Skirting the issue at work.

[Caultron]

...This is why I tend to harp on the "believability" aspect of things. If one makes the conscious decision to swap trousers for a skirt, it's really up to that individual to be an exemplar for how to carry the look -- to make it a look not only worthy of emulation, but one desirable to emulate. It's through this process that the more timid may be enticed to join the liberated...

For sure, a well-integrated and balanced outfit helps both one's self-image and one's perception by others.

And I guess, "well-integrated and balanced," and, "believable," allude to the same concept.

But a, "believable," men's skirt outfit isn't an easy thing to define. There are few precedents or role models. I suppose we mostly borrow elements from other styles and designs or, since there are no standards, wear what we like.

[partlyscot]

...This is why I tend to harp on the "believability" aspect of things. If one makes the conscious decision to swap trousers for a skirt, it's really up to that individual to be an exemplar for how to carry the look -- to make it a look not only worthy of emulation, but one desirable to emulate. It's through this process that the more timid may be enticed to join the liberated...

For sure, a well-integrated and balanced outfit helps both one's self-image and one's perception by others.

And I guess, "well-integrated and balanced," and, "believable," allude to the same concept.

But a, "believable," men's skirt outfit isn't an easy thing to define. There are few precedents or role models. I suppose we mostly borrow elements from other styles and designs or, since there are no standards, wear what we like.

Not easy to define? Yes.....but also perhaps not easy to agree on. I am often second guessing myself, I buy a skirt, or dress, with an idea in mind, put it together, and.... Nope. Doesn't work. "Why doesn't it work?" Does it make it look like I'm trying to assume a Woman's figure? Is the overall look just to floaty or frilly for me? Or just too, different.

I'm quite often mostly looking for different, but if you go too avant-garde, you're not leading, you're leaving everyone behind. It's been frustrating at times, but getting to be a bit more fun lately.

[crfriend]

And I guess, "well-integrated and balanced," and, "believable," allude to the same concept.

That's very much so.

But a, "believable," men's skirt outfit isn't an easy thing to define. There are few precedents or role models. I suppose we mostly borrow elements from other styles and designs or, since there are no standards, wear what we like.

No, it's not, but -- as one wag on the US Supreme Court once noted about pornography, "I know it when I see it." So, in this context, "believable" is not looking outlandish or freakish, putting together well-blended looks, and not trying to shatter the framework around us. Since there are so few precedents, it can make the task seem insurmountable, but if we carefully build looks that we are happy with, enjoy wearing, and which draw positive comments, then we're onto something.

[Caultron]

...in this context, "believable" is not looking outlandish or freakish, putting together well-blended looks, and not trying to shatter the framework around us. Since there are so few precedents, it can make the task seem insurmountable, but if we carefully build looks that we are happy with, enjoy wearing, and which draw positive comments, then we're onto something.

Agreed.

[partlyscot]

Well, yesterday, I kept it believable, I think, but what I thought was a minor variation, seemed to attract much more attention than expected.

I put on some dark grey opaques stay ups ( A.K.A. thigh highs, or self supporting stockings ) They are quite dense, so pretty much completely opaque, smooth, and have a very slight shine. Not quite a match to the skirt, just enough variation to be visible, if you looked closely. Nobody, except the GF, was aware that they were stockings, and I assume most assumed tights, or some kind of base layer. I like them, and since having found them at a clearance place, I have enjoyed wearing them immensely. They feel very nice on the legs, make my legs look fantastic ( to me anyway ) and stay in place very comfortably, while side stepping all the problems with poorly fitting tights or pantihose.

I think many more people saw the leg covering, and wondered about "Tights with shorts? Hang on, that's a kilt! Or is that a skirt?" That is how I think the pattern of thought was going. Previously, in passing, I don't think most saw the skirt, unless the angle of view, and manner in which I came into their view, "presented" it. The old "most people being too wrapped up in their own lives" thing.

Still didn't get any hassles, and about the same ratio of approval/neutral/negative as before, but it put me a little more out there. One male co-worker said that it looked like a very comfortable outfit, to which I agreed, with a smile. Another co-worker, female this time, stopped to say she approved of the outfit, she herself is known for being particular, if a little different, in her presentation.

The increased attention was a little surprising, but having no option, just carried on, and it became clear that it wasn't a problem. I am going to have to get used to a much increased level of visibility going this route. Very weird effect on me, it does end up causing a little more awareness, almost excitement or fear, but at the same time forces a knowledge that I have to remain calm. Knowing I am the subject of attention, it is also causing me to watch my posture more, as I tend to slump towards the end of the day.

[Liino]

Good for you Partlyscot for going and getting your skirt on, nothing like heading it staight on and "doing it". Interesting to hear your approach for making sure that the process for ensuring compliance with dress codes and company policy at your work place. As with many work places one has to understand and abide by it to proceed to acceptance. Just as women have/had to do in many workplace and event scenarios even with the latest headline at Cannes Film Festival. Thanks for sharing!

[Sinned]

To resurrect this thread a little. Yesterday we had a one-off vent at work which was a little company-related presentation, a raffle and a couple of awards along with a buffet. It only lasted just over an hour so wasn't a big event and there were only about thirty of us there. I'd been asked by one of my colleagues beforehand if I was going to wear a skirt and I said that I was. I agonised for ages about what to wear as this would be the first time they would see me in a skirt and I wanted to make a good impression. I decided in the end to KISS and wore a short-sleeved white shirt, knee-length denim skirt and white trainers. The reaction I got was so underwhelming. Nobody really said anything about it. Saw one or two glances. But then nobody really socialised with me either. I just felt more that I was ignored more than anything. Perhaps the shortness of the event and the fact that at 7pm the tendency may have been that everyone just wanted to get home. I'll know a bit more when I get to work on Tuesday. I did have a brief discussion about it with the Manager beforehand and he was particularly nonchalant about it. I was nervous about it beforehand, now I'm just a bit thoughtful.

[Stu]

Yes, the lack of reaction if you wear a totally plain denim is quite startling.

Not too short or too long - nobody bats an eyelid. It's just not an issue. You would get far more reaction if you wore bright green trousers.

[skirtyscot]

Not sure about that, Stu. I possess a pair of fairly bright green trousers, and they consistently fail to turn heads. I'm sure my denim skirts get more sidelong glances or pulled faces.

[dillon]

Yes, the lack of reaction if you wear a totally plain denim is quite startling.

Not too short or too long - nobody bats an eyelid. It's just not an issue. You would get far more reaction if you wore bright green trousers.

I guess that's why I don't wear blue denim skirts, having only one that I improvised from old jeans. I hope to be observed and noticed. I'm not flamboyant about it, but simply exercising my right to the same pride in my choices as any man in ghastly Dockers and polo shirt.

[Sinned]

Well, there was a total non-reaction to my skirting last Sunday. I didn't ask anybody what they thought and nobody brought the topic up. Everything seemed normal. I'll take that as a minor victory then. I also attended an audiology appointment skirted last Monday and that was also uneventful.

This is also my 1000th posting - a milestone. Hard to think that I've been a member now for close to 3 years.

[dillon]

Looking forward to your next thousand posts, Dennis!

[skirtingtoday]

Congratulations on the 1000th post! Like me I think we should both get out more - and skirted as well.

Great about the non-reaction from your colleagues last Sunday and the continued lack of reaction on Tuesday. Though folks would notice, it seems to be regarded by them as a non-event - there are more important things to chat about after all.

I too go to out-patients departments (pacemaker checkups), dentist appointments and hairdressers almost invariably skirted with the same uneventful reactions.

Are we winning?

Ross

[Caultron]

Are we winning?

Perhaps, but at the very least we're learning that most people care what we wear.

[partlyscot]

Congratulations on the 1000th post! Like me I think we should both get out more - and skirted as well.

Great about the non-reaction from your colleagues last Sunday and the continued lack of reaction on Tuesday. Though folks would notice, it seems to be regarded by them as a non-event - there are more important things to chat about after all.

I too go to out-patients departments (pacemaker checkups), dentist appointments and hairdressers almost invariably skirted with the same uneventful reactions.

Are we winning?

Ross

How strange that you should have posted this today. I also went to a pacemaker checkup in a skirt, this morning in fact! ( all good by the way ) Not only was there absolutely no comment, she didn't react at all. She did get to see me standing at the check in desk, so I assume she got over her surprise then, and was just being disciplined in her professionalism. One thing that was interesting was that she was in a skirt too, pretty short one as well.

As this thread has been revived a bit now, good time to give an update on skirting at work. I am wearing skirts pretty much all the time, and there has been some increased interest. One guy actually went off and tried on the same skirt, but says he didn't like the way it looked on his legs. The kilt wearer has worn his a few times, about every 2 weeks or so it seems. Had my annual review, pretty good review, skirt didn't even get mentioned. Had several more comments from customers, all positive, some very enthusiastic. The girls at work, indeed, most of the staff, seem to have reacted by being much more adventurous with clothing choices. I have never seen so many skirts, dresses, colourful and short shorts before. It could be that the weather has been unusually hot, but.... My GF has gone on a dress/skirt buying/sewing binge. As you might imagine, I don't have any objection to that! Not to say she doesn't look good in well fitted pants....

Walked half a mile to a barbecue with an ex co-worker, mid calf skirt and Hawaiian shirt, much more colourful and floaty get up than my working attire. Walked into the house to greet a group of people I didn't know, before I went on into the garden to meet up with the said co-worker who invited us. Some definitely raised eyebrows, but no issues and was greeted warmly and treated normally. Seems that if you meet people openly with a smile, they don't have a problem.

Only one so far that has issues is the semi fanatical Scot that I work with. He has made some comments about me being jealous of kilts and doing it wrong. Bit too much of a traditionalist it seems. Oh well. He avoids me now, which could be seen as a benefit, as he was always a bit too free with the practical jokes.