There are some things guys just don’t understand about collegiettes; namely, what we like to wear. If I had a dollar for every time a guy asked me why I was “so dressed up today,” I could afford some kick-ass Dior biker boots. I’ve gotten some confused looks from males while wearing sequined tennis shoes or my favorite navy blazer and heels (no, I’m not on my way to a job interview). One time, my guy friend told me “your shoulders look wrinkly” because I was wearing puffed sleeves. Sheesh.
If you’re nodding your head in understanding right now, check out the hilarious blog, The Man Repeller. Fashionista Leandra Medine writes about the crazy runway couture that she loves but perplexes men, inspiring women everywhere who want to look fabulous no matter what the male population thinks or says.
So what are the man-repelling trends on college campuses? I went out and asked some UNC guys what kinds of female fashion made them scratch their heads in confusion, and what they did understand (and love).
Trends that confuse them
1. Ugg Boots
Ah, the comfortable yet often critiqued fuzzy footwear. When asked what trends they don’t understand, Ugg boots were mentioned in most of the guys’ responses:
“I don’t like those moonboots. The Uggs?” – Yousef, 23
“I don’t understand the Ugg boots fashion. I feel like when it’s worn with short shorts and a T-shirt, that’s what gets me. If it’s cold outside, that’s fine.” –Andy*, 20
“I’m not a big fan of Uggs. I think they’re quite ugly, to be honest.” –Matt, 18
“Ugg boots whenever it’s not cold. I’m not too sure about that.” –Christian, 18
“Fuzzy boots and short shorts seems pretty nonsensical.” –Michael, 20
However, not all college guys despise Uggs:
“For some reason I really like the way women look in certain types of winter clothing. I really dig winter coats with furry hoods and furry boots.” –Eddie, 19
Thank you, Eddie, for appreciating the comfort of collegiettes everywhere.
2. Feather Hair Extensions
This hot trend has popped up in celebrity hairstyles and in the locks of many collegiates. But some guys don’t get this feathery flight of fancy:
“I just don’t understand the need for the feather in the hair. It’s basically like, fishing lines and lures. That’s what they make that stuff out of.” –Andy*, 20 (Leave it to a guy to compare hairstyling to fishing.)
“It just costs a lot. I mean, they can do whatever they want; I just see it to be pointless.” –Yousef, 23
3. Piled On Makeup
Many of the college guys surveyed said they didn’t understand girls who wore too much makeup. But how much is too much?
“[When] you get to the point where I don’t know what your actual face looks like.” –Sean*, 21
“It makes sense when someone uses foundation to cover a small blemish or two, but painting your whole face with it seems ridiculous. To me, that says that the person is insecure and doesn’t like the look of their own face, which is sad.” –Michael, 20
“I’m not against a little bit of it, unless a girl wears it because she doesn’t think she looks naturally beautiful.” –Eddie, 19
4. Others
“The poof—you know that thing when they do that with their hair? It looks trashy. I don’t understand it.” –Sean*, 21. (This guy needs to steer clear of the Jersey Shore.)
“They wear belts around their stomach. It’s not holding anything up.” –Daniel, 20 (He must not realize that’s how we get our maxi dresses to look so good!)
“The sweatshirts that are, like, four times too big. I don’t really get that.” –Christian, 18
Trends they can’t decide on
1. Leggings as Pants
The topic of wearing leggings as pants incites a strong reaction from many collegiates; they either love or hate the look. It’s comfortable and chic to some, inappropriate to others. It turns out that for guys, there’s a similar divide on the issue:
“One thing that really does confuse me is the leggings as pants.” –Christian, 18
“What’s up in the summertime [when] girls stop wearing pants? When it’s giving you a wedgie, it just looks bad. If you’re wearing a skirt or a long shirt it’s a different story.” –Yousef, 23
“I think leggings accentuate a woman’s body in a nice way sometimes, but not always.” –Tyler, 20
“I personally am a fan of the leggings.” –Daniel, 20
Trends they understand (and love)
1. Sundresses
While some of the things we wear leave guys puzzled, there’s one thing they all agree looks good on any girl: sundresses.
“Absolutely every girl looks good in (a dress).” –Eddie, 19
“There’s always that one day during the spring when the sundresses come out. It’s the best day to walk around campus because the girls on this campus are absolutely gorgeous.” –Sean*, 21 (Aww, how sweet!)
2. Others
Here are a few other styles guys liked:
When talking about cardigans, “They show a level of sophistication.” –Yousef, 23
“If a stranger was wearing a band t-shirt that I liked, that would catch my attention.” –Michael, 20
“Spandex yoga pants.” –Matt, 18 (hey, at least he was honest).
So what do you do if one of your favorite trends confuses men?
Wear it anyway! Personal style is just that: personal. Wear what makes you feel happy and attractive, not what you think a guy would like. I know I’m not about to throw out my waist belts and over-sized sweatshirts because it confuses some guys. Besides, there are plenty of things we’ll never understand about guys—online video game obsessions, why they act like someone died when they lose in fantasy football or the exact meaning behind that text they sent you. Wear what you want and let your confidence and personality shine–now that’s one thing any guy can understand.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
Sources:
Male UNC-Chapel Hill students
Neon Runway (photo): The Man Repeller, http://www.manrepeller.com/2011/09/friday-shows.html
Ugg boots (photo): MailOnline.com, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-497170/The-UGGly-truth-Theyre-hot-smelly-bad-feet-Ugg-boots-popular.html
Feather hair extensions (photo): http://www.chiiron4u.com/feather-hair-extensions/
Makeup (photo): http://www.makeupandbeautycare.com/skin-care/worst-celebrity-makeup-disasters.html
Leggings (photo): http://christinaaddie.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/why-leggings-are-not-pants/
Sundresses (photo): Refinery 29, http://www.refinery29.com/sundresses-for-your-warm-weathered-winter-vacations