Jennifer Lopez's recent Las Vegas residency has wrapped up, but the conversation it sparked about age, fashion, and double standards is far from over. The multi-talented performer faced renewed criticism from online detractors targeting her choice of stagewear, prompting both a fiery onstage retort and analysis from mental health professionals about the societal norms at play.
The Final Curtain and Familiar Criticism
Jennifer Lopez launched her "Up All Night Live in Las Vegas" residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on December 30, 2025, and performed her final show of this run on a recent Saturday. She is scheduled to return for several dates in March. While legions of fans celebrated her dynamic performances and iconic looks across social media, a vocal segment of critics on platforms like X seized the opportunity to repeat ageist critiques.
These critics argued that Lopez, who is 56, lacked "class" and that her bodysuits, bikinis, and sheer catsuits were "inappropriate" for her age. This scrutiny is not new for the star. Last July, commentator Megyn Kelly labeled Lopez a "soft porn star" for wearing a thong bodysuit, stating Lopez was "past her prime" and hadn't accepted she was no longer a "sex symbol."
Lopez's Response and Expert Analysis
During her residency, Lopez directly addressed the ongoing commentary about her clothing. "I do laugh at some of the things [people say online] sometimes, because they do say funny things, too," she told her audience. Mimicking her critics, she said, "'Why is she always dressed that way? Why don't she dress her age?' ― I'm like, 'Huh?' 'Why's she always naked?'" Her defiant conclusion drew cheers: "And I say, 'If you had this body, you'd be naked, too!"
Monica Cwynar, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma, told HuffPost that the attacks on Lopez are "rooted in societal perceptions of aging, particularly for women." She explained that ingrained beliefs suggest women's desirability should fade with age, leading to a cultural expectation for more conservative attire. "It stems from the same place that people don't want to think of their parents or grandparents as sexual people," Cwynar added.
She emphasized that Lopez, as an entertainer, has every right to personal expression and body autonomy. "Women like Jennifer challenging those stereotypes can lead to backlash as it forces people to confront their own biases about age, femininity, and sexuality," Cwynar stated.
Navigating Double Standards and Personal Choice
Cwynar highlighted a clear double standard in how society judges celebrities. "When Brad Pitt, who is close in age to Jennifer Lopez, has his shirt off, no one seems to have a problem with that — in fact, it's likely to be celebrated," she noted, pointing to the greater freedom often granted to men in self-expression.
She viewed Lopez's clapback as "proof of her empowerment and agency," showcasing joy in her body at 56 and encouraging a broader view of beauty standards. For anyone facing similar criticism about their choices as they age, Cwynar offered this advice:
- Embrace your individuality and ignore external noise.
- Recognize that value and beauty are multifaceted, and self-confidence is empowering.
- Find a supportive community that celebrates diversity and uniqueness.
- When appropriate, engage critics by sharing your perspective on individual expression.
Ultimately, Cwynar stressed prioritizing personal satisfaction over external validation. "This is your life and you need to live it in a way that makes you happy, so dress in whatever makes you feel great," she concluded. As Lopez prepares for her return to Vegas in March, her stance continues to challenge outdated norms and redefine what it means to perform—and dress—on one's own terms.
