Have you ever thought why is it that women wear dresses only on special occasions? Everyday wardrobe consists of various pants, jeans, leggings, and workout tights. For some mysterious reason, a lot of women avoid dresses when it comes to everyday wear. I think that dresses are fun. They make my life easier. They elevate my style and add confidence.
Let’s quickly consider the history of a dress. For centuries, women had worn dresses before opting out for pants. During the years preceding 1800, women worn heavy and complicated design dresses with large skirt hoops. I can only imagine how much effort it took get into one. At the beginning of 1800, fashion shifted towards simpler lines and lighter dresses. Dresses had high waist line with full skirts but no hoops. Later, fashion slowly moved to a fuller skirt with round hoops. Also, corsets became popular to create a feminine shape with a small waist. At the beginning of 1900, women expressed displeasure with wearing corsets which deformed their bodies and had negative effects on health.
In the twentieth century, women’s fashion started to experiment with more comfortable clothing. Women needed a freedom of movement while participating in sports and other activities outside a household. During 1920s, along with progress in many industries, fashion encountered a major shift. Women started to wear pants, skirts, and shorter dresses. During WWII, women went to work to support industries at home. They had to opt out for convenient and comfortable clothing which meant pants and shorts.
No wonder, pants and workout wear became staples of women’s wardrobe after spending centuries in uncomfortable dresses and corsets. Today, workwear became a must-have for every wardrobe, mostly thanks to Lululemon brand. Every woman owns multiple workout outfits which they wear during weekends, errand runs, or social outings.
I have many issues with this trend of wearing workout tights outside of gym or yoga studio. Below are few reasons:
- it makes us look sloppy
- it makes us lazy
- it makes us look fat
I understand that getting used to wearing a dress is a challenging, but benefits are grand!
- You get noticed. People who dress well get promoted and listened to. It has been said that you should dress for the job you want not for the one you have. Many still associate well dressed person with being a boss in the room. And wearing a dress is the easiest way to look polished, put together, and sharp;
- Dresses are comfortable;
- Dresses hide bodies’ imperfections. No more muffin tops or pants that are too tight and uncomfortable! There are many shapes that will work with any body. And you are not limited in material or color compare to a pair of jeans;
- Dresses can be styled in many different ways to create different looks;
- Dresses make my mornings simple. I pick a dress, and everything else just falls into place. I know what shoes go with the dress. What accessories will complement the dress. And I am READY. No need to pick out pants then search for a top. Then after putting them together, thinking that another top might be better. After multiple combinations and try-ons, you realize you are running late;
- Dresses have magic powers. The second you put one on, you feel more confident, polished, and fashion forward. You will automatically smile the second you look in the mirror. No one in Lululemon pants can feel that! I guarantee, you will be getting complements all day long.
Please keep in mind that different time and place call for a different kind of a dress. A party dress should not be worn to an office. Anything that provides little coverage should be avoided for business or family gatherings. Make sure that you are properly covered when you bend down. You can always test it by bending in front of a mirror.
If you haven’t guessed yet, I am a huge fan of dresses. I love long dresses. They are easy to wear and instantly elevate my style to the next level. They are great day-to-night option. And to be honest, I don’t have to worry about shaving my legs ;)
Abi