im with you there my friend. they dont make sense. i am however hoping someone will enlighten us all here. btw, i love your closing lines.

-Hollowman
the most invisible of commenters

I can only speak for myself, not for all women, but here goes...

It's complicated, and probably not just one reason at all.

I sometimes dress up to feel more confident if I'm going to be in a situation where I'm not sure 'how it will go". It makes me feel more secure and poised.

I've also dressed up to intimidate. If I'm the one the lunch partner might be upset with, then I'd dress up to try and get on equal footing emotionally. Dressing up can do that among women. Sort of the "Alpha dog" thing.

I also dress up for my own ego gratification. A "look at me" kind of thing. And the reverse is true, I dress up so no one can criticize me or hurt me. Not really an ego trip, but a way to prevent my ego from being bruised.

Some women know they are more beautiful and dress up to reinforce that. [Another Alpha Dog kind of thing among women]. And some women dress up, to hide behind nice clothes. Sort of like armor in a way.

Or perhaps dressing up, just to try and fit in.

Or as you say, a seduction of sorts. While not romantic, it could be just seducing good feelings from the lunch partner. The clothing suggests also trying to demonstrate "submissiveness". Maybe something she wants to telegraph to her lunch partner.

It is a VERY complicated thing. *smiles* But in general, remember, beauty soothes harshness in almost all cases. Dressing up can just be about an atmosphere of beauty and the kind of atmosphere it can create. Balance, gentler feelings, peace, all of these can produce an atmosphere. Think "Ladies who lunch", and you can get the idea of what I'm talking about. Dressing up creates mood.

Like I said, it's all complicated and I'm sure there is no one reason at all.

I only know Pix from what you have told us but I know that I only go to that much trouble if I feel a need to "armour up"...As Miree said..either to intimidate an adversary or to protect against attack...

Also, you say there is a conflict..present tense..if it is unresolved I would find it difficult to have a "friendly" encounter and again might feel a need to "dress"

I'm sorry you didn't get any eye candy but if she was in battle dress you might be glad you missed it....

Then again...maybe I'm compleatly off track...

olla

UM.. I think its about mood and the place where you're meeting. :)

Manasseh...Women are always in competition when they get together, usually unspoken. There is the "I am prettier, more confident, better dressed, sexier, blah blah blah". It is just what we do. I think a woman who shows up to meet another and is not dressed to the nines, has no pride in her ride. Just my two cents. Sorry about the eye candy thingy, but you have a good imagination. :)

peace :) shemelts