UGH! Can't people dress up anymore??

[Handbag Lady]

I guess now would be the best time to describe my current outfit:

Pink Disney Crocs
Haunted Mansion T-Shirt
Jeans
Full hair done and make-up and jewelry


And yes, I am at work and I am covering for my vacationing boss, too!

HA-HA!


(I don't usually dress this way for work, unless it is a Friday.)

I normally wear proper business clothes and it sure is nice being myself for a change.

And yes, fat people DO wear nice clothes and yes, they sell them at lots of places. I shop at Macy's. I think the person who insinuated that we don't needs to meet me in a dark alley someplace.

 

[ICF]

Im of the opinion that unless the people in your dining party were not dressed to your satisfaction, it really doesn't matter.....or at least wouldn't matter to me as I wouldn't be worried about it and would be trying to have a good time with my dinner party.

This is a big topic on cruises and people wearing X,Y or Z to the dinning rooms when those items may "technically" be prohibited or at least should be in the minds of certain cruisers.

 

[ICF]

Apparently Ohio is a lot different than Illinois... this look is the norm here (jeans and tennis shoes)!

Same here in Indiana...guess our states aren't just as high end as those fancy people from Illinois!!

 

[bicker]

I believe that how you present yourself to other people is a component of being courteous.

I believe that your intent with regard to how you present yourself to other people is a component being courteous. If you believe that what you're wearing is appropriate for the circumstance, then you are being courteous in wearing it. Again, you cannot "courteously" apply your own personal values with regard to what is appropriate attire for a circumstance onto an evaluation of someone else's decision what to wear, any more than you can evaluate the extent to which a Roman Catholic is pious based on how often they pray at a synagogue on Saturday morning.

 

[Bluestars]

Same here in Indiana...guess our states are just as high end as those fancy people from Illinois!!

I have lived all over the country and have seen jeans with tennis shoes. I never thought a thing about it. I don't think it looks sloppy at all. I find it refreshing to not concern myself with what other people are wearing. I do notice outrageous things, but tennis shoes, jeans, crocs, and sweat shirts seem like basic, comfortable, and practical clothing choices to me.

Just because a person chooses to dress comfortably, doesn't mean the person is a fat slob. But really, even if a person is a fat slob, I couldn't care less. I would find it exhausting to constantly judge people and put myself on a high pedestal.

I always find the higher the pedestal, the higher the fall when something happens that brings the person out of their perfect little world.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I believe that how you present yourself to other people is a component of being courteous.

Personally, I don't want to see anyone's crusty toes, toe jam, or deoderant balls in armpit hair when I'm trying to have a nice dinner.

Where are you eating that you see people's toe jam or "deodorant balls in armpit hair?" I've seen people in all manner of dress at restaurants, and have never seen this. I think a component of being courteous is not judging somebody just because of the way they dress. Somebody should not have to dress up to meet your unrealistic expectations if it is obvious outside the norm for the establishment. You don't like it? Don't eat there.

I personally believe the American public have become lazy & don't care how they appear in public.

I am going shopping today with my 3 DD's. I am wearing jeans & a turtleneck sweater. I will be wearing my Ugg boots to keep my feet warm. I believe I look presentable - not over dressed or under dressed (IMO).

By my own choice, I would not go shopping in jeans, sneakers & a sweatshirt/hoodie. I think it looks sloppy & I don't want to look sloppy.

Again, this is my opinion. When I'm home I wear jeans/hoodies/sweatshirts, but I prefer not to wear them in public.

Actually, I think jeans and a sweatshirt can be a nice look. If the clothes and the person wearing them are clean, who gives a rat's patooty? I go to school in a rural area. This is a common look in that town. You are typically either a farmer or other blue collar worker, or a university student. The people around there may not be fashionistas, but they are honestly some of the most polite people I have ever met. I will take that any day over the rude snobs in their designer clothes I encountered in Orlando. In fact, that more than anything else is what made me miss that town.

 

[yeartolate]

I believe that how you present yourself to other people is a component of being courteous.

Personally, I don't want to see anyone's crusty toes, toe jam, or deoderant balls in armpit hair when I'm trying to have a nice dinner.

If casual dress to you means someone displaying crusty jam filled toes and deoderant balls on armpit hair, that is just plain sad. This is not a threat about bad hygene. Equating casual dress with poor hygene is just wrong. I think it is sad. Really almost sick.

Edited to add.....what are you doing that you are so close to a person that you can see their toe jam and deoderant balls in their armpit hair? This is just so obscure to me. If you are that intent on locating toe jam, I might suggest some more engaging dinner guests.

 

[MushyMushy]

I think the OP has a different definition of casual than I do. I think a Brazilian steakhouse definitely falls under that category. I can't imagine why jeans wouldn't be okay there.

And a Four Seasons brunch? Same thing -- casual. Dinner? No, I'd say that would be dressier, maybe even jackets for men.

I'm extremely self conscious about how I'm dressed for different occasions, and I see nothing wrong with wearing jeans to either of those two places.

 

[DizBelle]

If casual dress to you means someone displaying crusty jam filled toes and deoderant balls on armpit hair, that is just plain sad. This is not a threat about bad hygene. Equating casual dress with poor hygene is just wrong. I think it is sad. Really almost sick.

Edited to add.....what are you doing that you are so close to a person that you can see their toe jam and deoderant balls in their armpit hair? This is just so obscure to me. If you are that intent on locating toe jam, I might suggest some more engaging dinner guests.

No - I'm really talking about crusty toes, toe jam, and deoderant balls in armpit hair. Which is independent of jeans and a sweatshirt.

 

[Becky2005]

Apparently Ohio is a lot different than Illinois... this look is the norm here (jeans and tennis shoes)!

I'm in IL and the jeans, sweatshirt & tennis shoes is my normal look (as a matter of fact it's what I have on right now, except I'm not wearing the shoes yet!) Maybe I'm just too far away from the city ?

I don't think I'm necessarily fat (not real skinny). Probably lazy because I'm a SAHM and really have no need to dress up anymore than that to go to the grocery store or taking the kids to sports practices/school where I don't even have to get out of the car! In the wintertime I basically live in sweatshirts, in the summer time I live in t-shirts.

I went to the mall yesterday in jeans, tennis shoes & a t-shirt. I knew I would pretty much have my coat on all day or have to carry it, so wore the t-shirt instead of roasting in the mall.

Oh well...works for me. I would never survive What Not to Wear but that's OK, they wouldn't have me on the show, I don't have any professional job. They have never covered anyone that doesn't have a duel role (i.e. President of the PTA).

I can't stand wearing nylons so the idea of getting dressed up is more or less torture to me, so I try to avoid it. The few times I have had to wear a dress with hose, the entire time is pretty much spent watching the clock for when I can get out of those things and go change into my comfy jeans and not have my feet hurt from dress shoes.

 

[yeartolate]

No - I'm really talking about crusty toes, toe jam, and deoderant balls in armpit hair. Which is independent of jeans and a sweatshirt.

I am confused, this is a thread about casual dress. So I didn't catch the jump in subjects.

I have yet to see crustly toe jam and deoderant balls in resturants. (Do you get rice with that? )Do you see this often? I go out a fair amount and it simply is not my experience. I do experience seeing casual attire in 'nice' resturants. But I am at a loss how a pair of jeans and tennis shoes could ruin my dining experience.

I seriously wouldn't look at someon that closely. Now, if they came in with bad BO or pungent perfume (both are eqally offensive to me) I would take notice.

 

[DizBelle]

I am confused, this is a thread about casual dress. So I didn't catch the jump in subjects.

I have yet to see crustly toe jam and deoderant balls in resturants. (Do you get rice with that? )Do you see this often? I go out a fair amount and it simply is not my experience. I do experience seeing casual attire in 'nice' resturants. But I am at a loss how a pair of jeans and tennis shoes could ruin my dining experience.

I seriously wouldn't look at someon that closely. Now, if they came in with bad BO or pungent perfume (both are eqally offensive to me) I would take notice.

The topic is how people present themselves in public. This includes restaurants and other places as well.

Crusty toes shouldn't be displayed in public. I'd like to think that people had a little more pride than that (but I know many don't).

 

[yeartolate]

The topic is how people present themselves in public. This includes restaurants and other places as well.

Crusty toes shouldn't be displayed in public. I'd like to think that people had a little more pride than that (but I know many don't).

There isn't a huge difference to you between bad hygene and casual dress?

 

[bicker]

It's a gross logical fallacy, and a pretty cynical one, if you ask me -- claiming that because something disgusting is bad (duh), and also is something that you personally don't like, therefore everything you don't like is bad.

 

[yeartolate]

I am curious what would happen if resturants suddenly developed and enforced a dress code. My guess is that a few resturaunts would see incrased business, and most would have their business tank.

 

[Talking Hands]

Went to see Jose Feliciano just before Christmas and wore my Crocs. Mary Jane style. If I had worn any other shoes I would have torn up my heels since we had to walk 2 blocks to get to the concert hall. As it was I was in pain for a week after from just walking 2 blocks to the concert hall and 2 blocks back to the car. Heels I can't wear. I have a couple of pairs of nice flats but can't wear them if I have to walk.

 

[Ember]

There have been some interesting points brought up. Firstly, I don't think weight has anything at all to do with dressing nicely. I do think self confidence is an issue for some people and weight can be a part of that, but I have seen stylish and well dressed people at every weight and income level. I also don't think dressing down has anything to do with hygiene and that this is a completely separate issue.

Just to be clear, I also think that appropriate dress means dressing for the situation. Most situations these days allow for a more casual appearance and so there is nothing out of place in wearing casual clothing. Times have changed and as eating out became more commonplace it also became less of an event and the dress requirements became less formal. There are situations that do call for business casual, business, semi-formal and formal attire, though. It is in these situations that dressing down stands out like a sore thumb.

I compare dressing appropriately to having good manners. Being considerate of others sometimes takes slightly more time or effort. There are no laws concerning manners, just as there are none governing what you wear. You are free to blow your nose on your shirt sleeve, spit on the street, scratch your backside, chew with your mouth open, and not hold the door open for people behind you. No one will arrest you for doing these things, but you will be judged by those around you. Same with how you dress. There may not be a law governing it, but there are tangible benefits to dressing appropriately.

There are countless studies showing the effects of personal appearance and its far reaching consequences. So while it may not be "right" or "fair" that as humans we judge by first impressions, that's just the way it is. Someone who presents themselves well will be treated better in hundreds of tiny little ways, many of which will be done unconsciously by the people around you.

As a final point, I know I always personally feel a little sorry for the women I see who are clearly spending so much take taking care of everyone and everything else around them that they don't take care of themselves. As a teacher I've seen this quite a bit. Moms (I mostly seem to meet the moms) who are clearly wonderful and caring parents who could look so much better. I don't think less of them, but I wonder when the last time they felt beautiful and desirable was. These ladies always make me wish I could treat them to a spa day and a makeover.

 

[yeartolate]

There have been some interesting points brought up. Firstly, I don't think weight has anything at all to do with dressing nicely. I do think self confidence is an issue for some people and weight can be a part of that, but I have seen stylish and well dressed people at every weight and income level. I also don't think dressing down has anything to do with hygiene and that this is a completely separate issue.

Just to be clear, I also think that appropriate dress means dressing for the situation. Most situations these days allow for a more casual appearance and so there is nothing out of place in wearing casual clothing. Times have changed and as eating out became more commonplace it also became less of an event and the dress requirements became less formal. There are situations that do call for business casual, business, semi-formal and formal attire, though. It is in these situations that dressing down stands out like a sore thumb.

I compare dressing appropriately to having good manners. Being considerate of others sometimes takes slightly more time or effort. There are no laws concerning manners, just as there are none governing what you wear. You are free to blow your nose on your shirt sleeve, spit on the street, scratch your backside, chew with your mouth open, and not hold the door open for people behind you. No one will arrest you for doing these things, but you will be judged by those around you. Same with how you dress. There may not be a law governing it, but there are tangible benefits to dressing appropriately.

There are countless studies showing the effects of personal appearance and its far reaching consequences. So while it may not be "right" or "fair" that as humans we judge by first impressions, that's just the way it is. Someone who presents themselves well will be treated better in hundreds of tiny little ways, many of which will be done unconsciously by the people around you.

As a final point, I know I always personally feel a little sorry for the women I see who are clearly spending so much take taking care of everyone and everything else around them that they don't take care of themselves. As a teacher I've seen this quite a bit. Moms (I mostly seem to meet the moms) who are clearly wonderful and caring parents who could look so much better. I don't think less of them, but I wonder when the last time they felt beautiful and desirable was. These ladies always make me wish I could treat them to a spa day and a makeover.

I wholeheartedly agree with the bolded remarks.

 

[thinkerbell]

Ack - I do not even OWN a sweatshirt!!!

And if I did I would NEVER go out in public in it - they are shapeless, unisex, unflattering, yuck. I have more respect for myself than that.

Sneakers are for the gym/exercise class. And to pair them with jeans is a fashion crime. If I see that look it is usually a tourist.

I like to look good, I like to dress nice - we eat out 2 to 3 nights a week and always dress to the restaurant.

Do you think this dressing down has anything to do with how fat people are nowadays? They have nothing else to wear?

My normal attire when I go out is jeans, sweatshirt, and tennis shoes or crocs. I don't dress for anyone else but myself. I didn't realize that I was ruining anyone else's experience-not that my knowing it now is going to change anything. I do not base my experience ANYWHERE on anyone else unless it is by someone who has a hotsy totsy attitude, who thinks they are better than me just because they are dressed differently. Someone has to be very shallow to let how someone else is dressed upset their dinner.

I just bought a Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt in Dallas because we were there for a once in a lifetime trip to see them play in their stadium. I paid $50 for it and you bet your booty that I have and will be wearing it out in public to go shopping, out to eat, and maybe even to church.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Ack - I do not even OWN a sweatshirt!!!

And if I did I would NEVER go out in public in it - they are shapeless, unisex, unflattering, yuck. I have more respect for myself than that.

Sneakers are for the gym/exercise class. And to pair them with jeans is a fashion crime. If I see that look it is usually a tourist.

I like to look good, I like to dress nice - we eat out 2 to 3 nights a week and always dress to the restaurant.

Do you think this dressing down has anything to do with how fat people are nowadays? They have nothing else to wear?

I worry more about how appealing my personality is than whether I'm wearing a fashion faux pas. I don't wear sweatshirts, either, not because they're unflattering, but because I don't like the way they feel.

Oh, and I guess you don't know this, but they make all kinds of clothes for fat people. Not just sweats and sweatshirts.

I respect myself, too, but if I were close-minded and overly worried about my appearance and the appearance of others, I think I would lose a lot of respect for myself.