Formal Fridays

[partlyscot]

They are trying something new around here, "Formal Fridays"

Our usual image is more relaxed and casual, so this is a way to mix it up and have a bit of fun.

I'm not much of suit and tie look, so any suggestions? I don't commit to using any ideas, just looking for a bit of brainstorming.

[Caultron]

Two words: evening gown.

Or maybe: skirt suit.

[skirted_in_SF]

I wear a suit and tie Monday to Thursday, Friday has been casual (aka slob. I never actually go slob, more sweater and twill pants) for years. But I'm beginning to think about a different Friday theme. I've been wearing skirts exclusively on weekends since the middle of last July and last Friday I wore what Lands' End calls a boot skirt (with boots) to work. I'm going down the path of changing casual Friday to skirt Friday.

[crfriend]

I'd definitely go with a skirt suit -- and bright colours.

"Formal Friday" sounds like a capital idea now that pretty much everything as far as taste and decorum has been thrown to the wind. "Casual Fridays" were a bad idea when they first started cropping up in the 1990s, and the overall trend remains a bad idea -- especially as "slob" has replaced "casual" in the general population.

[r.m.anderson]

I'd definitely go with a skirt suit -- and bright colours.
"Formal Friday" sounds like a capital idea now that pretty much everything as far as taste and decorum has been thrown to the wind. "Casual Fridays" were a bad idea when they first started cropping up in the 1990s, and the overall trend remains a bad idea -- especially as "slob" has replaced "casual" in the general population.

- - -
Hey cr - I resemble that remark and deserve as much casual slobbiness as can bestowed upon a retired bloke !
Casual Fridays are better than the March of the Wall Street Penguins - every male bifurcated in uniform lock step and clothing.

Back in the 70's I worked in Hawaii and Fridays were ALOHA Fridays - now that is just downright comfortable business attire for the upper torso.
Kilts and skirts were not quite in vogue at that time - fast forward to the 90's when kilts and skirts started the inspiration for my casual comfort zone.

[crfriend]

Casual Fridays are better than the March of the Wall Street Penguins - every male bifurcated in uniform lock step and clothing.

Why do I have visions of goose-stepping penguins now?

Back in the 70's I worked in Hawaii and Fridays were ALOHA Fridays - now that is just downright comfortable business attire for the upper torso.

Indeed, and Hawaiian shirts always make a loud and happy statement. The world needs more of 'em.

[partlyscot]

I am definitely leaning towards the skirt suit idea already, have just sent in a request for clarification as to the rules, (not about skirts, but other "uniform" aspects) If that comes back in the affirmative, will start making serious search for something suitable.

I saw a woman in the Summer that had a terrific linen skirt suit, not sure if the actual design would work, but the overall feel of it made me quite envious. Smart, stylish, little bit sexy, some power image. Really worked well, had the feel of practicality and comfort.

[Kilty]

Formal pencil skirts look great, even in male colours (black, grey, navy)... Atmosphere (Primark ) do some lovely grey ones on ebay, or Zara or Hobbs ones are smart and plentiful. Black tights, boots and there you go!

I bought a Gothic steampunk style pencil skirt (I'm lucky enough to get into a 10), it was tight but that was due to the lining so I cut that out and just wear a slip. It was pinstripe but would do for work as it's smart

[Uncle Al]

On the opposite side of the coin, I have 'Casual Fridays'
7 days a week. Not bad for a retired person



Uncle Al

[Pdxfashionpioneer]

To get down to the practicalities of skirted suit shopping I'd like to pass along my experiences. When I decided to take the plunge of dresses and skirts as my male self instead of crossdressing, I started out on-line and found that I measured out to a size 16/Xtralarge. NOT! The dresses I got in those sizes almost fell off me. They sure don't do anything for me. By trial and error I found that in dresses I usually wear a 14 or a Large.
Usually is an important word because many manufacturers use vanity sizes; they sell more dresses by calling their 10's size 8's, etc. Their customers feel like they look slimmer because the size tag tells them they are.
To get back to cases. I saw some Columbia Sportswear items I wanted in the worst way. Living in their birthplace city their flagship store is right downtown so when I saw their season-end clearance sale included the dress I was dying for I had to go. I bracketed the Large I thought I was. The salesclerk who was helping me assured me it was flattering so I bought my body-hugging, black, racerback dress in a sz L/G.
I then tried on a skirts I thought might be fun. The 14 literally fell off me so I kept stepping down the sizes until I walked out of the fitting room with a 10! A later trip to the Pendleton outlet store nearby (Moonshadow: Take note, this is yet another reason to take that transfer to the City of Roses, good names in fashions dirt cheap.) confirmed my findings: for jackets and dresses I want a 14, skirts 10.
So do your field research before you buy, try on enough things to know your dress/jacket size and your skirt size. I expect most of us guys need different-sized jackets and skirts. If you come to the same set of conclusions I did, you need to buy suit separates for your Formal Fridays and not a regular suit.
If you're wondering how to go about this field research, it really is simple. Wear your nicest skirted outfit, it helps you fit in. Make sure your outfit includes the hose you plan to wear with your find. They really do help your shape.
The fitting in part works several ways. Many people will see a skirt or dress, assume female and look no more closely. Really. When women see you, they generally smile in appreciation of your trying to fit into the club. Guys who are alone flipping through the racks look out of place. Or worse. If you start getting nervous, and I usually do, just remind yourself, "You're doing just what the manager of the store wants you to do, trying to find a reason to spend money there."
Having on a nice outfit and using some manners can REALLY pay off. This Sunday after church I was in Penneys looking for a full slip by Vanity Fair that I had found on-line. It's reversible because it has two different necklines and no cups like most full slips have. I was wearing my Pendleton jacket (full retail was $2-300, at the outlet store I got it for a little over $40); a tan, calf-length skirt (Jaclyn Smith from Goodwill) and my knee boots from Target. The salesclerk lead off the conversation with, "I love your boots." While men have almost nothing to say about one another's clothes -- really, most of the time what is there to say -- women are continually complimenting one another on their clothes; it's a great conversation starter. So give the clerks something to talk about.
I asked where I could try on the slip because I was uncertain of the size. She explained that the fitting room in the lingerie section was closed so she lead me to the one in the dress section and explained I was "welcome to use whichever one was open." The 38 fit so perfectly I didn't even bother trying on the 36.
Shopping on-line first also turned out to be the way to go because I picked up a discount code that was good in the store. Between the 20% off that was advertised on the display and the on-line code my $27 slip came down to $20 plus change (Yes, you can cascade those things.)
So don't buy a skirted suit on-line, the odds of it fitting are astronomical. Shop on line for possibilities and discount codes. And read the reviews, it's amazing what you can learn. Dress up, the whole experience will run better and what the hell, one excuse is as good as another. Be nice, your Mom and mine got that one right. Try things on; the standard size charts are almost meaningless. The manufacturers don't necessarily follow them. On top of that the design and cut of the clothes can make all the difference in the world as to how the actual item will fit your body so bracket the size you think you are. Have fun and good shopping!

[skirtingtheissue]

So do your field research before you buy...
Try things on; the standard size charts are almost meaningless...
Have fun and good shopping!

It seems you've got it together, Pdx! You've got a great attitude and are truly "learning the ropes." I agree with what you say; trying something on is the only way to be sure the first time, and plus it's a lot of fun to shop in the women's department. I get a few compliments there too. Never in my life have I been complimented on male clothes, unless it's a T-shirt with a notable message or illustration.

If something is available only on line, just buy two sizes and return one... that works most of the time.

-----Henry

[skirted_in_SF]

I buy a lot online from Lands' End and have for 25 years (started with phone orders from the men's side). I have bought enough tops and bottoms from them that I'm confident of my sizing there. That doesn't mean the same sizes will work with a different manufacturer.
PDX has a good point on vanity sizing. Somewhere around five to eight years ago I dropped a full numeric size in LE bottoms (from an 8 to a 6). And it wasn't because I'd lost weight.

[partlyscot]

I'm well aware of the sizing issue. Dresses on me are generally 1X, XXl, or 16-18. Skirts tend to fall in the size 14 or large. To be expected, the shoulder to waist/hip ratio tends to be smaller for women that men.

[JohnH]

From my limited experience with the likes of WomanWithin and Roamans I have found their sizing to be very close to their size tables. I have been able to buy bras, boots, shoes, skirts, and blouses and they fit me perfectly.

I have not explored skirt suits. Unlike the dull repetitive patterns of men´s suits of course with women´s suits there is a lot more variety. I also find women´s blouses fit me better than men´s shirts since I am not flat-chested and blouses allow for my enlarged breasts (40 DD).

As a side note I do not have a feminine voice. I am a basso profundo.

John

[moonshadow]

(Moonshadow: Take note, this is yet another reason to take that transfer to the City of Roses, good names in fashions dirt cheap.)

Don't know of they [my current employer] will be expanding to the west coast in my lifetime. But my wife and I have discussed a change in scenery in the next five to ten years. Based on your post, in addition to some other research and opinions I've read, the west coast is looking better and better. The acceptance and politeness you describe in your ventures out and about frankly make me somewhat green with envy.

Soon as the kid graduates in a little over two years.... anyone out there know of someone who needs a good commercial kitchen repair man, hit me up!