I went through a reformatting from the year-round dress with boots and such before moving here, to dresses mainly in summer and when going out here, so it feels important to retain at least some femininity.
Yes! I like to dress with mindfulness. I enjoy wearing jeans and slacks too, but I prefer ones with feminine details like embroidery or other embellishments.
A dress is so lovely and dramatic though.
It’s good to be practical, but I agree, reducing yourself to nothing but the practical is a loss. When I’m at my best, every day, every experience feels like a story or a mini adventure and my outfit is the costume I wear to play my part with enthusiasm.
Before moving to the US I hardly owned any jeans, in part because to me they feel heavy and like being in a rigid bag, but also because they are always too short, or designed in such a way that hips and waist are mutually exclusive etc
Boots and dress/skirt feel more comfortable to move around in and light, and look so much better.
Here I started wearing pants a lot, but not in the summer - I can’t in this heat.
Dresses also seem easier - throw one on and you’re done.
When I sacrifice beauty for comfort too much, it feels like giving up on life.
“Hips and waist are mutually exclusive”…what a lovely way to put it! I never had the words to describe it. I have wide hips and small waist…haven’t been able to comfortably fit a pair of jeans since age 13.
Thank you and I can relate! I never owned a pair of jeans I didn’t have to alter in the waist (but then they’re baggy in the knees). In this regard I think the US has a lot of customization options that Europe doesn’t - curvy, tall etc
A few weeks ago, I wrote an essay on the same subject, but was too nervous to post it. Now I'm rethinking that.
I love wearing jeans (but I have small hips), and I love dresses at the same time. But there is undeniably something special about wearing a dress, especially a nice dress.
Thank you so much, Anneke. Your comment was the first thing I saw today when I picked up my phone this morning and it’s cherished and inspiring that someone thinks this. I hope to read your writing!
Such is it always. People who try to tell you to free yourself by abandoning your identity don't understand (or don't profit by admitting) that we don't have power in ourselves. Power is inextricably tied to duty. It's by filling roles and responsibilities that we grow into power. It's by having boundaries that we have freedom. It's by being a tapestry thread, not a machine cog, that our lives have meaning.
Power is the fruit of duty. You don't get the fruit without the root.
Triple thumbs up! So well said, but now one for the boys? You know, my fellow dudes slouching around in sweatshirts and jeans, whose idea of style is deciding which baseball cap to wear. Or baggy shorts and tshirt to dinner. What vigor and polish could a guy project if he’d only try a little, from a lady’s perspective?
Such a beautiful essay -- you've perfectly captured why I love to wear dresses!
Thank you!
The quiet rebellion of the real.
Ah! The summer dress gives us back our rightful glory.
I went through a reformatting from the year-round dress with boots and such before moving here, to dresses mainly in summer and when going out here, so it feels important to retain at least some femininity.
It sure feels good to wear one!
Yes! I like to dress with mindfulness. I enjoy wearing jeans and slacks too, but I prefer ones with feminine details like embroidery or other embellishments.
A dress is so lovely and dramatic though.
It’s good to be practical, but I agree, reducing yourself to nothing but the practical is a loss. When I’m at my best, every day, every experience feels like a story or a mini adventure and my outfit is the costume I wear to play my part with enthusiasm.
Before moving to the US I hardly owned any jeans, in part because to me they feel heavy and like being in a rigid bag, but also because they are always too short, or designed in such a way that hips and waist are mutually exclusive etc
Boots and dress/skirt feel more comfortable to move around in and light, and look so much better.
Here I started wearing pants a lot, but not in the summer - I can’t in this heat.
Dresses also seem easier - throw one on and you’re done.
When I sacrifice beauty for comfort too much, it feels like giving up on life.
“Hips and waist are mutually exclusive”…what a lovely way to put it! I never had the words to describe it. I have wide hips and small waist…haven’t been able to comfortably fit a pair of jeans since age 13.
Thank you and I can relate! I never owned a pair of jeans I didn’t have to alter in the waist (but then they’re baggy in the knees). In this regard I think the US has a lot of customization options that Europe doesn’t - curvy, tall etc
A few weeks ago, I wrote an essay on the same subject, but was too nervous to post it. Now I'm rethinking that.
I love wearing jeans (but I have small hips), and I love dresses at the same time. But there is undeniably something special about wearing a dress, especially a nice dress.
Agree, it feels a bit like a celebration.
Beautiful article! I adore dresses and I notice how I feel like myself in a dress vs pants
Thank you!
I love your writing. One day I'll have the courage to be out here too, and play. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Anneke. Your comment was the first thing I saw today when I picked up my phone this morning and it’s cherished and inspiring that someone thinks this. I hope to read your writing!
Just when I think your writing couldn't be any more wonderful, you go and write this. What a joy!
Thank you so much, your words mean a lot to me!
Such is it always. People who try to tell you to free yourself by abandoning your identity don't understand (or don't profit by admitting) that we don't have power in ourselves. Power is inextricably tied to duty. It's by filling roles and responsibilities that we grow into power. It's by having boundaries that we have freedom. It's by being a tapestry thread, not a machine cog, that our lives have meaning.
Power is the fruit of duty. You don't get the fruit without the root.
Triple thumbs up! So well said, but now one for the boys? You know, my fellow dudes slouching around in sweatshirts and jeans, whose idea of style is deciding which baseball cap to wear. Or baggy shorts and tshirt to dinner. What vigor and polish could a guy project if he’d only try a little, from a lady’s perspective?
Thank you!
I’m sure every guy has his own perception of and preference for what he feels best/most himself in.
Think also that everyone appreciates the other party making an effort with their appearance, both men and women.