With unexpected attire, some TikTokers are eschewing sartorial clichés

Satire is absolutely popular on TikTok. There have been a lot of videos recently that show ladies wearing in bizarre and quirky ways. The films’ goal is to criticize the sartorial standards and expectations that are influenced by the male gaze. These social media users want to demonstrate to the world that dressing for oneself is the most important thing by posting pictures of themselves looking this way.

You may have recently come across videos on TikTok with names like “How to dress to attract a man.” As surprising as it may seem, this trend, which is mostly pushed by women, is really a satire meant to dispel the many misconceptions and standards associated with clothes. On the Chinese social network, it’s a growing phenomena among some groups and is doing rather well there.

These contemporary videos have a straightforward basis. With a voiceover in the background giving them advice on numerous fashion and beauty guidelines to follow in order to attract a guy, young ladies stand in front of the camera. For instance, make sure your hair is loose, that you reveal a little flesh, that your shoes are delicate and exquisite, and that you at all costs highlight your waist. Nothing is more overused than that…

When you hear these fashion advice videos, you may assume the worse, but you quickly learn that the TikTokers in question are intentionally doing the opposite of what is requested of them. The videos often culminate with looks that are each more bizarre and outrageous than the last. One user going by the handle of baileyspinn goes so far as to dress in an electric blue shirt and trousers combination, a bright green tutu, and lace-up boots in her video. In other words, nothing that you would ever see in a fashion magazine or even on the street. The user uses veronicashavie’s original audio from her TikToker video as inspiration, mocking the “male gaze,” or the masculine viewpoint that converts women’s bodies into objects of desire.

Social networks have evolved into forums for speaking out and taking a position in recent years with the growth of feminism, which promotes freedom in both clothing and social terms. Young women are urging others to dress for themselves and not for guys on TikTok, where this is especially true. For instance, this translates into looser, brighter, or less exposing attire.

On the Chinese social network in 2021, videos with the hashtag “pov you quit dressing for the male gaze” had already gained popularity. Young women were seen radically altering their appearance, moving from an ultra-feminine look to a more laid-back, streetwear appearance. The appeal of more distinctive, unique looks like the odd girl aesthetic, which entails defying many fashion’s presumptive standards, has also increased.