Girls, Why Wear Pantyhose and Dresses ?

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

( Transposed from a woman's fashion blog to here. An interesting question was asked, and two answers were offered--- )

Is it strange for a teen girl to like wearing pantyhose?

I am 16 year old girl and I like to wear pantyhose more than being bare legged. It seems I am in the minority here but is it strange for me to like wearing pantyhose?

Best Answer:  No, there is absolutely nothing strange about that at all. After all pantyhose are a fantastic thing to wear, they make your legs look good, they feel good and are very comfortable. It is quite understandable that you prefer wearing pantyhose to going with bare legs. The fact that you are at present in the minority shouldn’t bother you in the least. It is the ones who say they hate pantyhose, don't want to wear them and follow the current dismal bare leg trend under any circumstance, that are strange. Hopefully you’ll be helping to reverse the current bare leg trend. More girls and women should be wearing them. Just go on wearing pantyhose and enjoy it!

les75 ·

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   Kinda strange that you have to ask,
   DON'T be embarrassed by your legs, girl.
   SHOW THEM OFF!

   csilov3er ·

[Trixie Lulamoon]

I don't mind wearing hose, but I don't need to I have awesome legs!

It is annoying that I get lots of runners when I do wear them, that needs to stop!

[Xylo,TheCarouselPony]

Like you Trixie, I don't mind wearing pantyhose and tights in the winter, but several peeps have told me that my legs are nice enough that I don't really need to wear pantyhose, so I don't in the spring, summer, or early fall. I just go with a sundress, or a Tank & a denim mini-skirt and bare shaved legs. And yah!, when I wear pantyhose, they get runs in only a day or two, so I sometimes wear nylon stockings, cuz they don't run all the time.

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

For decades now, women have had the option to wear jeans, pants, slacks, and trousers as a major part of their fashion wardrobe. And most women have opted for that style, due to personal choice, fashion trends, peer pressure, political beliefs, or for any number of reasons. Now that the majority of women are wearing such, where does that leave the minority of women who also for various reasons wish to wear dresses or blouses/skirts most of the time, or on a day-to-day basis ? Most who so decide must stand alone from the crowd, stand out as different, or 'fight upstream' to confirm and assert their fashion choice of wearing these traditional women's fashion styles. It just seems to me that it would be encouraging to those so inclined to be able to review and ponder the reasons that a few women these days have decided to make the wearing of dresses/skirts a major part of their personal fashion taste and fashion style. With the majority opinion against them, it is not common to find help or encouragement to do so. This thread will hopefully be filled with information, experiences, and personal motivations from persons, like me, who have made the decision to stand out as different by embracing the dying fashion style of wearing dresses and/or skirts on a day-to-day basis.

I must emphasize that whatever one's decision is for their own personal fashion style, that is what is right for them. Everyone has the right to decide what is best for themselves, without extreme criticism, backlash, or objections from others. I offer this thread in the positive spirit of individual choice, that each one's fashion style is theirs alone, as they decide alone, what is best for themselves. Based on my recent personal research of blog articles and other information from the Internet, if I can present information here by transposing articles or comments to help those who are deciding or already have decided on presenting themselves with the fashion statement of dresses and skirts, then I have helped to present this niche fashion style in a better light and with increased understanding.

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

Why I Wear Skirts---By Christine
( edited for brevity, italics mine )

Due to the fact that my blog readership recently jumped from twelve people to three hundred people (who undoubtedly represent a more diverse range of backgrounds), I feel the need to preface this post. Explaining why I've worn skirts almost exclusively for the past seven years is a topic I've wanted to write about for a long time - since long before I had a blog. There's been a lot said on the topic of wearing skirts (at least if you listen in on the discussions of particular circles), but I don't often come across people who look at the issue in the same way that I do, so I feel that perhaps I have one or two unique things to add to that conversation. This is all about giving an explanation of why I do what I do. It is in no way meant to be a judgement or condemnation on other people's clothing choices, and I hope it's not interpreted as such.

Anyone who has had some exposure to [religion], or a number of other groups (whether in real life, or on the blogosphere), has probably come across arguments in favor of women wearing skirts/dresses instead of pants. While I agree with the sentiment - that it is good for women to wear such things - I find that my reasons for believing so tend to differ from those of the other skirt-wearing women I know.

I want to first address a common complaint I hear about wearing skirts.

Before college, I owned maybe one or two skirts. Uncomfortable elastic-waisted things I only put on when I was forced to dress up for something. Now, I have a closet full of skirts in assorted lengths, colors, fabrics - suitable for most any occasion or activity. A lot of people in the pants-camp say that skirts are impractical and too constrictive for everyday wear. In defense of skirts, let me say that if you get the right type, they work well in any weather, and for many activities.

In the summer, I wear mostly just-below-the-knee light flowy cotton skirts. I go barefoot as much as possible, but when I have to go somewhere, throw on some sandals.

In the winter, I like my skirts as long as possible. My legs are really long, so skirts that were designed to be ankle-length usually end on my lower calves. I wear heavy tights under them always - brown or black, depending on the outfit. I don't understand all the crazy, crazy women I see in the wintertime with bare legs under skirts!! Don't they know that warm opaque tights exist for that purpose? Around the house, I might add socks or slippers for extra warmth. Outdoors on a cold day, I always have on boots. Your legs will get cold if you wear a skirt without boots in the winter! Be sensible!

My favorite skirts are ones with some "flow" to them. Cotton does this job well. I also have a few corduroy or other stiff-material skirts which are sewn in many sections, and so have a nice flare and movement to them. The straight-sided jean skirt look, or the unfortunate denim jumper made infamous by women like Michelle Duggar, are not something I would wear. If the skirt is flow[e]y enough, you can have total freedom of motion (running up and down the stairs, stepping over the maze of baby gates around the house), just like with pants. You can sit in any position, and never have to worry about immodesty, as you might with a short or tighter-fitting skirt. You can't, say, do cartwheels....but who does that after the age of eight anyways?

I will NOT wear tennis shoes with a skirt - it just looks terrible!

A lot of women who regularly wear skirts argue that skirts are more modest. Now, anything done out of a true spirit of modesty is good, and I'm not going to criticize anyone for seeking out a modest wardrobe. That said, I just feel like this argument doesn't hold much water. I think it would be much easier for me to find examples of immodest skirts than immodest pants. To be fair, though, the factor that makes a skirt immodest is often relating to its length [in my opinion].

In my opinion, a full-length, not-skin-tight pair of pants is about equal in modesty to a full-length, not-skin-tight skirt. And pants might be interpreted as even more modest than any skirt short enough to reveal even a tiny bit of ankle-skin. I just don't see pants as inherently immodest.

I made a conscious decision that I would start dressing in a clearly feminine way.
While I am a nostalgic sort of person, and do love vintage clothing, I'm not saying that society should go back to dressing like people did in the 1940s...or the 1900s...or any other previous period. Despite the widespread trend towards androgyny in clothing, there are still some vestiges of gender-specific items remaining (almost all for women, though, it should be noted), one of the obvious ones being a skirt (/dress). So in my sophomore year of college, I began intentionally adding more skirts to my wardrobe.
And it made a big difference. For one, when I would wear a skirt, it made me more aware of being a woman, something different and set apart from men.

At the same time, I noticed the changes in the ways that men responded to me.
I had many more men hold doors for me, or let me cross in front of their car on the road when I was in a skirt. I know this sounds silly. I'm trying[, or maybe] trying to say I wear skirts because I "get something out of it [?]" I don't think I necessarily look prettier in a skirt either, just more feminine (but perhaps that's the same thing?).

The first few months that I started "skirting" regularly, I got a lot of questions from my relatives and my high school friends. Mostly, "why are you so dressed up?" For a while, I tried to fight this attitude. I was determined to make wearing skirts "normal again." I would say, "fifty years ago, women wore skirts everyday, and no one asked why they were dressed up!". But after a while, I just had to accept that in this modern culture, women wearing skirts (I'm not talking about skirts of the super-short variety) is considered dressing up. And I decided to embrace that. I mean, if I can look like I made an extra effort in my clothing choice without actually having to put in any extra work...well, that sounds good to me!

As I said earlier, I think the way you dress not only says something about your identity, but it helps to create it. I think it's important to encourage this in society - for each person to have and understand his role, his job, his purpose.

So I wear skirts because they make me [what I consider to be] a better woman. I wear skirts because I want to make a statement - one most people will only pick up on unconsciously - about how I believe society should be.

( Source material---https://www.blogger.com/profile/00662784804825998751)

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

Select comments from the POF website in answer to the question ( paraphrased )---

Why do people like to see women or girls wearing dresses/skirts?
Why do you like to wear dresses/skirts ?
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NJgirl116
Joined: 8/11/2013

Posted: 5/31/2014 6:34:17 AM

I like full dresses that outline the waist and fall below the knee. Very feminine.
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Princess12524
Joined: 12/23/2013

Posted: 6/1/2014 5:51:02 AM

I wear nothing but skirts & dresses. It's more comfortable IMO. It's feminine. Boots in the winter, sandals in the warm weather.
In the last 3-4 years I can count on one hand how many times I wore slacks/jeans! Pants feel like they never fit me right, or they pull up on my crotch, bag on the back of my waist, etc. I feel so comfy in skirts, the only fit criteria for me is it goes around my waist, so my hips just glide under the fabric, there is no pulling at the crotch. I've had plenty of denim skirts for CASUAL (daily) wear & soft/fleecy fabrics for a more dressy look & cool cotton for the hot weather. Sundresses too for the summer. In the winter, boots & if really cold, tights or leggings underneath.
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LanaTownsend
Joined: 5/27/2014

Posted: 6/2/2014 2:54:25 PM

I wear dresses or skirts 80% of the time. They're more comfortable, easier access when using the bathroom and I don't have to worry about pairing a cute top with my bottoms if I'm wearing a full-on dress. Since I'm short and thin, dresses are more flattering than pants, which tend to flatten me out.
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TrustInKarma
Joined: 2/14/2014

Posted: 2/18/2014 8:54:55 PM

I love dresses and skirts, and I think I look pretty good in them as well.
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BabblingBrookes
Joined: 2/14/2013

Posted: 2/24/2014 5:28:44 PM

I loathe pants. The only time I wear them is when I'm at home and they're made of flannel. Frankly, it's a lot easier to go to the restroom when you're wearing a dress. Of course, this benefit is [a]nulled when you have to wear pantyhose for certain dresses. GRRRRRRR. Pantyhose are OF THE DEVIL.
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Brownlady1953
Joined: 12/12/2008

Posted: 7/26/2010 8:15:30 PM

I love dresses!
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officegal_1
Joined: 7/25/2010

Posted: 7/29/2010 7:57:22 PM

I like wearing dresses / skirts. Especially during the summer.
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Cynderella
Joined: 3/8/2007

Posted: 8/2/2010 2:06:38 AM


I live in them...all I can say is it make[s] me feel sexy and the air flow is wonderful.
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JerseyWriter73
Joined: 7/4/2010

Posted: 7/8/2010 12:59:22 PM

Anything that highlights and accents a person's natural figure is more appealing.

Men have boxy, square frames which is why it is often said how much better a man looks in a good suit. It presents him in his masculine form.

The same goes for women. Dresses and skirts offer the appeal of a woman's curves. Jeans, no matter how flattering, do not bring out that unique feminine flavor. Skirts and dresses are made for a woman's silhouette.

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Comments may have been edited for spelling, correct grammar, and brevity.
Source material---www.forums.plentyoffish.com

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

More select comments from the POF website in answer to the question ( paraphrased )---

Why do people like to see women or girls wearing dresses/skirts?
Why do you like to wear dresses/skirts ?
_______________________________________________________________

mogrl42
Joined: 4/16/2007

Posted: 6/12/2010 6:22:56 AM

I wear skirts in the summer all the time, it's more comfortable for me to get in a skirt and a cute top with some sexy shoes [to match.]
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cindy_77
Joined: 11/3/2009

Posted: 5/8/2010 1:50:25 AM

I like this thread. I recently started becoming waaay more conscious of wearing dresses and skirts , not only for being more attractive . . . ., but that it's about time I take my grandmother's advice to heart.
I've been a tomboy almost all my life, when I was a kid mostly... I would wear dresses and skirts a lot in the earlier part of my adult years but usually only once a week.
Now, I am making a conscious effort to make sure I wear them at least 5-6 days a week and have re-vamped my wardrobe. I even have a sporty type skirt which I wear [over my bike] shorts under[neath] when I go ride my bike.
Immediately I have changed the way I walk, and I observe how other people notice the fact that I am more feminine in how I dress. People treat a woman differently if she's in pants or a dress.
I never ever want to be like a man so I am not interested anymore in dressing like one.
I don't think I need to wear ugly jeans again [, and] that really, honestly, I'm finding... [they] are just not that comfortable.
. . . . but that I prefer to feel this way and its about how I FEEL! Oh no!! here it comes....
I feel like a natural WOMAN! LOL
. . . . so therefore I will wear a dress!
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skirtsnboots
Joined: 6/27/2009

Posted: 5/8/2010 12:19:09 PM

I think [people] like them because it's just a more feminine look.

Fine by me. I used to wear jeans an awful lot, but now [I] wear skirts and dresses most of the time. They're more comfy.
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schleprock
Joined: 1/15/2008

Posted: 5/12/2010 3:19:47 PM

I love women in dresses. I don't think there is anything wrong with being feminine.
[ As a man, I say ] Good for you! There is nothing wrong with looking feminine. Your right about men and [ seeing women wearing] dresses. I compliment women when they wear dresses. To me it says "I'm a woman, and I don't want to be a man, I'm happy being a woman." There is nothing wrong with being a woman.
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xlr8ingmargo
Joined: 7/28/2009

Posted: 5/13/2010 8:49:25 AM

When the weather is nice I'm always wearing dresses and skirts. I'm not so much a girlie girl, but I feel more feminine when I do. I'm not into the make-up / hair do / fake tan / fake nails thing. I like to dress pretty to add to my 'feel good' happiness though. I do it for me.
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Consigliori
Joined: 1/7/2008

Posted: 5/20/2010 2:32:37 PM

Dresses and skirts can be both flattering and modest. Generally - those of us past the age of 30 don't look as good as we used to in jeans or slacks. Women who have reached that point and wear dresses are wise enough to realize the benefits of showing a little less, while looking every bit as sexy. And I like [my fashion sense] smart.
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sovereignrebel
Joined: 4/22/2009

Posted: 5/21/2010 12:46:07 PM

I absolutely [love seeing] women in skirts/dresses with nylons and high-heels. It looks feminine, sophisticated and terribly attractive! I have seen girls, very ordinary looking ones without much natural beauty, who suddenly looked so much better in a dress . . . . I'm also just a legs guy to begin with. I couldn't care less about cleavage, I just like a [pleasant] face and [a dress showing] nice. . . legs, yeah!!
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valleyguyaz
Joined: 11/13/2008

Posted: 6/7/2010 7:25:03 AM

I understand that a lot of women like the ease and comfort of wearing slacks/jeans instead of a dress/skirt with heels.
[But,] I think that if us guys complimented women, letting them know how beautiful that they looked when they are wearing a dress or nice skirt with heels, then women might be decid[ing] to wear them more often.
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isnuttinfree
Joined: 7/9/2009

Posted: 6/7/2010 5:28:35 PM

Heels aren't the only option with skirts you know. Plenty of chicks wear flats (i.e. ballet shoes) that might not accentuate the legs as conspicuously, but their femininity and a nice pair of [calves] (if you should be so lucky) are still on show.
Chunky shoes also once had their niche with skirts, but guess you gotta appreciate a bit of tomboyish grunge in your girls.
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hal1492
Joined: 10/21/2009

Posted: 2/17/2010 3:11:02 PM

With respect to the original question, many outfits are sexy including cute pants and tops that the original poster is more fond of.

However, nothing says "women" like a dress or a skirt (except perhaps on St. Patrick's Day).
They are girlie, they are cute, they are less common than they once were, so they make you stand out a lot more in many circumstances. I personally find even very long skirts that go down to one's ankles or brush the ground can be very attractive. Remember Stevie Nicks videos ? She wore extremely long skirts/dresses. Skirts and dresses flow [ever so nicely] while dancing, even while walking.
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Fifi47
Joined: 8/19/2004

Posted: 3/21/2010 9:10:27 AM

I am a large woman with muscular legs and I wear skirts that are knee length or longer. Wearing short skirts kind of makes my body look like a marshmallow, and skirts and sweater sets, or skirts and cute tops look better on me than dresses, unless the dress fits well and has a matching sweater or jacket, etc. I have never heard anything except compliments from men when I wear dresses or skirts. I wear pants to work most of the time in colder months, but enjoy wearing skirts and tops in the warmer months.
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Comments may have been edited for spelling, correct grammar, and brevity.
Some comments were taken from the archives.
Source material---www.forums.plentyoffish.com

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

With springtime soon turning into summer, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, the weather is now becoming warm enough to consider wearing shorter hemline skirts and dresses, with even mini-skirts being a possible selection to wear. One does not need a 'fashion-perfect' body or toothpick legs to enjoy wearing shorter fashions. Here is a link to a website that I found that explains how it can be possible to wear shorter hemlines and be fashionable, without appearing cheap or overdone---

http://womens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Slideshow:How_to_Wear_Mini_Skirts#17

And here is the rest of the slide show---

http://womens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Slideshow:How_to_Wear_Mini_Skirts

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

More recent comments from TG and CD gals who have decided to wear dresses and skirts this summer---
( Comments may be edited for brevity and subject content. Italics mine. )

SilverLady
PostPosted: Tue Jun 27 11:29 pm

Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 2:00 am
Posts: 5052
Location: Strange Magic Hill (Virginia)

Hi, Tracy---
I'm glad that you felt comfortable wearing a dress while out doing your errands! During the past several months, whenever I am going shopping, I am almost always wearing either a skirt or a dress . . . . Okay, some of those skirts are actually skorts, but you can't tell the difference just by looking at them. {Hey! No peeking allowed!!}

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Davita
Re: Getting more comfortable in "dresses"
PostPosted: Wed Aug 05, 2015 6:59 pm

Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:42 pm
Posts: 1312
Location: DC Metro area

In my office the ladies are a mix of office wear and [they] save the jeans for Friday. This week I was worried about being too casual in a cotton skirt and summer weight sweater[, but I was instead complimented]. Today was a new fit and flare dress. Gotta love it when the other girls compliment you.

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Heather W
Re: Getting more comfortable in "dresses"
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 6:16 am

Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 9:22 pm
Posts: 103

I agree the general trend is back to skirts and dresses and I like it! I find that a skirt, even a maxi skirt is just as cool and comfortable as shorts in warm weather, maybe women are discovering that as well. Not sure about heels for shopping as Silver Lady talks about. I do though find wedges, even higher ones with platf[orm] soles, very comfortable even all day.

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Janet Bern
Re: Getting more comfortable in "dresses"
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 8:57 am

Joined: Sun Nov 05, 2006 5:30 pm
Posts: 175
Location: New Jersey

I hope it isn't just the summer time that women are starting to wear dresses again.
I look forward to [dresses being worn] more in the fall and even winter.

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Diana Michelle
Re: Getting more comfortable in "dresses"
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 10:13 am

Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2014 3:17 am
Posts: 164
Location: Northern Michigan

IMHO the rise in women wearing more dresses and skirts is a direct result of t[h]e ever growing popularity of the maxi. Most women enjoy their femininity and love to show it. The maxi allows us to show that while maintaining some modesty afforded [supposedly only] by slacks or jeans, and be comfortable. I know I have worn more dresses this year, both maxis and other lengths, but I do admit the maxi allows me to go [without panty]hose, much cooler in the summer.

SL---I haven't worn a skort with heels, and knowing you [have worn them with panty]hose , since the 90's, when they were popular. I do have a couple, but generally I pair them with socks and my tennis shoes. As for Janet's comment about the trend continuing into the fall and winter, that remains to be seen. I think the weather will play a big role in that one.

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Robyn
Re: Getting more comfortable in "dresses"
PostPosted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 6:35 pm

Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2014 1:27 am
Posts: 318
Location: Southern California

Janet Bern wrote:
"I hope it isn't just the summer time that women are starting to wear dresses again.
I look forward to more in the fall and even winter."


Come on over the the West Coast Janet, you'll be wearing your dresses year round.

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Karen Ski
Re: Getting more comfortable in "dresses"
PostPosted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 10:30 am

Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 7:31 am
Posts: 116

Robyn wrote:
" Come on over the the West Coast Janet, you'll be wearing your dresses year round. "

Amen to that Robyn! I think most SoCal women live in dresses, I know this one does. Sure I have jeans and slacks, but if I had to guess I probably wear a dress or a skirt 90% of the time. It so easy to just pull one on and dress it up or down to fit the occasion.

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Melissa Mac
Re: Getting more comfortable in "dresses"
PostPosted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 7:08 am

Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:41 am
Posts: 32

I know I have seen more women in dresses or skirts this year than any in past memory. I would like to think this is going to continue into the fall and winter, but as someone said it is much a function of weather as much as anything. Yesterday I had a lot of my typical Saturday chores to do including grocery shopping. I went with a black and white print maxi skirt, black tee, and thong sandals and no one batted an eyelash at my appearance. I even saw several [ciswomen] dressed similar to me. This was the first time I had ever worn a skirt to do my weekly shopping but it will definitely not be the last!

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Source material--http://crossdressers-haven.com

[MyLittleCarouselPony]

Polly wrote:
       Nice if your legs are not too knobbly. Actually very nice. I was thinking hosiery to cover the old veins - but hey! Last time I tried that it was hot.

Helen2b wrote:

   Google Sally Hansen leg make up Polly. It's like foundation for your legs to cover up veins and such. Reviews suggest it doesn't cause problems coming off on clothes or furniture either.

CuteButLooksLolita wrote:

Starting this springtime, I have been experimenting with Sally Hansen spray-on leg makeup. It used to be called 'Liquid Pantyhose'. The stuff is great, as long as you shave your legs so that they are completely smooth, know what shade looks good on your particular skin tone, and know how to blend it in with your hand, for a very even, creamy look. It doesn't, indeed, rub off on to your clothes, like the older versions used to. But it lasts only a day or two, and then you have to wash it off and start again. I want to see if I can wear short-hemline dresses and skirts with completely bare legs from spring to autumn, and save the pantyhose and tights for winter only. I greatly admire the girls and women who have legs that look like they might be wearing pantyhose, but nature has blessed them with legs that are toned so that they look fantastic all by themselves, even though they are completely bare. Also, I love the paradox that is created when I wear leg make-up, that is, you have bare legs that look exactly like you are wearing pantyhose, because you legs have a different skin tone and color from your face and arms, but you are supposedly wearing pantyhose so that you give the appearance of having bare legs. Love it !

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