You all know my love for the 1960s sitcom, Bewitched. I get SO much inspiration for style/fashion from Samantha Stevens wardrobe. I own all of the show's seasons and constantly rewatch the episodes. 

It's crazy to think that this show was 60+ years ago, and yet most of the clothing she wears, I would happily wear now in 2023. 

But, there is one thing style-wise that I've noticed in the series that is different from 2023. Samantha seems to Dress up often for dinner dates with her husband. She regularly wears gowns and cocktail dresses for the evening, and the scenes are usually at someone's home for a cocktail/dinner party or out at a restaurant. 

I live in Pittsburgh, PA, and in 2011, GQ gave Pittsburgh the infamous title of 3rd worst dressed city in the country. I love Pittsburgh. I am Pittsburgh's biggest fan. I am constantly rooting for this city. The people of Pittsburgh are down-to-earth, kind, hard-working, and generous. The city has so much history; now, it has an incredible food scene, full of culture, packed with things to do and more. We were once home to Andy Warhol, Jonas Salk, Roberto Clemente, Fred Rogers, Gene Kelly, August Wilson, and many more intelligent and talented people. Pittsburgh has SO much to offer, and I feel lucky to live here.  

All cities and towns have their faults. Pittsburgh is not exempt from that. Most faults are subjective, of course, though I suspect we Pittsburghers may all agree that the potholes have long been an issue! 

My personal biggest criticism is that people are not dressing to go out. Though GQ gave Pittsburgh the bronze in worst dressed 12 years ago, I don't think we have made much progress getting ourselves off that list.

I say this all, of course, as a sweeping generalization. When I refer to 'out' I mostly mean out to dinner and evening events. I know fashionable people are living here in this wonderful city. I know some people enjoy dressing up. But you are more likely to see someone wearing a sports jersey to a nicer restaurant than you are to see someone in a cocktail dress or dinner jacket. That's just Pittsburgh. And you know what? Oftentimes, there is an endearing charm to that. I even think it may be a comfort I might long for if I was absent from this city for too long. And quite frankly, there really isn't a right or wrong here. We are free to dress as we please (within reason and as long as there is no dress code).

We all know that clothing, fashion, and dressing are somewhat frivolous and obviously very subjective. Though I don't think fashion is totally frivolous- that's a nuanced subject for another day. At the end of the day, the things that matter in life are your family, your friends, the love you share, your health, and your happiness.

But on occasion, I feel a bit frustrated! 

I occasionally feel that I tone myself down regarding what I am wearing. It's my own doing. Overall, the world has become increasingly more casual as the years pass. For example, when I was in college, I never wore athleisure. It was just starting to become a thing. Since the pandemic began and more people are still working from home, I think it has expedited casualness.

I don't want to act like I'm out here dressed to the nines all the time, and I don't expect anyone else to be. We are all just doing our best; I surely know that! I often go to my Orange Theory class and run into Target before or after! As soon as I get home from being out or if I take Henry on a walk, I change into activewear/lounge clothing. In fact, I feel hypocritical because I'm writing this post in my office, and I have lounge clothes on (but no plans to go out, otherwise, I'd get fully dressed). 

On the one hand, why should I care about what anyone else is wearing but myself? I have no control over others! I have control of myself, and I can wear what I please! When I walk into Giant Eagle and see people in their pajamas, I honestly don't care and don't often pay any attention to that. 

I am sure that when I go out, many people may wonder why I am 'so dressed up.' In fact, I have had many people over the years, strangers even, ask me why I am so dressed up. We all have different styles, preferences, and interests, making us unique. If we were all the same, it would be SO boring! 

But when I watch Bewitched and see everyone dressed up for dinner, I cannot help but get a longing for that. When everyone is dressed up, it changes the entire vibe!

I polled you all a long time ago when I had a fun idea: a dinner club where you could go out to a restaurant with live music and a dance floor on Fridays and Saturdays, and you would reserve a table. It would be a dressy affair with valet and a coat check. The service would be impeccable. A big band would play, you'd be greeted with champagne, and once dinner ended, people would enjoy cocktails or mocktails and dance the night away! 

It would be perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, etc. I know there are concepts like this in larger cities like New York, Miami, LA, etc.  

I have to say, I'm not so sure how well it would fare in a place like Pittsburgh, which is likely why it doesn't exist here. 

I would love to know... 

Do you like to dress up for an evening out? Do you dress up? If you dress up, do you dress up often? What do you consider 'dressed up' to be? Do people dress up where you live? Do you have something like this 'dinner club' in your area? Do you prefer to dress in leisure clothes? When you go out for the evening, do you notice what others are wearing? Where do you live?

I know we all live in different places throughout the country and even the world while having different careers and family situations, so it will be interesting to hear different points of view!