Is it me or are the lines of fashion blurred at the moment? When you walk through the halls of school or on the sidewalks going to class, are there ever times that you realize that what women and what men are wearing these days are terribly similar so much so that you get mixed up? Well it’s happening to me too. I’m noticing girls wearing the same things I just saw a boy in! So the question is – are women the new men? Look for yourself.
Here is sophomore Britnie Dates channeling her favorite artist, Kanye West. Come to find out, he is one of her inspirations in fashion even though he is a man. She makes her style a bit more feminine, however, with a top bun, a bold lip and a cute mini bag. Her opinion is that you should wear whatever you want to wear but not to look too masculine – find a way to soften it up.
Next is a character in heself, Carmen Jones, a sophomore here at VCU. Carmen follows no rules – gender isn’t a factor. Style is all about creativity but she says she always mixes her looks up with colors and patterns that a man wouldn’t necessarily wear. Today, she completely “borrowed from the boys,” looking adorable and comfy.
Finally, we have a VCU alum on campus who immediately caught my eye. Her modern take on western traditional apparel was subtle, yet notable. From her soft tan oxfords to her dark wash high-waisted jeans, it was perfectly put together and by wearing her hair in loose curls with a raspberry lip, she made her masculine hipster look feminine.
These ladies have made it clear, and if you didn’t know the unisex, “borrowed from my boyfriend” look is in, you do now. Take pointers from them. The three different styles have two things in common: they are women taking on the trend boldly, and they all make it a little feminine. Whether it is with a lip color, like red or a shade of pink, a cute purse or colors and prints that are androgynous, it can still be made to look feminine. As history keeps being made, we’re seeing women stand up and hold on to significantly influential positions in our community and throughout the world. We see women erasing the stereotype of just being a mom and a wife, we are everywhere doing everything including giving men a run for their money even when it comes to fashion! We have people like Janelle Monàe who has made the image of women no longer overly sexy or “homey” with her signature pant suits and ties (and might I add she looks better than some men doing it). Also, Vashtie and the group Nina Sky are taking on men’s fashion and making it even better. But are women the new men? The answer is no, we’re not replacing men at all, however us women do things just as well, if not better than men. So men, watch out before we do take over because we’re well on our way!