Fashion > Shopping
Martha Stewart May Be On To Something! The Art of Dating a Younger Guy
by Marjon Carlos|edited by Chelsea Zalopany
Photo: Splash News
When it comes to good living, is there anyone more adept than Martha Stewart? Whether planning a seated dinner or whipping up a recipe for mind-altering good pot brownies, the home decor entrepreneur knows how to curate a comfortable lifestyle. But that expertise doesn't just apply to throw pillows. Visiting The Wendy Williams Show this week, the 75-year-old businesswoman confessed she's found the perfect recipe to a happy personal life—and it's not what you'd think.
Recently dipping her toe back in the dating pool, Stewart has found herself enjoying the company of younger men. Around 10 years younger, to be exact. According to the stunning septuagenarian, a previous dating incident with a man in his 30s convinced her she needed an age cap. Still, as Stewart told Williams, the experience was plenty fun. Stewart's visible glow proved that she was hardly concerned with the taboo often bestowed on May-December romances.
Seasoned and most likely independent (financially or otherwise), older women are often assumed to hold all the cards in a love affair, creating a "boy toy" dynamic that undermines the man. The possibility these two lovers could relate in spite of age and gender expectations is hardly considered. Compounded with the "desperate cougar" stereotype that reached critical mass in the early aughts and prompted a rash of reality TV shows and sitcom plots, the idea of an older woman exploring her sexuality has been plagued by a double standard. Unlike her silver fox male counterparts, the "cougar" couldn't necessarily date 20-somethings without raising a few eyebrows.
A recent string of high-profile romances proves how antiquated all that thinking is. From Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart to Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher to Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, consider some of the unions of fierce older women at the top of the game who defied the age gap. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson's husband, Aaron, in fact, famously took her last name when the couple married in 2012—despite the 23-year age difference. Not only confronting patriarchal traditions head on, the Taylor-Johnson union suggested that there could be a real future in these affairs. A fling with a younger guy is certainly fun, but hey, it could lead to something a bit more permanent and fulfilling if you're willing to be open to the idea. He may just surprise you (and have his shirt together more than your age-appropriate alternative).
So this date night, why not take a page from Martha Stewart's other recipe book and swipe right on the younger guy who has been asking you out for months? Prada's midnight ruched velvet dress and Saint Laurent shawl is the perfect piece to wear to your very grown-up date of dinner and a show. Enjoy a rousing cross-generational political debate while curled up at home with your new beau. You can really put your feet down in a pair of sturdy (and age-appropriate) unisex bistro gingham Crocs mules. And Dolce & Gabbana's cordonetto lace fluted hem dress gives off the perfect Mrs. Robinson vibe for a night of ultimate seduction. It's a look that's simply ageless.
Protagonist button-down dress shirt, $440, otte.com; New Balance for J.Crew seamless capri leggings, $85, jcrew.com; Crocs unisex Bistro Gingham mule, $42, for more information: amazon.com
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of otteny.com; Courtesy of crew.com; Courtesy of amazon.com
Rosie Assoulin side-knot striped trousers, $995, modaoperandi.com; Goyard St. Louis junior tote, $1,195, therealreal.com; Karen Walker Super Duper Strength sunglasses, $280, shopbop.com; 3.1 Phillip Lim Nagano flat sandal, $550, 31philliplim.com
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of modaoperandi.com; Courtesy of therealreal.com; Courtesy of shopbop.com; Courtesy of 31philliplim.com
Dolce & Gabbana Cordonetto lace fluted hem dress, $3,216, matchesfashion.com; Loewe T Multicolor stripe leather pouch, $990, orchardmile.com; Halston Sally crinkle patent leather pump, $328, halstonheritage.com
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of orchardcamile.com; Courtesy of halston.com
Vogue may earn compensation on these sales through affiliate programs.
In This Story:Date Night, Martha Stewart