The Woman in Black

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Many years ago, in that world of work I invariably wore black. Dull, sombre coloured suits with white blouses and heeled shoes were viewed as appropriate attire for both office and court room. I think there was even a myth that black flattered and slimmed. Hence I had a collection of LBD's for evening events and even black swimwear for holidays.

In retirement I realised that they served little purpose. Getting rid took much longer, but I think I finally got there in 2021.

Today, however, looking through my wardrobe where various hues of blue dominate, the thought went through my mind that whilst there is no black there is no purple either. I was thinking of course of that wonderful poem by Jenny Joseph, "Warning- When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple."
 
Scanning the poem in my head, I realised that I don't have a red hat (unless the pink one I now wear in the garden in winter, after it was partially eaten by a moth, counts). I haven't taken to spending my pension on brandy, summer gloves and satin slippers either. I don't use a walking stick, and definitely don't spit or press alarm bells. As for devouring sausages and growing fat, for me retirement has been a period of much healthier living than before and I've shed the pounds rather than loaded them on.

Do you have to rebel to enjoy your later life and does it happen gradually or overnight? I did keep my slippers on when I went outside to the dustbin this evening; it's not quite the same as going out in them, but is it a start? I'm guessing if I haven't yet solved this conundrum then there may be only two potential conclusions to draw: I am not yet old or alternatively I am as prudish as ever.


Comments

Anonymous said…
As long as you are doing what you want, you have the same spirit as the woman wearing purple.
13 December 2025 at 04:34
Caree Risover said…
Excellent - Í like that way of looking at it.
13 December 2025 at 11:19
Jennyff said…
I don’t wear much black, never have. I’ve always loved bright colours especially purple. At my retirement party all my work colleagues surprised me by wearing purple which I was wearing anyway.
13 December 2025 at 13:54
Caree Risover said…
How wonderful of them. I do feel my wardrobe is lacking!
13 December 2025 at 20:54
Treaders said…
I love that poem!!! And many years ago I never wore black and was quite fashionable. Now I've seemingly become a tracksuit slob (but only around home) and sadly black is very, very predominant in my wardrobe!
14 December 2025 at 09:14
Mona McGinnis said…
In the Alberta rodeo world, many rodeos have a Tough Enough to Wear Pink day in support of the breast cancer cause. My friend had t-shirts printed that read - tough enough to wear pink or any damn color we want. As the first comment says, it's the spirit that's inspired.
14 December 2025 at 14:15
Caree Risover said…
Treaders, it’s time for an update - multicoloured Lycra, straight from gym to the kitchen ! And Mona, I love the idea of all those cowboys in pink. Although I tried it on my daughter when she was young, as a consequence of which she rebelled and appears to have worn black ever since.
14 December 2025 at 14:59
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