From eccentric socks to dressing against our gendered
expectations, many people push the limits of social norms when it comes to
fashion. Research has shown that non-conformists can be viewed as being of a
higher status and more competent than those who follow the rules of fashion. We
take a look at what different clothing says about the wearer…
expectations, many people push the limits of social norms when it comes to
fashion. Research has shown that non-conformists can be viewed as being of a
higher status and more competent than those who follow the rules of fashion. We
take a look at what different clothing says about the wearer…
Against gendered expectations
The line is becoming increasingly blurred between male and
female clothing. Many people are speaking up, opposing the ideas that men and
women should be dressed according to their sex. But, are you presenting
yourself in a different way when you dress against the gendered expectations?
female clothing. Many people are speaking up, opposing the ideas that men and
women should be dressed according to their sex. But, are you presenting
yourself in a different way when you dress against the gendered expectations?
Although fashionistas are saying that they don’t agree with
gender rules, some research suggests that we’re still stuck in our old ways.
Psychologists in New Jersey found that attitudes towards gender stereotypes
hadn’t changed much between 1983 and 2014.
gender rules, some research suggests that we’re still stuck in our old ways.
Psychologists in New Jersey found that attitudes towards gender stereotypes
hadn’t changed much between 1983 and 2014.
There is an argument that shows that it’s favourable for
women to cross the gender barrier but perhaps not men. Back in 1990, it was
found that — despite the sex of the applicant – if the clothing that they wore
was more masculine, they were more likely to be hired. When men dressed in pink
however (a colour commonly associated with females), they were seen as less
intelligent than women who were wearing the same colour.
women to cross the gender barrier but perhaps not men. Back in 1990, it was
found that — despite the sex of the applicant – if the clothing that they wore
was more masculine, they were more likely to be hired. When men dressed in pink
however (a colour commonly associated with females), they were seen as less
intelligent than women who were wearing the same colour.
Eccentric wear
Another way of going against the grain when it comes to style
it through eccentric clothing. When we think of outrageous outfits we may think
of people with brightly coloured hair, patterned clothing and over the top
jewellery. But, there are other ways to express freedom through dress.
it through eccentric clothing. When we think of outrageous outfits we may think
of people with brightly coloured hair, patterned clothing and over the top
jewellery. But, there are other ways to express freedom through dress.
For example, people who wear unconventional socks are viewed
as being rebellious and expressive. One of these people is Justin Trudeau, the
current Prime Minister of Canada, who shows off his fun side by wearing funky
socks with a traditional suit. You can make your own subtle ‘eccentric’ changes
through patterned socks by CT shirts, online retailers of men’s formal shirts
and accessories. Or make yourself stand out from the crowd through bright
scarves and other extras.
as being rebellious and expressive. One of these people is Justin Trudeau, the
current Prime Minister of Canada, who shows off his fun side by wearing funky
socks with a traditional suit. You can make your own subtle ‘eccentric’ changes
through patterned socks by CT shirts, online retailers of men’s formal shirts
and accessories. Or make yourself stand out from the crowd through bright
scarves and other extras.
By dressing against the norms, studies have shown that you
build a brand of being ‘gutsy’. And in fact, people have the potential to see
you as more brilliant, creative and successful. One study, published in 2014,
found that those who go against conformity can be viewed as of a higher status
than those who don’t. They were also considered to be more competent — potentially
influencing the impression that they give off in the workplace.
build a brand of being ‘gutsy’. And in fact, people have the potential to see
you as more brilliant, creative and successful. One study, published in 2014,
found that those who go against conformity can be viewed as of a higher status
than those who don’t. They were also considered to be more competent — potentially
influencing the impression that they give off in the workplace.
Not only does it affect people’s perceptions of you but it
can also affect the way you think, feel and act — this is through ‘embodied
cognition’. Since eccentric dress gives you greater potential to express your
individuality, it’s possible that it can make you feel more confident and
comfortable in different situations. This could then go on to improve your
performance at work or in challenges where you want to push yourself.
can also affect the way you think, feel and act — this is through ‘embodied
cognition’. Since eccentric dress gives you greater potential to express your
individuality, it’s possible that it can make you feel more confident and
comfortable in different situations. This could then go on to improve your
performance at work or in challenges where you want to push yourself.
Against the dress code
In some situations, for a job interview perhaps, it can be
argued that dressing in accordance with expectations is the best thing to do.
argued that dressing in accordance with expectations is the best thing to do.
Under some circumstances, we think that people with
extraordinary appearances are more successful.
extraordinary appearances are more successful.
Men who wear smart, fitted suits as they are often expected
to wear in a formal situation, were perceived as being more confident,
successful and thought to be earning a higher wage. This was compared to men
who weren’t dressed as smartly — in a loosely fitted suit.
to wear in a formal situation, were perceived as being more confident,
successful and thought to be earning a higher wage. This was compared to men
who weren’t dressed as smartly — in a loosely fitted suit.
In one study that looked at the effects of clothing, it was
found that senior managers were rated less favourably if they were dressed more
‘provocative’. This was a skirt slightly above the knee and one button on the
blouse undone. It’s clear to see that it is important to consider our dress
style carefully as people can make many assumptions without any evidence.
found that senior managers were rated less favourably if they were dressed more
‘provocative’. This was a skirt slightly above the knee and one button on the
blouse undone. It’s clear to see that it is important to consider our dress
style carefully as people can make many assumptions without any evidence.
In some environments, wearing your set uniform can improve
your productivity. Research found that in a lab, those who were wearing lab
coats felt smarter and went on to perform better!
your productivity. Research found that in a lab, those who were wearing lab
coats felt smarter and went on to perform better!
As we can see, dressing against societies expectations can
have many effects on the opinion of others and your own performance. Although
it’s important to express yourself through dress, you don’t want to hinder your
work or your impression on others in formal situations. Wear a pair of crazy
socks underneath your day-to-day outfit instead…
have many effects on the opinion of others and your own performance. Although
it’s important to express yourself through dress, you don’t want to hinder your
work or your impression on others in formal situations. Wear a pair of crazy
socks underneath your day-to-day outfit instead…
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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