IT'S FASCINATING TO ME WHY WE DRESS LIKE WE DO. Pam, at OverFiftyFeelingForty, has started a series of posts that contemplate everyone's unique Foundational Five. Basically, it's what 5 criteria must an item meet before you purchase it. What I really like about this is that most of her 5 criteria are based on feelings. Does it make her feel strong? Does it make her feel classy? Brilliant! After all, I know I keep saying this, but isn't that a major requirement for our clothes?
When I was in the Army, I felt fierce in my uniform....a real Bad "A"! My combat boots, my starched uniform, everything "dress right dress". I imagine that's the way I was SUPPOSED to feel, I mean, I needed to be ready to go to war for my country. Part of the role that uniform played was making me associate with being a part of something bigger than myself; so that if the time came for me to have to defend my fellow soldiers, I wouldn't hesitate. Think about it, when a boxer goes to the ring, doesn't he come in in his robe that boasts his ferocious moniker; shadow boxing and shuffling? His whole "uniform" feeds into this and prepares him for the fight. Think football players, baseball players, policemen, waiters, the Amish!.....all these uniforms create a feeling for the wearer and an image for the observer.
It's the same with our clothes. Like it or not we send a message with our clothes: to ourselves AND to others. A short skirt, a low cut top? We're likely to feel quite the vixen! And it's no surprise when the double takes from men come our way. Dressed in a longer skirt or baggy pants? Guess what! We're not so much viewed as an object of sexual desire.
In the outfit pictured above, I felt like what I imagine Lucy felt when she went for a day of shopping with Ethel...just a girly girl in her flirty skirt! The pink, the pleating, the wedge heel....aahhhhhhhh......I felt like such a LADY! I love that feeling! That simply HAS to be one of my Foundational Five, because it's something I keep coming back to. Coming soon: My Foundational Five. And if you decide to share your Foundational Five on your blog, please let me know....again, it's intriguing to discover why we dress like we do! Happy Wednesday!
You are such a sweetheart! Thanks for the mention...and I love the uniform story. I think we often do not think about what we are communicating and that is what the Foundational Five is meant to do...help us focus on the message..in that message is our own personal style!!
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is wonderful...great construction..flirty..fun and looks great on Serene...all good messages...(I bet you were a force to be reckoned with in the army!) You go girl!!
Thanks for sharing the bit about you in the military. I've always been in awe over women in the military. I often thought about doing it myself.
ReplyDeleteI love that skirt. It is such a pretty color and cut.
No Guilt Fashion
Cute ladylike skirt ! So feminine and fun !
ReplyDeleteThe word "lady" comes easily to mind when I think of you. You seem very gracious and well, "serene" : >
ReplyDeleteWe all know that ladies can be very strong too, of course. Gorgeous look, with your flirty skirt.
I love that skirt on you! The color reminds me of a color that a little girl's room would be painted. I was just thinking the other day that a lot of the bloggers I follow have a common bond - we all embrace being girlie and all that goes with that! I love keeping that little girl inside me alive!
ReplyDeleteSerene--the skirt is just beautiful...I was thinking that throughout reading your post. I had not known that you were in the service and found it very interesting. Do you find that they grooming habits they insisted upon have stuck with you--ironing, etc?
ReplyDeleteI love her outfit and vibe. that skirt is chic!
ReplyDeletexo Lisa
Boy, I would have major trouble with a uniform....
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit, but more importantly, how you feel in it--and you look happy and pretty so its a keeper!
I've been thinking about Pam's Foundation Five but I come from the right side of the brain--a whole different animal!
Hello gorgeous Lady. . it's good to be back. .LOVE the skirt! xxx
ReplyDeleteI find a longer-length skirt actually showcases legs better than a mini - I mean really look at those gorgeous calves and ankles highlighted by those amazing wedges!! Thanks so much for your comments on my rule book post - I had heaps of fun putting that one together:))) xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy son is a submariner. I see his change of attitude when he is on leave and takes his uniform off (upon arrival) and puts it back on (on departure) So I like the way you explained it. Now it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteBesides that. You look great as usual and I really love your flowy, romantic way of dressing.
You look wonderful! It's amazing how life experiences help determine how we dress :)
ReplyDelete♥ Leia
Wow! you were in the army? I'd never have guessed! That shows how much I unconciously buy into stereotypes. I have been looking for the perfect pleated ballet pink skirt in just the right shade of pink and look at you! You're wearing it!
ReplyDeleteVery well put thoughts.Once again you hit the right buttons and you get me thinking.You did a great job with your outfit today. Long skirts are and great shoes are your signature style and a far cry from army clothes. Totally the opposite I would say.
ReplyDeleteI do so love lady like fashion.:) I enjoy the sensation of dressing like a lady and also the respect that truly does seem to be shown to me then more so than when I dress down or in a different manner. Really, I mean, men just fall all over themselves to open doors for me I tell you...;)
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is divine!! Love the colour and way it hangs! JS x
ReplyDeleteYou are so beautiful. This is a very lovely outfit. I recently thrifted a dress in the very same shade of pale pink that I plan to wear with turquoise accessory... so this look speaks to me! It's absolutely true that what we wear has a powerful effect on how we feel.
ReplyDeleteVan // The Clothes We Wear
Wearing motherhood with style.