We had an event at school this week and my daughter needed to find an outfit to wear. We had to agree on something appropriate as she would be in the presence of not only other students but faculty and parents as well. Naturally, the items in her closet would not suffice unless she planned on wearing sweatpants, yoga pants, or ripped jeans.  

We ventured out to the plaza buy a few new things and I found myself visualizing her perfect outfit. Her flat shoes are not only comfortable but safe to walk in as well.

Her legs are modestly displayed, covered lightly with a plain sheer stocking. A loose skirt flatters her as its hem rests slightly above her knees. The blouse she is wearing flows elegantly off of her shoulders and tastefully accentuates her femininity. There are several buttons below her neckline yet her cleavage remains masked as she conservatively buttons all but the top one.  She looks perfectly lovely; polished, sophisticated and refined.  

Suffice to say, that my idea of something “appropriate” is vastly different than hers. Although I consider myself somewhat “trendy” (for a middle-aged mother of three), according to my daughter, I am a Pilgrim without fashion sense.  It would be a miracle if I had a hand in selecting an outfit my daughter actually ended up wearing. Aside from supplying the necessary financial support for the purchase, my input and suggestions are not needed or accepted, thank you very much.  

In addition to our opposing opinions, our shopping trip is made difficult by something far more challenging:  available clothing from which to choose. I am convinced that representatives from the fashion industry and retail stores are secretly conspiring with teens in the underground to abolish all modest and/or tasteful clothing.

Have you been clothes shopping with a teenager lately? It is not something I would recommend for the faint of heart. Forget knee length skirts — you’re lucky if the hem covers a thigh’s highest point. Pants are unheard of unless you are willing to place shorts into the slacks category. Blouses have been tossed to the wayside as tight sweaters and tank tops hog the shelf space.

Sheer stockings have been replaced with fake tans and floral lace. Even the infamous fishnet has resurfaced. Hooray! And shoes… well sit down for this news. Comfort and safety are no longer the rage. In order to look your best, the latest shoe style requires you to cram your feet into small vices and walk gracefully atop thin, narrowing pillars at least five inches high. We’re talking style AND skill here.  

I did survive the shopping trip with my daughter. I grit my teeth, I bit my tongue, and I even held back a few tears.  However, after four hours scouring the clothing department of several stores, we had reached a compromise. I felt confident that she would look like the lovely young lady she is, and she felt relieved knowing that she wouldn’t be dressed looking ready to re-board the Mayflower.

I beamed proudly as I watched her walk into the auditorium wearing her pretty loose sweater and almost knee-length skirt. Her thighs were fully covered! As for the shoes, remember, I said we made a compromise. I had to shut my eyes and cross my fingers as she walked across the stage on her stilts. I am happy to say she made it without breaking an ankle.  And when she tires of sore feet and blisters, the black flats we bought for “back-up” will be waiting. .