen X
Generation born between early 1960s and early 1980s; known for resilience and adaptability.
Aging Gracefully
Embracing the aging process with positivity and self-acceptance.
Women's Health
Encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being specific to women.
Self-Compassion
Treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance.
Q&A
How has your understanding of beauty and fashion evolved since your time on "What Not to Wear"?
My approach to style has shifted from external validation to prioritizing comfort, self-expression, and feeling good in my own skin.
What is the most important advice you would give to women navigating menopause?
Trust your gut, advocate for yourself, and find healthcare providers who listen and understand your concerns.
How has your perspective on mortality shifted in midlife?
Witnessing my father's death shifted my focus to prioritizing health and well-being and embracing curiosity and learning.
What makes a good ally in midlife?
A good ally is curious, supportive, and willing to listen without judgment; they offer help without reservation.
Show Notes
“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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