Comments on: The Great Debate: To Wear Or Go Bare

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:03 +0000

From a guy’s point of view I would say that bare appears too casual. If pantyhose is uncomfortably hot in the summer then follow stacy’s example and wear hold-ups.

By: stacy

stacy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:13:11 +0000

A bit late in the post to be responding but this was something I felt I should respond to.

Wearing pantyhose is a given. You are at work, you are meant to look professional. There are so many styles of sheer, barely there, cotton rich out there for those who feel that wearing pantyhose could leave them sweltering. I find that in the summer, it is easier to wear hold-ups rather than full tights which gives me some breathing room and I find that the sheer, barely there styles work well for summer. I find the idea that a skirt/cropped pant is worn without polished leg wear, either pantyhose, a shimmery tan or sporting healthy, silky, soft looking skin is a big no-no. As some others have said, it signals some laziness.

That said, I have never come across a hosiery policy in any place I have worked, neither a policy on shoes..it is generally accepted that mules, flip flops etc are not appropriate.

By: Bella

Bella — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:21:04 +0000

I for one do not want to wear a dress without hosiery. So, like another woman said, she bypasses the issue by wearing pants.
For years we women wore hose and I have never had a complaint about them. It was just the thing you did to have a polished look with dresses or suits. They do make your legs feel and look better.
20 yr. olds can pull it off, but come on ladies, I have seen some real sights…bruises, veins, dry skin and bumps!
Not very pretty. I agree that women have become lazy and just don’t care anymore what they look like. I also agree with someone else on here, that women or men who do not have their pedicures or take care of their feet have no business wearing open toes shoes. I always pray that I do not see someone’s gross feet when I got out to a restaurant or while I’m grocery shopping! It just makes me sick.

By: Victoria P. Lahay

Victoria P. Lahay — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:57:35 +0000

Well, I think it is purely a personal choice on whether or not to wear hose. I’m sure that’s no longer a business requirement in 2009. It may keep you warmer for the winter times but I don’t think it is necessary (or preferrable) during summer. Feet get sticky in hot weather so going bare foot actually let your feet breath better. On a fashion standpoint, I personally think bare legging is having a more natural look as arms and legs are both having the same texture/color. May be that’s the reason why models in Fashion Magazines seldom wear hose! I guess if one is willing to keep her feet in good shape and reserve reasobable buget for professional pedicure, going stocklingless will always be my top preference for any occassion (even at my husband’s funeral last summer). Besides, the higher worn-out on shoes will always be a good excuse to buy new ones! Just turned 50 in February, I realize that I may need hose to cover up some day but I will delay that some day the best I possibily can.

Moreover, being a lawyer living in warmer States, I have not been wearing hose for decades. It’s always been over 90 here in Phoenix and wearing hose is simply a form of torture. That’s why no women in my office wear hose to work and I don’t even wear hose to court. It is perfectly acceptable in the professional community these days.

By: Rachel McCullough

Rachel McCullough — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:40:18 +0000

I for one am appalled by some of the girls that honestly believe they can go bare legged and pull it off. (Kinda like the low waisted “muffin top” thing.) I mean just because some millionare starlet has hit the genetic lottery and can go bare legged doesn’t mean that anyone can. Oh and those pics in the magzines are retouched. Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble here. I am so happy to see that trend is on the way out.
Bare legs are quickly moving out of the fashion cycle, and about time too! Those excuses that they’re too hot (they keep your pants and skirts from sticking to you in the summer), they’re too tight (buy the right size, not the size you wish you were), they itch (there are even ones with lotion and aloe in them), they make my legs look fake (better than the bruises, cellulite, imperfections, and vericose veins you’re showing the world), just don’t cut it anymore.
Ask any man which he prefers and he will tell you, “Hosiery, without a doubt.” I wear pantyhose every day of the week continue to recieve compliments. As a woman in my mid forties, pantyhose have been a staple of my wardrobe for almost thirty years. And should be in the top drawer of any womans dresser.

By: Fashion Lesson # 20: First Impression in 1/10 of a Second « Fashion Sensei

Fashion Lesson # 20: First Impression in 1/10 of a Second « Fashion Sensei — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:06:49 +0000

[...] If you can, try to find any personal bias’ the interviewer may have. As we saw with The Great Debate: Wear or Go Bare, some managers still expect women to wear hose. You wouldn’t want that to get between [...]

By: theuglyearring

theuglyearring — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:21:34 +0000

oi break all the rules here…even when it was required of me to wear hose. i’ve learned the best way to escape this mess is a great pair of black slacks–you don’t have to worry about any of this (and get away with not shaving the chicken legs too).

also this is a fun find from the NYT’s latest social q section:

Pedicure, Please

My assistant doesn’t do anything for her appearance — no make-up, hair pulled back (and looking greasy) and dumpy clothes. I try to set a good example by being put together. Now that summer is here, she’s wearing open sandals and doesn’t paint her toenails. Her feet look rather unkempt, and I think painted nails pull a look together — especially in summer! How do I have a conversation with her? She wants to move out into the business world in the next year or so, after she completes her M.B.A.

N.T., Milwaukee

It’s admirable to worry about your assistant’s career advancement, but I’m getting a whiff that you’re a little less concerned with her development than you are grossed out by her.

I suggest keeping your beauty tips to yourself. Being a mentor doesn’t give us leave to cross the line of inappropriate topics.

And don’t you suppose a woman who’s bright enough to finish her M.B.A. is capable of making her own grooming decisions? Moreover, would you ever suggest a pedicure to a male employee as a step on the road to career advancement? I didn’t think so.

Advantage, Friend

By: Calliope

Calliope — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:56:49 +0000

I have to say that I prefer to wear stockings with a dressy outfit – particularly in the evening and with a suit…and in cold weather climates (like Chicago or NYC)…that is, of course, with a pair of closed toe pumps. I would never wear stockings with a sandle or open toe shoe.

I live in LA and so I no longer work in a conservative work environment so I don’t find myself wearing evening wear or a suit very often – therefore do not have the need to wear stockings. But never say never ladies. Stockings – if worn the right way – can be another accessory to have fun with!

Just none of that faux tan stuff. Which leads me to a point I haven’t seen listed here, I think that there is definitely a cool/sexy factor difference between black hose and tan. Wouldn’t you agree??

~Calliope

By: Toni Wilson

Toni Wilson — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:38:58 +0000

I myself cannot believe what I am reading. Everything I read just says I am to lazy to polish my look. What dont women care anymore? I do, I wear hose everytime I wear a dress. Yes their are exceptions, sundresses, sandals, but they even make hose for sandals with a little loop that goes between your big toe. I have great legs bare, but I just think it bumps them up a notch and also finishes off my look. Just from what I hear, it seems that all the excuses point to laziness. I think hose really makes a statement, a positive statement, saying I know I look good and so do others. Come on girls and ladies think about it:)

By: Fashion Sensei

Fashion Sensei — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:47:05 +0000

Hey everyone, thanks so much for all the feedback!

A special hello to first time commenters, Toni Wilson, Removing Black Hair Dye, and Lucy And The Beasts.

Lucy, it took me a little while to catch on, but I recognize who you are now. I’ve been so preoccupied, that when I first read your comment, I thought hmm, that sounds like someone I know. Duh!

Anyway, no I seem to be paying particular attention to other women on their way to work when I leave the gym in the morning to see if they are wearing stockings or not.

Also, after I wrote this post, I remembered this childhood friend of mine who wore pantyhose under her shorts until she had a tan. I also remember other women who wore nylons under their shorts. Can you imagine?!