It’s clear as I walk the streets of Edinburgh and scroll through socials that we’ve moved far, far away from dressing for the male gaze. Recent trends, like the rise of the Maison Margiela Tabi and the popularity of baggier clothing, are a definitive move away from previous mainstream styles that traditionally centered the ‘male gaze’. However, as we move into this era of the ‘female gaze,’ is the fashion freedom we’re experiencing only illusory?
Traditional ideas of masculinity, femininity, and gender expression have always been accompanied by expectations about fashion and what certain people should or should not wear. With an increasing rejection of these roles and categories, many also rejected norms about clothing in favour of expressing themselves through the clothing that they liked best. However, while many preach the idea that everyone should be able to dress the way they want to, it’s hard to say if this belief has really been adopted by society.
Fashion is one of the aspects of life most susceptible to social norms. The trend cycle often decides not only in what direction individual preferences go, but also what clothing the majority of people have access to. Aside from this though, is the social pressure that exists at places like uni where an individual is so exposed to the public on a daily basis. Together, the social pressure, easy access to limited styles, and exposure to a mainstream fashion culture creates a culture of conformity.
While the idea of the ‘female gaze’ denies conformity, I feel as though I’m still compelled to dress to the conventional style. Although the ‘female gaze’ emphasises the value of uniqueness, it has also somehow made this uniqueness and edginess mainstream, focusing on concepts like ‘finding your personal style’ to push a narrative about how everyone must find their own way to be unique and trademark a style for their own. Meanwhile, it continues promoting an even faster trend cycle, creating a paradox that expects us to stay constantly on trend while being different in a way that doesn’t stray too far away from what’s expected. In this new order of fashion, I still find myself trying to understand what it is that I actually want to wear, and trapped in an inability to experiment with my style.
I’ve come to two conclusions. First, personal style is never static; we change our opinions on clothes all the time and that’s a good thing. Second, the trend cycle might be fast and you may always find yourself in need of new clothes, but don’t forget the pieces you haven’t worn in a while. You may find that with new styles emerging every day, you will also have new ideas for styling a sweater that hasn’t left your closet since last semester.
In the end, ‘female gaze’ or ‘male gaze’, fashion continues to trap us into the mainstream, but that’s not to say you cannot, and should not, stand against it.
Photo by Duane Mendes on Unsplash.