I have a tunic (or smock? :)) that I tuck in to wear as a blouse quite often. It's so fun.

Being preventive does make sense! I dont even like being gaped at. I've had self defense classes and such. My dad practiced martial arts before he had kids. But we never were taught or enrolled. I know I would find it comforting and empowering. But books work I'm a librarian what can I say: carry a book! Hehe

I didn't realizd it could get Icy in Texas! I just thought it was mild most of the year. My town has been changing. Lately we've had a lot of thefts and robberies of homes and cars. But mostly it's not safe after dark because of the wildlife here in the mountains. Coyotes, elk, and such. I'm glad you have a safe place to enjoy walking thistle

I think you are quite perceptive to understand that the guys are responding to your standing out from the crowd rather than your look per se. And your strategy makes sense - you aren't going to change them so you might as well beat them, umm I mean avoid them. Anyway, you look terrific, I like how the blouse sticks out under the jacket so that is an advantage to the length.

Haha, you look too cute to just "blend in":-)

This is beautiful, although I'm sorry you had to wear it to avoid harassment and not for the sheer (ha!) joy of it.

My frustration in these situations is that there is no effective way to respond. Ignoring it makes me feel like a victim. Yet any other response gives the catcaller what they want - a response. Flipping them off, a sassy or rude retort, a cheeky wave, confrontation... it's that awful sense of powerlessness. There's nothing you can do to a guy that's the equivalent.

Once when I was 15, my female cousin and I were on a crowded bus in India, and some dude was taking advantage to grope us. My cousin is a spirited soul, and she whispered to me "get ready to run". Then as the bus stopped, she took off her sandal and smacked the guy in the face with it, pretty much the worst insult you can imagine. We jumped off the bus and ran for our lives, and thankfully no angry mob followed us. It was stupid and probably not safe, but so empowering.

Keturah, librarians rock! No, where I lived in Texas almost never got icy (which meant when it did, everything shut down, since the city didn’t have anything in place to fix the roads); that’s southern Texas though. Up in the north, it gets cooler in winters. But I’m talking about where I live now, in upstate NY! I’m in a lake effect region, so there’s lots of snow, and sometimes that turns into ice. I lived in Colorado for a few years, in a semi-rural area, and there were lots of coyotes, the occasional bear, and the possibility of mountain lions. I wouldn’t have let my pup out after dark for sure!

If you want India travel advice, we should discuss in the off-topic section and I know there are lots of members willing to help out, including me. Don't be dissuaded from going. There are male idiots everywhere, sadly...

The colours in your blouse and socks are lovely on your complexion, and the outfit definitely reads as toned-down E. I like your outerwear pic, too!