DEAR ABBY: My mother, who is close to 85, has decided to dress like me. Every time she sees me, she tells me how “cute” I look, and asks where I got the top I’m wearing. The next time I see her, she’s wearing the same top.

It’s gotten ridiculous. I have a black beach coverup that’s made to look like it’s crocheted or knitted. She went out and found herself one. Believe me, a woman who is 85 and seriously overweight should not be wearing this. What can I do about it? — ‘TWIN’ IN THE SOUTH

DEAR ‘TWIN’: Have you told your mother this bothers you? If you haven’t, you should. You should also offer to go shopping with her and help her find some “cute” things that will flatter her.

Years ago, a dress designer told me an expression: “She’s mutton dressed as lamb.” Your mother is deluded if she thinks wearing items identical to yours will make her look as youthful as you.

However, if you tell her that, take it from me — she’ll be seriously offended. Lighten up. Let her continue on her own path, because you can’t stop her and she’s hurting no one.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.