AIBU to feel a bit uncomfortable with this event?

[PamPerdbrat]

There's a ladies night event on next Saturday that a few friends and I have been invited to. The dress code is 'emergency services' and so other ladies have bought outfits from Ann Summers (naughty nurse outfits etc) with all hotpants and boobs out...

I don't know, it just doesn't sit right. I know I should go along to fit in because everyone else is. But I don't want to dress in a way that I feel cheapens me. I almost feel like its a bit degrading actually. But then, am I just being to sensitive? I am a bit that way this week

Go in a comedy outfit like pizza delivery?

"I am declining your invitation because you are acting like a bunch of cunts, except you lack the warmth or the depth" will usually do as a refusal.

This is why I am on the internet on a Saturday night, of course.

it reminds me of a quote I saw on here once (forgot who said it)

burlesque...it's just stripping for fat middleaged women, isn't it ?

Sounds degrading and just tasteless to me. I wouldn't let it stop me from going if I wanted to, but I wouldn't dress in a 'sexy' outfit.

Reminds me of the time a friend invited me to 'School Disco' for her birthday. I said I'd rather boil my head.

Even the thought of Naughty nursey outfits makes me feel a bit ill... all those artificial fibres crackling away...It sounds hideous.I would go as a WW2 mechanic/ambulance driver etc,( I have the boilersuit and its jolly flattering actually).Failing a handy boilersuit I would stay at home,possibly in full evening wear with a nice glass of sherry. And then I'd put on my winceyette nightie.Lovely.

Buy some theatre scrubs off eBay - nice and comfy and cover a multitude of sins.

They also have lots of handy pockets!

Heck no trois not in response to your post at all. I just think AS is awful stuff!

I prefer to wear <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=QARNNS+uniform&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=661&tbm=isch&tbnid=x6QYotj-uaS_XM:&imgrefurl=flickrhivemind.net/Tags/qarnns/Interesting&docid=PZNg_wzYSQgZvM&imgurl=farm2.static.flickr.com/1175/893181955_f79bd7f307.jpg&w=146&h=500&ei=znkkT7G2GYrW0QXj6b3OCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1077&vpy=146&dur=313&hovh=400&hovw=116&tx=123&ty=196&sig=104337946798943489607&page=1&tbnh=146&tbnw=45&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my old Naval Nurses uniform for dressing up - not remotely sexy but a flash of suspenders and a starched apron can do wonders

at sidges sou'wester.

When I used to be gothed up in my younger days, we went out looking a right old state, but it was who we were at the time, I definately wouldn't feel comforable doing it now I've come over all respectable and shit

'nincompoop' should definately be used more

I agree with A.F. - all that stuff is grim and demeans the women who really do work in those careers. It is yuck.

The last "ladies night" I went to was a ladies-only event. It involved wine, chocolate, nibbles, mini massages, pedicures, manicures & various other pampering indulgences. Lots of good nattering was done and not a man in sight. Dress code was come as you feel comfortable and ranged from jeans and t-shirt to full makeup and posh frock. Wonderful.

Go as the AA man.

They're the 4th emergency service after all!

Personally I'd just stick on a lab coat over a mini skirt and top or your usual LBD. I can't see any reason to wear something that makes you uncomfortable.
Anyhow the paramedic I know lives in a totally unsexy green fleece ( he's rather nice, though)

Wow! Thanks so much for all the responses!

It isn't a private party, it's in a working men's club (I think; I'm relatively new to the area). I feel bad saying no, because I've just got to know everyone but honestly, I feel like this kind of thing would make me feel a bit cheap.

Add message | Report | Message poster dickiedavisthunderthighs Sat 28-Jan-12 22:36:34
Sounds grim. 'Ladies night event' conjures up images of sweaty, depressed looking male strippers in thongs, and sweaty, depressed women in PVC, all pretending that it's all SUCH A LAUGH.

And then there'll be all the photos the next morning of fb of them all grinning madly, making me feel like I've missed out on the BEST NIGHT EVER.

I don't like things like this either, or Ann Summers parties or hen nights with lots of hilarious toys. I think it's better to be comfortable with your inner prude and either not go (if you can't face the attention that comes standing next to them) or wear what you like, as startail says, with a lab coat on. It's also not very nice to go along and make everyone else feel judged, so if you really won't be able to help pursing your lips, I'd stay home and watch telly.

So a men-only club has organised an evening where ladies are invited specially, but told to come skimpily dressed.

I'm thinking this is not for the ladies' benefit and doesn't sound like much fun to me either. I guess if you're on the pull or enjoy being oggled then it might be OK.

hardgoing not sure where I have said I will think lesser of my friends for going.

I hate the bloody 'naughty nurse' stereotype, while it prevails our profession will never be taken completely seriously.
I know I sound all killjoy but it pisses me off, and if I've had my arse smacked and horrible innuendo filled comments once, I've had them a hundred times.
I don't blame you one bit, go as a lifeboat person, lifejackets are all orange and inflatable and cool.

I'd go in a radiation suit and get really drunk.

Oh YANBU at all by the way.

I love the judgy anger these sort threads cause

Seriously OP, pictish has it right on the first post.

Don't do anything you're uncomfortable about doing.

Your friends will understand and if they don't, that's their tough luck.

Could you gett hold of one of these?

nelda I'm sorry you have to put up with that

Loving the radiation suit idea...