It’s too long, it’s too short, it’s too tight, it’s too frumpy, it’s too flat, it’s too high, it’s too dull, it’s too out there… JUST LET WOMEN DRESS THEMSELVES.
At least once a week, discarded clothes are strewn across my bedroom in a stressful fit of I-HAVE-NOTHING-TO-WEAR syndrome.
But for many women, it’s not a matter of having nothing to wear — it’s not being allowed to wear it.
It seems lately, there are an influx of stories about high school students being punished for what they’re wearing, and most of the outfits in question are completely innocuous.
Last month, an American teen was told to go home from school for daring to wear a HALTER DRESS.
Another student, Erica Edgerly, was told to go home from school and change because of this highly offensive sartorial choice:
And then there was the girl who had to wear a SHAME SUIT (the yellow number in the middle) as punishment for daring to wear this risque ensemble (the lovely blue dress):
Just last week, a school sent home this little gem:
The language used in the “dress code” instructions above is unbelievably shameful – it promote bad body image, slut-shaming and is just completely sexist.
I’ve done a bit of digging and have unearthed a list of all the things women and girls have been told they cannot/should not wear recently.
The complete list of things women can’t wear:
- shorts: They must be to the knee at least;
- leggings: especially skin-coloured ones. They are distracting to boys;
- red hair: too crazy;
- pink hair: too crazy;
- blue hair: too crazy;
- no hair: too crazy. LESSON: Just never, ever touch your natural hair, ladies. You WILL make men uncomfortable;
- flats: because if famous people can’t get away with it, you definitely can’t;
- sneakers: or things that resemble sneakers;
- cut-outs or midriffs: well, obviously. Skin is the devil;
- suits; because suits are for men. Dresses are for ladies. Except the following dresses…
- halterneck dresses: SO offensive;
- backless dresses: ditto;
- dresses without sleeves: don’t show your arms. You will get pregnant. And die;
- dresses with sleeves; wait, what?;
- dresses with splits in them. personally, I blame Angelina Jolie for making me believe I could show some leg and not be labelled a harpy;
- sun dresses: some people just can’t handle florals;
- short dresses: again, just put the legs away…
- long skirts: or don’t.
Hmm, what does that leave us with?! Maybe trousers (but don’t be too masculine), and pyjamas (but only to bed).
You may not be surprised to someday find yourself with a closet full of Miley Cyrus-style unicorn onesies.
But then again, that might be too outrageous.
Click through this gallery to find out which celebs would be kicked out of their school formals:
Have you ever had someone shame you for what you were wearing?
Read more:
The one thing women aren’t allowed to wear on the Cannes red carpet.
QANTAS is introducing a new dress code. Fancy-flyers only.
Top Comments
I think what is wrong is the language used, not the message. Dress modestly and respectfully, both sexes, for a school event. Perhaps everyone should stop worrying so much about every comment being labelled 'body shaming'.
My high school had a uniform dress code, specifying everything from the colour and length of socks to be worn, hair ribbons and jewellery. Even the colour of scungies/bike shorts worn under our skirts for gym. i don't see the big deal.
Ok. Apart from the last bit about not looking like a 'sausage roll', it's fair enough! If a school is holding an event that requires the students to look a certain way, in order to 1) uphold school standards and 2) not have everyone gawking up their students skirts, then big deal!
At our valedictory ceremony a similar, though less detailed, note was sent home. Trousers preferred as they would be walking on an elevated platform.
As for the other examples there's an easy answer - school uniforms.