In 2019, Lyn Slater found herself in her New York City apartment, surrounded by racks filled with exquisite clothing, but instead of feeling joy, she felt a sense of despair. At 66 years old, Slater had transitioned from being a social worker to becoming a social media sensation. Starting her style documentation journey at the age of 61 with her blog, Accidental Icon, she had garnered a significant following with her distinct fashion sense characterized by a sleek gray bob, fashionable shades, and her signature slouchy, twisted Yohji Yamamoto suits. With an Instagram following of 769,000 (@iconaccidental), she was invited by designers to attend their runway shows and fragrance launches in Paris and London. Brands lavished her with gifts, ranging from purses to jackets and dresses in a myriad of colors. Slater even starred in campaigns for renowned fashion houses like Valentino and Kate Spade.
However, despite her success and recognition in the fashion world, Slater found herself at a crossroads. She felt an overwhelming urge to grab her sewing kit, retrieve her seam ripper, and dismantle each garment, piece by piece.
“I was lost,” shared Slater, now 70, in an interview with The Washington Post.
This sentiment resonates deeply with many women who have experienced the disquieting realization that their clothing no longer reflects their true selves or the person they have evolved into.
“I view my clothes as materials that I use to convey a certain identity, to convey a certain role,” Slater explained. Her outfits serve as a medium to express her desires, thoughts, and inner essence. “Having what I wear be coherent with who I am makes me feel like a whole person,” she added. However, when she allowed brands to dictate her wardrobe choices, she felt a disconnection from her authentic self.
But things have changed. Slater now identifies as a “reformed influencer.” She has streamlined her wardrobe, relocated from Manhattan to a quaint old house in Peekskill, N.Y., and replaced her designer garments with vintage Gap overalls and silk pajama tops. It has been two years since she last posted sponsored content (#sponcon). Nowadays, she spends her time gardening, chasing after her two young grandchildren, and writing.
In her upcoming book, “How to Be Old” (published by Penguin Random House, out Tuesday), Slater delves into her journey of reinvention, exploring topics such as aging, creativity, fashion, and identity. Part memoir, part guide to “living boldly,” the book encourages readers to discover a sartorial style that empowers them to embrace life to the fullest.
Slater emphasizes that this process is not one of mourning but of excitement. “I have all the ages I’ve ever been to draw upon in thinking about what I might want to wear or even what I might want to do now at this age,” she reflected. “That’s how I come to the conclusion that being older is an additive process, not a subtractive process the way that many people view it. It’s not about loss. It is a privilege.”