Susan Sarandon, now 78 years old, remains one of the most iconic and fearless actresses of her generation, known not only for her incredible talent on screen but also for her unfiltered honesty and refusal to conform in real life, and when people recently began criticizing her fashion choices, she didn’t back down—instead, she schooled them in true Susan Sarandon style.

Her impressive career in Hollywood has spanned decades and is still going strong, with her breakthrough role as Janet Weiss in the 1975 cult classic musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show establishing her as a major talent early on, and she continued to build her legacy with numerous critically acclaimed performances, including her unforgettable role in the beloved film Thelma & Louise, which earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, and later she took home an Oscar for her deeply moving performance in Dead Man Walking, further solidifying her status as one of the industry’s finest.

Throughout her life and career, Sarandon has been an outspoken advocate for body positivity, consistently expressing herself boldly through her fashion choices and never apologizing for embracing who she is, making it clear that she would never allow others to dictate how she should dress or live her life. It was at a recent red carpet event where she wore a striking white jacket paired with a black bra underneath, a fashion statement that turned heads and sparked controversy, with one journalist going so far as to call her outfit “totally inappropriate,” but rather than defending herself with a long explanation or engaging in a public argument, Sarandon chose a different tactic—she posted a throwback photo of herself proudly posing in her underwear, a powerful visual reminder that she has always been confident in her own skin and that no one else gets to decide what is or isn’t appropriate for her, silencing critics with the message that a picture really is worth a thousand words.

Sarandon’s perspective on aging is refreshingly positive, and she has often spoken about how growing older has shifted her priorities, explaining in an interview that once you recognize that your time isn’t infinite the way it feels when you’re young, you begin to appreciate how precious time really is and focus only on what truly matters, surrounding yourself with people who are vital, curious, brave, and adventurous, and letting go of the meaningless small stuff that once seemed important.

When it comes to maintaining her beauty and vibrant energy, Sarandon keeps it simple and genuine, advising that if you want to age gracefully, the key is to laugh a lot, get a normal amount of exercise, eat well, and stay out of the sun, a practical and attainable approach that stands in contrast to the often unrealistic beauty standards pushed by Hollywood, although she also humorously noted that having an amazing makeup and hair team certainly helps you look your best when you’re in the spotlight. Sarandon’s attitude is a refreshing reminder that confidence, authenticity, and a refusal to let others’ opinions define you are far more important than meeting any arbitrary standard of how a woman, especially an older woman, should look or behave, and her decision to respond to criticism not with anger but with a powerful visual statement speaks volumes about her grace, resilience, and unwavering belief in self-expression. In an industry that often marginalizes women as they age, Susan Sarandon continues to defy expectations and inspire countless fans by embracing every phase of life unapologetically, showing that real beauty comes from living boldly, authentically, and without fear of judgment, and her example reminds everyone that being true to yourself is the most powerful statement you can ever make, no matter your age.