...And your mom dresses you funny

[dwheatl]

Hi all, I'm an over-protective mom with two bi teens. DS generally wears capris and tight patterned blouses. He shops at the 5-7-9 shop (I'm so jealous; when I go in, they ask me if I'm looking for a gift for someone ). Anyway, here's my question: Do you get major flak in the parks from other guests if your dress is outside of gender "standard" (standard meaning like the teenage boys in the Sears ad, for instance). This trip is a going off to college trip for my son, and I want so much for it to be a fun experience for him. I want him to be who he is, but I don't want some idiot causing trouble because of how he dresses. Any thoughts? I realize he's an adult (by a few weeks), but I still feel the need to protect him.

 

[rcostello1]

Hmm, I have no advice but I would be jealous of all the capris. I *love* capris and they are hard to find in men's styles. And I'm over H&M this season anyway. I really want to go up to people and say "WHERE'D YOU GET THOSE!??!?" granted most of the men I see wearing them are European......

There will always be someone who wants to cause a problem but be who you are. My friends used to tease me (lovingly) about my "fancy pants" when I started wearing them but they eventually got over it since it is my norm. I own 2 pair of shorts and countless capris.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I think he'll be ok. The allusion to European men is a good one. They tend to blur the gender standard (or rather the hyper-male US dress). Your son should wear what he pleases and enjoy himself.

All the best to him at Uni!

 

[RickinNYC]

I have seen quite a few men wear capris. I never assumed that they were gay or European. Unless they wear dark socks with their sneakers WITH their capris. Then definitely European.

 

[ANTSS2001]

Unless they wear dark socks with their sneakers WITH their capris. Then definitely European.

my BIL who is from London do this all the time!!!

 

[Stacerita]

Unless they wear dark socks with their sneakers WITH their capris.

So not a good look, ugh!

 

[dwheatl]

Thank you everyone for the reassurance. Even though I live in a city of a million people, in many ways, it's very provincial. I don't see any other teenage boys wearing capris around here, so DS stands out (he's 6' 1" and blonde, also a rarity in our area). No dark socks; just black Vans with a rainbow stripe on one and googly eyes on the other. I mostly just wanted to be reassured that WDW is a live and let live kind of place.
Now, DS and DD just need to get with it on the packing, before I go .
Thanks again.

 

[susan1]

my BIL who is from London do this all the time!!!

and americans in europe don't wear trench coats/mac's and trainers!

 

[bubie2.5]

I have seen quite a few men wear capris. I never assumed that they were gay or European. Unless they wear dark socks with their sneakers WITH their capris. Then definitely European.

Or worse: Unless they wear dark socks with their BIRKENSTOCKS with their capris.

 

[ANTSS2001]

Or worse: Unless they wear dark socks with their BIRKENSTOCKS with their capris.

now that I have not seen yet...

 

[ANTSS2001]

my BIL who is from London do this all the time!!!

but after being married to my Dsis for 5 years he slowly had given up on darj socks nopw if we can only convince him to wear shorter ones

 

[rcostello1]

OK two things, one doesn't *assume* they are European, one *knows* they are European. It's called "spot the European," also marketed as "British or Gay?," "Metrosexual or Gay?," and "Euro or Gay?"...depends on if you live in a blue state, a red state, a schizophrenic state, or Canada (eh).

What do you do when you can't see the socks? Ahhhh! Years of mall retail expertise in the DC area teach you that!!

And 6'1 blonde standing out in CA...I know that feeling. I went to Knotts Berry Farm, er um, Knotts SCARY Farm a couple of years ago (Halloween), I felt like a GIANT!!!! Wow! Let's just say I was easy to find.

 

[ANTSS2001]

What do you do when you can't see the socks? Ahhhh! Years of mall retail expertise in the DC area teach you that!!
.

.

WHAT ????? do tell

 

[rcostello1]

Nothing special, it's just that you learn from working around such a diverse population where people are from just by how they look, dress, and carry themselves. Even their personal space (lack thereof) is a clue. I used to work at Tysons which is in McLean ($$$$$$$) and close to DC. Many of the diplomats and their families (and other tourists) travel through there so eventually you get good at guessing US vs. Euro. You know you've worked too long when you know a Brit vs German vs which Scandanavian country, etc.

I had the state dept. address from the back of tax exempt cards memorized.. anyone need the number? hehe

 

[Psychometrika]

To DWHeatl:

(a) I am amazed that 5-7-9 shops still exist! I haven't heard that name in YEARS. Most of my friends who needed/wanted to shop at such frequented such shops as Lane Bryant.

(b) I am amazed at anyone who has a figure to wear a 5-7-9. Impressive!

(c) WHAT AN AWESOME MOM YOU ARE! If others can wear their "I heart jesus" shirts, you and D's should wear anything you want to wear! Besides, I'd much rather see anything you described than stretchy pants. Who invented them anyway? And who actually looks their best in them? If the world had about a jillion more moms like you, what a great world it would be!

 

[ChrizJen]

Good for you, dwheatl!!! What a GREAT mom you are!!!
I agree with the others!!! I say go, wear what makes you comfortable, and have a great time!!!

If there is one place in this country where people can be themselves and have a great time, it's Disney!!! And as others have said, WDW and DL are such "melting pots" of different cultures that it would surprise me if your DS got anything more than a second glance from anyone! If anything, maybe even a few "Great outfit! Where'd you get it" type comments!!!

Have a GREAT time, and good luck to DS in college!!!
-Christal

 

[dwheatl]

Thanks again, all. We leave in the morning, and DS and DD STILL haven't packed. I'm getting

 

[ChrizJen]

We'll look forward to hearing all about it!

 

[dwheatl]

We're back. DS drew little more than a few snarky comments. One old lady at the airport gave him a "yech", and I wanted to tell her she was no picture. The family in front of us on the plane made some comments, but they had their 9 year old son in a Hooters t-shirt, so they didn't exactly qualify as fashion critics (or parenting experts, for that matter ). In the parks, people were very nice, and the CM's were awesome. I just started my trip report under the title "Diary of a mad lime green woman" if you want to find out more. Thanks for your support, everybody.

 

[disneyfanatic3166]

sorry this is a test