Recently, I read one of those articles that popped up on Google News, although there was nothing newsworthy in the article about how old ladies should dress. Instructing older ladies on fashion trends is about as old as I am.

Apparently, it is most fashionable for younger writers to give instruction to the seniors on all our clothing selections. A few years back I was instructed that my waist high jeans were outdated. An under-30 writer was under the mistaken impression that everyone should be wearing those low rise jeans. Oh, please! Low rise jeans only lower the muffin top. At least, with waist high jeans we can cut the muffin top in half. Today, my jeans are back in style according to some fashion editor I didn’t recognize.

The point is I no longer care what others think of my fashion choices. Oh, there was a time when I dressed to impress (others), regardless of how uncomfortable and unflattering the style may have been. Today I cringe when I see young ladies with thighs as round as my waist wearing mini-skirts. But, that’s the style (again).

Those who know me best, know I don’t take unsolicited advice well. Never have. But that brings me full circle. When I was a child, my mother insisted I wear a hat when in the sunlight. When I was nine, I was instructed to wear sunglasses when outside. I refused to do either. In fairness to my mother, we did live on a small island where the sun could be quite brutal.

No one my age wore hats and I was embarrassed to wear sunglasses because I feared the other kids my age would make fun of me. Now, at 75 I wear sunglasses and hats daily — my choice. I love hats and sunglasses. And, yes! Occasionally, I will get the who does she think she is look. It’s not a matter of what I think. It’s a matter of what I now know.

For the naysayers, I offer the Old Ladies on the Loose and some of our hats:

Old Ladies and Our Hats

I can only hope our fun with hats (and sunglasses) brought a smile to your face.