Out and About -- In the World at Large

[STEVIE]

When I was in hospital yesterday, a nurse asked where my trousers were.
On being informed that I don't wear such things, she was clearly taken aback.
Great fun, amused not offended.
Steve.

[Jim]

grey-skirt_3-1-26_cs.jpg

I attend a Mennonite Church, where the culture is plain and simple clothing. This felt right for today.

[CamperGuy]

Went for a walk, coffee and cake in a nearby town earlier this week. I wore my usual black denim miniskirt, but this time with some textured opaque burgundy tights, burgundy bodysuit under a black bomber jacket, and black t-strap heels. A pretty obvious outfit, so did feel a little self-conscious. Only one response - a "Woohoo" from the driver of a builders' wagon passing by at the traffic lights. Other than that nothing.

Then today went for a coffee and sandwich at a nearby village, this time in a new brown corduroy mini skirt (15", slightly shorter than my other skirts, but seems to work well). This time with brown opaque herringbone tights, but regular walking trainers, since going for a bit of a walk in the rain and mud. Pleasant interactions with the few people I spoke to (the female staff of the book shop and café).

Cheers,

Camperguy.

[Barleymower]

Went for a walk, coffee and cake in a nearby town earlier this week. I wore my usual black denim miniskirt, but this time with some textured opaque burgundy tights, burgundy bodysuit under a black bomber jacket, and black t-strap heels. A pretty obvious outfit, so did feel a little self-conscious. Only one response - a "Woohoo" from the driver of a builders' wagon passing by at the traffic lights. Other than that nothing.

Then today went for a coffee and sandwich at a nearby village, this time in a new brown corduroy mini skirt (15", slightly shorter than my other skirts, but seems to work well). This time with brown opaque herringbone tights, but regular walking trainers, since going for a bit of a walk in the rain and mud. Pleasant interactions with the few people I spoke to (the female staff of the book shop and café).

Cheers,

Camperguy.

It's good to get out CG and I'm a bit surprised you got some heckling from a builder. That should be a thing of the past.

[Faldaguy]

Hey there BM: I suppose you need to hear the tone, perhaps other clues, but I'd not assume a "Woohoo" to be heckling -- the guy may have been inspired! But, hardly a put-down or sign of impending doom! Mostly, I consider any conversational opening/gambit to be an opportunity to explain and promote MIS. I don't always tumble to precisely the right gambit or make the most of the opportunity, but I've not found myself worried about well-being. I have avoided an opportunity or two as my assessment was it was not likely to be productive, or the timing simply was not right -- at a restaurant with others.... Anyway, good going CG. Your outfits are striking, and will likely generate more response than some of the more benign stuff others of us wear -- although I wear a lot of colors, and items that may be deemed more 'feminine', we aren't all peacocks with style like Mouse -- and I've not heard him express much fret from the heathen!

[STEVIE]

This is a tale of two reactions.
On a bus, two young people expressed liking for my outfit, office, smart casual, but remarked on the incongruity of my rucksack.
Explained, work attire, work accessory.
Then in a less salubrious part of town, a guy, age unknown and clearly under "influences".
He spotted the skirts, said nothing, but his mimed gestures were clear and more amusing than threatening.
Also managed to share the mirth with another young person who witnessed his inane antics.
His actions had the potential for a whole different outcome though!
Steve.

[Mouse]

........we aren't all peacocks with style like Mouse -- and I've not heard him express much fret from the heathen!

Faldaguy, I am touched to be called a "peacock with style", however there is a serious point about how we present ourselves in the world and present confidence in our appearance.

......A pretty obvious outfit, so did feel a little self-conscious..........

Whatever you feel inside, you should be totally confident on the outside to the point of showing off. If you are totally happy to be seen and move with a purpose, people wanting to be negative, have to be just as confident in themselves, to make their point. Smiling and thanking people for the comments is also part of the game, along with explaining you are a crazy man who likes to dress as he pleases.

[Faldaguy]

........we aren't all peacocks with style like Mouse -- and I've not heard him express much fret from the heathen!

Faldaguy, I am touched to be called a "peacock with style", however there is a serious point about how we present ourselves in the world and present confidence in our appearance.

......A pretty obvious outfit, so did feel a little self-conscious..........

Whatever you feel inside, you should be totally confident on the outside to the point of showing off. If you are totally happy to be seen and move with a purpose, people wanting to be negative, have to be just as confident in themselves, to make their point. Smiling and thanking people for the comments is also part of the game, along with explaining you are a crazy man who likes to dress as he pleases.

Good point Mouse; exhibiting utter confidence despite any inward qualms is perhaps even more important than the mere appearance of confidence. CG has stepped out early and boldly in his public forays and is to be commended for his courage; while still acknowledging on this site that his feeling are sometimes a bit tender. That is the kind of honesty that will resonate with many others that visit this site, and hopefully help them identify and move forward despite their reservations.

Some outfits are so over-the-top that they scream, "Look at me" and clearly say 'yea, I'm crazy and having fun' in a good way. Other outfits do not broadcast that message as clearly and if not worn with utter confidence can invite skepticism from on-lookers. I suspect the acknowledgement of "crazy" needs to be carefully used so as to convey the fun side of crazy, not an opening for 'yea, you are crazy' while thinking the guy needs straightening out. Another way of using our style is for it to be one of personal integrity. That too helps create an atmosphere where comments can be exchanged productively.

[Jim]

My attitude is not that I'm crazy, but that I'm a non-conformist. After all, the Bible teaches, "Do not be conformed to this world."