why do people think wearing dresses....

[bellaiceberg]

means 'dressing up'?

I wear them for most things, I have fancy ones for fancy things and practical ones for everyday things, more solid, utilitarian ones for anything else - gardening, hypothetical dog walking with wellies, etc.

Im defo with the 'if monty don was a woman' fan club (a recent thread about clothes on here)

Is it so odd to just throw on a longish raincoat over a dress, paired with some tough boots and get on with your day?

I never found jeans or trousers very comfortable and don't think they suit me much, so it's a non brainer, but it's strange how many people consider it dressing-up to just wear skirts/dresses. Usually I just throw one on and there's no fuss. I wear the same footwear with most of them (boots in winter, converse in summer or birks, and that's that. It's simple and comfy.

Perhaps when people call it fussy or over-dressing maybe they mean more tailored stuff or club wear?

Im not overly 'girly' either, in the sense that my boots are usually a bit rough and ready and my hair is all over the place. I think I just prefer the ease of dressing this way.

Thanks to pp who mentioned Seasalt dresses. I really like them. I've also seen a couple of Joe Browns ones that I think would suit me. I love dresses but I've only managed them in summer till now. Keen to change the habit of a lifetime and go for jersey dress, thick tights and boots.
Thanks for inspiration OP!

@Moltenpink

I always get accused of dressing up when I’ve put a casual dress on. Most recently was wearing a navy jumper dress, long sleeves, quite old with bobbling on but so comfy. Was “helpfully” told by a gentleman in a pub I was a bit dressed up wasn’t I?

I’ve always assumed it’s because I’m very tall and curvy, I bet shorter people wouldn’t be commented on as much.

I’m 5 11” and get this a lot as well.

@Nodney

Great thread...can I just echo the question which *@PurpleParrotfish* just asked? What do you wear on your legs on these in-between days? Where I am today it is too cool for bare legs and sandals. But too warm for my black opaques and boots. I'd feel a bit odd in trainers and tights. What do others do?

I tend to wear trousers rolled to just above the ankle under a dress on cool days. It’s what I’m wearing today.

I have just recently become a convert to your way of thinking OP. I always thought dresses were, well, dressy. A lot of fuss etc. But, I now love dresses with thick black tights and docs, or sandals etc. So much less stress of co-ordinating and super comfy. However, since I have always lived in jeans or trousers, I am getting a lot of the comments you mention! Even though, it's taking me half the time to do it? My only issue is being 5ft2, I have to find petite dresses (a lot harder on the highstreet these days since the Arcadia group collapse) or accept this cute little mini tea dress will be a midi dress on me haha

I wouldn’t wear a dress or skirt to walk the dog most of the time because I walk in long grass and trousers protect my legs from brambles and whatnot. Tights and dresses in that scenario just aren’t as tough.

I want to wear dresses more. I love that "one and done" thing, but I can't find a style that suits me.

Either I can't run in them, or I stand on the front hem constantly going upstairs, or they sort of flap out around my bottom and I worry the world can see my pants.
I daren't bend over, Or cross my legs. My legs got bitten to death out in the country in a "sister wife" type floaty number the other day.

It's that "unfit for an active life" quality that makes me feel "dressed up" in a dress I think.

I know other women manage ( and have for generations) and I'm fine at an occasion, but dresses don't work for my everyday life. It makes me feel deficient if I'm honest.

I find dresses tricky. I’ve got big tits and find dresses tend to make me look matronly or overtly sexy.

Agree. I have many styles and types of dress and always feel better for wearing them than some bring old jeans

I agree with you OP but tbh I would like to wear dresses more casually and always end up feeling a bit more ‘dressed up’ than I want to when I’d put one on.

I always wear dresses !!’ And I have had loads of people say ohh U looked dressed up where u going ??!
I laugh and say Tesco’s!!!
I just prefer them ! Most people wear jeans ect ! X

I find the waisted ones are too high up and then you have to have hair free legs etc but agree they must be easier to wear

I like the idea of dresses but I hate my stomach and look pregnant in dresses. Plus tights are the invention of the devil, I am 42 and yet to find a pair that fits.

I own an obscene amount of dresses - instant outfit in one garment - but if I’m not wearing a dress, I’m wearing trousers. I tend to style even the dressiest dress in quite a casual way so don’t get ‘dressed up’ comments. Very dressed up looks oddly frumpy on me for some reason.

ofwarren I've not tried that. Does it not create an extra visible knicker line if the dress isn't baggy? I'm definitely going to to experiment with superman pants over my tights when the weather is cool enough.
Thanks for the tip!

You all know there are alternatives to jeans yes? Because you're talking as if it's dresses Vs jeans.....

@LifeInAHamsterWheel

Beauty is in the eye etc. but that Instagram image just screams frump at me! I love dresses as they eliminate any coordination effort but there's no way I'd go out dressed like that lady.

Bottom line, people can and should just wear what they like and feel comfortable in

It screams institutionalised female version of Benny Hill to me.

It's that "unfit for an active life" quality that makes me feel "dressed up" in a dress I think.

Yes. This is how I feel. In a dress I have to think about how I'm moving and sitting. I don't have to do this in trousers or jeans.

Also tights are awful, leggings aren't much better. I feel I should have freshly shaved legs in a dress, I hate the prickly skin on skin feeling if I don't.

It screams institutionalised female version of Benny Hill to me

Oh, come on. There’s no need for that. It’s a niche look for sure and it’s not for everyone but it’s really off to be so insulting.

I am tall and large so I wear Marina Rinaldi (max mara) they start at a 12. Marks dresses dont fit me as the waist is too high. Vera Tucci linen is good too but they are closing and have a great sale now. I wear Wolford tights (I had one pair six years, so worth it) I now wear shapewear shorts underneath and feel well covered. All the youngsters seem to wear shorts under their dresses. I don't bother with fake tan. Pale and interesting me.

It's that "unfit for an active life" quality that makes me feel "dressed up" in a dress I think

I don’t find this. I walk my dog over fields twice a day, walk my DC to school and back, run around after my toddler etc in a dress. Obviously I change for swimming/yoga/runs etc but I would do the same if I was wearing jeans.

@Neverrains

It's that "unfit for an active life" quality that makes me feel "dressed up" in a dress I think

I don’t find this. I walk my dog over fields twice a day, walk my DC to school and back, run around after my toddler etc in a dress. Obviously I change for swimming/yoga/runs etc but I would do the same if I was wearing jeans.

I know. Loads of women do.

But not me.

I couldn't even play rounders at a picnic the other day without hitching my skirt up above my knees to run between bases.

And I got bitten To Death. I think one got up in there and kept biting me!

I love the Toast aesthetic but that instagrammer isn't doing it for me in that pic.

I find the premise of this thread a little bizarre. Some dresses can of course look dressed up, some dresses are very casual/scruffy, some are downright frumpy. Fashion is subjective, people like different looks and styles. Yes, you can easily go for a stroll in a muddy field wearing wellies and a dress, not quite so practical for mountain biking or cross-country running though.

I wear dresses quite often, and some make me look far more dressed up than others. They occasionally have a pocket. Some allow for a bit of mobility, some are a bit more restrictive; some I am able run around in, others, I’d trip myself up or flash my knickers.

It really depends on what you plan on doing that day, some days at work I like to float about my classroom in a pretty dress, other days I like to be able to do handstands and climb trees in the playground with my pupils.

If I’m doing something active, a dress is totally useless, I choose to wear actual sports/outdoor clothes made from a dry fit or performance material. Most performance brands rarely include dresses in their ranges.

@Blossomtoes

It screams institutionalised female version of Benny Hill to me

Oh, come on. There’s no need for that. It’s a niche look for sure and it’s not for everyone but it’s really off to be so insulting.

It’s kinder than my immediate thoughts, and I say that as someone who is regularly teased and called names because the clothes I wear aren’t ‘typical’. A person who dresses in such a way, knows it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and in my experience (and personally) finds such observations funny.

I really dislike wearing dresses, I hate all the material, I hate having to consider how I sit, I always have to wear shorts or tights as I’m fat so get chub rub. They don’t look good on me or flattering.

I do get where you’re coming from with not needing to coordinate - I love jumpsuits for this reason.

I live in jeans and trousers, with a t shirt/shirt/blouse and converse/loafers. I do have only select items I will buy and everything in my wardrobe can be paired with each other, so I never have to think too much about what I’m putting on.