Doc delights in style without age limits

Inspired by Ari Seth Cohen’s blog by the same name, “Advanced Style” is a love letter to older women who’ve elevated dressing to an art form. Since 2008, Cohen’s been walking the streets of Manhattan photographing stylish women over age 60 or so; now, seven of those women are featured in Lina Plioplyte’s playful, touching documentary.

“These were incredible people,” says Cohen simply, early in the film, “and I had to share them with the world.”

Meeting them is a colorful joy. There’s elegant Joyce Carpati, 82, who dresses in classic simplicity (usually accessorized with a graceful waterfall of pearls) and says emphatically that “I never wanted to look young – I wanted to look great!” Lynn Dell, 81, the frequently hatted longtime owner of an uptown boutique, announces that she “dresses up for the theater of my life every day.” Sleek Jacquie Tajah Murdock, 84, was a former dancer at the Apollo Theatre; bubbly Ilona Royce Smithkin, 91, is a painter whose work once graced Ayn Rand book covers. Their clothes are a riot of color, sparkle and wit. Tziporah Salamon, 64, mixes a creamy lace Edwardian-like ruff with an elfin black-and-white twisted hat and a black fur vest; the result is a happy, irresistible mix of fashion and art.

“Advanced Style,” brief and simple in its filmmaking (the better to showcase its vivid stars), will appeal to all who loved “Bill Cunningham New York” a few years back. You can see how these women, happily sashaying, would brighten any sidewalk, and inspire even those much younger to follow their style.

“There’s no time limit to anything,” says Smithkin cheerily. “When you look good, you look good.”