According to Leandra Medine, a man repeller is “she who outfits herself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls, shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.” With the exception of clogs, I have sported every item on this list. Sorry, clogs. Hello, boyfriend jeans.
Just as I am proud to declare myself a feminist, the same pride carries over when I describe my style as man repellent in nature. The days of Blair Waldorf inspired headbands and floral dresses straight from the nearest Forever 21 are over. Today, all the ingredients for the perfect “groutfit,” an arsenal of patterns you would not find in your mother’s wardrobe and, my weekend favorite, boyfriend jeans fill my closet. Have my style choices prevented me from acquiring the coveted college boyfriend? Probably. But you know what they say: choose clothes before bros.
Although boyfriend jeans serving as a synonym for manrepellent fashion may be a contradiction, they are a source of female empowerment—just what a Fashionista needs while walking from boutique to bistro. These jeans do not hyper-sexualize plus they provide a sense of authority to the wearer. Think about it: no one messes with the girl in the boyfriend jeans. For example, this week’s Fashionista sports jeans with black, slip-on sneakers that give off an effortless vibe. AKA “Boys, I did not dress for you.” This combination also allows for much needed comfort during a weekend break from interning. The black top maintains the cohesiveness of the outfit while her nose ring compliments the jeans in terms of the sense of authority they both bring forth.
Whether a self-proclaimed manrepeller or not, a Fashionista cannot go wrong with a pair of boyfriend jeans. After all, those that dress for themselves possess one of the hardest forms of confidence to acquire. Confidence, Fashionistas/os, will always be en vogue.
One Simple Change: If you’re going to dinner with friends this weekend, replace the slip-ons with wedges for an instant just-left-the-runway feel.
