I don’t think there’s an obligation to look like “the public” wants you to. My version of “scr*w y’all” is a long dress, a head covering, a baby, and sneakers, but if someone else’s is a skirt and tank top that belongs on a much smaller person, I’m okay with that. (Although I’m still thinking, “Don’t you have a mirror!?!” because I look frumpy, but they look OMG!!!)
Dr. Sowell is just raising the question ... “Do you think this looks good?” If you don’t care about looking good, that’s one thing, but if you do and you’re wrong, then you’re wasting your money and effort. People shouldn’t follow a fashion if it’s not flattering to them.
And almost everyone’s legs look better in hose. It’s not the most comfortable choice, but do you really want everyone to see where you banged your shin on the coffee table again?
It’s such a complex question. Modern women of dignified years who wear perhaps less than dignified revealing garments might be doing so for many and mixed reasons. Maybe some denial, maybe some reminiscence, maybe some a frugality bent on wearing something out before pitching it. The freedom to make yourself look beautiful is also the freedom to make yourself look ugly. Long live freedom. Long live the six packs and the full kegs. Long live any mode of dress that isn’t obscene or antisocial (no fishing tackle faces please).