Opinion on dresses?

[xSuperMario64x]

Okay so this has been an ongoing debate between me and my dad for a while, but especially in the last few months. I think dresses are really aesthetically pleasing and I love to see other people wear them, but I absolutely HATE wearing them myself. To me they're uncomfortable and most are way too revealing (I'm very modest). I'm more the kind of woman who likes to wear dress pants and a nice sweater, dress shirt, or even a suit jacket. But lately my dad has been getting very angry with me about this (which is ridiculous because I'm 20 1/2 years old).

For example, I'm playing a jury tomorrow (basically my final piano exam) and I have to look nice and presentable. Well, I'm going to wear dress pants, flats, and my nice pink sweater, along with a necklace and earrings. But my dad absolutely hates this. He wants me to wear a dress which *he* thinks is nice, but is very awkward to sit in. He said that "wearing a dress will make [me] more elegant" as if elegance in piano performance is solely based on visual appeal. Plus, my body type does not look good in a dress. When I told him I wasn't going to wear a dress, he got really mad and fussy with me (though tbh my dad has a lot of issues that I won't go into here).

TL;DR I believe that women should not have to wear a dress just to visually impress people. That kind of ideology is very frustrating and restricting in my view.


What does everyone else think? What are your views on women wearing dresses or dress pants/a suit?
(Btw please don't turn this into a nasty discussion. Just want to get some input here.)

 

[John Wick]

I prefer to see women in jeans, and boots.

 

[Variety.Gamer 4438]

I thought this was for Animal Crossing XD

 

[LadyDestani]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Dresses are very pretty but they are not my style so I rarely wear them. I prefer to wear dress pants and a nice sweater/shirt if given the option. It's what makes me feel more comfortable and that's all that matters. Women should not be forced to wear dresses just to appear attractive. As for being elegant, I've known many women who I considered elegant and I never once saw them wear a dress.

It's fine if women choose to wear them, but it's outdated and old-fashioned to assume that they must wear them. That's my opinion, anyway.

 

[MarzipanDragyn]

I will avoid wearing a dress at all costs if I can. Sitting is really awkward, my range of movement is highly limited, and it's not comfortable (not to mention, when it gets cold, you have very little insulation). And let's not talk about restroom trips... If i can't avoid it, i won't wear it unless it has sleeves and a long skirt (which for some reason drives people nuts, I don't know why; also, they're getting harder to find...) . As I used to joke with my friends, "If it don't touch the floor, I feel like a (word I can't say here)."

That aside, this does stem partly from my childhood, as I got sick and tired of being told I could only dress certain ways by COMPLETE STRANGERS. My family never forced me, but these people took it upon themselves to critique me at 8 years old. Why should we have to dress up certain ways just to appease others? More importantly, why does an 8-year-old girl need to be seen as attractive??? (I used to train for modeling, and they were doing this to as young as 5-year-olds, too--guess who said no to modeling? )

Frankly, Super, your dad is being a butthead. It's honestly none of his business what you decide to wear (if he wants to play dress up, he should get a Barbie doll, in my opinion). And since this specific event pertains to you, you should wear what you find nice and comfortable, especially since you have something more important to deal with instead of people critiquing your outfit. We're not little dolls waiting to sit on the shelf to be ooo-ed and ahh-ed over. It's like they care more about appearances instead of skill, and it really bugs me. It's such an outdated and bogus mindset.
I wear pants almost to every event. They make me feel good, and I feel comfortable (or, at least, as much as I can in such environments). We're here to rock, not for them to rule. We are not eye candy; we are here to show what we can do whether they like it or not!

My huge rant in summary, as I get really expressive once I get riled up about something: people with outdated "dress code" mindsets should go suck on a cactus. Suits and pants are awesome, so rock those pants and knock 'em dead, Super!

 

[Stella-Io]

Loool MarzipanDragyn love that saying

But yeah dresses are pretty but also an inconvenience. I have to wear spandex shorts under any dress I wear (unless the skirt is made of heavy material and touches the floor, but only then). Also they don't fit all the parts of my body (mainly chest). The dress I wore during my high school graduation was prob too small cause DAMN did it do some extra to my chest.

As much as I like dresses, esp dark floral print ones, they are just harder to work with then regular clothes. Like many pretty dainty things, it's harder to work with.

 

[Buttonsy]

Your gender shouldn't dictate what you wear, you should wear whatever clothes make you happy regardless of your gender. Personally, I'm a guy who really likes skirts and dresses (although I don't wear them often because of confidence reasons, unfortunately, but I'm working on it).

Also, as an aside, I don't think your parents should really tell you what you can and can't wear, especially when you're not even a child anymore.

 

[Aniko]

I wore a dress once for a wedding, I hated it. I threw it right after. I dislike shirts too. I like jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, pajamas. So....no more wedding for me. I get really irritable if I have to wear something else.

If you don't feel comfortable you won't perform well.

 

[Alienfish]

I love dresses, but they gotta be like unique or just vintage stuff, I won't just buy a cheap chain clothes store one for the sake of it. Might or might not have too many in my closet but uh yeah I like dresses.

I think you can look good in whatever though, and definitely don't wear what your parents suggest, they often have no clue trust me.

 

[hamster]

i think they are cute and i love them, i have a bunch of black dresses

 

[Kaiaa]

I think dresses are beautiful, but I also love how women can pull off dress clothes and suits! You are an adult woman and should never let a man (or woman), even your father, decide what you get to wear. If you do not feel comfortable in a dress, or in that particular dress, please don’t wear it just to appease him. I know it’s hard arguing with your parents but he should respect your decision. Plus, it’s about the music. It’s not a fashion show. I’m sure you will look lovely no matter what you decide to wear, confidence in yourself makes you extra lovely, and wearing something that makes you comfortable will accentuate that confidence. Good luck with your performance, and don’t worry about pleasing someone else with your clothing.

 

[Cheryll]

I'm fine with dresses though I don't like to wear them. I prefer shirts with skirts. :3

 

[Alienfish]

Good luck with your performance, and don’t worry about pleasing someone else with your clothing.

Yeah, speaking from experience dads particularly don't have a good idea about dressing up other than maybe putting a suit on themselves at nicer occasions... So yeah go with your choice and don't feel you have to wear something else because "lol family respect" or stuff.

 

[Romaki]

I hate dresses, the last time I was forced to wear one was in like 2003 and I still hate it.

If anyone here is forced to wear dresses, I'd advise them to look into fake dresses like this:

Spoiler: Image

Or wear black jeggings underneath for your personal comfort. But yeah, it's stupid to force adults to wear certain things, it's not like a pant suit is less formal or respectful. I have no problem with dresses existing, but they do take away a lot of mobility and because of that should never be forced on someone. Like I understand people saying you need to wear pants to do certain things to be safe, but it just doesn't work the other way around.

 

[Bcat]

I love em' but I don't wear them much

 

[Corrie]

I love dresses!! They make me feel so girly and cute! But if you don't like them, don't wear them. It's unfair to be expected to wear them.

 

[moonbyu]

idk, i really like dresses. i can see why people don't like it though.

 

[Circus]

Dresses are nice, and I do like wearing them. If I'm feeling lazy and just want to slip something on, I'll wear a dress. But if I'm doing anything active or that I'll have to do any work for, I'll wear pants. Dresses are pretty, but pants and a shirt are more practical. They're also more comfortable, too.

 

[Kurashiki]

Personally, I love them! In the summer sundresses are super comfortable imo and one of my favourite things to wear. I love wearing more formal dresses on special occasions too! That being said, there's no "right" way to dress formally, it looks just as nice to wear suits or dress pants and everyone should dress in the way that makes them most comfortable regardless of gender.

 

[Mayor Monday]

I'm sorry if I'm late for commenting on this- but I had some things I wanted to input.

First off, my opinion on dresses is simple. It's a matter of personal preference. If a woman wants to wear a dress, I say go for it! If a woman would rather wear pants, that's wonderful, too. I'm like this. If it's a better idea to wear a dress it has to be to my knees or longer. For the topic of short skirts- I think it's unnecessary.

Second, for your situation, wear whatever you like and think is comfortable. It's unfortunate that your father does not agree with your choice of clothing- and I do respect his opinion- but I believe he should be proud to have a daughter that wants to dress modestly. I'm sure the outfit you chose is lovely.