Let’s Talk About Pantyhose, Shall We?
I’m standing in the middle of Macy’s, last Tuesday, staring at a wall of pantyhose. It’s 2023, and I’m supposed to wear these things because… why, exactly? I asked a sales associate, let’s call her Marcus, who shrugged and said, “It’s what women have always worn with dresses.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But is that a good enough reason anymore?
I’ve been in fashion for 20+ years, and honestly, I’m tired. Tired of rules that don’t make sense, tired of trends that come and go, and tired of the industry’s insistence on making women feel like they have to conform to some arbitrary standard of “appropriate.” So, I’m done. Done with pantyhose, done with heels that hurt, and done with the idea that fashion should be uncomfortable.
My History with Fashion Faux Pas
Back in 1999, I was a junior editor at a major magazine. I showed up to work wearing a skirt and sneakers. My boss, a colleague named Dave, pulled me aside and said, “You can’t wear those. It’s unprofessional.” I was 22 and didn’t know any better, so I went out and bought a pair of painful heels. By lunchtime, I was limping. I never wore those shoes again, but it took me years to realize that I didn’t have to conform to that idea of professionalism.
Fast forward to about three months ago, I was at a conference in Austin. I wore a dress with bare legs, and a woman I barely knew said, “Aren’t you cold?” I wasn’t, but more importantly, why did it matter? It’s my body, my choice, and my comfort. Why should I care what some stranger thinks about my sartorial decisions?
Fashion Should Be Fun, Not Fussy
Look, I get it. There are times when certain outfits are expected. But those times should be few and far between. Fashion should be about expressing yourself, not about adhering to some outdated rulebook. I’m not saying we should all show up to work in pajamas (although, honestly, who wouldn’t love that?). But we should be able to wear what makes us feel good, not what makes us look “appropriate” according to some arbitrary standard.
I’m not the only one who feels this way. I talked to a friend, let’s call her Sarah, who said, “I wore a dress to a nice dinner last week and didn’t wear pantyhose. The waiter looked at me like I was crazy. I mean, it’s 2023, not 1953. Who cares if I’m not wearing pantyhose?” Exactly, Sarah. Who cares?
But What About the Rules?
I know what you’re thinking. “But what about the rules? What about looking professional? What about…” Blah blah blah. The rules are outdated. The rules are boring. The rules are, frankly, none of anyone’s business. If you want to wear pantyhose, great. If you don’t, also great. It’s your choice, not mine, not your boss’s, not some random stranger’s.
And let’s talk about comfort. Why should fashion be uncomfortable? I’m not saying we should all wear sweatpants to the office (although, again, who wouldn’t love that?), but why can’t we find a middle ground? Clothes that look good and feel good? Is that too much to ask?
A Quick Digression: The State of Fashion Today
Speaking of comfort, have you seen the state of fashion today? It’s all about athleisure and comfort. People are wearing sneakers with dresses, and no one bats an eye. And you know what? It’s awesome. It’s about time we started prioritizing comfort over style. But somehow, pantyhose are still a thing. Why? It’s completley illogical.
I checked out entertainment news update celebrity the other day, and even celebrities are embracing comfort. They’re wearing jeans and t-shirts on the red carpet, and no one cares. So why should we care about pantyhose?
The Bottom Line
I’m not saying we should throw out all the rules. There are times when certain outfits are expected, and that’s fine. But those times should be few and far between. Fashion should be about expressing yourself, not about adhering to some outdated rulebook.
So, I’m done with pantyhose. I’m done with heels that hurt. I’m done with the idea that fashion should be uncomfortable. I’m done with the idea that we should care what some stranger thinks about our sartorial decisions. I’m done with the rules.
And you know what? I feel great. I feel free. I feel like I can finally wear what makes me feel good, not what makes me look “appropriate” according to some arbitrary standard. And that’s a feeling I think everyone should experience.
About the Author
I’m Jane Doe, a senior magazine editor with 20+ years of experience in the fashion industry. I’ve seen trends come and go, and I’ve had enough. I’m here to talk about fashion in a way that’s honest, real, and maybe a little bit sarcastic. I believe fashion should be fun, not fussy, and I’m not afraid to say what I think. If you agree, great. If you don’t, that’s fine too. Let’s start a conversation.
