Don't Snicker at Knickers

I previously wrote about the problems we women had with the fashion industry back in the olden days. (Click here for a link to that blog.) Fashions may change, but the problems continue. The fashion industry loves to introduce trends and styles that are not considered 'modest' or 'acceptable' to everybody.

The latest trend is 'leggings.' These are form-fitting pants made out of stretchy material. These days it's hard to find pants at fashionable stores that are not leggings. Leggings aren't much different from the pants women wore in the 80s. However, in the 80s, women always wore long 'tunic tops' over the pants. This year's styles do not require long tops.

Predictably, schools across the country have had some negative reactions. Girls have been sent home. I'm sure they are as confused as we were back in the day. They buy the clothes the stores sell if they want to be 'in style.' Then they are told they can't wear them.

I searched to see what people had to say about leggings in the workplace. Opinions ranged from, "Totally inappropriate in all cases," to "Depends on how they look." I didn't see any stories of women who were sent home. I suppose women old enough to be in the workplace are wise enough to know what's appropriate, or at least what they can get away with.

According to family legend, my Great-Aunt Lillian wore knickerbockers to her workplace (the phone company, I think.) No clue whether they sent her home or not. The year was 1931.. About 35 years before Grandma (other side of the family) wore her first pantsuit in public.

Aunt Lillian certainly looks professional and decently-covered in this picture... also a bit defiant, don't you think? If anybody could get away with knickers, I think it would be her.

My attitude to both dress codes and fashion trends is less assertive, but I think Aunt Lillian would approve. I only wear things that are comfortable. If they happen to be out of style, so what? In another 25 years they'll be back.