What not to wear
Has casual Friday become casual Monday through Friday? Are shorts or joggers acceptable for business casual? Each year, it seems like we’re gradually growing more casual in our dress and, in many instances, becoming downright slobs.
I remember years ago when my mom and I went to New York City to see a Broadway show. We wore nice dresses and dress shoes and were shocked to see how overdressed we appeared when other folks rolled into the theater in jean shorts and T-shirts. I’m all for comfort (more and more as I get older), but is there such a thing as taking comfortable dressing too far?
I notice in the airport how some people look like they just rolled out of bed. I’m talking pajamas and slippers and a growing number of folks toting their full-size bed pillows and blankets on the plane. Is it really that uncomfortable or difficult to go two or three hours without your bed? I say this as someone who loves her sleep time and comfy bed and pillows!
The last time we got ready to board a flight, the gate agent actually warned those who brought their “personal home bedding” that it would count as one of only two allowed carry-on items. That made me chuckle.
I know there has been an ongoing debate over whether leggings are actually pants. I love leggings, I love the way they feel and how stretchy and comfortable they are. I don’t have the figure to boldly wear leggings without a long tunic top or jacket covering my rear end. However, almost every gal under age 30 now appears to wear leggings and yoga pants along with sports bras (or the summer version with biker shorts and a sports bra) out to restaurants, shops and everywhere without batting an eyelash.
Men no longer wear ties. I’m OK with the fashion trend of an open-collar dress shirt with a sport coat or a fancy dress shirt and slacks with no jacket, but it still seems odd to me to see a male evening news anchor or a male company CEO not wearing a tie.
One casual trend I do love are the sneaker-like dress shoes. I bought my hubby a pair of these and they look sharp while being very comfy. I wish women had the same type of comfy dress shoes. I have a few of those slip-on sneaker type shoes, but they just don’t look dressy enough to wear with a nicer skirt or dress.
I remember people saying that working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic changed their attitudes on wardrobe. While some people were dying to get fixed up and go out and about, others said they didn’t want to have to dress up or wear makeup again. Most trends are like a pendulum and come and go.
I’m wondering if dressing up again will ever come back in fashion!
Kristin Emery can be reached at kristinemery1@yahoo.com.