What Women Wear

Yesterday, I attended my niece's college graduation. (Go, Rebecca!) It made me think, once again, of the issue of What Women Wear. They had a group of doctoral students who received awards. For whatever reason, this group was not robed. (Perhaps they graduate after the fall semester...) Anyway, one by one, these incredibly educated people stepped up on the stage to receive their awards. The men were all smartly dressed--mainly ties and some suits. Very appropriate. The women, however, looked like they were interrupted while lying out in the summer sun. One wore a tank top.

These women knew that they were a) going to a graduation ceremony where they would receive awards, and, b) that they would not be robed. What were they trying to communicate by their outward dress?

I notice a similar gender difference when I sing at weddings and funerals. Most of the men come in shirts and ties, if not suits. The women come in clothes that look like they've been housecleaning. Why the difference?

It could be that appropriate, affordable and modest clothing for women is not always easy to find. It takes some searching to find a store that sells clothes that will fit women who aren't built like anorexic Barbie dolls in the first place. Then, the task becomes finding clothing that is somewhat modest and affordable.