: Re: Is it important to describe how the characters are dressed? One thing that I never mention in my stories is how the characters are dressed. Well, except when they are being described for the

@Shelton455

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The answer is (as almost all answers relating to this type of question) it depends. There is no set way to write a story. For me, in all cases of description, the issues are relevance, POV, and 'real time'.

The question being . . . "What would the character notice?"

e.g. "Lucy followed the maid through the large library to the drawing room." - There are very few rooms than you can cross in 5 seconds. Other than the library being 'large' the character has no time to make observations.

"Lucy followed the maid into the library. "Take a seat." she gestured. "Mr Smith will be down presently."" - During the wait the character has time to observe and describe the entire library.

The other issue pertains to a writer's method.

"How do I look?" said Mom, clutching her purse.
"You'll do," I replied, feigning disinterest. In truth I was a little shocked. It had been three years since Dad died. At some point in time she was entitled to move on with her life. Bob Tucker had invited her out on a date - and she'd accepted. It hit me - this woman did not exist purely to be my mom. She was a woman. She scrubbed up well. Any red-blooded man would want to hit that. "Make sure you're home by eleven," I added.

Here I'm looking for an 'empathy fill'. Rather than impose my view on the reader. I want the reader to recall an image of somebody who was shocked when confronted by a woman who they viewed as nothing more than a sister, a mother, an auntie - who shocked them when donning heels and make-up. Going into a detailed description may ruined for them. Letting them fill in the details themselves let's them believe - I was there. I know that woman.

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