When a 40 or 50-something-year-old man comments on a younger woman’s fashion choices, I immediately prickle with ick energy. Like many other women who have existed on earth longer than two decades, there’s just something truly off-putting about male commentary when it comes to the garments in a lady’s wardrobe. 

Sir, respectfully, what do you know about women’s clothing?

A 28-year-old middle school choir director had a similarly icky experience with a parent of a kid from her class. The dad was weirdly obsessed with the way she presented herself during concerts, and although her one-piece pant rompers and shawl combos were modest and professional, something was missing for him, apparently. She wasn’t «ladylike» enough for his tastes as a spectator of a children’s middle school singing concert, and he decided that his opinion was so valid that it had to be broadcast, in front of the principal, no less!

But when this parent tried to get her in trouble, her teaching staff and principal had her back.