BlogHer - dressing up - Comments

Great article

themaria — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:45:39 -0600

Hard hitting as always. You bring up an interesting issue that is worth belaboring. The desire to oversex it on Halloween, followed by frowning upon overt displays of sexuality at other times. I love sexy costumes, but I also try to look sexy and fashionable (not trashy!) at all other times during the year.

I was born and raised in Europe, and for the most part, European societies have a healthier relationship with sexuality. There's simply more freedom and education, and as a result (at least from what I've seen), girls aren't in a rush to lose their virginity at 12 years old like they are here (maybe it's just what I've seen at public schools, my view could be skewed). Because sex is much less taboo in other places, it's not seen as out of the ordinary as it is here (shameful, forbidden and exciting at the same time).

Having our teens get the sexual cues from TV, web and magazines, without proper context is dangerous, and results in too much of self esteem wrapped up in "do boys think I'm sexy".

I'm an online community manager, check me out at http://themaria.me. I blog at http://socialsilk.com and http://fashionablymarketing.me

About the Kids

HappyHer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:46:13 -0600

Hi! I think there are plenty of costume options available beyond sexy ones, although the sexy ones are the trend. They key is to have some imagination. Lastly, it's up to the parents to supervise how their children dress up. For example, my daughter had a short and low cut 60's style mini dress and gogo boots. It was paired with a shirt underneath and leggings. It looked absolutely adorable and was also very modest.

On a side note, the part of history that was left out was that Pagans did dress their kids up. It was the children's jobs to run around as ghosties and ghoulies from house to house to help scare the real ghosties and ghoulies away. The children were thought to be best for this job and they were rewarded for their service by each house offering them treats of some sort. That is how trick or treat got it's start and it's one of the earliest traditions found in regard to Hallow's Eve.

Tracy Morrow Intimacy Specialist http://www.HappyHer.com/Blog

Phooey! Whatever happened to witty costumes?

FeeFiFoto — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:58:34 -0500

One year a friend and I dressed in really preppie clothes and went as the Brooks Brothers. I guess it's just easier to go slutty than try to use your imagination.

Visit my blog: http://blog.FeeFiFoto.com

Something Else Stolen

Bill Cammack — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:41:21 -0500

Halloween has definitely been co-opted by the "Get your 'slut' on" faction. I think more importantly, though, music videos set the tone for that ONE DAY of Halloween. The whole concept of "Music Video Hoes" has made dressing up sexily a goal for little girls, world-wide.

Don't get me wrong, haha I'm a fan of and enjoy the hell out of the genre, but the reality is that in the realm of self-esteem, "I'm sexually attractive to males" is high up on the totem pole these days, even for girls that have zero intentions on hooking up with ANYBODY.

I think the only way around this is to have more female role models in the media that do other stuff than dress up to dance in videos. Sell some female CSI costumes or something. :)

Halloween itself is merely a microcosm for society's current values, similar to how beauty pageants give girls credit for their looks and prompt them to value themselves based on their looks as opposed to anything else they might be bringing to the table.

~ Bill

I blog at billcammack.com

Thankyou So Much!

AbiGrace — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:41:28 -0500

It's so nice to see someone actually delve into the history of Halloween! It's such a missunderstood event and it can be frustrating to see it looked down upon by people who don't get it.

I LOVE Halloween and always have, and I think part of the reason is it is the ultimate opportunity for self expression. It's one of the few times our shaddows can come out and play. True, one doesn't have to reserve self expression to Halloween, and as a performer I have more opportunities then most, but you don't have to censor or tone anything down for halloween the way you would in different circumstances. If someone finds a sexy costume that expresses something inside that they have always been longing to express then by all means, they should go for it. Just because I think my sexuality is better expressed in a Rita Hayworth in Gilda sort of way doesn't mean I'm gonna judge a woman who thinks a super short tinkerbell costume is more her style.

Annoying

Vered — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:27:46 -0500

I can't stand sexualized, inappropriate Halloween costumes for kids, but you're right - women's costumes are not much better (although it still irks me way more to see a "sexy" costume worn by a 6 years old).

My husband and I went to the local Halloween Superstore last weekend, and I almost gave up on a costume for myself and decided to just wear a wig or something - it was all about sexy nurses, sexy cops, sexy sexy sexy.

I eventually managed to find a really cool sixties-inspired costume, flowers and white boots and all. But it took some time and patience.

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thanks for the link

MomFinds — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:58:11 -0500

Thanks for the link to http://www.shefinds.com/2009/halloween-costumes-continue-to-slut-ify-thi... - I'm not really against sexy costumes for adults - I just think it's crazy how they try to make everything sexy.

This is a funny video about it - Sexy Lobster?? http://www.shefinds.com/2009/find-your-perfect-slutty-halloween-costume-...

Nice!

Judith in Umbria — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:47:11 -0500

What a pretty blouse that is! I'm so sick and tired of those smock thingies that this gives me hope for spring.

http://www.judithgreenwood.com/thinkonit/

Don't Forget The Little Black Dress

Vered — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:02:30 -0500

Cliché as it is, it is true: the little black dress works for almost anything, except maybe a white tie event when you are expected to wear a long gown. You can dress it up or down with the right shoes and jewelry (funky shoes and costume jewelry for a younger, more casual look; pumps and conservative jewelry for a more elegant look). If it’s cold, you can add a shawl or a shrug. It’s easy, effortless and a great way to make sure you are never over-dressed or under-dressed.

Vered DeLeeuw
www.momgrind.com

Leggings for All

RSM — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:22:49 -0600

It’s time that we ALL wear leggings. Choose a well made pair - not with cotton fibers that bag out over time but a high tech fiber that retains its shape. Get over the body image constraints and just wear them. Go for the comfort and support. Leggings that go to the ankle have a greater positive visual aesthetic than capri style that chop the leg. Plus the full length leggings support you from your ankle to your waist and give you an energetic lift. Laugh, Live, Love & Enjoy! Check out www.UnJeans.com

Sexy Sophisticate

2_THE_T — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:15:09 -0600

High heels and leggings can be very sexy ladies!!! Don'l shy away from this combination, you'd be missing out! I wear black cotton leggings with simple square 3-inch black pumps from Via Spiga and get compliments every time.
Thick cotton leggings are particulalry cute with sexy heels- in winter especially. This offers an excellent sexy alternative!!!!

Dream big,
Tiffani Latrell

Great if you are 5'5' and weigh 100 lbs.

GraceK. — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:23:43 -0600

Nobody with an extra pound of fat would look good in this outfit.
Audrey Hepburn - yes.... but since most of us carry just a litte more than her - you just end up looking like you are trying to hide something.

Cute AND washable

Susan Wagner — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 09:50:19 -0600

Thoughtful, you are right: this particular dress is dry clean only. HOWEVER, there are lots of machine and hand-washable options out there; Target and Old Navy have some really cute tunic and sweater dresses just now.

I would also suggest that unless you have wee small children who use you as a napkin all day, dry clean only isn't a deal-breaker. Most dry clean pieces can be worn more than once before they need to be cleaned, and often they are better made and better fitting (because they are made of higher quality fabrics and are often sold at a higher price point).

But yes, machine washable is both good and totally doable.

And Judith, just because people wear hoodies to weddings does NOT mean it's okay. But I suspect you knew that.

Friday Style | The Working Closet | Friday Playdate

Oh yeah?

Judith in Umbria — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:46:59 -0600

Unfortunately, there are people who would wear a hoodie or footless tights to a wedding. This summer I saw both, as well as a cocktail dress with cutouts that made the mayor blush.

http://www.judithgreenwood.com/thinkonit/

Adorable

Thoughtful — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:34:22 -0500

Cynthia Friedlob
Link TextThe Thoughtful Consumer
So cute, but you can toss your jeans, tees and yoga pants into the washer. This particular dress requires dry cleaning. Must keep searching for a washable version!