We Can See Right Through This Sheer-Clothing Campaign

Dear Fashion Police: I’ve been wanting for a long time to write to you about something I have always considered to be a major fashion faux pas, but which I seem to be seeing everywhere these days: women going slip-less in transparent dresses and skirts. Can this really be acceptable? I am 30-something, fashionable and professional, and I would never dream of leaving the house in a dress without ensuring that there was something--a lining or a slip--keeping my underwear from public view. I laugh when I see sunlight easily exposing what’s under my colleagues’ pricey frocks. It just looks tacky. What’s going on?

--NOT GIVING THE SLIP

THE SLIP

Dear Not: Why don’t we ask Jennifer Lopez that question? She seems to be at the forefront of the I-really-want-to-be-naked movement.

This phenomenon is occurring because the fashion envelope is being pushed further and further every day. Rules are bent, reconfigured and thrown out. Sometimes it’s a good thing: Most people now don’t have to wear suits to the office every day. Sometimes it’s a bad thing: Women wear sheer clothing without proper undergarments.

We suppose that some gals think it’s sexy and provocative to wear sheer clothing. It’s not. It’s inappropriate and annoying.

When it comes to the slip versus no-slip issue, we prefer a slip. Women who like to be seen through their clothing should just join a nudist colony and spare us all the view. When we’re talking to someone, we like to concentrate on the conversation, not on the fact that the other person is wearing underwear that says “Tuesday” on it.

However, we realize that there is another group of people who treat the world to a free peep show but do so unknowingly. That’s because when they try on clothes they have no idea how they look when the light source is behind them. Everything may look mighty fine in the dressing room with those lovely fluorescent lights shining from above, but once out in the real world it’s a different story.

If you’re considering buying some garment and the fabric looks the least bit sheer, don’t leave anything to chance. Try it on at home and see how it looks in different lights, especially backlighted with natural daylight. Even clothes that have linings can sometimes be transparent.

If you need extra coverage, add a slip or camisole. Today’s foundations are nothing like those of generations past. Microfiber textiles are light, much more comfortable and can’t be seen under clothing. You’ll be doing yourself and your fellow humans a favor.

*

Dear Fashion Police: Is it a fashion crime to wear pants such as jeans, Dockers or khakis with the shirt tucked in but no belt? Everywhere I look I see men, women and teens sporting their favorite pants with no belts. I always feel unfinished if I don’t wear a belt with a tucked-in shirt. If no one is wearing belts, then why bother to put loops on pants?

--LOOPY ABOUT BELTS

Dear Loopy: By that theory, maybe belt loops will evolve, a la our appendix, and one day we’ll just have a couple of little useless vestigial loops on our pants.

Since that may not happen for many, many years, we’re probably stuck with belt loops for a while.

Why so many non-belt wearers? Here are our theories:

* They don’t like them.

* They find them uncomfortable.

* It takes too much time to put them on.

* They can’t figure out if the belt is supposed to match the pants or the shoes, or both, so they forget it altogether.

* If the pants stay up by themselves, why the heck do you need a belt?

We agree that a belt gives an outfit a finished look and think a tucked-in shirt looks best with belted pants.

However, when it comes to jeans, we grant an exception. Maybe it’s their casualness, but they don’t look so bad without a belt.

The kind of jeans we’re talking about are your garden-variety denim, either fly- or button-front, no pleats. If you prefer jeans with an elastic or semi-elastic waist, you need a belt. Not good to have that elastic showing.

But if you feel unfinished without a belt, then don’t bow to peer pressure, despite the cruel taunts you may receive from non-belt wearers. Stand tall and be proud of your choice.

Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to [email protected].