One negative experience and you were put off? Do you still drive a car? I bet you've had folks complain about your driving, but you did not give up. The fact is that whatever we do, there will be someone who does not like it. So what? If you want to do it and are doing no harm, just carry right on. Occasionally I hear a giggle or an over-loud stage whisper, sometimes (very, very rarely) a direct negative comment. Sometimes it is because I'm skirted, but more often than not it is either not directed at me (and I'm just being over sensitive) or because I've done something else that upset the individual. If I've done something silly I apologise and get on with my life, equally if they are being silly I grin to myself and continue. No harm done either way.Derek Plattis wrote:I'm afraid I can't agree with the premis of the post which suggests we have proved that men wearing skirts is o.k. and accepted. The last time I went public in a skirt was in the summer of 2009. After many years of apparently problem free skirting, in one day out I got so much ribbing and jeering that it put me right off the idea
As a guy who has worn skirts and kilts all over the UK and in many parts of Europe, I have to say that my experience disagrees with your view. Most folks simply don't care what I wear, even if they notice I'm just a passing curiosity for a few seconds and then they are back to living their own lives.Derek Plattis wrote:I do not want to be a laughing stock, I want acceptance as a man in a skirt but I really don't think that is possible in England today.
Agreed and it does you no harm, while it may bring a little more light and laughter to their lives. What's the problem? Most people laughed the first time they saw a Smart car, now they are just an everyday sight and nobody notices them any more. Familiarity has removed the humour value; more skirt wearers would have exactly the same effect over time.Derek Plattis wrote:Most people who see a man in a skirt just laugh, usually silently, inwardly, and move on.
And can be dealt with or ignored. On one occasion I had a group of teenagers, one of whom thought he'd be funny. He was half right, all his friends had a good laugh, as did I! See the story here.Derek Plattis wrote:Some actually jeer out loud.
That has to be your decision, but if you are not sure how to make it look right on you, why not put up a few pictures of you in it with a variety of other items and see what people here think of the look. As Carl has remarked many times, a believable look is important and dramatically impacts on the confidence of the wearer. Self-confidence is by far your best defence against a surprised world.Derek Plattis wrote:I was almost convinced that I would not skirt again but last week I discovered a beautiful long black and white skirt in a local charity shop. I just had to buy it. I could not stop myself. I've tried it on at home. It looks and feels marvelous and now I'm seeking the opportunity to wear it publicly - if I still have the nerve.
Have fun,
Ian.