Work It Girl: Fashion Forward Styles that Dudes Hate

I like to consider myself a somewhat fashionable person, at least I strive to be, and don’t really take into much consideration the opinion of males before making a purchase. Granted everyone wants to look attractive but dressing up isn’t really supposed to be about pleasing others, it’s more about feeling comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Recently a guy friend of mine confessed to hating wedge shoes and even compared them to animal hooves when women wear them.  Everyone has their preferences when it comes to the opposite sex but I realized there are general fashion trends that send guys running faster than you can say Chloe Sevigny. While the aughts had some trends that were real doozies, this new decade has a fresh crop of styles for men to turn their nose up to.

Harem Pants

If you thought jeggings were bad, they pale in comparison to the Harem Pants explosion we’re experiencing right now. Usually accompanied with a drop waist crotch and sometimes made out of sweatpants material, they certainly are a force to be reckoned with. While not every lady is bold enough to even attempt this look, many have tried and failed.  Unless they have a Jasmine fetish,  or adult diapers, most guys aren’t embracing this fashion forward look.  To those who can miraculously pull this look off,  I applaud you.

Strong Shoulders

You know how some outfits project a come hither look? While this is more like if you’re outfit screamed “fuck off”. While the 80’s fashion revival has been going strong for some time now, the bold shoulder style isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Blame Gaga or Rhianna, but all over town, ladies are sporting a literal chip on the shoulder which sometimes may be bedazzled or not. Partly inspired by Medieval armor and the Ice Capades, there certainly is a costume feel to this look.  Just watch out when you shrug your shoulders, you may impale your date’s eyeball.

Short Hair

Whenever summer comes I get the urge to chop off all my hair or do whatever it takes to battle the oppressive heatwave that comes every summer to NYC. After chopping off 10 inches I notice I no longer get the catcalls from my local construction workers, and the nicknames Scully and Miranda get thrown about a little more often then I would like. The sense I get is, that guys prefer long hair  to chopped locks. Not that I give a damn but it’s a stereotype that really rings true. The Beatles style mop top has been really popular lately, sort of an embrace of a more confident, androgynous look. God bless you if you have the face shape to pull that off, but the half shaved look is really something I can’t get behind. While no one wants to look like a Barbie doll (well some people do) I think the American Apparel dress code that has recently come to light, highlights the attitude most guys have when it comes to flowing long hair.

Rompers

It’s often telling when a piece of clothing shares the same name as baby apparel, and unfortunately rompers do eerily resemble playground wear. While I often hear my fellow ladyfolk speak of the “infantilization” of women, we always unknowingly support it at the same time. I too am guilty of wearing babydoll dresses and maryjanes, and rompers are the most comfortable things in the world. I’ve seen some real sharp ones, but sometimes, I feel like all that’s missing is a giant lollipop and some keds sneakers. And I’m not even going to get into jumpsuits, you’re on your own with those things.

No matter what the opposite sex thinks, fashion is all about self-expression, so feel free to dress up however you want. Just remember, you might be getting eyed up for the wrong reasons. Any gentlemen want to weigh in on this one?

Photos Courtesy of: Pretty Smart Blog, Fashion Rules, Flickr, The Gloss