What do killer deadlifts and a fearless take on midlife have in common? Christine Morrison’s unapologetic embrace of strength, reinvention, and self-expression. For Christine, aging is not a battle to fight but a journey to celebrate—and she’s making every moment count. From pushing herself in CrossFit to revisiting the clothes that shaped her story, this former fashion executive and fashion, wellness, and beauty journalist is rewriting the dress code for midlife and beyond.
After facing a health scare in her late 30s, Christine discovered the transformative power of fitness—not just for physical strength but as a cornerstone of mental resilience and self-care. Her philosophy extends beyond the gym, too. She champions curiosity, reinvention, and surrounding yourself with those who uplift and inspire. Whether writing, embarking on a new fitness routine, or diving into uncharted experiences, Christine shows us how resilience, curiosity, and style are the ultimate power moves and reminds us to take the leap and embrace every new crossroads with optimism and courage.
Let’s meet her.

How old are you?
I’m 55.
Where do you call home now, and what do you love about living there?
I live in Atlanta. After spending a decade in New York and some time in Chicago, Atlanta offers the perfect balance. It’s a large enough city that I don’t feel claustrophobic, yet parks with incredible weather surround it. My family and I can stretch out, play, and grow here. After the chaos of city life—strollers on cobblestone streets, tight apartments—it felt like a dream to settle into a place where sunshine and space were abundant.
Speaking of family, how many children do you have?
I have 15-year-old identical twin boys. They’re fantastic—kind, thoughtful, and even ask me about my writing. They’re genuinely lovely people. Raising twins has been an incredible journey. They’re very intuitive and sensitive, which constantly amazes me. Sometimes, they’ll ask me the most thoughtful questions about my work or life, and moments like those remind me how lucky I am.
How would your closest friends describe you in three words?
Driven, organized, and loyal.
What’s something about your personal life that people might find surprising?
Despite being a beauty-product junkie, I often go to bed without washing my face! Also, French fries are still among my favorite foods, even though I’m one of the healthiest people I know. Balance is everything, and honestly, indulgences like that make life richer. I’ve always believed in the little joys.
Let’s delve into your career journey. How did you evolve from working at Calvin Klein to writing your upcoming memoir?
It’s been quite the journey! I graduated with a journalism degree in 1991, but jobs were scarce. I started as a receptionist at an ad agency in Chicago, making $16,800 a year. I hustled, working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Eventually, I moved to New York and landed a position at Calvin Klein.
At Calvin, I worked on ready-to-wear and fragrance campaigns and helped develop a makeup line. This incredible experience deepened my love for fashion. I was exposed to high fashion and the creative process, which was unparalleled. When I married and moved to Boston, I thought my fashion career was over. However, I started doing brand writing for companies like Juicy Couture and French Connection, which kept me connected to the industry.
Later, I began writing for a site called The Fine Line, which focused on women over 40—a demographic often overlooked in fashion. It was ahead of its time, and I wrote about everything from beauty treatments to fitness and wellness. This experience reignited my passion for writing and set the stage for my memoir, Clothes Minded.
How did you come up with the concept for Clothes Minded?
I’ve always believed that what we wear shapes who we are and who we strive to be. This is especially true as we age and reach new crossroads. The memoir is a nostalgic romp through my life, told through the lens of the clothes I wore at pivotal moments. It’s about self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of fashion.
Each chapter focuses on a specific piece of clothing and includes contributions from designers, stylists, and beauty founders. For example, the first chapter is about the white shirt and how it became my superhero cape. Designers like Amy Smilovic from Tibi contribute their perspectives, adding depth and diversity to the narrative. It’s as much about the emotional resonance of fashion as it is about the garments themselves.

What are your favorite things to do in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, I love to meet friends for a cappuccino and kale salad (and occasionally stay to write) at Le Bon Nosh. Its atmosphere and food hearken back to my favorite place in NYC, Pastis. I lived a few blocks from Pastis toward the end of my years in the city, and I remember those days fondly. I also love to grab a coffee at Mashburn’s coffee, nestled in the Sid & Ann Mashburn boutiques. Their stores are stylish mood boards come to life, and you can always find something fun to buy—from Isabel Marant Etoile pieces and Liberty print track shorts to namesake ballet flats and Lizzie Fortunato statement jewelry.
Aging is a central theme in your work. What’s your philosophy on it?
Aging isn’t something to fear or fight against; it’s a natural part of life that should be embraced. I’ve rejected the term “anti-aging” because it suggests a battle against time. Instead, I focus on aging as a construct that we can redefine. It’s about our attitude and mindset. Studies show that how we perceive aging can significantly impact our well-being. I advocate for an optimistic and empowering approach, celebrating aging as a journey of self-discovery and growth.
How has your style evolved?
My style has always blended practicality and unique flair. In my 20s, I wore slip dresses and Doc Martens—a combination I still adore. As I’ve aged, I’ve become more intentional about my wardrobe. I invest in timeless pieces with a twist, like those from Tibi or The Frankie Shop. I’m drawn to basics with interesting textures or off-kilter designs.
I also prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. For instance, I don’t wear heels as often anymore. I used to run around in them all day at Calvin Klein, but now I prefer footwear that suits my lifestyle while still looking chic. Fashion is less about trends and more about pieces that resonate with who I am today.
Can you tell us about a piece of clothing that holds deep significance for you?
Absolutely! In 1998, before moving to New York, I purchased a gray Ann Demeulemeester dress. It was avant-garde and the most expensive piece I’d ever bought. The dress is a sheath with five armholes that you wrap around and secure with a massive pin.
That dress symbolized my leap of faith into the fashion world. Carrying it on the plane to New York, I felt I was holding my future. It made me walk differently and with more confidence and reminded me that I was embarking on something extraordinary. I still have it and wear it occasionally. It’s a testament to how far I’ve come.

You’ve been vocal about fitness, particularly CrossFit. How has that shaped your perspective?
Fitness has been transformative for me. I met my husband after his first Ironman, and his dedication to health inspired me. After experiencing seizures in my late 30s, I realized the importance of taking care of myself. CrossFit, in particular, shifted my focus from skinny to strong.
I love the challenge and joy it brings. Mastering a deadlift or climbing a rope empowers me.
As fitness and wellness are a huge part of my life, I would be remiss, not to mention a new place opening that I will frequent—Pause. I cannot wait to have an infrared sauna, cold plunge, floatation therapy, and more, all under one roof. I also just joined—and LOVE—EMS workouts (electrical muscle stimulation) at Pulse Performance. But my true love is CrossFit. While I spent six years at Crossfit Atlanta, I have had private training from a coach I met there, Ernest Abary, for the past five years.
For me, fitness is about physical strength and mental resilience. It has become a form of self-care and a way to nurture my well-being.
How do you stay inspired and creative in your field?
I stay curious and continually seek out new experiences. I read extensively, not just fashion magazines but also books, essays, and Substacks from writers I admire, like Liana Satenstein with Neverworns. She’s a former Vogue writer and is young, but her writing has an old soul, and her deep dives tap into eras I love, like the ’90s. I also adore reading Substacks that intersect business and culture, namely Amy Odell’s Back Row (the author of Anna, the Anna Wintour biography) and Emily Sundberg’s Feed Me. A favorite podcast is Laura Vinroot Poole’s What We Wore, where she unlocks stories about designers’ (and other creatives) lives through what they wore. I also revisit Nora Ephron’s and Sloane Crosley’s works often because of their witty and insightful voices.
I also look beyond the mainstream for inspiration, exploring European magazines and emerging designers. This helps me avoid the homogeneity that can come from algorithms and keeps my perspective fresh.
What advice would you give to women navigating midlife?
Just start. Whatever you’ve been putting off—writing a book, starting a new fitness routine, changing careers—begin now. Don’t wait for permission or the “perfect” moment. Embrace the journey and be open to where it takes you.
Also, surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Community is vital. I’ve found incredible support through networks like April Uchitel’s The Board, where women share experiences and empower each other.
What’s next for you?
Finishing Clothes Minded is my top priority. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m excited to share it with the world. Beyond that, I want to continue being a thought leader on aging and identity. I hope to inspire optimism and empowerment, helping women redefine aging on their terms.

Finally, what are three non-negotiables in your life?
First, self-care is paramount. That includes physical health through fitness and nutrition, mental well-being, and creative fulfillment. Second, I surround myself with kind and encouraging people. The company we keep profoundly impacts our lives. Third, having fun! Life is too short not to laugh and enjoy ourselves. My husband and I have this term, “AF,” which stands for “Actual Fun.” We seek out moments that make us belly laugh and feel truly alive.
Connect With Christine:
Website / Instagram (@writinginblackandwhite) / Substack
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Thanks for a great article-I respect this woman and what she is doing. Keep the articles coming!