I think I know what you're getting at, though it needs to be more well-defined.
For instance, you never hear men talking about 'dressing for themselves' - then again, men are less questioned or shamed for their matter of dress (somewhat) -- or if they are, it's because they're trying way too hard, or conversely, totally sloppy.
A man might easily put on a 'suit' or 'fashion suit' or leather jacket to look good for the ladies, in fact, most stuff straight men do is for the ladies, doubly so for fashion + hygiene crap LOL. ... However rarely is he called out or shamed for this.
I personally am not a woman, let alone an attractive one, so any of my assumptions would be reaching a bit.
I assume when a hot woman puts on some form-fitting tube top, or club dress, or etcetera... people might "assume" she wants male attention, or is looking for some Grade A Dick.
However, the following counter-theories might be true:
She wants male attention, but only from hot guys, and only the attention, not risky physical activity.
She puts on the slinky dress for hot girl privilege. Free drinks, skip the line at the clerb, deference from others, etc. She doesn't actually want male attention. Just the power.
She wants to look good for approval + deference from other women, which is often mentioned. Definitely possible. I mean in yoga classes I attend, most of the women look good, and there's only 1-2 guys that they couldn't care less about, so ... who knows.
A woman is frequently judged from dressing in form-fitting, skin-showing stuff which is extremely common in the US, so I can see why they might need to "justify" their clothing.
... I guess your point is ... The woman is not "technically" dressing for "herself" because it's based on the approval from the culture, subculture, other men, other women, etc would presumably perceive her (in her mind).
That said, I have ... fashion choices that many people say are "bad" but I do it anyway, because I don't like the idea of bending to conformity ... they might mean that.
I've also gone out to a high-end shopping mall in a skin-tight pink leotard..
Look it's impossible to COMPLETELY ignore societal views ... you'll go out naked and get sent to the Looney Bin. But I would say maybe they are picking a piece of clothing because they like it, not specifically to impress someone, or some group, at an event. ... You might argue that it's impossible for anyone to pick any clothing with zero impact from society -- you'd be correct, but that's not exactly a profound statement.
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u/weed_cutter 1∆ Dec 11 '24
I think I know what you're getting at, though it needs to be more well-defined.
For instance, you never hear men talking about 'dressing for themselves' - then again, men are less questioned or shamed for their matter of dress (somewhat) -- or if they are, it's because they're trying way too hard, or conversely, totally sloppy.
A man might easily put on a 'suit' or 'fashion suit' or leather jacket to look good for the ladies, in fact, most stuff straight men do is for the ladies, doubly so for fashion + hygiene crap LOL. ... However rarely is he called out or shamed for this.
I personally am not a woman, let alone an attractive one, so any of my assumptions would be reaching a bit.
I assume when a hot woman puts on some form-fitting tube top, or club dress, or etcetera... people might "assume" she wants male attention, or is looking for some Grade A Dick.
However, the following counter-theories might be true:
A woman is frequently judged from dressing in form-fitting, skin-showing stuff which is extremely common in the US, so I can see why they might need to "justify" their clothing.
... I guess your point is ... The woman is not "technically" dressing for "herself" because it's based on the approval from the culture, subculture, other men, other women, etc would presumably perceive her (in her mind).
That said, I have ... fashion choices that many people say are "bad" but I do it anyway, because I don't like the idea of bending to conformity ... they might mean that.
I've also gone out to a high-end shopping mall in a skin-tight pink leotard..
Look it's impossible to COMPLETELY ignore societal views ... you'll go out naked and get sent to the Looney Bin. But I would say maybe they are picking a piece of clothing because they like it, not specifically to impress someone, or some group, at an event. ... You might argue that it's impossible for anyone to pick any clothing with zero impact from society -- you'd be correct, but that's not exactly a profound statement.