May ushers in some of the UK’s most elegant social events — from weddings and milestone birthdays to London Craft Week with gallery openings and even RHS Chelsea Flower Show. And the perennial question arises: what to wear?
For many women navigating midlife and beyond, style becomes more about self-expression than ever before. The goal isn’t to reinvent themselves from scratch but to evolve their signature style in a way that feels fresh, true and expressive. It is not about trends — it is about refinement, joy, and showing up fully as yourself. So where to turn for inspiration?
Today, I want to take that a step further by highlighting some inspiring women who embody this approach beautifully. These style icons over 50 remind us that ageing is not about shrinking — it is about refining, expressing, and embracing who we are through the choices we make, including the jewellery we wear.
In this post, we look at six style icons over 50 who each offer a masterclass in timeless dressing. They show us how to embrace jewellery and fashion as an extension of character and a celebration of life’s journey.
Let’s explore how you can channel their approach for your own upcoming events.
Catherine Deneuve – Quiet Power
Catherine Deneuve is the epitome of classic Parisian elegance. Her style is polished, composed, and never excessive. Think immaculate tailoring, structured silhouettes, and an understated approach to accessories.
Jewellery inspiration: Deneuve favours high-quality, refined pieces — statement brooches, clean-line earrings, and vintage gold chains. Her look reminds us that sometimes one powerful piece is all you need. Perfect for gallery previews or formal dinners.
Style tip: Choose jewellery that speaks softly but confidently — a sculptural ring or a beautifully crafted pendant. Let one exceptional piece of jewellery do the talking. Pair a structured outfit with a bold silver or gold cuff to emulate her understated glamour.
Fanny Ardant – Mystery & Drama
With her signature tousled hair, bold eye makeup, and dramatic black ensembles, Fanny Ardant is both mysterious and magnetic. Her style is rich with emotion, echoing her theatre roots.
Jewellery inspiration: Fanny Ardant isn’t afraid of boldness. Sculptural silver cuffs, oversized earrings, and layered textures all complement her expressive aesthetic. She leans towards monochrome looks, deep necklines, and dramatic earrings or brooches. Her jewellery choices feel poetic, sometimes even nostalgic.
Style tip: Don’t shy away from pieces that spark emotion or intrigue. Wear them like a signature. Use jewellery as storytelling. A vintage-inspired pendant or bold brooch can anchor your look with mystery and personal history — ideal for evening events or summer soirees.
Helen Mirren – Playful Sophistication
Helen Mirren is the queen of reinvention. She is known for breaking age stereotypes with flair, embracing colour, texture, and personality in her style, thus proving that elegance and playfulness can go hand in hand. She shows us that playful doesn’t mean frivolous.
Jewellery inspiration: Helen Mirren often pairs bold-coloured gemstones with classic tailoring, or mixes delicate chains with more theatrical earrings.
Style tip: Use jewellery to express your mood or outlook — colour is confidence. Don’t be afraid to mix metals, embrace gemstone colour, or stack rings. For celebratory occasions like weddings or birthdays, let your jewellery reflect your joy.
Isabelle Huppert – Intellectual Chic
Known for her cerebral roles and cool demeanour, Isabelle Huppert’s fashion sense is intelligent and artful. She often opts for monochrome palettes, layered textures, and subtle quirk.
Jewellery inspiration: Think minimalist meets avant-garde. Huppert’s jewellery choices often veer sculptural, asymmetric, textural or subtly offbeat — like an abstract silver pendant or an asymmetrical bangle. She reinvents the classics with an edge.
Style tip: Let jewellery reflect your individuality. Seek pieces that double as wearable art. Choose a piece that plays with proportion or form. An abstract brooch or geometric ring can inject personality into tailored separates.
Monica Bellucci – Feminine Allure
Monica Bellucci embraces her femininity with poise and confidence. From black lace to crimson gowns, she embodies sensual sophistication.
Jewellery inspiration: Bellucci gravitates towards gold, pearls, and Italianate medallion necklaces that enhance rather than overpower, and add drama and softness to her features.
Style tip: Romantic doesn’t mean fussy. Choose jewellery that enhances your natural beauty. A pair of statement earrings in a warm metal can lift even the most pared-down look. Ideal for evening parties, concerts or cocktail receptions.
Isabella Rossellini – Earthy & Eclectic
Rossellini’s style is deeply connected to nature, sustainability, and storytelling. Her outfits are elegant with a sense of the organic — part vintage, part new discovery.
Jewellery inspiration: With her love of heritage, nature and a deep sense of curiosity, Rossellini often opts for jewellery that feels crafted, symbolic and rooted. Think hammered silver, cabochon stones, and botanical shapes. She often wears meaningful talismans, natural stones, or pieces with texture and patina.
Style tip: Choose jewellery that tells a story or has sentimental value. Let your values guide your style. Choose jewellery that feels meaningful. A nature-inspired pendant or one-of-a-kind silver piece adds depth to a simple outfit. Perfect for literary events or a thoughtful birthday dinner.
Final Thoughts
These style icons over 50 don’t follow trends — they embody a mindset. They dress with clarity and purpose, often favouring pieces with heritage, craft, and meaning. If you’re thinking of refreshing your look this season, jewellery is one of the most intuitive, joyful ways to do it.
Whether you’re attending a spring wedding or simply want to update your everyday uniform, let their approaches inspire your next piece.
Which icon resonates most with your style? I’d love to know — and I invite you to explore Essemgé’s handcrafted pieces designed to be as expressive, elegant and enduring as you.
