Hobnobbing, originally uploaded by Cohabitating_Closet.
Following Future Lint's sage advice, I planned this outfit the night before. Today, we are going to a small work party for my department, but some administrators will be there too. I have been thinking about about sexiness (or perceived sexiness) and dressing, in the context of Jesse.anne.o's blog post. While she was writing about harassment that occurs as we expose more of our bodies in warm weather, a related concern for me is how exposing our bodies can negatively effect other's opinions, personally and professionally. To me, this professional element is a feminist issue. When I show my legs or even the shape of my legs, whether this is considered "appropriate" relates to how others police the fact that I possess and display a woman's body. Perhaps I feel free to expose more of my legs because I generally keep it covered on top, and I don't wear lots of jewelry or makeup. Not that these are bad things (showing decolletage is awesome, as is the fun of jewelry and makeup), but in a way, I think that we (females) learn to limit/censor activities that draw attention to our femaleness in the work place, and it's a bit ridiculous. In contrast, drawing attention to masculinity is generally praised.So I happily bring the uncomfortableness of the feminine to the party. (Blokey gives a thumbs up, which I appreciate as he'll have to stand with me). Last year, I wore something shorter (but with leggings. I got asked politely if I was the secretary by some folks, and I don't care if this happens again). I know it's hardly a big act to dress the way you want to a social event, but this outfit is one tiny act in a larger attempt for me to boldly accept and express myself, without shame or fear. I figure it's good for folks to meet a young looking woman professor who dresses like a young woman.
What are your thoughts? Are you concerned about censoring your sexuality around co-workers, even at social events? Do you think I've picked foolishly (there's still time for me to change the outfit) and damn it, I should add a few inches? Or do think that PhD should be open minded enough to recognize that hemlines are just inches and folks should be free to dress as they please?
Edit: It's chillier outside than I thought so I will likely add grey tights to this outfit, which I think changes the modesty balance a lot.
Without the jacket, I think there is probably too much skin. I think upper arms are more intimate that legs, though. Blazer: Banana Republic
Dress: Mir 101 (?) from Cliche (it came with a hoodie and I cut it out)
Belt: Not Just Vintage
Camisole: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Aerosoles, thrifted
While I really like the outfit, I do think it is just a bit too short. Even another two inches would perfect it for a work function.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great outfit! As you said, you kept it modest everywhere else (especially when you pair it with the jacket) so I think it's okay :)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you bring femininity in the workplace up - just the other day I was all dressed up for a client meeting, and one of the women in my group asked me how I always manage to look so "womanly." She intended it as a compliment, and I took it that way too. I work in a group that's 80% women, none of whom really show their feminine side at work, so I have no problem distinguishing myself that way (frankly, I just like to look pretty!). But then I also have a fair amount of seniority in my job and I've proven that I can do good work regardless of what I'm wearing, so maybe that's why I don't worry about it.
I love this outfit on you! The soft drape of the top is lovely and sophisticated. I don't think the skirt is too short at all, especially for a work-related social function.
ReplyDeleteI think balance is key--the fact that your arms are covered make it work. Your colleague's class inferences are interesting (and unfortunate).
ReplyDeleteThanks for this thoughtful and thought-provoking post. Your point about unabashedly refusing to hide the more "womanly" parts of your body/self is particularly interesting to me. And I find your thinking through of ways that we can begin to change the relationship between power - perceived or real - and femininity really compelling.
ReplyDeleteAs much flack as I continue to take for my own performance of femininity (even as I work in Women's and Gender Studies), and as much as I try to imagine ways that I may need to change how I dress, I like the argument that it's not always "us" who should change.
Finally, you look great. Have a lovely time - if that is a possibility for this event. If not, I hope it's bearable and that you get to do something great afterward.
i don't think its too short at all. it looks very professional but young-age-appropriate.
ReplyDeleteuntil i came, my chair was the only woman in my department. she wears very stylish, professional skirts sometimes. she told me that another professor (man) commented on her "dancer legs". when she complained to a colleaguge she thought would be sympathetic he said: "well what do you expect if you wear a skirt?"
she was shocked but she decided not to make a thing of it since she had so many other battles to fight (such her maternity leaves, anti-racism, multicultural stuff, creating my current job... can you tell she's my hero?)
on a mundane thing -- i like what you did with the drapey neckline. is that your dress or did you fix it that way?
p.s. the secretary thing is funny and sad (not that there's anything wrong with being a secretary, just that people assume we can't be professors). i get asked if I'm the TA or a senior. once i was asked if i was a freshman. i took that as a big fat compliment.
Thanks for the mention and I also think about the point you're bringing up too. I dress pretty casually at the office and show my tattoos regularly in the summer if I'm only in internal meetings with my dept (but if I'm meeting with other depts I will put a jacket on). However, I'm pretty sure my skirts are too short for a Sr. Director position! Oh well. Thankfully I don't want to be VP any time soon so I don't care as much what the rest of the agency thinks about me - as long as my boss knows I'm doing a good job and my colleagues in the midwest are still willing to ask me to come speak even though they've seen me in a black agency-logo t-shirt with my tattoos showing.
ReplyDeleteRe whether the skirt is too short I think depends on the environment. I know mine are often too short but I also decide to take that risk because I like short skirts and know that people will either overlook it or judge it!
Thanks for this thoughtful and thought-provoking post. Your point about unabashedly refusing to hide the more "womanly" parts of your body/self is particularly interesting to me. And I find your thinking through of ways that we can begin to change the relationship between power - perceived or real - and femininity really compelling.
ReplyDeleteAs much flack as I continue to take for my own performance of femininity (even as I work in Women's and Gender Studies), and as much as I try to imagine ways that I may need to change how I dress, I like the argument that it's not always "us" who should change.
Finally, you look great. Have a lovely time - if that is a possibility for this event. If not, I hope it's bearable and that you get to do something great afterward.
While I really like the outfit, I do think it is just a bit too short. Even another two inches would perfect it for a work function.
ReplyDelete