Outfit for piano adjudications:
- Shoes: $5 at Ross
- Skirt: $1 at Value Village (it’s wool)
- Long sleeve t-shirt: borrowed (from sister, who bought it new with the tags still on at Value Village for $7)
- Secret Weapon (modesty tank): also borrowed (from sister, who bought it new at Shopko as part of a set, 2 layering tanks for less than $10)
Yes, this outfit is a little casual for the event. But she felt very comfortable and played with excellence. Strictly speaking, black and white is preferred.
Which brings up a pet peeve of mine (which pet was, thankfully, not fed today): young “ladies” showing up to perform at these kind of events barely dressed. That simply cannot be comfortable for the adjudicator, reflects poorly on the teacher (who no doubt does everything she can to encourage appropriate attire), and is down-right embarrassing to all involved. With the exception of the person who should be embarrassed, the parent.
What are these people thinking?
Update: The guest post I wrote for the Bargain Queen is now available for your viewing!
I know that both of my teen daughters would love the sweater and tank look. It has a nice long line, defines a figure, but does not flaunt it.
As you said, the outfit may have been a little casual, but oh so much better than what young ladies are wearing to piano recitals, Christmas programs, graduation ceremonies, etc. Most of the time the outfits are inappropriate at the very least. I always ask myself how they can even be comfortable and perform! Yes, that is one of my pet peeves too!
I’m sure it’s better to be dressed than to be dressy.
Today at the thrift store I picked up a vintage, dotted and ruffled maxi dress, like what we would have worn to a dance in high school. If it fits her, she’ll wear it for her next big competition.
Now that’s what a dress should be. Not a slip or a nightgown.
Actually the muted blue long sleeve shirt was 50% off $6.99.
i love that outfit! it is something i would wear to church, which i hope doesn’t mean i’m dressing too young. (i’m one month from 26) these are the long tanks i like — http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=7524&pid=360413&scid=360413022
Yes, I think we have those same tanks in a number of colors! No, I don’t think you are dressing too young. I think this is a youthful and dignified look, even with the asymmetrical hemline. I’m sure the people at your church appreciate you dressing nicely. 🙂
Good. This teen feature is going to be fun!
I think that our society’s emphasis on “Be an Individual” has led people to believe that you should be able to dress any way you want and still be treated the exact same way. Well, as we all know that is not true. You are treated differently depending on how you dress-many times people make assumptions on a person depending on if they took the time and effort to dress appropriately for an event. If someone is not dressed appropriately then the assumption is usually #1 that the person is low class or lacking in class or #2 that the person does not care. I would think that at a concert or piano ajudication one would want to present the attitude that you care very much about what you are doing.
Young people run into this same problem with job interviews “well, why can’t I go in flip flops and jeans?” Well, because you appear not to give a *** and a company doesn’t want to hire that sort of person.
OK. Rant over.
And we’ve seen plenty of flip-flops and jeans at piano recitals, too. (They make a tacky noise as the person is making their way forward to the piano. Ugh!)
I think you are so right in what you say Jenn. I’m not sure why people who spend alot of money on piano lessons, make their child practice and participate in these events, and then drive them there and watch, don’t teach their kids these things. My mom did, and she isn’t all that interested in fashion. Or at the very least teach them to follow the teacher’s instruction (she always says “no jeans, no flip-flops”).
My suspicion, and it isn’t very kind, is that some mothers are living vicariously through their daughters. And that many people get confused between “models” and “pin-ups”.
I think the shoes are what make it look so casual. What if she had worn a bit more streamlined shoe with a bit of a heel?
And, if black and white is the preferred, what about the same tops but with a black skirt and black low heels?
As for the inappropriate clothing, I agree that many mothers are living vicariously. I also believe it’s the current epidemic among parents of “friending” instead of parenting.
You are right, Karen. But the things that seem simple never are.
This particular young lady struggles, like we all do, to find certain items. She would love to have a black skirt, at least the length of the one pictured, but she has not been able to find one. In over two years!
Shoes are a particular challenge for her, due to a slight anatomical difference in her toe. Since she has a mandatory need for a flat shoe coming up, all of her shopping energy has been going in to finding a pair she could spend time walking in. But she could have worn heels to this event.
She’s probably too picky, but I allow it. When she’s grown up, it will be a benefit to her.
Another spin on black and white would be to keep the skirt pictured and wear it with a black or black and white top. She probably could have done that.
“Friending” instead of parenting, I’m sure you’re right about that.
Thanks for taking time to comment.
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First of all…I had to look up the word adjudication! Now I know…
I’m with Erin…I would probably wear this outfit to church too. And it was interesting that she wondered if it would be too young for her. I too am 25, and I think the outfit is fine for my age. But I do admit, there are plenty of days that I wonder if something I like is too young for my age and stage in life.
And, Rebecca, I feel your daughter’s pain about not being able to find the “certain” things she has in mind. It is difficult! And then when you DO find what you’re looking for it’s waaayyyy out of your price range. So yeah…not fun.
I have a million thoughts about girls dressed inappropriately. I agree with what has already been said, and would also add two things. 1) Desensitization…You see it everywhere you go: movies, magazines, street corner, beach. So you try a shirt with a slightly lower neckline, and the next time it’s even lower, until *bam* before you realize it you’re one of “those” women. You have to stay vigilant to stay modest. 2) Attention…We need and love attention! Growing up, my dad gave me all of the appropriate love and attention I needed, so I felt no need to go looking for it in other places. (He also monitored and approved our clothes. Mom helped, but Dad had the final say.) Too many girls (sometimes unconsciously) think if they use their bodies correctly (or incorrectly as it may be) they will get the attention they crave. We live in a sad, fallen world. (And I’ll get of my soapbox now!)
Part of this daughter’s problem is that she’s the supreme tightwad. 😉
Both of your points about why girls dress that way are so good. The Rebelution should SO publish their modesty survey as a book!
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