Dress Up Fridays

I'll get this out of the way... I own a dress shop, so maybe I'm in my own little universe. This might not apply to most of you. But I'd like to make the case for Dress Up Fridays.

Over the last couple of decades the idea of Casual Fridays spread in the workplace. Standards were loosened, jeans were ok. Nothing wrong with comfort. But the thing is, especially in the Northwest, everyday is a sort of Casual Friday.

Yes, I'm aware of my surroundings. Much of the time it's chilly and rainy here. There are times I've had enough of being cold and I'll pull on my one pair of pants. Yes, I have only one pair. They don't fit so well. But when I get cold, or maybe on my day off, that's what I wear.

When I'm not wearing my one pair of jeans, yes, every other day for months, I've worn a dress or skirt. All fall and winter, and now into spring. It's doable. Tights and knee high boots will get you through most anything.

A couple of looks from in the shop. Ajah cowl dress; Big Brown Eyes silk top; mod mini. Cute, huh?

There are women who come into Union Rose and say, "I hardly ever wear skirts or dresses." After my gentle nudging they buy one or two, and they're pleased as punch. Then they return, often wearing the skirt or dress, and tell me how often they're wearing it, how they can do everything in their busy lives they need to do, and just as comfortably.

You see, I think the way we dress is changing. Or at least there seem to be more who want to change.

In a small way we're reverting, if you will. We've been influenced by retro fashion and culture. We look more polished, more put together, and we like it. We get compliments, and we like that too. It gives us confidence. (Oh, come on, we're all a little vain. Admit it.)

The bonus is that we're not restricted by fabrics that are stiff, and undergarments that hold us in like sausages. Stretchy knits that move with us, or elastic waists that are part of stylish construction all mean these are everyday pieces. Pieces that are meant to be worn everyday. Fashionably.

Starlet dress from Amelia. THIS is Dress Up Friday material!

But back to Dress Up Friday. If we move to the more pulled-together looks everyday, why not up the ante a little on Friday? If you come into Union Rose it's how you'll find me. I figure, hey, it's the weekend! Why not dress up? We're preparing for fun: dinner with friends, a party, a hot date. Dressing up gets you motivated for what's ahead. Work hard all day so you can play hard. Revel in seeing old friends at that party. Flirt a little more with that new guy you're so into. If you know you look good, you'll have that confidence and feel more free.

You can always be casual on Saturday.