I like the Enterprise uniform. It does exactly what's it's meant to do. It's incredibly evocative of the 'new frontier' vibe of modern day astronaut ware and really plays in to Enterprises whole 'submarine in space' aesthetic. I totally understand why it's not as liked, as it's maybe too close to modern for some, but as Enterprise is that bridge between now and then, it works for me.
It’s definitely one of Trek’s more… problematic habits in the older series: let’s put an attractive woman in something sexy rather than an actual uniform. Marina Sirtis, Jolene Blalock, Jeri Ryan; and every woman who’s ever been on TOS. God only knows how Terri Farrell managed to dodge a skimpy outfit as her duty uniform. I assume a really good agent.
Now don’t get me wrong. As a guy I like those looks. But I do recognise it can be a problematic thing in terms of how you should treat actors.
TOS actually has an excuse with '60s feminist culture. Miniskirts were seen as liberating and feminist after the longer dresses of the '50s. They were even suggested for the uniform by Grace Lee Whitney, who played Janice Rand. Though, considering Roddenberry, that they were skimpy is probably why he went along with it. He would routinely redesign costumes for guest actresses to be skimpier.
Farrell didn't entirely get away from it. Berman insisted she stuff her bra for the role (apparently she wasn't busty enough for his tastes).
You also forgot to list Nana Visitor's second uniform for Kira. She was the only Bajoran officer to get a uniform update when the Starfleet crew got their First Contact uniforms, and it inexplicably added high heels and a dip just above her cleavage.
Fair enough regarding TOS; it was kind of the time for miniskirts.
I didn’t know that re: Farrell. Still, she’s certainly attractive enough without needing enhancements in that area. Seems silly to think that anyone actually watching the show would care about it.
And you’re right, whenever I’m thinking of Kira, I’m always thinking of her more modest uniform. Which was still too form fitting for what I imagine the character would prefer.
"The problems with my leaving were with Rick Berman," Farrell explained. "In my opinion, he's just very misogynistic. He'd comment on your bra size not being voluptuous.... That stuff was so intense, especially the first couple of years."