Girls, please help convince my mother that it is OK for females to wear pants.? She wants me to wear dresses?

Question

Can you please help me settle a debate with my mother over my wardrobe and what women should be wearing at present? I have had my girlfriends talk to her and explain that they all feel more comfortable in pants and that the majority of females wear pants today. But my mom is a bit old fashioned and believes that women when out of the house should always present themselves immaculately and this can only be achieved wearing a dress or skirt. She has even got my boyfriend on her side now which is a bit irritating and I think he is just supporting her to make it more difficult for me.

The thing is I am a 35 year old woman and I believe I am old enough to make my own decisions with what I can wear. My mom grew up in the 60's and loves feminine fashion while I just do not have enough time for that.

My wardrobe consists of
Dresses = 3
Skirts = 1
Pants = 3
Pant suit = 1
Jeans = 5
Please can you list your basic wardrobe so that I can settle the riff with my mom.

Answer 1

Lets see...my basic wardrobe is
Dresses = 3 (for special occasions only)
Skirts = 3
Pants = 10
Pant suits = 3
Jeans = 7

You are definitely old enough to make your own decisions, and I'm definitely more comfortable in pants. And I think a woman can present herself immaculately in a dress OR pants. But if you're looking to close the rift between you a little, why not make the effort to wear skirts and dresses to family occasions--not every day, but for the holidays, dinners, and other special get-togethers.

Answer 2

pants (jeans/sweats/yoga pants/etc.): at least 22... i stopped counting after that
hoodies: 9 or 10
tshirts: a lotttt
skirts: 5 or so... 1 black dressy, 1 cream colored long skirt, and 3 others (jean skirt and then two that are like a stretchy material)
shorts: like 6 maybe
dresses: 1... and i only had that b/c i had to go to an installation dinner last year

I'm 21.. and my parents don't control what I do or don't wear. I buy my own clothes, with my own money. In my opinion, I think you have to have a serious talk with your mother since you are now 35 and she still controls what you wear. That just shouldn't be.

p.s. Do you still live at home with her? If you don't, then there is definitly no reason why she should be in control of your wadrobe and what you wear.

Answer 3

At 35, I'd say you are old enough to choose your own wardrobe.
Sure there are some occasions where pants are not appropriate. I for one usually don't wear pants to church unless the weather is bad.
I think it really depends on your job. In that case, I would follow the lead of the women executives in your office. Always dress for the position you wish to acheive. If they wear slacks, then wear them.
I think as long as you are neat, pulled together and your clothes fit well, it doesn't matter if you wear slacks, jeans or skirts. Just buy the best quality clothing, shoes, handbags and watch you can afford and you'll always look great.
On weekends and for play, pants and jeans are really more comfy.

I won't list my wardrobe because it would take pages and pages, lol. But I am about equal pants, jeans, dresses and skirts.

Answer 4

I'm sorry that your mom doesn't have the same opinions as you. I understand that can be pretty difficult. However, she should understand that you are 35 years old and you will make your own decisions with your own consequences, if to her that might mean you walking out of the house not as 'immaculate' as she may like you to dress. The most women today do wear pants, and if you look at some of our top political women, they often wear pant suits along with skirts as well, but I still think they maintain a nice balance. Being feminine does not always mean skirt. You can be feminine with some classic pieces of jewelry, soft makeup, nicely kept hair, and an appropriate wardrobe.

I would say I have about 12-15 skirts in my closet, but I wear them for formal occasions, or if I feel like looking extra pretty one day. I have probably about the same amount of jeans, and only a few pairs of dress pants. I think I own about 6 dresses as well, but none of them are casual enough to just wear everyday.

You need to stand up for yourself and don't let her belittle you or make decisions for you. It's good to have opinions, but ultimately, every choice will be up to you. Best of luck with everything.

Answer 5

Wow. I think that since you are 35, you should dress any way you like.

I hardly ever wear skirts or dresses. Hate them. They are very uncomfortable to me. There are other reasons, but comfort is number one. I think it is like discrimination or maybe even a violation of civil rights when companies require women to wear skirts or dresses.

I don't remember the last time that I wore a dress or a skirt. I do have some, but I only wear them for events that require business or formal attire. My job is one that allows me to wear slacks, capris, or even shorts as long as the hem is to the knee. It is hot most of the year where I live, and sometimes the A/C doesn't work on site. So, we are allowed to wear shorts and capris. In my job, not only would I be risking my safety by wearing such restrictive clothing, but I would also risk humiliation if a dress or skirt were to fly up.

I have:
a few pant suits
a few dresses
a few formal skirt suits
probably 10 pairs of slacks
4 pairs of jeans (+ about 3 pairs for dirty jobs)
5 pairs of capris...
and an unlimited supply of different lengths of shorts.

Not sure if this helps. Good luck.

Answer 6

PANTS!!! I only own a few skirts, mostly for going out to dance. Pants that look professional and femminie are probably your best bet. Your mom might think that pants=jeans. But she should sit down and look at a catalog with pants that are more femmine in thier cuts, fabrics, and designs. (ie the Victoria Secret pants are such ones).
Also pair nice blouses with the pants to look more femmine too.
Hon, you're 35, you're mother should have stopped dressing you once you were in junior high/high school. That's way to much control that your mother wants/has over you. Your boyfriend shouldn't be on your mother's side. He should be supporting you because the riff between you and your mom is obviously bothering you.

Answer 7

You are 35 you should be able to make your own descions. She should not be picking your outfits. Do you still live with her? If you don't you should wear dresses when you see her that would please her. And your boyfriend.. how old is he? He should be sticking up for you not agreeing with your mom.
You should get her a magazine and show her what people your age are wearing. I can't really help you make a wardrobe list because I have a lot more clothes that that. But I hope some of this helps!!

Answer 8

I can't imagine allowing my mother to even give legitimate comment on my wardrobe choices past the age of 25, let alone 35. She sounds like she is lost in the late '60s or early '70s, but that doesn't have to be your problem. I have skirts and dresses but rarely wear them. And depending on your job, dresses may not be practical -- or does she not believe women are allowed to work outside the home either?

Answer 9

I can understand where your mom is coming from, but as you said you are 35 years old and should be able to dress yourself the way you please.

I have a lot of dresses, but they are most for going out to clubs. On a day to day basis I wear jeans I have atleast 30 pair. As for tops just regular tees and that sort. I own a couple of dressy pants( for interviews and such) and tops to go with those.

P.S. MOM it is okay for her to wear jeans no one is going to judge her if she wears jeans to the store or else wear,( except interview) hehe.
Good Luck!

Answer 10

6-7 jeans
2 capris
5 MINI jean skirts ..not something your mom would like
2 dress skirts
1 dress thats suitable to wear outside of a banquet
2 "dressy" dresses

i always wear pants or jean skirts and my mom doesnt like it either but then again im only 16