You know that outfit that makes you feel like you own the sidewalk? It might be leaving the guy across the table completely confused.
Fashion is a fantastic way for individuals to express their personalities and feel great about themselves. As a foreign observer of American street style, one is often amazed by the bold choices women make every day. Sometimes, though, the outfits that make ladies feel like runway models do not exactly translate well to the guys watching them walk by. It turns out that men and women speak completely different languages when it comes to fashion preferences.
Many women might think that their new high-waisted jeans are the absolute peak of modern style. However, the guy sitting across from them at the coffee shop might secretly wonder why they borrowed their grandfather’s trousers. Understanding these funny little disconnects can save people from a few awkward first dates. Observers can grab a cup of coffee and look at some popular trends that completely baffle the male population.
High Waisted Mom Jeans
There is no denying that the high-waisted denim trend has completely taken over American shopping malls. Women absolutely love these pants because they are comfortable and hide a multitude of sins after a big dinner. However, most guys look at these loose-fitting trousers and immediately think of a vintage family sitcom.
Men usually prefer clothing that subtly highlights a feminine shape rather than hiding it under stiff blue fabric. Attire Club says 73% of men may be forgiving of minor fashion mistakes, yet they still prefer well-fitted garments. If a lady wants to catch his eye, she might want to swap those vintage jeans for a classic bootcut style.
Heavy Foundation and Contouring
Many women spend an hour painting their faces to achieve that flawless, camera-ready look for a night out. While they might feel like glamorous movie stars, guys often see a painted mask that they are terrified to touch. Men worry that giving a hug will leave a beige imprint all over their favorite shirts.
YourTango says a survey conducted by St. Ives showed that 45 percent of men consider heavy makeup and thick foundation to be major turn-offs. Guys genuinely prefer to see real skin, freckles and all, instead of a heavily painted canvas. Women will probably get more compliments if they just use a light moisturizer and let their natural glow shine through.
Massive Bug Eye Sunglasses
Huge sunglasses are incredibly popular because they block the sun and hide tired eyes on a rough morning. Many ladies feel like mysterious Hollywood celebrities trying to avoid the paparazzi while walking down the street. Unfortunately, men often joke that these massive frames make women look like giant insects exploring the city.
Eye contact is a massive part of building chemistry and connecting with someone on a date. When half of a face is hidden behind dark plastic, guys find it incredibly hard to read emotions. Ditching the oversized shades for a smaller frame will instantly make anyone look more approachable and friendly.
Extremely Long Fake Eyelashes
The beauty industry has convinced many that having eyelashes touching the eyebrows is the ultimate standard of beauty. Women spend hundreds of dollars gluing these fluffy extensions to their eyelids to create a dramatic flutter. Men, on the other hand, are mostly just confused by how ladies manage to keep their eyes open.
They often find the heavy, caterpillar look to be incredibly distracting during a normal conversation. According to a report by Bustle, 66 percent of men do not find a date more attractive if she is wearing dark, heavy eye makeup or dramatic false lashes. Sticking to a few good coats of regular mascara is usually a much safer bet for capturing romantic interest.
Odd Maxi Dresses
Throwing on a long, flowing dress in the middle of a sweltering July afternoon feels absolutely heavenly to most women. These garments feel like wearing a giant, breezy tent, which is exactly why guys do not understand the appeal. Men simply cannot figure out where the body ends, and the endless yards of fabric begin.
While comfort is important, men generally appreciate outfits that provide at least a hint of a silhouette. A woman does not need to wear a skin-tight dress to look beautiful in his eyes. Adding a simple belt around the waist can easily fix the tent effect and provide a lovely shape.
Bright Red Lipstick
A bold red lip is a classic symbol of female empowerment and fierce confidence. Many women put it on to feel like powerful bosses ready to conquer the entire world. However, guys look at that vibrant color and immediately see a giant stop sign warning them to stay away.
Men are usually just terrified of leaning in for a kiss and ending up looking like a clown. A dating survey report by YourTango found that 57 percent of men give a thumbs down to bright red lipstick on a date. Choosing a soft, rosy lip balm will keep lips soft and make a partner much more eager to lean in.
Bulky Winter Boots
Fleece-lined boots are essentially warm hugs for the feet during those freezing winter months. Women practically live in these cozy shoes from the first sign of snow until the spring thaw. Meanwhile, men stare at those fluffy, shapeless boots and wonder if their dates are preparing for an Arctic expedition.
They find the clumsy, shuffling walk that these boots create to be rather unappealing. There are plenty of sleek leather boots on the market that provide warmth without making feet look massive. Trading in the fuzzy slippers for a structured boot will instantly elevate an entire winter wardrobe.
Complicated Rompers and Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits look incredibly chic on the rack and promise the convenience of a single, unified outfit. Women step into them feeling stylish, trendy, and ready for a fun brunch with their best friends. Then the reality of having to use the restroom strikes, and the outfit suddenly becomes a logistical nightmare.
Guys are utterly baffled by clothing that requires an instruction manual and ten minutes of wrestling to remove. Attire Club reports that dating profiles mentioning stylish dress receive a 135 percent increase in messages, but guys prefer styles they actually understand. Wearing a simple top and skirt combination gives ladies that chic look without the frustrating bathroom gymnastics.
Stiff Pin Straight Hair
Spending hours with a hot flat iron to achieve perfectly straight, glossy hair is a daily ritual for many. Ladies work hard to eliminate every single flyaway, creating a sleek look that feels incredibly polished. Sadly, men often view this rigid hairstyle as intimidating and a bit too perfect to approach.
Men usually prefer a style that looks soft, touchable, and effortlessly thrown together. According to YourTango, 81 percent of men voted for a relaxed, natural hairstyle over stiff, overly styled pin-straight hair. Letting hair air dry with a few natural waves makes a woman look much more approachable and fun.
Overpowering Floral Perfumes
Spritzing on a luxury fragrance is the final step in getting ready for a big night out. Women want to leave a memorable trail of sweet vanilla and roses wherever they walk. Unfortunately, taking a bath in a favorite perfume can easily give a date a massive headache.
Guys love it when a woman smells good, but they want to lean in close to catch the scent. If a man can smell his date from the other side of the restaurant, she has definitely gone too far. Using just one small spray on the wrists is all anyone needs to leave a lasting, pleasant impression.
Excessively Distressed Denim
Jeans with a few strategic rips can look edgy, cool, and perfectly lived in. However, wearing pants that have more holes than fabric simply leaves men scratching their heads in pure confusion. They cannot understand why anyone would pay premium prices for clothes that look like they survived a bear attack.
Most guys appreciate a neat, put-together appearance that does not look overly chaotic or messy. Women can still achieve a cool, casual vibe with a classic pair of jeans that are fully intact. Leaving the heavily shredded denim at home and wearing solid pants is always a smarter choice for an evening out.
Painfully High Stilettos
Sky-high heels definitely make legs look a mile long and give women a commanding presence. Ladies step out of the house feeling like runway models, ready to strut down the city sidewalk. By the end of the night, they are usually limping and begging for a pair of flat sneakers.
Men absolutely hate watching their dates suffer and struggle to balance on tiny, precarious spikes. They would much rather see women walking comfortably in a stylish pair of flats or low block heels. Being able to actually enjoy the evening without complaining about foot pain is the most attractive trait of all.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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