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UK fashion retailer Bonmarche, who focus specifically on women over the age of 40 in terms of their clothing, have completed a piece of research to determine which celebrity women inspire their customers. They found that, across all ages and geographical locations, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Anniston, Meryl Streep, and Joanne Lumley were all firm favorites. Some differences were noted in which was the greatest fashion muse depending on age group and where in the country women lived.

Women of all ages have a desire to always look their best. This is why Bonmarche has recently completed a survey to determine which celebrity women are the inspiration for British women across the country. Bonmarche’s target demographic is the older woman, aged 45 and over, which is why they, uniquely, decided to poll women over that age only.

Women were simply asked to list their main celebrity icon, and the results revealed that:

1. 2% were inspired by Helen Mirren.
2. 3% were inspired by Jennifer Anniston.
3. 5% were inspired by Meryl Streep.
4. 5% were inspired by Joanna Lumley.
5. 3% were inspired by Nicole Kidman.
6. 10% were inspired by Elle McPherson.
7. 1% were inspired by Julie Walters.
8. 9% were inspired by Jane McDonald.
9. 4% were inspired by Salma Hayek.
10. 8% were inspired by Ruth Langsford.

The research did delve a little deeper into the different age groups of the women they polled, as well as their geographical location. What they found was that the greatest inspiration for women aged between 45 and 54 was Helen Mirren, with 19.2% stating that her sophisticated style made her their fashion muse. 16.3% were inspired by Jennifer Anniston, hailed for her silky hair, golden tan, and healthy eating habits.

The research also demonstrated that, when women become older and reach the 55 to 64 each group, there is some change in who they feel is there fashion icon. In this age group, nearly 20% were inspired by Helen Mirren. Third place, with 14.5% was taken up by Meryl Streep and fourth place by Joanna Lumley, with 13.5%. Jennifer Anniston continued to take up second place.

Meanwhile, Helen Mirren continues to be the greatest inspiration for women over the age of 65. In fact, in this age group, some 28.4% placed her as a firm favorite, the first time an age group really swayed away from the average. Second place is taken up by Meryl Streep and third by Joanna Lumley. Jennifer Anniston is relegated to fourth place.

Bonmarche’s online marketing manager says about the survey: “As women grow older, their tastes and influences change, but one thing remains constant: a desire to look great”.

Geographical location appears to also have played a part, albeit not until women reach the age of 65 and older. Here, it was found that while the preferred style icon was Meryl Streep placing Jennifer Anniston in fourth place, women in Scotland took a different outlook. Here, 27.8% of women placed Jennifer Anniston in first place, perhaps being inspired by her youthful look.

Bonmarche will use this information to have a better idea of what their audience looks for in their fashion choices. Each of the celebrity women mentioned is known for always looking good, but in their own way. Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep, for instance, are known for their sophisticated clothing style, whereas Jennifer Anniston is more girl-next-door. All, however, are also known for the fact that they look after themselves, including their hair and their dietary choices, and that they embrace their age and carry it with pride.