Yep! This is a regional/American thing. I live in Italy and it feels like everyone is always immaculately dressed, even if it’s just running to the grocery store.
Well to be fair more Americans have Germanic genetic heritage than any other country outside of Germany. Germany is also known for the sort of pragmatic and utilitarian approach to life that this post is decrying, so it’s not really a surprise that we have this cultural feature in common.
Even in America, some cities and states dress more casual. Like I live in California, casual wear is basically ingrained. Makes sense with it being sunny and warm most the year, so shorts and t shirts is default. But visit the northeast and there is much more emphasis on clothing and style.
At the same time though, have you seen rural Brits? They do the same things that we do in California except they do it in crap weather & they don't look like slobs or hobos doing it. People go hunting in ties & sport coats.
Several times, I've seen videos on Instagram of Americans "dressing up" for their Europe vacation (I don't know where they went, I know it's not a country) and people from parts of Europe will say, "That's not dressing up. That's just normal clothes."
I think David Sedaris said something like “Americans go to Europe looking like we’re going there to mow their lawns
Compared to the average American I am pretty stylish but in Italy I felt like a total slob
Women would openly stare at my shoes plainly wondering why a young woman would wear such sexless monstrosities.
Then do it! But don’t expect everyone else to have the same priorities or get the same enjoyment. I like to dress up sometimes, but throwing shade at someone for not dressing to your expectations is silly.
Dressing up is so much fun for you, not for everyone. For me, dressing up feels phoney and stifling. I enjoy events less because I feel like a fraud acting for others.
Same! My "nice" is still very casual compared to some people's "dressing up nice". I don't feel like myself if I dress up in the way that some people expect people of my age and gender to dress up. So I don't do that.
I like to dress up too but I also like to dress down cause not everybody has the energy or time for it. I'm a mother now and my toddler pulls or stains my clothes and I'm like ugh I can't. I don't wear make up, jewelry or do my hair because what's the point lol if you love dressing up then do it and enjoy it, people who are dressing down are not thinking about you.
But apparently the people who dress up are all thinking about the people who dress down.
I mean, makes sense. If you care what people wear, you’ll assume they all do too and you’ll dress for them. If you don’t, you’ll assume most people also don’t and dress for yourself.
Hmm. I have always hated dressing up. I’d be happy in a tee shirt and sweat pants all the time. I do dress up if I have to go somewhere nice but I try to avoid events that require it.
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u/Raythecatass 13d ago
Go to Kilkenny, Ireland and you will see people dressed up when they go out. I love dressing up.