Voices : Women don't just dress for other women

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The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

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Women don't just dress for other women

DEAR EDITOR:

In response to Shanita Mickens' article on fashion, printed Sept. 24, I would like to voice a few words.

She boldly claims that "in the wild, male animals are always flashier than their female counterparts" making reference to peacocks and fish, stating that it should be this way with humans as well. If she knew the history of fashion and the large role it plays economically, I believe Ms. Mickens would change her point of view.

Fashion dates back as far as the classical period of 500-323 B.C. when women dressed flashier than their "male counterparts." Women were commonly found wearing embroidered Doric chitons, or robes, perhaps girded at the waist, usually holding an embroidered himation (somewhat like a shawl).

On the other hand, men of the Classical period were adorned only in himations, usually made of wool, and simple sandals. So while you may compare us to Beta fish and peacocks, in reality women have dressed flashier than men for centuries.

Actually, until the current century it was unheard of for women to even wear pants.

Secondly, I would argue against her claim that women do not dress for themselves or other men, but for other women. Women dress fashionably for several reasons that might include dress code for a job.

Perhaps a woman is more comfortable in a dress than a T-shirt and jeans. Conceivably, a woman may dress this way because she looks and feels at her best, and others' opinions do not matter.

Shanita, please check your history before boldly making false claims and assumptions. I dress fashionably as a personal hobby, not for other people. You could even consider it an art form.

Kandi McGhee
senior, fashion design and merchandising

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