Reply #51: Having done research and historical reenactments

[Bettie]

I can tell you that the women's beautiful dresses usually required torturous undergarments and/or many layers to make them look the way they did. There was also the ironing and starching to keep it all together.

Men's clothing was easier to wear, but still much more formal than our society is today.

The fact is, few people want to go around in a suit and tie on a daily basis.

I'm a mom and I dress for comfort and ease of movement for when I chase my kids around.

I wear dresses when we go somewhere special, but I make sure they're long enough that I don't have to deal with the torture devices that are pantyhose and high heeled shoes! My husband wears chinos and a nice shirt to work, but hasn't had occasion to have his suit out in several years.