Jerry Hall

When it comes to jewellery, less is more as you get older. Just before I go out to a party, I look at myself in the mirror and take off half of the jewellery I'm wearing. Anything that rattles or clanks is just too dowager duchess.

American Model

Lauren Willig

As a friend once pointed out, the crotchety dowagers do tend to get all the best lines. That may be why I have so many of them in my books.

American Author

The term implies aristocracy, reserved for high social ranks, not the average widow.

Aristocratic Association

Even after her husband's death, a dowager retains her social prestige and title.

Retained Prestige

Though often used for older women, 'dowager' doesn't necessarily mean she is elderly.

Older, Not Old

A dowager personifies elegance and grace, not merely age or status.

Social Grace

Often suggests a 'dowager' has or acts with the authority of upper social classes.

Class Association

Emphasizes behavior and demeanor rather than the age of the woman.

Behavior Over Age

 and its patina of civility. But therein lies the third don't mistake decorum for civility. Even if you have a dowager countess as fabulous as Dame Maggie Smith. So let me end with one last story.

Dowager