The other day I went shopping with my sister, Sharon. Not a remarkeble incident; just your everyday, two sisters hanging out, type of thing. Anyway... We went into this clothing establishment and I noticed some sundresses hanging by a clothing round. One dress in particular caught my attention. I thought the print was very pretty. I thought the shape of the dress was nice. I thought the straps may have been a little flimsy. And then I decided to feel the material. I got the shock of my life. No exaggeration here! When did they decide to make sundresses out of night gown material? You know, the type of flimsy, nylon material, used for "silk-like" panties and nightgowns. Oh my goodness! What have women been excepting as clothing? Is this world so obcessed with sex that it now expects and excepts women to walk around in their underwear and nightgowns? Do women really want their clothing to shout, "jump me"? Or... and here is the horrifying thing... Am I just Old Fashioned and Out of Fashion?
And another thing... When has it become o.k. for people to parade around in their pajamas? I am literally alking about the fuzzy flannel pj's and the soft pima cotton pj's, and of all things, "baby doll's". No joke... The other day, I saw a teeny bopper, a junior high school girl, going to school in what looked like baby doll pajamas! I wanted to shout, "Go put some clothes on!" But I didn't. I did worse. I simply accepted the inevitable. Someone else's child was going to school in her pajamas.
I don't know, maybe because I am from the "roll out of bed", wrinkled blue jeans generation, that I find the pj thing offensive. Or maybe, it is just the over sexualization and objectifying of women I find offensive. Don't get me wrong. I think being comfortable in comfortable clothing or beautiful with a hint of sexiness is every woman's right. And if she feels good in the process, so much the better. But, this "jump me" attitude, that is now found in women's clothing is just a little too much. Don't get me wrong, I like a nice mini skirt or a well fitting pair of pants just like the next one. But really ladies, ask yourselves this question, Is it all right for my 16 year old daughter (sister, niece, friend's child, whatever) to run around town in her pajamas? Now, slowly decrease that age number. You know, 13, 11, 10, etc. When does the bedroom look become unacceptable? And then ask, Where does the bedroom look become unacceptable? Can you really go on a job interview in something that resembles a pair of pajamas? Can you go to the movies, to class, a restaurant, the ball park, wherever in pajamas? Why does the "roll out of bed" look literally looks like you actually rolled out of bed?
Our standards have become so low, that we have come to accept mediocrity. It's the "whatever attitude" that has allowed the clothing industry to give us sub-stantdard materials, and "whatever" fashions, so that we buy throw away clothing. What ever happened to quality, refinement, and decency? For me, I still like the wrinkled blue jeans when I am relaking, I keep my pajamas in the bedroom and when out, I dress appropriatlely for the occation. I don't know... Maybe it's just me or maybe I am just plain old fashioned and out of fashion.What about you?
Great post Carla. Sadly I think our standards have fallen so very low, that just about anything is considered "acceptable" now. I do remember during "finals" in school we were told we could wear "appropriate pajamas" and in that case I did sport some flannel pjs outside of the home... but outside of Halloween another year I can confidently say the furthest I have ever gotten out of my house in pajamas was to check the mailbox at the end of my driveway... AFTER DARK!!
ReplyDeleteI am with you on being appalled at some of the things that people consider "fashion" nowadays, and I have instilled a very high standard with my daughters, as I believe it all starts at home. But as long as we continue to glamorize the "Lady Gagme's" of the World, I fear our standards will continue to fall.
Hi Lynsey, I want to thank you for dropping by. A little after my high school days, it was Madonna who was the fashion icon to be emulated, along with very pretty underwear. And that included studded bustiers, corsettes, garter belts... And all worn outside of your clothing. And around the same time, there was Cindy Lauper (mid 80's I think. ) But Cindy's fashion was harmless and just plain fun. But I think... history is about to repeat itself with the underwear thing... And this is when I am grateful for having a son, because I can imagine the arguments about appropriate and inappropriate clothing in my house.
ReplyDeleteWhat ever happended to the glamour of Cher and Bob MacKye gowns?