On the topic of gender neutrality or genderfluidity, we can recall Target stores redesigning their toy aisles so as to allow children the shameless option in choosing their next monster truck or doll. The mixing of both “genders” of toys has allowed children to be their true selves without any stigma attached to their selection. Because of society’s taboos, walls have been put up to divide the unison of items either and all genders use. This move by Target has reached such powerful marks and praise, and it makes us wonder why other walls society has put up to divide the sexes in categories of both clothing and makeup still remain, and why this taboo should no longer exist.
Now more than ever in the media, we see a storm of individuals testing the waters of society’s social eye by wearing clothing typically utilized by the other gender. Jaden Smith has recently made his way onto an ad for Louis Vuitton’s womenswear, pictured in a skirt (check the far right individual in the picture above. Yep, that's him!)
This wouldn’t be the first time Jaden has been seen wearing a skirt. However, a bold move like this can help break barriers when it comes to what articles of clothing can any gender wear. As far as leggings go, the same barrier should be broken. As a universal agreement, those who wear leggings can agree that they're far superior to jeans in both comfort and movement. Why is it, though, that typically only the female gender can wear leggings and not males, etc.? Hell, they’re comfortable! Who doesn’t want to be comfortable? Who really wants to be in jeans every single day? You surely can’t bend, stretch, or sit comfortably!
Being restricted to certain types of pants is unreasonable when joggers have reached first male, then female, audiences. Why can’t the same be applied to leggings? Furthermore, pants are damn expensive. However, when stepping into Forever 21, leggings under $5 are always a promise! Leggings are inexpensive and comfortable, and should therefore not be bound to only the female gender. For individuals who prefer skinny jeans, leggings are perfect because they allow room to stretch and bend while also maintaining a slim-fit look.
Besides leggings, clothing in general should not be permitted to only one gender. A more gender fluid approach to clothing would not only aid in eradicating the stigma around gender roles institutionalized by society, but would also allow complete freedom when it comes to what we wear. The sky is the limit!
In addition to the gender fluidity that would occur as a result of the freedom to shamelessly choose our clothing, makeup should not be exempt. In its essence, makeup is an art! It should therefore not be bound by institutionalized gender roles. Walking into Sephora is certainly a fresh breath of air because you see both male and female workers, either and all genders, wearing makeup…and it looks really good!
Besides mascara, eyeshadow, etc., let’s take a closer look at the very bare bones of makeup. What does it really do for those that choose to apply it? Confidence. We apply foundation and concealer in order to skillfully hide away blemishes, dark marks, wrinkles, age spots, and so on. Why can’t the same be achieved by the hands of the non-female gender? We all want to feel confident, and I sure as hell know that I don’t like waking up in the morning to see my groggy face full of acne and red splotchy skin! That’s why I put on foundation and concealer as a first step, in order to hide these little parts of my skin and come out of the process more confident in my appearance. The very same should be de-stigmatized and incorporated for all genders entirely so we can all feel good and not helplessly bare because we cannot apply makeup.
We come away feeling better than before! That’s not to say that those who do not wear makeup don’t feel beautiful or confident, because that is totally not true. Individuals, primarily women, who choose to not wear makeup may do it because they feel freer and empowered without it on. Props to you individuals as well! Makeup should not be limited to only one gender, it should be accepted for all genders to apply makeup in order to feel more confident in our appearances.
The taboo that certain genders are confined to wear or not wear various types of clothing or makeup should be eradicated. We all like to feel free, confident, comfortable, and ourselves. As a society, we should not feel limited in our options! All genders should be able to wear leggings or skirts without shame because it’s comfortable and because we want to.
Women used to be confined by society to only wear skirts or dresses, but they took a stand to be able to wear pants! The same should be achieved and allowed for all genders. Skirts and leggings for everyone! The same can be said about makeup. It isn’t an argument as to which gender is allowed to apply it, all genders should feel comfortable to walk into a makeup store and purchase whatever they desire. Items like foundation and concealer aid tremendously in covering up blemishes, under-eye circles, and dark spots!
We should all be able to apply these items in order to feel more confident about our appearance and not feel hopelessly stuck with what we wake up to look like on a given morning. We should all be free to exercise our right to be happy in our lives.
