There is a show on cable called “What Not to Wear” where they take people committing major fashion faux pas, according to those people who claim to be fashion experts, and throw out their entire wardrobe and make them buy all new clothes. A few I can definitely agree that they need help learning there are times and places for things. But several others, especially because they’ve done several PhD students lately, I kind of tilt my head because they kind of dress like me. And I don’t think I dress bad.
But then I think about it some more, and I really doubt anyone would nominate me for the show, because while I do have days where I’m wearing t-shirts and jeans and not blouses and pleated trousers (or not pleated, if those look better) all the time, I do generally know when things are appropriate. Working chains at a football game (yes, I’m crossing that off my life list!) – I’m wearing t-shirt and jeans and it’s totally appropriate. I might wear that when I’m in the office on my own doing stuff. But I dress up when I’m teaching. I’m the professional in the room and I need to look it.
People treat you differently based on what you are wearing. I had a student several semesters ago do a social experiment where he dressed in jeans and a basketball jersey and went to a car dealership and looked around. He went back to the same car dealership later dressed in a dress shirt and slacks. None of the salesmen talked to him the first time, almost all of them came up to talk to him the second. Because the second time he looked like someone who could actually buy a car. When I’m teaching, I want to look like I’m someone who belongs in front of a classroom and knows what I’m talking about. I do actually know what I’m talking about, but looking the part helps.
Back in July I saw a news post about how Kate Middleton is bringing back the pantyhose. There is apparently a dress code if you are in the presence of the Queen. And it involves closed toed shoes and covered legs. Looking at the photos of legs in pantyhose versus bare legs I had to admit, while the legs themselves looked fine regardless, the pantyhose added a whole lot of class that the bare legs just couldn’t pull off. The whole thing got me thinking.
First, I love my open toed sandals. They are great. They are stylish. In the Arizona heat they are pretty much the go-to shoe. And they mean less socks in the laundry. We had a Relief Society activity recently where people were to bring in a shoe that represents them. The majority of people brought in a flip-flop of some type. Granted, I took my belly dancing shoes which are definitely not closed toe. We are an open-toed society. And it’s a good excuse to have fun colored toes.
However, I started wondering, if you have to wear pantyhose to be in the company of the Queen, maybe I should rethink the when and where of my open-toed shoes and bare legs. Besides, I really do like the way my legs look in a pair of good quality pantyhose, not gonna lie.
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
I wore a new pair of hose on Sunday, and they already have a run in them. Still, I forgot how much I like the look of even toned legs. I’m going to have to buy a sturdier pair I think.
Moral of the story: dress down because it will get the annoying salespeople off your back.
Me too about liking the way your legs look in a pair of good quality pantyhose. :brett:
I find it ironic that you posted this. I have sort of be thinking about the same thing. Some people seem to have fashion know how and I just seem to have not fashion. I wish there was some class I could take that would help me learn fashion for myself. I have always struggled with how to dress, how to fix my hair (or even how to get it cut), and what make-up to wear (and how). So you are not alone.
As for the pantyhose thing- growing up I remember my mom wearing them to church every week. Even with her open toe shoes (which she did not have many of). Hence the reason I feel like I must wear them every week. But I can say it does not seem to make a difference to my girls.
That’s one nice thing about being in YW–you can invite people to come teach “the girls” the things you want to learn at mutual. Have someone come teach make up tips one day. Have someone with fashion know how come give tips about accesorizing, or something. Then come teach me whatever you learn because I totally feel the same way. 🙂
I totally get and know what you saying. Love to wear my holey jeans but I also know that even a blouse and heels isn’t going to dress them up.
I just saw an article on The Art of Manliness called 5 Easy Ways for the College Student to Upgrade His Style. Basically, if you want people to think you are smart, you need to dress smart. And boy, would I like to hand that out to a lot of college students I see around campus.
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