Why are the clothes meant for women today so masculine? Gender stereotypes are fairly recent trends in human society. The social expectations for both sexes have changed over time and have evolved differently in different cultures. Sara Bobolts, a writer at The Huffington Post, explains that gender stereotypes in clothing have changed as well. Pink, for example, was once considered a masculine color, while blue was considered dainty.
The emergence of female gaze fashion has changed the way that women dress. Male gaze outfits are often more masculine than female-gaze ones. They include crop tops, short skirts, and neutral colours. Female-gaze outfits are more relaxed and feminine, and often feature quirkier hairstyles and accessories. Fashion influencer Chloe recently shared a video of her previous outfits. In the video, she wore plain blouses with feminine floral prints, and paired her pants with a red jacket and Dr. Martens boots.
In the early twentieth century, many women were experimenting with gender roles. Some began wearing the uniforms of male soldiers, arguing that they suited their height and made them look like boys. Other women experimented with androgyny and gender-crossing, embracing male clothing for practical reasons, despite their societal status. Eventually, they came to see their clothing choices as an expression of fluid gender identity, as well as a way to express their gender non-conformity.
Despite these issues, feminist analysis of gender and fashion has also highlighted the impact of gender and power on fashion. More brands are making gender-fluid fashions, while social media has become saturated with criticisms of these clothes. It isn’t just fashions that are transforming; it is the culture itself that changes. A feminist analysis of clothes will help us understand their social impact and why they are becoming more popular.
