What Are You Wearing?

Times have certainly changed since the days of our parents. We’ve all become much more casual in our attire. If you don’t believe me, just buy a plane ticket and check out the outfits being paraded. Everything from sweat pants to pajamas. Everyone wants to be comfortable even though the seats are anything but comfortable. Cramped spaces, crowded overheads, and filthy facilities. I guess casual makes sense. But is there a limit to how you might show up in public? Based on what I’m seeing, not really.

Who Cares What You’re Wearing?

Maybe, the only one who truly cares is your mother. Years ago, I joined my parents for dinner at a restaurant in Manhattan. My Mom asked, “Do you think you’ll ever wear a sports coat?” Back then, I didn’t even own a sports coat. Only business suits. And I certainly wasn’t going to wear a suit on the weekend. Today, my business suits are history. I now own a sports coat, but I can’t remember the last time I wore it. To me, a sports coat is reserved for special occasions, like funerals and weddings. But not necessarily in that order.

“Sir, You Can’t Wear Sneakers Here.”

In the mid-1980s, I tried on two separate occasions to have brunch with my family at Windows on the World at the top of the World Trade Center. Each time, I was stopped by a guard before getting on the elevator. Who knew there was a dress code for Sunday brunch? Not me. And now that I think back on it, I’m sad I never got to see the restaurant. Sad, and a little grateful. I’m not sure that particular memory would have served me well considering the horror of 9/11.

Tuxedo

For men, there is nothing more uncomfortable than black-tie. The shirts are stiff and who came up with the bright idea of a cummerbund, a wide belt strapped across a man’s bulging gut? French cuffs and cufflinks are a breeze to get on compared to the bow tie. Somebody, please explain why anyone would want to wear an outfit that requires so much help to get into.

 Still…

When you live in Phoenix, most people have access to a pool, and based on what I’ve seen, swimwear is not exactly slim wear. And I’m talking about the images I see of myself reflected in the windows of the backyard. It seems the tighter the bathing suit, the less flattering. The looser the bathing suit, the less flattering. In fact, there are some objects of clothing that’ll never work unless you’re a fitness model. Can you say, Dad bod?

Now, for Something a Little Extra!

In August, we will be participating in a Literary Fiction Giveaway. If you haven’t grabbed a copy of The Intersect, this is your chance for a free ebook. Please take a moment to check it out. And enjoy the rest of August!