Fashion Over 40! Bold, Bright and Unfiltered
Emily Loftiss cranks up the volume on glam, grit and personal style with zero apologies.
If you’ve ever seen Emily Loftiss on TV, Instagram or at an Atlanta event, chances are you remember one thing: the outfit. The colors. The sequins. The unmistakable glow of someone who dresses not just with confidence, but with purpose.
A former Radio City Rockette turned professional stylist, TV host, creative director and powerhouse entrepreneur, Emily has built a life and brand rooted in joy. But behind every glittering look is a story of grit, growth and a deep belief that true style begins within.
From the Stage to Styling Stardom
Emily’s fashion journey began, quite literally, in motion. “I practically lived in dancewear growing up,” she says. But it wasn’t until she moved to New York City at 23, showing up for five auditions a day, that her signature look took shape. While others came in leotards, Emily arrived in custom neon swimsuits and altered unitards. “I realized quickly that I had to stand out, not just in talent and work ethic, but in what I wore.”
Her look was loud. Intentional. And undeniably her. Now, over 40, she says she’s only leaned further into that fearless approach. “I’ve let go of the ‘shoulds’ and fully embraced what feels like me. That means bold choices, playful silhouettes and wearing joy like it’s a fabric.”
These bold choices aren’t just fun. They’ve opened doors along the way. “My clothes introduce me before I do,” she laughs. “I’ve walked into rooms where I didn’t know a soul and left with new connections because my outfit sparked conversation.”
Owning Her Style and Her Story
To Emily, turning 40 wasn’t a shift in what she wore. It was a shift in how she saw herself. “Aging is a gift,” she says. “My body has carried me through a demanding dance career, multiple rounds of IVF and motherhood. It may not be my 25-year-old Rockette frame, but it’s powerful, beautiful and mine.”
Her style philosophy is just as empowering: “Clothes should fit the YOU you are now, not who you were 10 years ago. I don’t believe in ‘don’ts.’ Wear what lights you up, just make sure it fits well and makes you feel fabulous,” she adds. Her go-to look for a confidence boost? “Shapewear and sequins. Trust me, the combo never fails.”
She jokes that she’s a maximalist through and through. “Signature Emily? Orange everything. Turbans. Oversized sunnies. Stacks of bracelets. A vintage bag. I’ve never met an accessory I didn’t love.”
The serial entrepreneur even launched her own body shimmer, Diamond Dust by Everyday Glam, calling it “a spritz of joy in a bottle.” But it’s her mindset, equal parts bold and inclusive, that makes her message stick. “No one can duplicate your personal style. And that’s the magic,” she says.
The Realities of Motherhood
Motherhood didn’t come easily for Emily, and becoming a mom has changed everything. “How hasn’t it? My career, my friendships, my priorities—they’ve all shifted,” she shares. Nearly three years ago, her son’s autism diagnosis added another layer to her journey, but like everything else, she’s approaching it with heart and hope.
“Motherhood has taught me to anchor my choices in love, peace and purpose,” she says. “Every decision, even my outfit choices, begins with the question: Does this support the life I want to create for my family?”
Still, she admits she has off days. “I try to keep it real on social media, because let’s be honest, some seasons are just hard. Potty training? All I can say is: total nightmare,” she jokes. And when she feels herself hitting a wall and in need of a reset, she turns to her big three go-to’s: quality time with a good friend (face-to-face, not FaceTime), being near any kind of water, pool, beach, lake, and catching a movie with a big Diet Coke and buttery popcorn in hand.
“I always say, ‘The mama can’t go down. When the mother goes down, the whole house goes with her.’ That little reminder keeps me focused on protecting my peace and staying strong for my family.”
ICONIC: Building a Brand That Elevates Others
Emily’s mission isn’t just to look good—it’s to help others feel seen. That’s where ICONIC comes in.
With co-founder Charla Corn, she launched ICONIC as a response to boring branding shots and uninspired personal images. “You on a couch with a laptop? That tells me nothing,” she says with a laugh. ICONIC offers transformational brand shoots, stage coaching, interviews and styling—all designed to help women “walk away with months of content and a powerful new version of YOU.”
Part glam, part theatrics and entirely transformative, Emily and Charla find their passion helping women show up in the world intentionally. “Because when you own your brand authentically, you can fully step into your power,” she adds.
If you’re ready to revamp your wardrobe, Emily suggests starting with what she calls the “Keep, Tailor, or Toss” method. “Then create a curated list to fill the gaps. It’s personal styling meets closet therapy,” she explains—something she’s more than happy to walk you through (just check out her website).
As for her own tried-and-true fashion wisdom? “Buy it a size up and tailor it to perfection,” she recalls from her mom. “She was right, too tight can’t be saved.” On the beauty front, she swears by advice from makeup artist Daniel Meredith: “Always apply shadow underneath your eyes. It completes the look. Otherwise, it’s like wearing a shirt without pants.”
Her top closet staple? A perfect pair of nude pumps. “They go with everything and elongate the leg.” And her style mantra? “Dress like it’s New Year’s Eve every day. Being a Rockette taught me that glamour doesn’t need an occasion. Sequins for errands? Yes. A brooch to brunch? Absolutely. Romanticize your everyday. Life is the occasion!”
The Emily Edit
Want to add a little magic to your look? Here are Emily’s hot tips:
• Learn how to do your hair and makeup—it’s a skill that’ll serve you forever!
• Put down the dry shampoo. Wash your hair. You’ll feel like a new woman.
• Self-tanner is magic. It’s an instant mood lifter.
• You direct where people look. Accentuate your face with statement earrings or a strong neckline.
• Always finish the outfit. Most people do 80% but need the details like nails, accessories, hair and lips to finish the look.
Her Atlanta Favorites
When she’s not styling or filming, you might spot Emily at her go-to local spots. Jennifer Cobbs at SkinLab is the only person she trusts to touch her face. And for hair, she loves Lita at Theory and Amber at Olive & Bloom. As for fashion finds? She’s a mall girl through and through. “Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza forever,” she says. For hidden gems, she loves Twisted Thread for pre-loved treasures.
And if there’s one place she loves to make an entrance? The Fox Theatre and the Atlanta Ballet. “Live theater deserves reverence and fashion,” she says. “I love dressing to theme. When the Atlanta Ballet performed Coco Chanel, you better believe I paid homage with my outfit. I let art inspire the art of dressing. It’s a ritual and a gift!”
Living Out Loud and Looking Ahead
Emily’s plate is full, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Between growing ICONIC, doing TV segments, launching her body shimmer and parenting with purpose, she’s embracing this chapter of life with open arms and open closets.
“Style gets better with age, confidence grows, and you start leading with your essence,” she says. “I don’t dress to blend in, I dress to speak without saying a word.”
Follow Emily’s journey on Instagram and at EmilyLoftiss.com to see what sparkle she’s up to next!
