This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Fainite Auguste. Find her on Instagram at @ceilingdancing. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
This fashion-forgotten 2010 fashion trend is making a comeback. But the colors and patterns have a deeper implication than aesthetics.
What is a Man Repeller Outfit?
A Man Repeller outfit involves lots of layering, clashing patterns, and different textures like sequence. It’s a little bit overwhelming; something that could be more appealing. But that’s the point of a Man Repeller outfit.
The concept gained popularity in the 2010s. The fashion blogger, Leandra Medine started and maintained “Man Repeller.” It was a fashion and lifestyle blog and that became something bigger. It became a lifestyle and Medine subsequently became an it girl. The public’s opinion on Medine differed. Some people accused her of not really having a fashion sense. Nonetheless, the man repeller outfits were on the 2016 Milan fashion runways. After it hit the mainstream and in the hands of rich young people the trend fizzled out.
What it Says About our Society
But what’s the purpose of the man repeller outfit? It’s to avoid getting catcalled. Many women and women presenting people have experienced catcalling at some point in their lives. It’s a form of intimidation and harassment from men. Women would inevitably try to find a way to exist in society instead of being made a spectacle.
In an interview, Medine said this about the Man Repeller outfit: “It is really much more about dressing in a way that you would find very beautiful even knowing, maybe hoping, a man might not.” The Man Repeller outfit is an attempt to deal with violence and dehumanization of the body. Women and girls reclaim their bodies with every baggy layer and chunky shoe.
In this age of further restrictions on reproductive health and women’s bodies, the Man Repeller aesthetic is trending once again. Convictional beauty isn’t what Millennials and Gen Z are interested in anymore. In this age of further restrictions on reproductive health and women’s bodies, the Repeller aesthetic is trending once again. Conventional beauty isn’t what Millennials and Gen Z are interested in anymore. Makeup has gotten messier and more dramatic. People are bleaching their eyebrows and dying their hair. Wearing what makes you comfortable even if it’s not the conventional is the best way of dressing.
How to Make a Man Repeller Outfit
Millennials, and Gen Z especially have leaned into both the feminine and masculine styles. It’s possible to create Man Repeller outfits for every season. For colder weather baggy sweaters, colorful turtlenecks, and a jacket are great options and potential combinations. As for bottoms, looser-fitting jeans, slacks, work pants, or wide-leg jeans are often used in the outfits. People also are keen on wearing maxi or midi skirts with patterns or different fabrics. Boots and chunky shoes are an important aspect of the outfits.
Once the weather gets warmer oversized graphic tees are a good way to keep cool. Tank tops are an alternative to battling the hot summers. Shorts can also add to a summer and spring outfit. But longer shorts are the way to go, like 7 or 9-inch seams. If they have fun colorful patterns it will add to the outfit. Long, baggy, and breathable dresses are good options for a spring and summer outfit.
Is This a Sustainable Way of Dressing?
This Man Repellent aesthetic is a great form of dressing. There’s no perfect way of dressing in the aesthetic. Things don’t have to fit exactly the way other people have shown it in TikToks. You don’t necessarily need to buy new clothes but change the way you wear them. There are certain clothes in your closet that are a little baggy or have “ugly” patterns as long as you do it for yourself.
Are you planning on trying out the Man Repeller outfits this Spring? Or is the aesthetic not for you? Let us know!
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