Anonymous wrote:There I said it.

But why is it so?! The men look great. DC is literally the last place in the US where men were jackets and ties normally.

But the women??? Talbots + Flats, old lady sandales, or worse.. just sneakers. Dresses that not only DON’T flatter their form but also go down to the ankles and athleisure athleisure athleisure.

What gives?

Is there something about conservative DC culture that also means you can’t be sexy AT ALL?
The worst dressed women are in San Francisco. They are the absolute worst. But DC??

This is bad.

They don't need to look like sex objects always needing to wear make up, heels and skimpy clothes to prove their worth.

Feds are practical people. And they don’t have the budget for a hobby like fashion.

Only the gay men look great

Anonymous wrote:There I said it.

But why is it so?! The men look great. DC is literally the last place in the US where men were jackets and ties normally.

But the women??? Talbots + Flats, old lady sandales, or worse.. just sneakers. Dresses that not only DON’T flatter their form but also go down to the ankles and athleisure athleisure athleisure.

What gives?

Is there something about conservative DC culture that also means you can’t be sexy AT ALL?
The worst dressed women are in San Francisco. They are the absolute worst. But DC??

This is bad.

Lol the men look good? I thought it was a truism that men in DC tend to wear ill fitting suits and basic collared shirts.

Anonymous wrote:I’m curious about the look of San Francisco women.

Mostly better than DC, exception being much of the financial district. When living there, IME, you just sort of pick it up and it’s second nature to dress that SF way. When I moved back here, I felt both much more stylish and slightly out of place. I’ve gotten a bit more boring again.

I think the biggest factor is comparing the ladies who lunch to the regular working stiffs. In my circle I see a lot of great taste, high quality fabrics and cuts, and even the ladies who claim to not care about fashion look like they are at least wearing what their personal shoppers picked out for them. Skincare, hair care, makeup--everyone is checking those boxes.

Compared to the working class, which is a toss up of those too tired to care (shifts and sneakers crew) with tote bags, no nail polish, maybe minimal makeup.

Then the middle class group that shops at Ross/Kohls/Shein with the crazy prints and cheap poly fabric. Their shoes are usually from Target, not real leather. Purses are some kind of DHgate knock off in fake leather as well. Hair is usually too long and needs a trim, usually has chipping or grown out gel polish. Too much makeup.

Oh this old topic again. I’m always curious is getting compared. When I look around NYC and see the people on the street hustling to work and compare them to the people waiting for metro bus, they look comparable. Mostly tired, just trying to get by. A couple fashion plates here and there.

Who are the people in each comparison group?

I’m curious about the look of San Francisco women.

Seattle. Fleece

Just look over at Capitol Hill also a part of DC. You have a PA-ian dressing up for well...lounging at home. Then you have those old fools showing up like it's still 1969. Wear whatever it is you want.

I agree with you, OP. In my case I just don’t have time so I go with whatever worked for me 10 years ago which may not longer work for me. I’m the same weight I’ve always been but age does age me (!) and it’s not obvious to me how to keep adjusting. I gave up heels in my early 30s after a short ballet career because my feet are shot.

BUT, back in April, I was walking around Manhattan and a stylish woman complimented me on my outfit — athleta Brooklyn pants, a similar material v-neck blouse, brown belt, brown cute leather flats and sunglasses. I almost fell from the shock but she was genuine.

I’m still riding on that high, lol!

Sounds like you are going to lame places

DC isn’t known for style. That makes the city no different than most - you aren’t going to see many more fashionable women in Boston or Philadelphia. Add in the heat and humidity …

Fashion here isn’t GLAMOROUS. This isn’t Miami or New York.

DC is “preppy”

Preppy clothing is mainly part of
the body language among women who
are married or who do not need to
establish themselves with an appearance
that has instant impact.

Preppy clothing says "I am not a
threat. I am sexless and safe. I am a
woman's woman."

Glamorous clothing says "I am a threat. I like men, sex, and me. I am serious about
relationships and if you do not take care of yourself to keep your man interested, I
may get him.”

We prefer to be preppy here.

There I said it.

But why is it so?! The men look great. DC is literally the last place in the US where men were jackets and ties normally.

But the women??? Talbots + Flats, old lady sandales, or worse.. just sneakers. Dresses that not only DON’T flatter their form but also go down to the ankles and athleisure athleisure athleisure.

What gives?

Is there something about conservative DC culture that also means you can’t be sexy AT ALL?
The worst dressed women are in San Francisco. They are the absolute worst. But DC??

This is bad.