Ladies: was there a time when you wore dresses/skirts more often than you wore pants?

Question

I was just watching an "I Love Lucy" episode. It occurred to me that we only see Lucy wearing slacks once every blue moon, and we never see Ethel in slacks.

When did you make the transition from skirt-slip-stockings to pants most of the time? Did you feel weird doing it?

I am young enough that I grew up in a world where women in pants was the norm. However, I graduated law school 14 years ago, and at that time, it was definitely NOT okay to wear a pants suit, no matter how nice, to court (but that's changed now, too). My mom was an RN from beginning in the 1950s, and she not-so-fondly remembers having to wear a skirt and white stockings and a starched cap to work -- not great working garb if you're trying to give CPR or if you're sprinting down to the ER!

Answer 1

Hmmmm.  It was in the fifties.  I, too, was a nurse.  OMG!!  those caps that wouldn't stay on if you had thin hair!!!!    They fell into bedpans and food trays, often, in that order.

Answer 2

1970.  The year I graduated high school.  We were still required to wear skirts every day.  I waited for the school bus every day no matter what the weather with nothing to protect my legs but tights or pantyhose.  And the last couple of years of course I wore nothing but mini skirts!   At that age I definitely believed in style over comfort. But I remember being so envious of the guys in their jeans.  Now I hardly ever wear skirts and it feels odd when I do.

Answer 3

my wife started about ten years since and I still hate them.

She Reckons slacks are more comfortable for travelling.

Fortunately,when we go out for a meal/drink, she wears a skirt

Answer 4

Yes, the hospital setting was one place you wore a dress uniform--not pants.  I remember those days well.  Other than that--my attire have been pants.  ;-)

Answer 5

in the 60's

Answer 6

I wore dresses or skirts most often until the 1980's.  That was if I was going to school, work or any type of social gathering.  I don't remember seeing any adult women wearing slacks or jeans unless they were doing farm chores.  My casual wear was always jeans or shorts.  I think I bought my first pants suit to wear to work about 1972.

I will always feel more feminine when wearing a dress or skirt but slacks are more practical if you want to accomplish any work.  The high heels were more of a handicap than the skirts/dresses while working in an office.

Answer 7

When I was in school girls weren't allowed to wear pants.  I still like to wear dresses in the summertime(much cooler) and for special occasions but for everyday pants are definitely more comfortable and more practical.  BTW, when I was a kid in the 50's there was a woman in our neighborhood who wore pants and everyone thought she was so scandalous!  People said she must be from New York City -- and she was!

Answer 8

In he 50's and early 60's more women wore skirts than pants. I don't remember minding too much but my legs also looked better then especially when I was wearing those high heels with the pointed toes. I also went through the mini skirt/hot pants stage. Once I graduated and became a teacher, I had to dress more conservatively plus as a young wife and mom I felt a little out of place in some of these really short outfits. Now I'm all for the comfort of nice slacks and comfortable shoes.

Answer 9

Yes,  when I first started working, 32 yrs ago, I wore dresses & skirts a lot.  Now I dress as casually as they'll let me!

Answer 10

When I grew up girls were never allowed to wear trousers.

My boyfriend ( my husband of 42years) rode a motorbike and

I started to wear them on the bike.  My family were scandalised and

would not let me wear them on Sundays.  It was also a rule in

the office I worked in not to wear trousers.

I live in them now, I only wear a skirt or a dress if I am going

out.

Answer 11

It was my senior year in High School. 1970-71  They stopped making the girls wear dresses and said we could wear pants suits.... (remember those awful things?)  Well being I was in art I got away with wearing my brother's old navy jeans. I used to have to walk to school in sub zero weather in Montana. It was a little over a mile and nylons just did not cut it. I have been wearing mostly pants ever since.

Answer 12

Yes yes 1950 everyone wore skirts or dresses.

Answer 13

Yes, in the 1950's.

Answer 14

When I got out of high school , the  skirts and dresses WENT------ LOL

Then, when I started ball room dancing it was back to dresses, when I danced. On Sun. a.m. I wore dresses or a skirt.  You noticed I said  "wore"  I wear slacks about every where now..It would be a disater to go back to skirts and dresses.  OOH, just the thought of it gives me chills

Answer 15

In the 60's. I love pants more than a skirt or dress now. As a matter of fact I don't own a dress or skirt. I use to have two dress, one for a wedding and the other (black) for a funeral. No more, I gained weight and that was that. In winter I love jeans, in summer I love caprics. My mother was also a RN many years ago. Then their uniforms were cotten and it was my job to iorn them. I still hate iorning today!  Poppy

Answer 16

It wasn't until my last years of high school that women were allowed to wear pants to school. We also had to have a dress or skirt that came down to the knee. It was cold walking to school. You could wear panty hose, but if you wore something thicker, like tights, the other kids would make fun of you. It was better to freeze!

Answer 17

I made the transition just within the past 5 years, as the cold northern winter wind has been finding it's way south, and my aging knees feels every celsius degree.

I don't feel weird at all. You can't argue with warmth and comfort.