Yes, the stupid claim that women get raped based on what they wear is ridiculous. However, as a young woman, I definitely found that walking around town in short shorts and a top with no bra underneath (not see-through) got me some very unwanted attention. I didn't have a car and took the bus to work and school and it was more of a hassle when I dressed as I normally would vs. wearing longer shorts and a long baggy blouse that hid my body. So yeah, we can dress however the fuck we want, just be prepared to deal with the consequences of getting unwanted attention from men. Of course, if you are feeling feisty, or don't live where there are a lot of rednecks, have fun with it.

I blush to think of how I used to dress when I went out with the band but I was young and in great shape and in generally safe places and lots of friends as backup. I also carried Mace, which I never had to use. The one time I might have needed it, I had gone outside for air without my purse. I had several friends with me and we were startled when a "gang" of motorcyclists pulled up right in front of the door. We kept walking, but the guy in front grabbed my wrist - telling me to stay outside with him. Luckily I'd taken a self-defense course a month earlier and remembered to step close to him to loosen his grip on my wrist, then stepped back quickly turning and yanked my wrist away. He was so shocked he just stood there for a second, long enough for me to reach the door and safety. The bouncer came out and escorted me and my friends inside.

Be smart and be safe while you rock whatever you feel like wearing!

Glad it didn’t escalate.

Sometimes surprise is the best tactic. The guy was probably 250 - 280, way over 6 ft and had shoulders and arms a mile wide. I was a 115 lb 5.7" 27 year old woman dressed nicely in a pretty dress and high heels. I had 2 friends with me and he had 5 big motorcycle dudes with him, so it was pretty damn scary. I've often wondered if he was on drugs or something because if he had reacted immediately and grabbed me again or hit me, it could have gotten really ugly. I really didn't want to have to poke him in the eye, but that would have been my next move. Lucky I have long arms, lol, and only needed two quick steps to get to the door and open it really quickly. I have never been so scared for myself and friends or so relieved when we safely escaped.

Glad that now it’s just a great, if intense, story for you and your friends. I learned a little Krav Maga and it was eye-opening... similar concept. We learned how to disarm an attacker with a knife, with a gun, etc. This ought to be required training these days.