The perfect summer vacation requires the perfect attire, and what could be better and more appropriate to wear at a boiling hot beach resort than sheer dresses and flimsy skirts.
I have this peculiar urge to wear ultra feminine and pretty clothes in Italy, even though that is really not my style and I’m not – well, I consider myself neither feminine nor pretty enough for that kind of clothes. My summer wardrobe is of the more practical kind: cotton tanks, shorts and the occasional denim skirt.
But then again, who is feminine and pretty enough? Perhaps I am too harsh on myself. Perhaps I should challenge myself to wear those romantic outfits and learn how to feel comfortable and beautiful in them. Stop thinking so much, put the dress on and work it. After all, isn’t that what my life is all about these days – challenging the prejudices, eliminating the borders, refusing to let myself or others dictate what I can’t do.
The question is: Do I really want to wear those dresses, and should I?
Nope., You are just not THAT kind of femininity. We live in a society (or maybe in societies) that push a single model of femininity and essentially refuse all other models. Yet, even this model is subject to swings and periodical falls out of fashion. Sixty or seventy years ago, the perfect feminine model was the family mother in apron and with a bunch of children following her, now it’s this kind of frilly girl. personally, I don’t have much to share with he, because I have a completely different kind of femininity. Wearing that kind of outfit would make me feel as a drag queen, while I actually feel more of a drag king.
FWIW, when I first came to Italy (the first few times in fact) I always had the urge to dress much more traditionally feminine than I was used to in the US. In fact even when I lived here for a while, I still did. Eventually though I eased into a happy medium, I think, more toward where I used to be in my style of dress in fact, which is pretty casual.
I think part of the romance of coming here on vacation is embracing the part of you that Italy brings out…while it may be hidden just about anywhere else, if you feel like wearing those dresses when you’re here, I say do it. You’re many things at different times in your life and also in different places. Go with it
You are more feminine than the model in the picture.
Living in Umbria, I saw a lot of women in jeans and boots (flat, no heel). The hills in Perugia are just so, that you can’t run around in little dresses all the time. And high heels? Rarely saw them except for at Tango events. And I find the woman very, very feminine, boots & all. Femininity doesn’t equal a dress all the time.
(Though in the hot summer girls might wear dresses with comfortable sandals).
Think of the terrain you’ll be moving about on in Italy. It’s a good idea to dress according to that so you’ll be most comfortable.
I think that if you have a dress that says ANNIKA, then wear it. Maybe when you’re in Amalfi you’ll see one in a shop that appeals to you. And you’ll know if it’s right for you. But if you don’t feel like *you* when you put it on, leave it on the hanger.
Fishing for compliments are we!
I have the same type of questions running around in my head about cutting my hair really short. It has always been long and I wonder why it scares me so. I think it’s brave to be who and what you are. Sometimes that just means “for the moment”. I only like dresses when I’m hot haha
I think all the responses, knowing most of the commenters, are very interesting, and ALL have validity. But when I see that dress, I have to say I do think of you — young, pretty, fresh, with no particular sexist baggage attached. Typically, you do not fit the “babydoll” stereotype that lots of italian men want to squeeze onto their partners (even my very enlightened spouse likes those “babydoll” lengths and cuts on me – which is absurd given that I am something like at least 25 years older than you, menopausal, and he is JUST WRONG about it!)
So…I have to say that I think that “look” might be very nice for you this summer. If it attracts you, go for it, bella!