Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, 59, posts honest bikini selfie

Former British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman has gained praise from fans after posting an unretouched bikini selfie.

Shulman, who recently stepped down from the fashion bible after 25 years as editor-in-chief, is currently on holiday in Greece.

Posting a selfie clad in just a bikini, the 59-year-old fashion maven was swiftly thanked by her thousands of followers.

“Great post and pretty brave too,” commented one woman after seeing the esteemed journalist in a £20 Boden bikini.

“Love that you did this for all of us women out there who want to give confidence to others to do the same,” said another.

One woman said she was fed up of ‘Love Island’ bodies being touted as the golden standard, writing: “Good on you as we all need to see a real woman in her swim gear. It’s something the majority of women don’t enjoy doing but let’s make it about real women’s bodies and less Love Island. You look true and fab.”

Some, however, said that the body positivity is too little, too late, writing that it would have been nice to see such images on the pages of British Vogue.

“Wish you have done this when it was needed and seen by millions of Vogue readers and young girls, not now, as an effort to increase sales of your book,” commented one critic.

Another said: “But why now?? I have given up Vogue as it has no reference to the life I lead or the clothes I wear. When will the fashion world really cater to the middle-aged who haven’t given up hope!!!!”

Shulman joins the likes of 61-year-old Kris Jenner and 59-year-old Sharon Stone in posting a realistic unedited bikini selfie.

A recent survey revealed that women over the age of 65 are in fact the most body confident. Primarily because they have better things to worry about than some cellulite.

Take a look at the other well-known, 50- and 60-something women who have been praised for their bravery.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK.

Read more from Yahoo Style UK:

Swimwear that’ll leave you feeling body confident

Women over 65 are the most body confident because they have ‘better things to worry about’

Celebrities in bikinis: Swimwear inspiration courtesy of your favourite A-listers