I COMPLETELY relate to Angie's quote, " 'I don't want to look too dressed up', in fear of being judged negatively. Yet they desperately want to dress up in fear of being judged negatively. IRONIC."
I loved reading this thread. I think sometimes I was born in the wrong decade. Fifty years ago,women wouldn't think of going out to dinner or even running errands for the day without putting together an actual outfit.
I read and listen to Gretchen Rubin, the author of "The Happiness Project," among other books. She has a weekly podcast. She and her sister talked last month about using February as a daily "always wear clothes" month. It was funny to me, but very relatable. So many people now go for days without really "putting on clothes," that those of us who do are starting to stand out, and sometimes it feels awkward.
I love that this website exists to discuss clothing in such a positive, healthy way. We shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to feel good. And I have raised my kids telling them that appropriate dress is sometimes there for a certain politeness and show of respect to others, so why would we need to excuse our dress? I am tempted to say, when someone says, "wow, you look nice," just a reply like "Thank you; I wanted to look nice since I was meeting you," to see what they say.
I am working on being kind and loving and unapologetic when people notice I am dressed in something fun, a dressy blouse, a casual skirt, a fashionable jacket, or whatever. I want my clothing to make a happy statement.
Thank you for starting this discussion.