Who cares what you look like

I sometimes look in Animal, the clothes shop which describes itself as a “UK action sports lifestyle brand”. it’s fashionable action-wear and accessories which started from two surfers making their own watch straps which would withstand extreme surfing. They sell all sorts of clothes for BMXers, skate and snow boarders, skiing, mountain biking… oh and surfing… but their clothes have now become popular on the high street. How I wish I was an age to be able to wear them… I actually think I would have looked a bit silly in them even if I were the right age! There are other stores which I like, but really the clothes and accessories are for younger people with young people’s figures and style…

I’m actually quite happy as I am, I’m not into fashion and never have been really… I’m sure no-one ever looks at the clothes I’m wearing anyway! I saw a lady the other day who was wearing ultra fashionable clothes, make up, jewellery and she did look very smart. Tight black leggings, flat, very smart ankle boots, short black skirt, a black beret with some brooch or something fastened to it and what to me looked as if it might be an expensive grey jacket. She had dyed her hair black to match her outfit, her make-up was impeccable… all in all she looked very smart, very trendy and up to date.

She was about seventy; she was wearing the sort of out fit a twenty year-old might wear… and I thought, I bet she is really pleased with the way she looks. I bet she spent ages trying on different clothes and looking in different shops to find exactly what she really liked and what she thought would work as an outfit with all the accessories. I bet when she got ready to go out she took real care, not only with choosing what to wear, but doing her make-up and hair perfectly, putting her beret on just so, and choosing accessories to complete the look.

I was wearing boots, old jeans, a red jacket which has seen better days and I’m not sure if I had remembered to brush my hair. When we left home, I didn’t even think to look in the mirror, it just isn’t that important to me except if I am going somewhere special. I don’t think the fashionable lady noticed me but if she had she probably wondered that I seemed so indifferent to fashion.

The lady in black had no doubt dressed for herself, to please herself, because after all why should she care what anyone else thinks?