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Not pretentious. But I do sometimes consider them to be socially inept. Often, if you're consistently overdressed for stuff, is because you lack the ability to read social cues re: appropriate attire, same as people who consistently underdress.
There are other potential factors, such as having to work with the attire you've got, there being conflicting cultural norms at work. This happens sometimes at my church, which is very casual/dressed down...there are a few congregants who dress to the nines, because they're from cultures where that's just what you do for church. Nobody cares, it's very come as you are.
There are also those who overdress as a sort of "wish fulfillment" from a youth of not having advantages. I'm thinking of Dolly Parton, who grew up in grinding poverty. As a child she saw what we'd politely call 'party girls' in town and decided that was how she wanted to dress, mostly because it was the exact opposite of what her parents would permit. When she started performing and making money, she donned her trademark wigs, tight dresses, tons of make-up--to her, that was a sign she had "made it". It was what she'd wanted to do since her youth, and became a sort of trademark for her, so much so that if she were to turn up somewhere in a sack dress and no make-up, no one would know who she was. And I think most would agree that Dolly Parton is about the most UN-pretentious person you could meet, even after the amazing success she became.
I would rather be overdressed than underdressed. I don't have a lot of occasions to wear anything but shorts or jeans, so I enjoy getting dressed with nice blouses or sweaters. I like having nice clothes so why would I not wear them.
I have a 65 year old SIL who overdresses for everything...sometimes to the point of ridiculous or maybe it's her fix for a case of OCD?
Her feet are crooked and her toes are curled from wearing high heels every day (even at home) and her feet HURT all the time. I don't think she knows what her finger nails actually look like any more. Gawdy, decorative polish covers hers from year to year.
Her hair? Who knows what it would look like au' natural. It has gone from pink to dark red to blonde.
Her face is stretched tight as a drum from too much plastic surgery and as a result, her forehead is half way up her skull.
She wears a rainbow of colours of makeup on her eyes which is applied too thick and heavy.
Such is the life of a vain person who has to look a million bucks to go the grocery store or the bank.
I'm very laid back and natural. I like looking nice and wear a bit of makeup, but to me, she is ABSOLUTELY pretentious. A plasticized person and obviously not my sort.
I've seen these types of women! I can, after reading your description, almost smell the overwhelming strong perfume, too!
But, these days, don't people mostly dress however they want? And isn't that okay with most people?
Yes, it's fine with me and to answer the OP, no, I don't find it pretentious at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DanielAvery
There are also those who overdress as a sort of "wish fulfillment" from a youth of not having advantages. I'm thinking of Dolly Parton, who grew up in grinding poverty. As a child she saw what we'd politely call 'party girls' in town and decided that was how she wanted to dress, mostly because it was the exact opposite of what her parents would permit. When she started performing and making money, she donned her trademark wigs, tight dresses, tons of make-up--to her, that was a sign she had "made it". It was what she'd wanted to do since her youth, and became a sort of trademark for her, so much so that if she were to turn up somewhere in a sack dress and no make-up, no one would know who she was. And I think most would agree that Dolly Parton is about the most UN-pretentious person you could meet, even after the amazing success she became.
Saw a young man wearing a cape and a fedora at church once. I wasn't offended, it wasn't pretentious. It was, however, bizarre and LARPy and I am concerned about his mental health.
Saw a young man wearing a cape and a fedora at church once. I wasn't offended, it wasn't pretentious. It was, however, bizarre and LARPy and I am concerned about his mental health.
LARPy?
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