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As Sophia Loren rules the red carpet, the 80-somethings tearing up the ageing rulebook

Sophia Loren, Jane Fonda, Judi Dench and Joan Collins at various red carpet events
Sophia Loren is among the octogenarians proving age is just a number in the style stakes. (Getty Images)

She may be 88 years old but Sophia Loren is still dialling up the glam on the red carpet, proving that age is just a number.

Last night, the iconic actor made an appearance at the opening of her restaurant in Milan, just weeks after celebrating her 88th birthday.

The The Life Ahead star looked chic in an elegant white trouser suit and classic silk blouse, which she teamed with heeled boots and a dazzling jewelled necklace.

Sophia Loren looked timelessly elegant at her restaurant opening in Milan earlier this week. (Getty Images)
Sophia Loren looked timelessly elegant at her restaurant opening in Milan earlier this week. (Getty Images)

Her glamorous showing didn't go unnoticed by social media, who gave the star their enthusiastic seal of approval online.

"She’s 88 years old and still killin’ it," one fan wrote.

"A legend at 88," another user agreed.

"Icon," another commented simply on Instagram.

Sophia Loren still knows how to wow on the red carpet. (Getty Images)
Sophia Loren still knows how to wow on the red carpet. (Getty Images)

Though may be in her 80s, Sophia previously revealed that she feels decades younger.

"Sometimes when I say I'm 86, I don't believe it. I feel 20," she told AARP THE MAGAZINE for the December 2020/January 2021 issue.

Loren certainly isn't alone in seemingly tearing up the ageing rulebook when it comes to fashion.

There used to be something of an expectation that when women, and men, hit the big 8-0, they should just quietly fade into the background, swapping their heels for slippers and nights on the town for nights in reading a Mills & Boon.

But recently a whole slew of 80-something celebrities have been challenging out-dated age boundaries and rocking the red carpet in whatever they like.

And boy do they look good on it.

Read more: Cher, 76, 'iconic' as she closes Balmain fashion show in spandex bodysuit

Dame Judi Dench keeps it classic on the red carpet. (Getty Images)
Dame Judi Dench keeps it classic on the red carpet. (Getty Images)

Leading the pack for the British Octogenarians holding on to their style edge is Dame Judi Dench, who at 87, is proving that age is no barrier to glamming it up for the red carpet.

Earlier this year, the Skyfall actor won all the style applause as she graced the red carpet for the Oscars 2022 ceremony.

The much-celebrated star stunned in an all white ensemble as she attended the event with her grandson (and Ed Sheeran lookalike) on her arm.

Watch: Jane Fonda feeling 'stronger than she has in years' following cancer diagnosis

Further illustrating her style credentials, Dame Judi recently made history as the oldest person to appear on the cover of fashion bible Vogue, at the age of 85 years young.

While she may have looked incredible modelling a floral Dolce & Gabbana outfit, in the accompanying interview, the star admitted she wasn't loving her 80s.

“I don’t like [ageing] at all. “I don’t think about it. I don’t want to think about it. They say age is an attitude… it’s horrible.”

The always impeccably dressed Jane Fonda knows how to rock the red carpet. (Getty Images)
The always impeccably dressed Jane Fonda knows how to rock the red carpet. (Getty Images)

Jane Fonda is another celebrity who's still got her fashion va va voom despite hitting her ninth decade.

From a classic white suit, a ritzy purple jacket, to a shoulder-bearing jumpsuit, Jane Fonda is proof you can still rock a style edge whatever your age.

Last year the star was widely praised by fans for her "ageless beauty" after appearing as the cover star of Grazia's 'The Classics Issue'.

In further proof she is embracing her natural beauty, Fonda has revealed how happy she is to have embraced her grey hair as she was fed up of dyeing it.

Speaking in an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show the star discussed her natural locks with the chat show host.

"I'm so happy I let it go grey," she told the host.

"Enough already, so much time wasted, so much money spent, so many chemicals. I'm through with that."

Read more: Carol Vorderman highlights her toned stomach in Kim Kardashian crop top: 'I’m obsessed'

Dame Joan Collins is still a style icon in her 80s. (Getty Images)
Dame Joan Collins is still a style icon in her 80s. (Getty Images)

Another Brit flying the flag for golden year fashion is Dame Joan Collins, 89, who is often praised for her youthful appearances on the red carpet.

From body-skimming dresses, to glittering gowns, Dame Joan always notches up the glamour no matter the A-list event she's attending.

As well as her impeccable sartorial choices, the former Dynasty star believes fashion is partly due to how you feel, as well as how you look.

"Wear your clothes with attitude, don’t let them wear you, and you’ll always look glamorous," she once said.

Dame Mary Berry has become something of a style icon in her 80s. (Getty Images)
Dame Mary Berry has become something of a style icon in her 80s. (Getty Images)

No over 80s best dressed round up would be complete without a nod to former Bake Off Queen Dame Mary Berry.

While she became known for her eye-catching jackets in the baking tents, the celebrity cook is just as comfortable rocking an elegant frock on the red carpet.

And her style prowess hasn't gone unnoticed, earning her plenty of praise on social media for her understated yet glamorous looks.

Dame Maggie Smith is flying the flag for the stylish British octogenarians. (Getty Images)
Dame Maggie Smith is flying the flag for the stylish British octogenarians. (Getty Images)

Dame Maggie Smith is also worth a mention in the stylish women over a certain age stakes.

Demonstrating her style credentials during the recent promotion of the Downton Abbey film, the 87-year-old actor, regularly graced the red carpet in a killer outfit.

From putting a modern twist on a classic trouser suit to donning an elegant threaded jacket, the octogenarian isn't prepared to shrink into the background when it comes to her style choices.