May 18, 2008

Too Much Skin

Now that the weather is finally warmer, everyone has been taking their summer dresses out for a stroll in the sun. And its nice. Adds a lot more color and shape to the monotonous winter hues in the streets.
Unfortunately for me though, I've also been seeing a lot of skin. Too much skin. Maybe I am just conservative,
but it really is not a pretty sight. A girl in class the other day was wearing a thin cotton summer dress with a very low v, very similar to the one shown above from UO. And for the three hour duration of the class, I could NOT stop staring at her chest! I am not being perverted here, its more like how people are drawn to look at a car wreck even though they know its going to be gruesome. The dress was just so LOW, it looked like her chest was going to spill out any minute with one of her wild gestures- and I don't think she was wearing a bra!

Personally I don't really have this problem because a) my chest is non existent b) I don't have a dress like that because I think it is too low cut, it doesn't fit me well and there is not a bra I can think of that will work (and going bra-less feels weird) c) even if I DO have such a dress, I'd probably wear something like a laced spaghetti strap underneath. Not that I am saying there is anything wrong with a dress of this cut. It can be very flattering on the right body shape. What I AM trying to say is that should you be wearing one PLEASE be aware not to expose too much skin. I don't mean to be a prude, but it is just not sexy or in any way aesthetically pleasing. Take in the straps. Wear something underneath. Anything.

And while we are on the subject of over exposure, if your summer dress happens to be super sheer like the one above, please remember to wear a slip or under-skirt underneath. We don't need to know what underwear you are wearing or the shape of your legs under the dress.

Image Source: Urban Outfitters

37 Comments:

Blogger alis said...

There might be occasions that wearing such a low-cut dress could be appropriate, such as going partying with the boyfriend.. I kind of have a weak spot for scandalous dresses/shorts/etc., but I would never wear anything that would expose too much skin to a-school, b-work, and c-public transportation. But yeah sheer things are meant to be layered with slips, that's for sure.

5/18/2008 5:56 PM  
Blogger Sophie Richardoz said...

I have a sheer white silk dress and honestly it feels s good I wouldn't wear an underskirt. I wear some skin tone boxer shorts rather than a thong.

But really, in Paris, this is not an issue.

5/18/2008 7:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! hmmm... I think the dress looks really pretty.. but, the way it was shaded makes me not want to wear it... if it was from light to dark, i would probably get it. however, its from dark to light.. which makes me more uncomfortable.

take care,
kyutie

5/18/2008 7:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i am totally with you on this one! i have no problem with people showing a bit of skin when they're out on the town but in the daytime? to an exam? while im trying to finnish my lunch??! i know it's hot but i'm just asking for a couple more inches of fabric?
the only thing worse is those people who wear just leggings as if they were trousers with a normal, not long top over them. i mean honestly NO ONE needs to see the contours of... well, YOU in that much detail unless you are actually sleeping with them.
thankyou for this post, more people should hear that we don't want to see it!!

5/18/2008 8:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is probably a cultural thing, where i live people wear such cuts all the time in the summer because it's too hot. The only problem i see with the above dress is that it's transparent and you can see where the legs are meeting, other than that it's not so scandalous.

5/18/2008 9:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

yeah, something like that is acceptable in hawaii, but i don't know about the city....

hmm... i guess you would have to choose one or the other, legs or arms to show off without looking, well you know, skanky.

5/19/2008 12:23 AM  
Blogger Boutique Mix Fashion said...

i guess a girl can choose to flaunt just one body part.

5/19/2008 12:38 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Agreed.

I'm all for the "If you got it..." cliche, but there is a line.

5/19/2008 8:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Agreed! There's nothing wrong with a bit of mystery.

Modesty is something that should be revered, not reviled.

5/19/2008 10:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The key phrase is: aesthetically pleasing.
I have been on both ends of the spectrum from rail thin to plus sized and people don't seem to work with their shapes nor consider that something loose on a non perky bust is not pleasant for anyone to see. Sometimes "the girls" need a good support and clothing to enhance their shape to make them more appealing not a train wreck . It's not about prudishness it's about dressing for your body and showing a touch of class.

5/19/2008 12:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

stacie is right.
sometimes when you can't help but notice other girls 'assets' are not behaving, its just a little...cringeworthy.

5/19/2008 12:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was just thinking this today! well said.

It hasnt been warm at all here lately where I am at and the last two days its been quite warm. Out came the short shorts, low v-neck camis and sometimes, the bikini top for gods sakes. Finally the icing on the cake the flip flops. All of a sudden I am missing winter.. *so sad*

5/19/2008 1:24 PM  
Blogger Mint said...

There are HUNDREDS of lovely, comfortable things to wear in summer that don't involve cringeworthy cleavages resulting from the same plain camis you see on every second girl around you, shorts that are really more like underwear, dirty disgusting flip-flops, and leggings that leave nothing to the imagination. Sadly, though, these are the majority of items sold in chain stores during the summer nowadays.

Very few people experiment with clothes, have fun with their look, try something out of the ordinary. Now it's just about throwing something on that's at least moderately clean, pulling your hair into a topknot (without the prior courtesy of brushing it) and running out the door to class/work/outing with friends.

So sad. We've become lemmings.

I'm glad you made this post because your point needed to be made in public. I hope people will notice and adjust themselves accordingly. Some girls actually make me embarrassed of my own sex.

5/19/2008 3:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you have a great body why not show it, if you have great boobs flaunt it. But if you don't have them both well there is another way to feel good.

5/19/2008 4:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not enough people own or are aware of slips. Do people not undersand that everyone can see the outline of their thighs/underwear/details of bottom? The worst are jersey dresses which so many people wear. A simple slip will hide everything and smooth out any lumps you may have. A public service announcement needs to be made!

5/19/2008 10:26 PM  
Blogger Pamcasso said...

a slip would help on this one, but I have to say that I've never been that comfy showing off my body- or if I do, one part at a time (boobs or legs... :)I realize that I'm in the minority, but it always weirds me out when men stare.

5/20/2008 12:54 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

low cut is ok, bra-less is not.

5/20/2008 2:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am all about exposure in the summer, but in class and one part at a time. if you are wearing a low cut top/dress, don't show me all your thighs. you'd look nothing more thna a babydoll hooker. I am all about sleeved top with mini skirts, or low cuts with jeans or decent length skirts. Formal shorts with baggier top, never super form-fitting/revealing all over. And please, I really don't want to see nipples.

5/20/2008 2:35 AM  
Blogger Some Like It Fashion said...

I don't think low cut always looks bad, as long as the cut of the top or dress is supportive. What makes my eyes bleed is when boobs are jiggling uncontrollably and it appears that they are going to fall out any second. A low cut but supported cleavage can be classy.

5/20/2008 4:38 AM  
Blogger Vanessa said...

totally agreed...just because it's warm doesn't mean you need to be inappropriate. the dress pictured reminded me of this summer dress by Adampluseve i got... similar color scheme, but much more appropriate.

http://www.shopgoldyn.com/shop.by.designer.aspx?did=202

5/20/2008 5:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks to our mothers & grandmothers we can vote, study and go out bra-less. This is a beach & freetime outfit for a young woman. Adjust your outfit to the occasion - free your wardrobe frome oldfashion rules.
Europe rocks!!!

5/20/2008 5:55 PM  
Blogger Jael Paris said...

Skin is fine, but it needs to succumb to the rules of proportion. If you're showing lots of leg, don't wear something low-cut. And always make sure your breasts aren't going to escape. Tighten those straps, ladies!

5/20/2008 7:06 PM  
Blogger edith said...

i'm in perfect agreement with jael paris....it's all about balance and accent! one body part can certainly be the star, like your legs or your collarbones or your wrists, but the whole point of accentuating something is that it is the point of focus, not a big skin buffet.

5/20/2008 8:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with you insofar as too much skin is not good. especially when people don't have the body for it. the other day i saw a formerly fat now chubby middle aged lady in shorts at the mall and her (still fat) legs looked like they had craters in them with layers of excessive skin wobbling around. that was just gross.

on the other hand i think you are too conservative, whats wrong with not wearing a bra or hinting at what's underneath?

5/21/2008 3:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have the solution! Indigo Handloom, based in Brooklyn, NY makes these beautiful hand-woven dresses that are made of Batik silk. They're so unique, summery, and lightweight and such high fashion without showing off too much skin! You can buy them online at The Talk Market

http://www.thetalkmarket.com/video/product/539/

so beautiful!

5/21/2008 4:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It really depends on your body type


I can wear very low cut dresses without showing any cleavage because of my barely there chest, but I cant pull off short shorts with my large butt. It's all about not showing too much at one time and it really depends on the occasion.

5/21/2008 7:13 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I agree it really depends on your body type. I homestly dont see a problem with the cut of the dress other than the fact that it is sheer. I live in Florida where the spring and summer temperatures are very hot so I am accustomed to seeing people with small amounts of clothing even at school. I do think it is inappropriate to dress that way to class.

5/21/2008 11:56 AM  
Blogger Lenore Duda said...

I think the dress is pretty. But not everyone can wear it!





WWW.FUZIONCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

5/26/2008 2:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love it! But I think it's not good for city life... it's great for beach or hot places such as Havaii :)))

5/26/2008 10:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can't see what the problem seem to be! If someone has nice breast how should she express them? You don't get a nice sports car to park it in the garage the whole year. I personally love to see my wife show off skin. This not only gives her self confidence but also constantly turns her on and she enjoys the extra blood circulations.

Ladies, relax and enjoy your bodies. While others enjoy staring at your deep cleavage you can also try and enjoy showing off.

11/03/2008 5:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

First..yes there are way to dress that look better (in SOME peoples ideas of what looks good) than other ways of dressing. However ideas on proper fashion vary a lot from place to place. There are parts of the world in which the women wear nothing but a string around the waist, and WILL NOT go outside without wearing their string (they would be NAKED then).

AND - - - Oh help us all - - - prudishness is once again rearing its head again in the form of the "fashion police".

'OH NO...I am NOT a prude...but I would NEVER go topless or naked to a beach, or wear a tiny bikini, go topless at a club (with 5 other women doing the same thing), or wear a low cut gown "braless" so as not to ruin the designers original ideas, or wear a $500 sheer silk top with a $300 sheer silk bra under it (as intended by the creator).

'EWW...HOW GROSS...don't "THOSE" women know "ANYTHING"?!?!'

How about we all try and grow up a little here and let people be who they are. Perhaps even realise that clothing was invented for :

1) safety
2) decoration

Covering up certain body parts was just a side effect of people living in places where you HAD to dress from head to toe (often in wool( just not to die of exposure. Time went by and you have the Brits wearing wool form head to toe in India in the summer.

But over the generations, the standards of dress that people grabbed onto for weather reasons, became unquestioned ideas set in stone.

Oh yes, and I hate to say this...well no I actually -LOVE- to say it... I have yet to meet any person who had a problem with the amount of "skin" that another person was showing, who didn't have some sort of personal issue with human sexuality, over religiosity, irrational body taboo issues, or a fear of what not conforming to "the rules" would do to them. The fact is that other human beings methods and choices of dressing (if they choose to dress at all) is "not about you", has no real effect on you, and is in every way "NOT ABOUT YOU". Their choices that day did not involve your existence, and they never will.

The Tabloids in Britain and in the US go on about all the fashion errors of "the stars" ad "the famous" as if the uni drop outs writing for those rags had any taste in clothing or any real knowledge. They rip apart people from dressing the way that people dress every day "in that part of the world" because it sells papers, because the are selling to prudes in countries with other ideas about bodies and clothes, and it gives them an excuse to rip into people for the joy of it (it makes them feel superior).

Frankly most of the women I know (and I am female so I see this a lots) in life are outright nasty toward any and VERY woman who is out of hearing range, and will use any excuse (no matter how weird or contrived) to rip down another women. How other women dress is a prime target. See a beautiful women wearing something small and cool on a hot day, note how the people who find her atractive notice her (and still behave themselves) no matter how much skin of what kind is showing...and THEN out come the catty insults and cruel comments. The same women when out on the town might see somebody going into a 5 star restaurant in a transparent gown (designed to be worn sans undies) or wearing something appropriate for clubbing (which usually means -very- revealing) and once again - out come the nasty comments.

Where are the other words? The ones that are being thought (and rejected) but not said? You know ladies, about how beautiful she looks, how much courage and personal strength she has to be able to carry that outfit off? How she really must be a strong person not to worry about what petty people will say? How you wish your own head was together enough not to be too frightened to wear a thing like that?

Nope. Far easier to rip people apart because they make you uncomfortable by reminding you how many of your ideas Are based on ignorance; ignorance of the facts of sexual assault (what you wear makes no difference) about bodies (there is nothing wrong with them), clothing (it is a decoration *not* a shield), nudity (has nothing to do with sex), society (which is screwed up). Heavens above, do not for a moment look at yourself and try to figure out WHY you are made uncomfortable by another woman's scanty clothing (or outright nudity) and what it says about YOU (it says nothing about them). Don't ponder, learn, think, or grow as a person. Just rip her apart instead.

1/25/2009 10:25 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Wow. That anon had quite a lot to say. I have nothing against dresses like this, but there is a time and place for everything and class is not the time nor the place.

4/10/2010 5:57 AM  
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11/11/2011 10:10 PM  
Anonymous a-Fred of the trooth said...

I agree with what "anon" up there said. Ya people this will be a long post. The whole topic makes me pissed off.

Not a female here, but I love my wife & she shouldn't have to live in fear that is forced on her. Neither should my daughter. People live their whole lives this way. I hear the most horrible things said about women from other women ('shes a slut for dressing like that, what a whore, you can see her boobs', bla bla) with assumptions that the whole damn world MUST be clothed in the 'right' (very conservative) way.

Geeze people I hear very few guys talk or act bad to women, even when they wear most nothing (topless at the beach or in a park) & those who do act bad are not treated very well by the other guys around them. Women do it all the time though. Gotta attack any lady who won't do what other ladies believe will keep them safe.

CRAP THIS IS GONA BE LONG

Think about his. For 300+ years (1600s, 1700s, 1800s) which was the time ruled by Victorians and Puritans, women very commonly wore a style called "extreme decollete" (or decolletage) where the whole breast area was shown in public. All out there in public and nobody cared at all. It is there all over in REAL history...it is a normal fashion style, in paintings and woodcuts and in documents.

Before that there were hundreds of years where the bust line was low enough to show pink (but not the whole breast area). BUT modern people have censored the entire time period!

It is hard to find any of those thousands of paintings. They are kept in private and in back rooms of museums. Costume dramas show the whole era in clothes that are *wrong*. Medical science even censored out parts of reality that did not fit the idea that women ought to NOT like sex. Hell, the Anatomy texts of the 1700 showed details of the clitoris & female prostate with peri-urethral glands (which DOES have ladies ejaculate) ... all of it was censored out of existence too.

Also censored were the reality that gender isn't just male & female in nature. Thousands of species have variations beyond the 1950s version of reality. There are fish and lizards that change gender. Geese where the mated pair are 2 males who hatch the eggs. Homosexuality is all over in nature People censor reality to fit what they have been told is normal, and they erase everything they does not fit. It is all a big lie and this "don't let anybody know your legs meet in the middle" is a piece of it. This is the same set of lies that hurt a lot of gay people (all the way to suicide) by telling them that they were perverted for being who they are.

"Extreme decollete" was everywhere. Boobs around in full view for hundreds of years of the Holy Roman Empire when the church controlled everything, and nobody cared at all, with a dress neck line that was UNDERNEATH the breasts. Mary of Orange showed up to marry her king that way at a very public ceremony. Queen Elizabeth of England wore this style even when she was rather old (there were complaints from ambassadors about having to look at her 'old dugs'). These ladies were considered modest, pure & chaste examples to others, and their boobs were in FULL VIEW on a regular basis...and this was *NOT* considered at all obscene.

This whole time period was censored by people later on, who only wanted to see things that agreed with their mental health problems. And you on this page are helping people stay nuts, and disregard reality as being 'naughty'.

So you got a picture here with a pretty lady wearing a pretty dress, a very normal one, and you can tell that she has two legs, and that they meet in the middle. And you are all bent out of shape over this? Oh come on!

there will be more

1/22/2012 2:00 AM  
Anonymous a-Fred of the trooth said...

OK, here I go again people.

This nutty fear people have, "oh don't see my body"..."don't see my junk or my boobs"...they they have got now days, as we moved toward the late 19th century and onward.

It is not healthy. Kids start out all perfect and loved and then all the sudden some of their body bits are 'dirty' & they don't know why.

People wind up with this fear of other humans SEEING their nude bodies, and especially some bits of it.

There are people ashemd to see THEMSLEVES naked in a mirror, or even of having their pets see them naked.

This is nuts. We are scared stiff of others seeing our body bits (oh heavens) or even seeing HINTS of them through fabric. This is all seriously bad mental health. Its a bunch of FEAR and SHAME & living in fear your whole life. Acting as if their skin were a bad thing. Why be filled with shame over having the skin you are born with? The body bits that we all have?

It's shame issues & fear of being mistreated by other people. It is shame & a belief that there is something wrong with ones normal body, not pretty enough, not good enough and using clothes (again with anon here) as if they are some sort of shield to protect us. Hold up your magical shield of CLOTHING and don't get hurt by mean comments, assumption about your character of worse...rape!

Rape based on appearance is not real. It is the result of chouces of the rapist not choices by the raped. Appearance is NOT why rape happens at all. It is was explain why so many babies are raped? It is a way high percent than people want to believe. How did THEY dress that contributed? DO we really want to walk down a road that sick?

Rape is all about control of another person & disregarding other people as being important & real. Women fear rape and when they see another woman dress skimpy they attack them as being 'bad', as if somehow doing this mean thing wil protect them. As if having a clothing shield will keep them safe, and give them control over what some sick bastard chooses to do. It does not work that way. A large percent of BABIES are raped and so are old grannies. Do you honestly think how some infant wore their nappy was in the perverts head?

and so women attack other women, to try and believe that have control over sexual assault based on the fashion choices they make. guess what people. it don;t work that way.

Many people think it is tied inexorably to religion, but previous versions of the same religions did NOT have the same ideas and issues. The human body ain't a bad thing.

1/22/2012 2:07 AM  
Anonymous les privat said...

thanks for post .. very nice article

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