Ready to wear

What does it mean to choose spiked heels over flats? Who are you if you love elastic pants? The Brandeis University Women's Studies Research Center attempts to answer these questions in "Dress Redress: Clothing and Identity in Contemporary Art," which explores the meaning of what we wear. The show includes (at right, clockwise from top left) Sandra Eula Lee's miniature wardrobe made of paper and pins, "Clothing Inventory - under 2" tall" (a detail above); Aparna Agrawal's "Body Armor, Nutshell," a bodice made of cloth, plaster, and beeswax; Maryjean Viano Crowe's "Doll Cake: Visions Danced in Her Head" of silver gelatin prints; and Agrawal's "Shell Bra." Reception tonight at 5. Free. (Show runs through Sept. 25.) Kniznick Gallery, Epstein Building, 515 South St., Waltham. 781-736-8102. go.brandeis.edu/wsrc

ALSO TONIGHT: Jose McIntyre's in the Financial District throws its annual block party from 5 to 11 p.m.