How to master midlife style like Charlize Theron at 50
The award was for her critically acclaimed turn as a serial killer in the film Monster, while the dress was by Tom Ford for Gucci, one of the most memorable in Oscars history.
Between then and her 50th birthday on Thursday, there have been many defining moments in the South African native 's Hollywood career, both professional and sartorial.
As well as roles in blockbuster hits like Mad Max: Fury Road (for which she shaved her head), Theron is known for her red carpet statements, bombshell blonde hairdos and glistening glamour.
She's synonymous with Dior, having been the face of the distinctive golden J'Adore perfume for two decades and worked closely with the house's creative directors since its John Galliano era.
But in the lead up to turning 50, Theron has been on a notable style streak that means she can add another string to her gilded bow: master of midlife style.
During the press tour for her recent superhero film, The Old Guard 2, Theron displayed pitch-perfect look after pitch-perfect look.
'Charlize has always liked a dramatic silhouette and it feels like she's been leaning into some really powerful but simple looks lately,' says stylist Anna Berkeley.
'The look is smart, chic and a bit androgynous but popped with a feminine shoe or colourful bag.'
There was the streamlined silhouette comprising a halterneck blouse and tailored trousers from Sarah Burton's debut Givenchy collection, then a full Bottega Veneta ensemble featuring a khaki shirt-jacket, crisp white trousers and oxblood tote.
Theron also made a compelling case for braving higher hemlines in midlife (though, granted, we don't all have legs like hers) in a metallic tasselled Alexander McQueen mini skirt paired with gladiator-style sandals, then a paisley Chloé number worn with red patent Mary Janes.
But as we all know, there's more to looking great in midlife than great clothes and accessories. Theron's confidence and unapologetic aura allow her to carry off new looks and maintain her ever-evolving style. Her hair and beauty secrets are also worth noting – especially as they involve plenty that can be emulated even when you're far off an A-list budget.
Bombshell blonde
Though she's known for her signature blonde pixie cut, Theron is unafraid to transform her hairstyle when work requires it. She's shaved her head, tried a bowl cut, and even braved a mullet for her most recent role in The Old Guard 2.
'I was like, 'It's f---ing gorgeous! It's so punk rock and Patti Smith,'' she told Harper's Bazaar.
She's also been changing up her personal hairstyle of late.
'Charlize's pixie cuts have been iconic. We have loved creating so many reinvented versions of the short cut – each has had its own moment,' says her long-time stylist Adir Abergel.
'Recently, we have been doing a very strong French girl bob on Charlize that feels cool and effortless and is easy to maintain. Even as it grows out, the only place that truly needs maintenance is the back.'
As for the bombshell blonde, Abergel works alongside colourist Tracey Cunningham to maintain the look, relying on Virtue's Colorkick Mask and a toner by Schwarzkopf to keep things fresh. For anyone looking to emulate the look, there are options to bear in mind.
'Theron's statement look can be very high maintenance,' explains salon Hari's colourist Camila Fernandes.
'I personally love the root that comes through after a few weeks, but you can also add highlights to the regrowth of a fully bleached look, and use different toners to add warmth or cool things down.'
Beauty secrets
Unlike most A-listers, Theron has been known to do her own make-up, not only for red carpet appearances but also while on set (when a DIY approach suits her character, that is).
Her skincare regime is similarly inspiring, frequently describing a ritual that involves cleansing and layering up moisture in the evening then keeping things simple the next day.
'I don't use face wash in the morning – I prefer not to wash off all the moisture that I've tried to put into my skin the night before,' she recently told The New York Times, adding that 111Skin's Vitamin C Booster and Clé de Peau SPF 50+ sunblock are among her must-haves.
She's also a fan of dry body brushing – an easy habit to copy given that the only tool you need for this can be picked up at Boots for as little as £6.50.
Inventive exercise
Keeping things interesting seems to be the key to Theron's evidently beneficial attitude to exercise. 'I love Pilates and I love yoga,' she told Elle earlier this year.
'And there's nothing like doing those two things when you have a great teacher, someone who's really inventive and doesn't regurgitate the same class every single day.'
In 2024, she set up her own dance studio, The Six Compound, in LA, so that's likely another way she keeps her body moving.
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