"Trousers are just skirts with extra sewing"

Who would have thought that wearing a skirt or wearing trousers would be seen as making a political statement?!

I have spent the day researching my Dissertation at the Leeds City Arts Library and am consequently in the mind-set of Fashion and Politics (the topic of my dissertation.) This mind-set got me thinking about the significance of my daily fashion choices. This is also something that was brought up when I volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau on Friday. While I was there, everyone noted how I was the only woman wearing a skirt instead of trousers. This caused us to question which attire made a woman more powerful when we had a few moments of downtime with a Cuppa.

So, tonight as I planned my outfit for tomorrow, I was faced with the dilemma of Skirt/Dress or Trousers and this dilemma held greater significance than usual.

Do I wear?

Trousers. An item of apparel that is seemingly more masculine. An item of clothing that women fought long and hard to rightfully wear without being seen as ‘odd’.

Or

Skirt. When one wears such attire, you are instantly more feminine, more womanly and more desirable. Wearing a skirt is sometimes too much like harking back to the past and is seen by the Modern Woman as giving up all that women have previously fought for! But then I face the dilemma; is my decision to wear a skirt going to be seen as feminist?!? And is this political statement something I want, projecting to the world!?

At the Citizens Advice Bureau they decided that I was the most powerful woman as I was individual and different and stood out in my skirt. They said I looked powerful and womanly as I embraced my femininity and exhumed confidence in it as I was happy wearing a skirt. Therefore I will definitely be wearing a skirt as much as I can for the moment. It may be cold, but I’ll put some thick tights on and embrace my femininity and Skirt!

Although I have to admit that I cannot wait to wear these particular trousers! They are absolutely gorgeous. I purchased them in the Zara sale and unfortunately realised too late that they were a little big on the waist. It wasn’t that I was too late to take them back – but too late, as I had fallen in love and couldn’t imagine my wardrobe without them! I have since had the waist altered and a panel cut out the back to enable me to keep them and fit into them! They now look lovely on and not a ‘baggy bum’ is in sight! They also match my love of tartan! And Scottish themed trousers are always a good thing – “Donald, where’s ya troosers!”

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