[arel]

I read somewhere that a scholar had written a history of women's clothing. I didn't read the book, only about the book, but I remember the idea that women's fashions, until recently designed by men, have traditionally served to limit women's mobility, so that they couldn't run from men. Thus high heels, elaborate skirts, Chinese foot-binding and ancient Palestinian ankle bracelets that were connected like shackles. Meanwhile men's clothes were designed for practical use. Even today, men's shoes are designed for stability. Women's shoes are designed to be unstable. Even low heels are sometimes tapered.

It is difficult to find dressy shoes that are flat.

[Adream]

Originally Posted by arel

I read somewhere that a scholar had written a history of women's clothing. I didn't read the book, only about the book, but I remember the idea that women's fashions, until recently designed by men, have traditionally served to limit women's mobility, so that they couldn't run from men. Thus high heels, elaborate skirts, Chinese foot-binding and ancient Palestinian ankle bracelets that were connected like shackles. Meanwhile men's clothes were designed for practical use. Even today, men's shoes are designed for stability. Women's shoes are designed to be unstable. Even low heels are sometimes tapered.

It is difficult to find dressy shoes that are flat.

You know Arel, I find every bit of that easy to believe! Especially looking at women's fashion throughout the centuries and civilizations.

My DH and I went out Saturday night and did a fair amount of walking. I was wearing a dressy loafter with a wedge heel. I thought they'd be fine. Within two hours, I was in excruciating pain - my dogs were barking!

I made up my mind - no more heels for me! Period. Luckily there was a "Walking Shoe" store where I bought a comfortable pair of leather clogs. They weren't the most stylish shoe to wear with my black slacks, but Lord did my feet feel better. Those wedge heeled shoes went into the garbage right then and there.

Went shopping Sunday, bought a pair of black suede Puma's - my new dress shoe! I don't wear skirts/ dresses very much, I'll wear my black slacks and zippy tops and jackets to dress up. If people are looking at my Pumas, they can think what they like.

[arel]

Sounds like you have prioritized comfortable, safe footwear over fashion. I heartily agree with you.

One more clothes-related question: What about professionals in Vermont? Do they dress up for work? I mean office-based doctors, nurses, psychotherapists, etc. Are people who work at Brattleboro Retreat expected to dress up for work? Does anybody know?

[Kmommy]

There's yet another thing for me to be excited about. I've never been big into fashion and can't imagine why some women would choose a $300 bag or shoe over something more practical. I have one pair of heels I wear for special occasions, and still after years of practice, I can barley walk in them. I prefer my sneaks or boots. I would never have thought to ask this question but I'm glad someone did! I can't wait to move up to Vermont, I think I'll fit right in!

[Jason_Els]

Flatlanders of both sexes tend to dress like butch lesbians (stated with all affection for my sisters): practical, conservative, but never untidy (save for the hippie college students who mistake patchouli for bath water and soap). They drive Subarus, Saabs (more Saabs than any other state), and pick-up trucks. Professionals lean toward Audis. Anything more wouldn't be practical. Jewelry leans to the unconstructed, lots of uncut semi-precious stones set in silver or strung in a necklace. For the dressiest winter cocktail party you'll be all set in a tailored wool or tweed suit, cashmere sweater, and flats with a string of pearls. It's really simple. Think to yourself, "what would Miss Marple wear?" and go with that. Feel free to wear boots to your hosts' home. Everyone either walks around in stocking feet or slip-on flats. If you want to show-off your good taste, do it with extremely well-made tailored clothes, not with fancy designer labels.

In summer you're free to wear sundresses, shorts, and simliar light skirts with t-shirts and anything else or nothing at all. Vermonters have never legislated against making a fool of yourself. Birkenstocks and clogs abound as do the ancient espadrille and Tretorn sneaker. Put a jacket of any sort over it all with a chunky amber bead necklace and you've got evening wear. Very nice.

Order from Brooks Brothers, J Crew, Lands End, Vermont General Store, the Scottish Shop, Orvis, LL Bean, and along those lines and you'll fit in just fine.

[Jason_Els]

P.S- A running joke is, "You know you're from Vermont when you think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightie with only 8 buttons."

[elevenhounds]

Originally Posted by Jason_Els

P.S- A running joke is, "You know you're from Vermont when you think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightie with only 8 buttons."

Tube socks and flannel isn't sexy??


You asked about bright colors. Usually it is the out of staters and newly transplanted that wear the bright colors. You can spot them a mile away. And as for the LLBeans and JCrews that everyone has mentioned....hmmm....most Vermonters can't afford them. Honestly.

Personally, I live in jeans and plain shirts. Rarely wear dresses (esp. in winter unless I have some leggings and boots underneath ) and you will NEEEEED some waterproof boots/hikers of some sort. (and btw that is one place that Vermonters don't tend to skimp: strong footwear)

[KoZmiC NinJa]

They can get pretty wild and crazy !!!!

Sometimes its a flannel shirt and hooded flannel jacket
and other times its a flannel shirt and hooded flannel jacket.
If they are going out on the town, they mix it up a little
and put on a flannel shirt and hooded flannel jacket.
The way to tell a real, Vermonter is they will have at least
two holes, somewhere, in any flannel item.

[carolinajack]

When i am in VT i tend to wear my Carhart pants, Brown, Tan and Steel Blue. I wear a flannel or Chamois shirt, or in summer a pocket tee.

lots of fleece vests and jackets, Hiking boots

[carolinajack]

Arel,

I was planning to work at the Brattleboro Retreat also, but i think i will move back home to the South(though I do love VT).

I drive my old Volvo Wagon or Toyota Tacoma(though I am a Conservative). I wear Cowboy boots mostly also, jeans, tweed jacket and button down or plain front khakis, polo shirt, blazer and boat shoes, NB running shoes, a tie or bow tie, wool crew neck on the colder nights