Christie Brinkley Is Proof That Confidence Is Possible at Any Age

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Age ain’t nothing but a number. Just ask Christie Brinkley.

The legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, who celebrated her 65th birthday earlier this month, doesn’t let her age define her. In fact, she is setting an example for women everywhere on how to continue being their best selves year after year.

“In the olden days, the numbers came with so many rules and so much weight on a woman,” Christie said in an interview with Fox News. “There were so many restrictions associated with certain numbers. Like after 30 you can’t wear your skirt above your knee. After 40 you shouldn’t wear your hair below your shoulders. Nowadays, women are totally reshaping the numbers and giving those numbers a new image. To me, to be turning 65, it really could be any number. The only thing is that once you pass 50, every birthday is an opportunity to take stock and say, ‘What else do I want to do?’ And then go for it!”

Christie appeared in SI Swimsuit eight times between 1975-2004, earning three consecutive covers in 1979, 1980 and 1981. In 2017, at the age of 63, she returned to the magazine looking as beautiful as ever on the beaches of Turks & Caicos, proving that feeling sexy in a swimsuit is possible at any age.

Two years later, Christie is still living her best life. Just last week she walked during the Elie Tahari runway show at New York Fashion Week alongside her daughter and fellow SI Swimsuit model, Sailor Brinkley-Cook.

So, what’s the key to Christie’s confidence?

“I think I feel most confident when I know I’m being good to myself,” Christie told Fox. “When you feel better, you look better but you also feel more energized and confident. That’s really the results that keep me going.”

From staying active, to healthy eating, to her very own skincare line, Christie has found the secret to loving yourself with each year that passes.

There's seriously nothing not to adore about this timeless beauty.

See more of Christie through the years:

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

The SI 2010 Swimsuit issue will be released on Tuesday, Feb. 9. For those who can't wait that long, SI.com spotlights one of the top models of yesteryear in this gallery -- Christie Brinkley.

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Walter Iooss Jr./SI