I haven’t worn skirts or dresses since I quit my corporate job in 2000. But I often wear clothes that are a step up from business casual. Dressier tunic tops and flowy pants. Black jeans, embroidered jeans, and capris. Also renaissance style and a little gothic, bell sleeves and such. Once I discovered second hand clothes, I haven’t looked back. I dress on the cheap without looking like a slob. I have stuff in my closet for any occasion (all either cropped or full length palazzo type slacks/pants, though, I refuse to wear skirts/dresses any more), including beads and sequins and slinky materials.
Comfortable shoes - but those don’t have to be athletic shoes, either. Silver and patent sandals, plus good shoes for dress by either Dansko or Vionic in patent or suede. I’m set for anything.
I enjoy a full face of makeup. On a day I feel like doing all of it, I’ll wash and do my hair plus makeup and take a zen-like hour to do it. Feels kind of meditative. Otherwise I have a simple go-to makeup that just takes a few minutes and pull my hair back if I’m feeling lazy or like not washing it.
I strongly dislike dressing up, because it’s pointless for me. I am basically Pigpen from the Charlie Brown comics. No matter how neat and pressed I am, in 5 minutes my clothes will be wrinkled, torn and in dirty disarray. The only clothing that can survive a full day on me is made by Carhartt (the stuff I used to wear on the oil rigs).
Two years ago, my mom and I did a 4-week cruise on Princess and we took the “Anytime Dining” preference. Each evening, we were seated with different random people, and only one time were we cursed with a couple of jerks. They demanded their food be brought before the rest of the table even placed our orders. They went wildly off-menu, because they were special snowflakes, after all. They talked about themselves constantly, bullied the waiters, and left the table before most of us were done eating.
But the other 20-some dinners we had, our dining companions were friendly, chatty, and a pleasure to be with. I think it’s safe to say that in cruising, as in most other situations, you meet a cross-section of the population. Some are great, some are OK, some suck swampwater. That’s life.
I did a few cruises years ago, but since that time I’ve thrown out all my suits and ties. I haven’t missed them yet. My kids both know that when/if they marry, my Hawaiian shirt will likely have cost more than a tux rental.
Speaking of weddings - I bought a dress for my daughter’s short-lived wedding. I wore it that one day. Two years later, it went to Goodwill. I did keep the shoes and wore them last year for my niece’s wedding… for which I bought another dress. But I like that one - I might actually wear it again some time. Maybe.
I hate formal occasions, but I think part of it comes from having had so much negative feedback as a teen and young adult. But dressing up for theater is fun! Nobody ever remarked on me wearing “the wrong earrings for that bodice” when I was one of the Wenches of the South Florida Renaissance Society
One thing I feel compelled to mention - I’m finding it difficult to think of any man I’ve seen in a tux who didn’t look good. I’m sure it happens and it’s not like I spend a lot of time around men in formal garb, but personally, I don’t think I’ve seen a man in a well-tailored tuxedo who couldn’t carry it off.
On the other hand, I’ve seen women in truly hideous gowns. Whether it’s the style, the color, the accessories, the fit - there are soooooooooo many ways to make bad choices compared to a basic black suit with a satin stripe down the leg.
The “well-tailored” part you’d originally left out is key. One of my classmates carried extra weight and the one time he came in a suit that was actually his size he was getting compliments left and right. He was handsome enough, but for some reason his mother refused to buy clothing the size he actually was; most of the time, he looked like he’d exploded out of his trousers.
You’ve never seen me and I believe I’ve destroyed the few remaining pictures that exist. I always had this problem; to the point that I made it a rule in life. A friend asked me to be his Best Man and I explained that basically I wouldn’t wear a tux. He begged and groveled and I relented. We went in for the fitting and he saw me in the different options and decided I was right - no tux; I could go with my normal Holy Day church suit. It was that bad. :smack:
I enjoy dressing well. I very seldom will even wear shorts in public. I don’t mind ties, suits or jackets because I look damn good in them. Makes me stand a bit straighter, gives me more confidence and I get called “sir” more often.
Thing is, you have to wear the clothes, it seems like the clothes are wearing the person sometimes. And they have to fit. Luckily, I’m a very average size except for my long arms. I can usually wear off the rack with no alteration. In fact, I recently scored a tuxedo including shirt from Goodwill ($15!!!) that fits perfectly.
I’m a musician, so I have to wear an assortment of things including a tux on a regular basis. When I do, I wear the whole thing home after work, because my wife thinks I’m sexy as hell in a tux.
I enjoy the heck out of dressing up. It’s nice to have a variety of looks rather than the same ol’ same ol’. Not just formalwear, but always enjoyed Halloween, too, so I guess they’re related kinks.
Over the years I’ve picked up a tux, white dinner jacket, Red Sea rig, tails, and full Scottish Levee dress.
However, as I type this I am wearing cargo shorts and a Health Care for all Oregon T-shirt.
Never considered going on a cruise but have no issues with more formal dress. Work from home mostly now so casual obviously (although rarely shorts and tee-shirt - but mostly as Scotland is a bit too cool and damp for that).
When I go into the office therefore I put the suit and tie on, it is not actually required but I find it easier to wear a uniform as less to think about and it makes packing easier. Understandably the guys down in London, who do not have the benefit for mostly working from home, take full advantage and rarely wear a tie unless clients et al are visiting or they have external meetings.
Personally I regret that the City (financial centre of London) is now as casual as it is. I don’t suggest we go back to bowler hats (a retired friend use to wear one, and did still if we met up for ‘lunch at his Club’ but now all he gets is stopped by Japanese and Chinese tourists for selfies so he has sadly stopped wearing it).
I will put a dinner jacket and bow tie for charity dinners, special events, Hogmanay etc and still will take a jacket and tie with me on holidays should we need to dress up. I guess it helps that my wife like getting dressed up, jewellery etc and would like to do more of it I suspect.
A kilt would be good - but I am English and also have terrible legs so I won’t ever go there. I don’t believe in adopting the traditional dress of others - I have a ‘nauff’ London accent - it would be ridiculous.
I love it and don’t get to do it often enough. Why? Like **Dung Beetle **said, it’s because “every girl’s crazy for a sharp-dressed man”, of course.
But really; I look good and feel confident when I’m dressed-up. Additionally, I feel you get more respect when you’re well-dressed.
If it didn’t get so sticky hot here in NC (not complaining; just mentioning), I’d always wear a button-up, long-sleeved shirt with a collar. I’d probably have the sleeves rolled-up a bit, though. That being said, my most-days summer style is a T-shirt (w/ pocket) and shorts with hiking boots or sneakers.
