As I sat there enjoying the music at Celtfest, I chanced to look down to my legs. It was easy to do because, as the picture attests, I was wearing shorts, even though it turned out to a chilly day. That's pretty well what I do all summer long; it's my garb of choice. It's comfortable. It's summer.
If I were both sensitive and sensible, however, I should probably heretofore desist. Because as I gazed down, I beheld tiny little creases crossing my legs from side to side. Oh my! Wrinkles! For the sake of others if not for my own almost spent dignity, I really should change my sartorial habits, cover up, and continue on into my decline with a modicum of grace.
But I won't. And it's not the first time I've been a short rebel.
Fifty summers ago (exactly, I think), there came a hot summer day when I thought that it would be sensible to wear shorts. Of course, all I had of that particular article of clothing was my gym shorts. But, hey, they would do.
Well, apparently not. After I pedalled the three or four long blocks to my best friend's place to hang out for the afternoon, I became the object of scorn and derision for my fashion faux pas. It seems that AC was a little avant garde when it came to summer apparel, and shorts were most definitely not in at that point in history.
I was mocked and teased, and I didn't wear them again. The funny thing is that I don't recall being terribly embarrassed. It was as if I received a fashion lesson: that wearing shorts was not cool — even on a hot day. So, I desisted.
I suppose that I didn't wear shorts again for a few more years, but I changed and times changed, and pretty soon, they became my summer standard.
And despite my aging, wrinkled-ness, so they shall remain.
Note: I met up with that best friend about ten years ago now, in summer, and it strikes me that he was and no doubt still is a long pants guy. I wonder if that's so. He reads or used to read this blog, a lurker who has never commented. Perhaps he would like to report his current views. Eh, old friend.
AC,
ReplyDeleteWrinkles or not, comfort is the name of the game. I'm not a shorts wearer. I was when I was in my teens but it was always frowned upon by my grandfather and he let you know that it was not proper for women to show their legs above the knee. lol How times have changed.
Hubby has never worn shorts either. Something to do with the times we grew up in. However, I'm glad you stay cool and comfortable.
Blessings,
Mary
I have wrinkles and scars both and I still wear shorts. Comfort is the name of the game for me too. *s* I think you reach a certain point in your life where you are tired of being miserable just to please everyone else.
ReplyDeleteBTW..I think you look spiffy.*s* (my grandma talking..lol)
ReplyDeleteWe don't get too many days of what I consider hot enough to wear shorts, but when it is I will wear them!
ReplyDeleteWhen you're walking along in any European town or city in the middle of say... March or April and you see someone dressed in shorts, they invariably come from the North American continent! Mad!
ReplyDeleteHowever, in summer (as in May to September)I too wear shorts if possible. Although a woollen pair of dark blue trousers are my usual choice. At work anyway!
I'm a fellow shorts guy, although this cool summer has sometimes made that a challenge.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to look younger, you have to wear bright, baggy, below-the-knee length shorts. Most women would hate to comment on the imperfections of their legs. At least men don't seem to get cellulite! I think this summer has been rather cool and mosquito-y for shorts.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly a man with no shame!
ReplyDeleteDo you rub bug repellant on those legs in public too! :)
I say...Ready?...If 'ya got it, flaunt it...and you still "got" it!!hahaa...I keep finding wrinkles all over the place! Could care less...Happy shorts to you!!hughugs
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I used to not wear shorts, or sleeveless tops either, no matter how warm outside. Now I've come to my senses and wear comfortable clothing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tossan !!Unseen Rajasthan
ReplyDeleteA/C I say IF you got it, flaunt it. Now I know the point is not to flaunt it. Just be your old independent self and wear those shorts. When I was in Bermuda it was strange to see business men with brief cases, shirts and ties, blazers and bermuda shorts and knee socks. They all went to work on the buses and ferries. They all had nice tan legs too. I know I saw them.
ReplyDeleteQMM
It was either the time period in which you grew up, or perhaps the location?
ReplyDeletePretty much every man I know here in Southern California wears shorts. It's a necessity.
You look good from here!
ReplyDeleteThe older we get, the less we care what other people think :) Dress how you want to.
My dear husband wears shorts even in the dead of winter, despite the frequent ribbing he endures. I, on the other hand, prefer warmth and only haul them out when I'm certain I won't get chilled to the bone.
ReplyDeleteI wear shorts all summer, and this summer I'm slightly less offensive because I actually have a bit of a tan (normally people don sunglasses as I walk by).
ReplyDeleteKeep the shorts my friend, you've got the legs for them! And thank you for not wearing black socks with sandals. Although that may be a Southern thing.
The older I get.. the more I wear shorts. :-)
ReplyDelete