New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn suggests that women should leave ironic fashion statements in the dustbin along with their miniskirts when they turn 50. She cites Madonna's Met-gala getup as an example of how ridiculous ironic runway looks appear on older women. Horyn, who is in her early fifties and has been spotted in a skullcap herself on occasion, clearly doesn't appreciate this ridiculousness. We do. And many other ladies in their fifties who gravitate toward irony in their wardrobes do. Some pull it off, some don't. But do they prove Madonna is the exception? Let's assess, with a look at some of our favorite ironically dressed ladies over 50, in the slideshow.

Anna Piaggi

Italian Vogue writer Anna Piaggi never appears in the same outfit more than once in public. Her clown-chic wardrobe earned her an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2006. 

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? Yes, hands down. She's the only person who can walk outside holding an empty birdcage and a wand at once without anyone thinking twice about it.

Photo: Getty Images

Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson wears her own clothes, which are often best suited to high-school proms and Paris Hilton. But God bless her for not taking fashion too seriously. 

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? Yes. Could you imagine her wearing anything else? If she showed up without dreads and a giant tutu, we'd be concerned she had lost it.

Photo: Getty Images

Cher

It seemed like Cher had calmed down, style-wise, but she recently appeared onstage in a see-through bodysuit similar to the one she debuted in her "Turn Back Time" video. She apparently tries to top these in outrageousness with clothes that actually cover her. 

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? No. Rihanna could get away with this stuff. Cher looks possessed. Also, only American Apparel should ever be in possession of more than one see-through bodysuit at a time.

Photo: Getty Images

Debbie Harry

Blondie! Debbie Harry still loves bright color, shiny stuff, and animal print, but doesn't always feel the need to leave the house looking like the bad product of too much spare time with a glue gun. 

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? Yes. Unlike Cher, Debbie's style has evolved. It's still crazy at times, but she's not trying to do this anymore.

Photo: Getty Images

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton is just stuck in Amish country.

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? No. Do you ever have one of those days where you think, "If I see another four-inch-wide waist belt I'm going to throw myself out the window?"

Madonna

At least Madonna reserves most of her ironic clothes for high-publicity occasions, like the Met ball, and looks somewhat normal in her Kabbalah study hours. 

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? No. Not that it matters, because Madonna exists to get publicity, and her Met gala ensemble is still earning it in droves. But we question whether she sees herself as ridiculous. She might look in the mirror and think only that she's God's gift to style.

Photo: Getty Images

Patricia Field

Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field loves shiny things and taking risks. She's magically tranny in the best possible way. 

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? Yes. Have you been to her store? To. Die.

Photo: Getty Images

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone is a good example of what Cathy Horyn was talking about in her article. She uses irony to try to look younger. 

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? No. Six words: Vest that ties with a string.

Photo: Getty Images

Vivienne Westwood

The irreverent designer brought punk to the world and continues to challenge convention. Not many of her peers would cast Pamela Anderson in their ad campaigns.

DOES SHE PULL IT OFF? Yes. She's a living legend and her style completely embodies her brand. Also, you can tell just by looking at her that she has no desire to borrow Cher's bodysuits. 

So, five out of these nine ladies over 50 pull off ironic fashion statements. Why, it's hard to argue with math.

Photo: Getty Images

from New York Magazine