Guys Hate My Clothes [Diary of the Undateable]

By Khalea

A few weeks ago, I purchased one of the most intricate items I’ve ever come across on my standard clearance surfing safaris. It’s a floor-skimming silky lime green maxi skirt with a million accordion pleats. It moves and flows like the ocean whenever I walk. After trying it on, I immediately felt like the fashionista – bold, bright and beautiful. I decided to wear the skirt out for dinner and drinks and I felt SO confident and chic. But after a few minutes outside, I noticed a few side eyes, inquisitive looks and murmured comments from strangers, all guys. I got a lot of compliments from women, but the men looked at me like I was wearing a meat dress! And of course, most of their attention went towards the damn-near-naked women showing lots of skin, anyway.

I keep up with trends as much as the next girl. I love looking at different blogs for inspiration. I spend way too much time adding clothes to shopping carts on websites (and then talking myself out of overspending) and my best afternoons are spent leafing through glossy fashion magazines like Vogue and InStyle. But I realize that some clothes that we covet don’t translate that well for the opposite sex.

I read an article about what guys like to see us in. I’m sure you can all guess…they don’t like a lot of fussy details or baggy silhouettes. They don’t understand color blocking, the sparkly magic of sequins and glitter or complexly tied turbans. Statement necklaces are too clunky, thrifted button earrings are too heavy. Apparently, plainer equals better for men. They don’t understand the architecture of a chunky heeled Lita…they love the power of a sky-high, sexy Louboutin though. So yeah, that basically eliminates a third of my current wardrobe.

If you think about it, does a guy truly care if you’re carrying an LV Speedy vs. a Gucci Boston or a regular school logo tote? Can he really notice the difference between your mint green polish vs. the standard light green? As much painstaking detail that we occasionally put into our outfits, sometimes I genuinely wonder if it pays off.

I don’t think I’d let a guy influence my clothing choices because I’d be stuck in skinny jeans and stilettos everyday. I don’t want to part with my Uggs on cold days. I love the effortless style and comfort of my wide leg trousers in the summer. And my oversized shades make me feel like a celebrity year-round! It’s not my fault that they just don’t get it.

CollegeCandy readers, do guys affect your clothing choices? Do you dress more for yourself or for the guys in your life?

[Lead image via Kiselev Andrey Valerevich/Shutterstock]