What does being “beautiful” even mean anymore? Women (and men) are constantly trying to live up to a societal norm: being thinner, taller, leaner, more muscular, etc. Why? Not to exclude men, because they are also unrealistically portrayed in today’s media industry, but women really get the brunt of this beauty-conundrum.
College guys can be pretty brutal when it comes to judging a woman’s looks. I’ve learned that there are rating systems and methodical scales to measure a girl’s attractiveness. Guys, we know you’re trying to find love and all (hah), but is this necessary? You’re entitled to your own opinion but let’s keep it at that.
In addition to societal expectations, many women comply with gender expectations. What some women find beautiful, some men may not. Media outlets often support dressing to impress the opposite gender, with coverlines like “Please your man!” or “The look he’ll love!” Please, it’s not the 1950’s. We so often dress to impress others, when we should really just dress to impress ourselves.
In a recent article in Glamour magazine, men and women were asked what beauty trends they found most appealing. The results were astonishing! Men and women often had opposite views on what they deemed attractive. Interesting. In the field of psychology, there are many gender-related studies that aim at understanding the differences in the male and female brains. Biological measures are constantly analyzing what triggers neurons to fire in the male brain vs. the female brain.
In a recent study at Wake Forest University, researchers found that there is a larger consensus in what men find attractive in a female, but more discrepancy in what females find attractive in a man. That being said, researchers also found that “Men’s judgments of women’s attractiveness were based primarily around physical features, and they rated highly those who looked thin and seductive.” Furthermore, a report by Science Daily said, “Women who are trying to impress men are likely to be found much more attractive if they meet certain physical standards, and much less if they don’t.”
There’s still so much to know about gender differences and pleasure stimuli, but this we do know: there are certain trends that girls try or stand by that guys just don’t understand or even find repulsive. Let’s take a look at some of these disagreements. What styles do guys just not understand?
*Note: HC BC is not suggesting girls dress to impress men and give up their beloved styles that some guys don’t understand! This is purely for interest and entertainment.
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Long hair vs. ponytails
For whatever reason, guys seem to find celebrities with messy “bed head,” like Mila Kunis, smoking hot and generally loathe the sleek ponytail. In a lot of high fashion magazines, fancy updo’s are portrayed. Women try out these trends in the workplace or just when they’re on the go. Many women love haircuts like pixie cuts and bobs: trends that some guys just don’t understand and generally don’t find desirable. -
Neutral lips vs. bright lip stick
Guys usually dig the more natural look, while girls try to emulate classic beauties like Marilyn Monroe. Bright red lipstick is just something that men and women disagree on. Of course, it’s a general concern if the guy is going to kiss you goodnight, but other than this, guys just don’t understand the appeal of applying lipstick. -
Eye make-up
Just like red lipstick, heavy eyeliner and eye makeup is usually a turn off among guys. Just wearing mascara and keeping your makeup natural and light is more preferable among men. -
Uggs
Although we love their comfort, practicality, and warmth… guys hate Uggs. They’re a trend men don’t understand, and may never understand. But here’s something we can communicate to those XY’s: comfort! Just as guys love wearing their sweats, us girls love us some Uggs hugging our feet on a cold day! And to be fair, we’ll meet the dudes half-way: most women agree that wearing Uggs out to a party is a no-no! (Although maybe Uggs spokesman Tom Brady wouldn’t mind?) -
Flowy vs. tight
Guys like dresses and skirts that emphasize, um, your curves. And here’s the thing… often, we do, too! However, there’s something to be said for those fabulously flowy dresses or tops. And girls, remember: you should wear that mini skirt when YOU want to feel super sexy, not simply to attract a guy’s attention. You do you, girls!
So sure, sometimes we might take into consideration what guys find attractive to well, attract our man. But at what point do you sacrifice your individuality, pride, and personal style? Shouldn’t we really want our man to be attracted to us for us? Let’s not forget that while guys love Mila Kunis’ messy bedhead, she also rocked that slick bun in the beginning of Friends with Benefits and snatched Justin Timberlake!
So although there will be some trends both genders will never agree on, I think both can agree that what’s most sexy in both genders is self-confidence. So how about we work together and redefine THAT as beautiful, no?!
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626153511.htm
Photo Sources:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xwcoDFM3XL0/TI7RK0SqeCI/AAAAAAAAADg/hvuxzcmIZQE/s1600/femalemale.jpg
http://belleontheboulevard.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cos-mila-kunis-flowy-hair-2010-lgn.jpg