we all wear the same pants

we all wear the same pants

Throughout several decades, clothing has been a reflection of one’s status, style, and self-expression. Fashion norms have consistently evolved throughout the centuries and continue to change today. In postmedieval times, upperclass individuals and men of royal status would wear heels; whereas in current modern society we typically only see women wearing heels. From heel length to hair length, after a simple, initial interaction, it is in our human nature to automatically distinguish if a person is male or female by how they choose to express themselves, whether that be by the clothes they are wearing, their hair, or makeup. Today’s modern society accepts and thrives off of diversity – in all aspects of life. Individuals can express themselves however they may choose to do so. In the world of retail fashion

By Georgia Pappas

especially, there is now more of a focus on clothing and accessories as an art, rather than dividing these pieces into specific categories such as womenswear and menswear. There is more emphasis on individuals wearing what they feel expresses them and makes them feel powerful. Women can wear “men’s” clothing and vice versa. Increasingly, more and more brands are putting forth collections that are adored by all genders, aiding in the movement to eliminate gender stereotypes in fashion. There is fluidity in fashion, just as there is fluidity in gender – females shop in the men’s section, and men shop in the women’s section; just as art is art. The current atmosphere of high fashion runway shows exhibit a sense of fluidity across womenswear and menswear shows. These shows include models of different genders, despite what gender department the clothing produced entails, to reiterate that anyone can wear these items. Brands such as Versace, Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Louis Vuitton have diversified their presentations to reflect this

unisex movement. We are fortunate to live in a time where we can focus and freely express our individual creativity, no matter our gender. We are not bound to what society has to say about our fashion choices or what we should be wearing according to our gender. Jonathan Van Ness, author, reality star, and fashion hero, is a fabulous example of the modern individual who sees fashion as art. He is a role model to all, expressing his creativity through his own outfit choices and exemplifies that one can wear whatever makes them feel empowered. Let’s continue to move forward and focus on selfexpression. Let’s leave gender stereotypes in the past. Personal fashion is supposed to be whatever the individual decides, not what society decides for them. Over a hundred years ago women could not be seen in public without wearing a skirt down to the floor. They were shamed into hiding their shape. Now they can wear pants if they would like to; they can show off and be proud of their bodies. Who wears the pants? We all do.