Hi, I'm a single young female and walking man repeller. (That's me at left.) In fact, my dude-repelling forces are so persuasive, I started a blog about it. There, we dish about many things, but mostly trends which girls find hot -- and men decidedly don't.Two such items appear on our spring wish list: They both happen to be pants. One pair is best described as "Long John trousers," the other as "Tribal Warrior harem pants." We're going to assume you can use your imagination to conjure up what said pants look like. So then, consider this: The mere titles of these pieces are proof that women dress to impress other women. It's a fact of life.
In the last several years though, with the high concentration of menswear-inspired looks trickling down from high fashion runways to the streets we walk, it's come to our attention that many of the choices we make are not only man-unattractive, they're man-repelling. (for a full definition of the phrase, see this article.)
So, if lady turn-on = harem pants and harem pants = man repeller, then by the transitive property of fashion, lady turn-on = man repeller. There's an elegant proof for this somewhere. And yep, we're going home alone tonight.
In meantime, we bring you a look at the nine most man-repelling fashion and beauty trends: The ones you're wearing, we're loving, and he's cursing. Trust us.
Harem Pants The first item on our list is so roomy, it could shelter an army. But let's be honest -- emulating MC Hammer and Aladdin in one look is an immediate fail. As a resident man repeller, I've conducted several social experiments wearing said pants that have thus far only left us home alone with a closet full of drop crotch. But hey, at least our lady friends swooned.
Shoulder PadsWe can blame Balmain (a designer label, for the uninitiated) for this one. To quote my co-editor, "I want to safety-pin shoulder pads into all my white T-shirts." To my quote myself, "I wish the shoulder pads in this shirt were more aggressive." Because who doesn't want to look like a linebacker on a night out on the town? Men love football. On the bright side, at least we aren't taking the '80s cue too literally and complementing huge shoulders with huge hair.
Red LipsBright red lips are a bright red stop sign. An un-kissable, awkward man-repellent. I, like you, happen to love them (see left), but just think about the red lipstick/champagne flute combo. There's no way to be classy -- or sexy -- in that situation. Regardless, I raise my lipstick-stained glass to you, fellow man repellers. Cheers.
Uni-SuitsThis includes full-length jumpsuits, onesies, unitards and overalls. We wore onesies when we were babies. They were cute, and our moms loved them, but we're older now; channeling our infant years is creepy. Full-length jumpsuits leave a little too much to the imagination -- and make your butt look fat regardless of whether it is. And as for overalls and unitards, well, they're best left on their respective farms and local Spider-Women.
"Boyfriend-Fit" Anything"Borrowed from the boys" is a popular tag line used in magazine fashion shoots to describe boyfriend fit clothing. While that's all well and true, consider this: If your boyfriend wanted to date men, chances are he would be. Put on a skirt.
Faux Leopard FurWhile this was a personal favorite fall trend, I will admit that the stuffed-animal-inspired coat functioned primarily as a precaution: "Do Not Enter, Crazy Chick Inside." What's wrong with looking like a product of Toys 'R' Us, you say? Nothing, if you never want to have sex again.
Confusing FootwearClogs are controversial. Even the worst fashion victims (me) are reluctant to succumb to this trend. There's something uncomfortable about channeling the Netherlands solely (heh) through footwear. Even aside from clogs, though, abnormally chunky wedges and the shoes adorned by feathers, fur and crystals that we lust after are reminiscent of a walking circus. Literally.
Head GearThis is a tough trend to nail. The incorporation of, say, a chin strap will dub you a weird equestrian wannabe, at best; a turban may dub you an African princess warrior; and attached metal links forming a headband will undoubtedly dub you an alien-abducted fashion victim. Think before you cap.
Mixed PrintsWe get it -- a floral blazer and striped dress make you look so fine, in a channeling the Anthropologie catalog kind of way. We don't disagree, but to the opposite sex, this sartorial victory reads more like a pattern explosion across your body. Men just won't get it. Though we do.
Also, even though we just rattled off that list, we want you to know that we're not about to quit man repelling and don't advocate that you do either. But don't say we didn't warn you.
Want to read more about man-repelling fashion? Check us out at The Man Repeller and follow us on Twitter!












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Monday 24 May
By FairerPink
I can't speak for men but I know what I like. And I know what my man likes. But him and his friends always, ALWAYS, make fun of women who wear Ugg boots with shorts. They all agree it looks trashy. I just don't get it. If it's warm enough to wear shorts, why are you wearing fur lined boots?
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Monday 24 May
By Jessica
Umm yeah, because we (women) should just dress to keep men happy! Right?? I will wear whatever the hell I want to wear, I put no thought into whether a man will find it trendy or attractive, I wear what I like. Come on, this isn't the 1950's where a womans life revolves around only doing things that cater to men or that men find attractive! This is ridiculous. And yes, I'm married and my husband could careless about what I wear.
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Monday 24 May
By JO
I THINK WOMEN SHOULD DRESS TO PLEASE THEMSELVES NOT MEN. MOST MEN DON'T DRESS TO PLEASE US.MY GENERATION FOUGHT SO HARD TO MAKE CHANGES IN THIS AREA. AND NOW THIS GENERATION HAS TAKEN US BACK SOOOOOOOOO FAR. THEY PRACTICALLY HAVE TO WALK ON STILTS. WEAR VERY UNCOMFORTABLE CLOTHING ECT. ECT. ECT. AND ALL FOR MEN? TO QUOTE JANET JACKSON WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?
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Monday 24 May
By Nancy
What a stupid article. Who spends their time writing this crap
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Monday 24 May
By Cait
I think women should stop pursuing trends. Baaah baaah, follow the flock right? Be independent and dress that way imo. It should reflect your personality. Your real one, not the gaudy facade's you wear to mock the Hollywood charade of trash.
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Tuesday 25 May
By aj
First of all, "boyfriend FIT" refers to the cut of the clothes, not the garment itself--a super-tailored vest-and-tie combo that shows off your curves (boobs and hips--you know, those things women have)--is still flattering. And if a guy doesn't like it when I wear it, we're probably not going to get along anyway. He sounds uncreative and boring.
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Monday 24 May
By csi8299
I think women should dress the please themselves. It shows us your "style" and I figure if I don't like your style I probably won't like you. Great time saver; lets me just move on before we even meet.
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Monday 24 May
By Jackie
My man loves red lipstick... believe me hahaha
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Monday 24 May
By PleasantSanctuary
The author is not unattractive. I was amused to read that she thinks that she is a natural man-repellant. She is a good comedy writer. From my life experience, I seem to be a man-attractant. *lol* Men seem to come on to me in grocery stores, at outings, and, really, at times when I don't even think I look good. I can tell I am older than the author, so I think there is still time for her to become a person who attracts men, if that's what she wants.
I have to say I really enjoyed reading this, and I got a good look into her psyche by reading what she had to say.
Now, do you want some advice, because this is how I dress for success:
I enjoy: 1.) Playing up my best assets. These will vary with each woman.
2.) I have relatively long dark blonde hair. It is thick, wild and curly. It is difficult to handle, but I get a lot of men who tell me how beautiful it is. My hair would not be acceptable to a lot of women who have to have their hair look a certain way. Use the natural look of your hair to accent your face, according to the shape of your face. Don't be afraid if your hair is not slicked down.
3.) I got back into shape. One of the only things I can control is my body.
I used to be in fabulous shape, a dancer, an exercise instructor, a gymnastic instructor, and it kept my muscles tight, my fat low, and I looked slim.
Now, I have a D-cup, so I coyly wear shirts that accentuate my bust, without being overly showy. It works like a charm.
4.) I have thin, muscular, tight thighs. So, I choose pants that are a skinny fit, to accentuate my thin thighs, and I am told I have nice legs, so shorts, skirts and dresses, always need to be above the knee, since I believe my calves are muscular, but not as attractive as my thinly muscular thighs.
5.) Hey, I'm getting older, so I think my face is not as pretty as it used to be.
My best features are my very big eyes. People tell me how amazing my eyes are. I use a little liner around the bottom, and my lashes are dark enough that I don't need mascara. I play up my eyes subltly, not too overdone, just done a little bit, and because they are big, I don't need too much done with them, my eyes are probably my best feature on my face. I do need undereye makeup to lighten the slightly darker undereyes, though, to make them look normal. ;)
6.) I have good teeth. I have gone to the dentist my whole life and have had cavities filled when needed, and a bridge put in, back on my molars, when I needed it. I keep them clean, and I think it is one of my better features.
7.) I have naturally red lips. I have always been asked if I have lipstick on. My son tells me sometimes ladies ask him if he has lipstick on, too. *lol*, but, no, we inherited rosy red lips, and they just need some spit from our tongues on them, or a clear gloss to really rev up the color. I think this is one of my better features, too.
8.) I have broad shoulders and thin hips. Shirts that aren't fussy look best on me. I don't need shoulder pads and always remove them if clothing comes with shoulder pads. The more simple a shirt is, the better for me.
9.) I have thinly, muscular arms, so it's good to show them off, with short sleeves, no-sleeves, or tight longsleeves. It's one of my best assets.
10.) Attitude. I carry myself with pride, even if I feel negative inside on some days. I am kind in public. I think being kind disarms people, and men seem to be attracted to that, I think. Otherwise, I don't know why men seem to approach me a few times a week asking me if I am single and want to go out. ( I am not single, so, I turn them down, but in reality, I would LOVE to go out twith them.
11.) For all I know it could be pheronomes. (google it)
12.) I think the author is very pretty and I am not sure why she is a man-repellant, but I think she might be underestimating how beautiful she is.
Great article, though, I enjoyed reading her thoughts. It was very comical, too.
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Monday 24 May
By Kevin Furman
The absolute worst thing I have seen in fashion as of late is the tight low rider jean at the waist that creates a muffin waist out of even thin girls, And if it does not make a muffin out of the woman, she is obviously in need of a meal. I do not like to see a roll of skin potruding out of the top of the pants. YUK!!
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Monday 24 May
By Maria
"If your boyfriend wanted to date men, chances are he would be. Put on a skirt."
Okay, normally I don't take this strong a stand on internet articles, but really! You may as well have just said "Get back in the kitchen!" Call me back when you grow up a little bit and learn to appreciate the awesome women who do things THEIR way.
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Monday 24 May
By Jean
Some of the styles today are unattractive. Look at the slacks or jeans that ride below the waist & girls are walking around with a muffin top hanging out. It's not flattering even for thin girls. I think a female needs to dress appropriately for the activity or event. I'm glad to see the stars are dressing glamorous and ultra feminine again. Younger girls need to remember that showing a little less leaves something for a guy's imagination.
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Monday 24 May
By scorpio
HEY!!!! Don't hate on clogs!!!!!!
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Monday 24 May
By jenniferstewart
i dress for me let's be honest i dumpe'd a guy recently who told me your not sexy enough i told him oh yeah your not hot so their go too hell asshole sorry expletive their anyway all im saying is this girl's dress too show off women dress too impress if you don't like red lipstick or nicely done hair your gay a gay man complain's a straight man dosen't care if his best girl dresse's down too play halo and chomp nachos's or come's out in his foot ball jersey fro monday night fun night he'll proabbly look and say hey babe cute let's go let's be honest are we really gonna listen too men who wear tight jean's and littte pink express shirt's no ok then next gay opotamy please
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Monday 24 May
By Rocker
Red lips are very sexy... Dont let anyone tell you what is "in" or "out". Look at what the "fashon critics" did to mens fashon... The 60s stripes and bland styles are boring!! Be original and with confidence! Dont let a bunch of self appointed designers and critics with no design education tell you what is cool. If you like it then wear it with pride!
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Monday 24 May
By jenniferstewart
listen when it come's too women and clothe's hey some fail some pass with little or no help all im saying is this who care's what some whiny little emo brat think's or some guy with a problem men you all dress horribly and expect us too dress cute nice try for a guy who wear's sock's with sandal's hah hah hah
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Monday 24 May
By glenn blackwell
The repelling thing about that girl is having someones mustache for eyebrows!
Harem Pants
Wear them with bare shoulders and high heels.
Not to be worn by fat girls as a visual trick.
Shoulder Pads
If she does not have the shoulders for an outfit, use the shoulder pads.
Not linebacker shoulder pads.
Red Lips
Ugly is unglossed, unpainted lips.
Uni-Suits
Date-repelling is a woman using the word "creepy" I pay the check and leave.
Sexy is a slim, leggy woman in a full-length jumpsuit, unitards or overall.
The material has to be soft, yet clingy.
Your butt only looks fat if it is, fat.
I've seen the cover of Spider-Woman, you would hope to look like her.
"Boyfriend-Fit" Anything
Actually means over-sized, untailored clothes, sold to stupid people.
It's a boyfriend item, if you borrowed it from your boyfriend.
Shirt/Trousers=Boy Blouse/Slacks=Girl.
Difference being, she has the hourglass shape.
If your boyfriend wants to date men, then he is your boy-friend. Not boyfriend.
Faux Leopard Fur
FALSE. As in you can't afford or don't want genuine.
Wear only one animal print item at a time.
The phrase :"Do Not Enter, Crazy Chick Inside." What's wrong with looking like a product of Toys 'R' Us, you say? Nothing, if you never want to have sex again"
Make sense only to psychology classes, has nothing to do with fashion.
Confusing Footwear
Women shoes should be controversial, fashionable and comfortable.
Head Gear
Same as with shoes.
Mixed Prints
Only really sex, hot girls can get away with mis-match prints.
You know who you are.
She is very off the mark her fashion ideas.
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Monday 24 May
By eddie
how can u be a dude repeller u aree stunningly attractive ;-) u should give me a shout out sometime if that pic at the top is u ;-)
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Monday 24 May
By Jane
Didn't like the "put on a skirt" command followed up by the "we're not about to quit man repelling and don't advocate that you do either." Really? Cause it seems like that's the only reason for this list's existence.
I don't even wear most of these trends because I think they're ugly but I think he's worth it if he notices me for my smile instead of my headband. And besides, my boyfriend is not intimidated by my "boyfriend-fit" clothes.
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Monday 24 May
By Black_plumb
I'm sorry this list is annoying and irritating. If you follow the advice of this blogger, you will have the most boring sense of style ever known on the face of the planet. Personally, I have worn just about everything she listed accept for Harem Pants, but I'm not knocking the chick that could rock them with confidence. Which brings me to my point: CONFIDENCE is the biggest afrodisiac a woman can ever have- who gives a flying fick if a man is "appalled or repelled" by what you wear- you know what I say; maybe he's not the one for you. When are women going to stop worrying about what others think about them and just be who we want to be?
I mean no bright red lipstick? Please! I live in the land of the bright red and plan on staying there for a minute, I could care less if you don't like it- and I happen to like some trashy things because it's all about how you wear it IMHO. Besides, I do recall seeing pics of Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly wearing bright rouge lips and there predecessors like Scarlett Johnansson- aren't they you're idols that you celebrity obsessed gal clones pray to? Get some confidence and a sense of your own style and get moving!
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