Jennifer Lopez’s highly anticipated residency in Las Vegas recently came to an end, but not without renewed attacks from her critics who remain vocal in their opposition to how the pop star dresses.
The Jenny from the Block singer kicked off her “Up All Night Live in Las Vegas” residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Dec. 30, 2025, and performed the final show on Saturday. She’s set to return to the Colosseum with several dates in March.
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While many fans of Lopez across social media celebrated her recent Las Vegas performances and her looks onstage, some critics online took the opportunity to level all-too-familiar digs at the singer and actor: that the 56-year-old performer – whose Las Vegas costumes included bodysuits, bikinis and sheer catsuits – was apparently not dressing for her age … whatever that means.
Lopez has long faced scrutiny for how she dresses. Last July, right-wing pundit Megyn Kelly ripped Lopez for wearing a thong bodysuit during a performance onstage, calling Lopez a “soft porn star” during an episode of her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show.
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“She’s 55 years old, and she hasn’t come to grips with the fact that she’s not a sex symbol anymore,” Kelly said at the time. She had also criticised Lopez the year prior, saying Lopez was “past her prime”.
Lopez clapped back at the hate she receives over her clothing choices during her residency in Las Vegas, saying at one point onstage: “I do laugh at some of the things [people say online] sometimes, because they do say funny things, too.”
″‘Why is she always dressed that way? Why don’t she dress her age?’ – I’m like, ‘Huh?’ ‘Why’s she always naked?’” she continued. “And I say, ’If you had this body, you’d be naked, too!” she added as the crowd cheered.
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Monica Cwynar, a licensed clinical social worker with Thriveworks who specialises in trauma and coping skills, said she believes the attacks against Lopez and how she chooses to dress are “rooted in societal perceptions of ageing, particularly for women”.
And there’s a reason behind it.
“Many people hold ingrained beliefs about how women should physically present themselves as they age,” Cwynar told HuffPost. “Partly because of a perception that desirability should dwindle as we age.”
“It stems from the same place that people don’t want to think of their parents or grandparents as sexual people,” she continued. “Because of that, there is a cultural expectation that women should adopt more conservative or demure attire as they get older.”
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Cwynar emphasised that Lopez is an entertainer and that her personal expression and her body autonomy is “hers to display how she sees fit”.
“Women like Jennifer challenging those stereotypes can lead to backlash as it forces people to confront their own biases about age, femininity, and sexuality,” she said.
Denise Truscello via Getty Images
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Societal norms have historically regulated women’s bodies – but there are ways to push back against criticism about your choices
“Historically, women’s bodies have been objectified and regulated by societal norms, leading to a policing mentality regarding female sexuality,” Cwynar said, adding that society has long asked women to dress in a way “that makes others feel more comfortable”.
Cwynar emphasised that there are societal double standards regarding the expectations for how celebrities should dress.
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“When Brad Pitt, who is close in age to Jennifer Lopez, has his shirt off, no one seems to have a problem with that – in fact, it’s likely to be celebrated,” she said, adding, “We often allow men greater freedom in their self-expression.”
And Cwynar thought that Lopez’s response to her critics was “proof of her empowerment and agency” and that the singer emphasised that she “finds joy in her body at 56, encouraging a more inclusive perspective on beauty standards”.
And for any woman navigating criticism about their choices as they age, Cwynar recommends that you embrace your individuality and ignore the noise.
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“Recognise that value and beauty come in many forms and that self-confidence can be empowering and extremely sexy. Engaging in practices that promote body positivity can foster a greater sense of peace with oneself,” she said.
She also recommends finding people and community that allow you to “be yourself and celebrate diversity and uniqueness.”
And when it’s appropriate, it may be helpful to engage your critics. “Share your perspective and the importance of individual expression and agency,” she said.
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Overall, Cwynar said that it’s important to emphasise personal satisfaction over external validation.
“This is your life and you need to live it in a way that makes you happy, so dress in whatever makes you feel great.”
