Gender lines are becoming vague in fashion
When it comes to guys and girls, there are obvious differences in clothing styles. Now that women are allowed to wear pants, teen clothing options have varied in the last century. Gender roles may dictate that these lines for clothing be strict, but recently they have become blurred and may seem nonexistent. Guys wear makeup and girls’ jeans, girls wear ties and trousers.
But is cross-gender clothing quickly becoming a trend instead of a rare occurrence? I remember the first time I ever saw male cast member Miss J. on America’s Next Top Model wearing a pair of high heels. (Did that seem strange to anyone else?). Although I don’t frequently see men waltzing in stilettos around campus, the world has seen an upswing in the number of men who choose to wear women’s clothing. First, let’s dispel the lies. Wearing girls’ jeans does not automatically make a guy gay.
Neither does wearing makeup, a fashion that originated with players in the music scene. Dressing in women’s clothing does not mean he’s “emo” or that he can’t afford his own jeans so he steals his sister’s pair. While writing this article, I asked the guys I saw wearing girls’ jeans what the deal is, and most claimed that the slender fit is more visually appealing to them. Buying girls’ jeans is cheaper than buying a guys’ designer brand that is cut the same way.
Why the more slender fit? Well, I think we can all recognize that the reintroduction of the skinny, stovepipe, and cigarette jean style is a major factor in wanting to stay on top of trends. The fashion industry has begun to integrate this fad into their new lines. Urban Outfitters, Diesel, Chip & Pepper, and even Armani Exchange are presenting new skinny and more fitted jeans for men. Women, too, are bridging the gender gap by donning typically masculine styles.