Gender stereotypes are generalized views or preconceptions about attributes, characteristics, and/or roles that men and women possess or ought to possess or perform. They can be overtly hostile or seem benign, but either way, they are harmful as they limit women’s and men’s capacity to develop their personal attributes and pursue their professional goals.
Tops
According to Modest Eve, in a world where fashion is the ultimate form of self-expression, women must find clothing that celebrates their own unique sense of style. When it comes to modest tops, there is a range of styles that offer an alluring blend of coverage and creativity.
From sleeveless blouses in silky satin to puff sleeves and cold shoulder designs, the modern woman has plenty of options. For those who want to keep their silhouette covered, consider a fitted tee or a classic V-neck top that can be worn under a blazer for an office-ready look. For more casual attire, a crop top is an ideal choice for gym, yoga class, or out and about.
A sleeveless cami is also a great option, providing the right coverage for an evening out with friends or a casual dinner date. In a world where gender stereotypes are harmful and often cause inequalities, it’s important to break down the assumptions that are imposed upon us based on our gender.
Gender stereotyping is a major obstacle to real gender equality and can limit men’s and women’s ability to develop their natural talents, pursue professional careers and make choices about their lives. Whether overtly hostile (like the sexist belief that science is reserved for males) or seemingly benign (“girls like pink things”), these gender stereotypes are detrimental to the advancement of women.
A key element of breaking down gender stereotypes is raising awareness. This can be done through role models, e.g., Billie Jean King in sport and Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In initiative, and through brands that promote diversity and inclusivity (such as the #banbossy campaign by Gillette). A further important factor is encouraging more discussion on social media, for example, through the hashtags #womeninscience, #womenintech, and others. This can help to reframe the discussion and dispel myths about what it really means to be a woman in tech. This is essential to ensure the industry is as diverse and inclusive as possible. It’s time to get behind the tech.
Jackets & Cardigans
Jackets and cardigans are wardrobe essentials for the modern woman. Whether wearing jeans, a T-shirt, a dress, and heels for a special occasion, a cardigan adds warmth and elevates your look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a cardigan darker than your shirt and lighter than your jacket, so the layers are ordered from lightest to darkest. This creates a more flattering silhouette.
Cardigans can be closed with buttons, toggles, or zippers. Buttons are the best option, as they offer a classic, handsome look. Toggles are a bit more casual and less traditional, but they can be ok too. Zippers are the least desirable option, as they trend more towards sweatshirt territory and are less dapper. But if you must choose a zippered sweater, go with one partially unzipped or worn open to avoid looking too casual.
The sweater jacket was introduced in the 1920s by Coco Chanel as a liberating alternative to the restrictive corsets and long skirts of previous decades. She modeled her slim two-piece suit after menswear, and it was the beginning of a modern and masculine style. The sweater jacket was especially popular during the 1940s and 1950s when it became a symbol of preppy collegiate style. It was also a favorite golfing piece of clothing for Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, who brought some ring-a-ding swinger credibility to the sweater.
A thinner wool cardigan can be worn inside a suit as a replacement for the waistcoat or vest, adding warmth and softness to the suit. A navy pinstripe suit with a dark gray or maroon sweater is an elegant look for a semi-formal event. A black suit with a dark blue or gray cardigan is also appropriate for a formal evening out.
In the summer, a cardigan sweater can be worn over a cotton sundress to provide a layer of warmth and structure to the dress. A light gray cardigan or a khaki sweater can also be paired with shorts for a warm, breezy look in the summer.
Athleisure
Athleisure is a fashion trend that has become a part of everyday wear. It combines the comfort of athletic apparel with casual leisurewear, making it more accessible to active people. It’s also a great way to incorporate fashionable styles into casual outfits. For example, you can wear joggers with a sweater and sneakers for a laid-back brunch with friends or even a date.
In addition, athleisure has contributed to body positivity. The inclusive sizing options from brands like DAY/WON and Boody allow women to find a style that works for them. These brands are also dedicated to sustainable fashion. They use organic bamboo treated with water and no pesticides before being woven into usable fabric.
The athleisure trend has made its way into mainstream fashion because social media influencers and celebrities promote it on their platforms. They have shown their followers how to style their leggings and yoga pants into everyday looks that look chic rather than gym clothes.
Moreover, the athleisure trend has helped to moderate any ambivalence that many women feel toward the cultural obsession with fitness and wellness. It’s a way for them to appear as if they’re on board with the fitness culture, even if they don’t actually care about it.
As the athleisure trend has grown in popularity, business experts predicted it would eventually crash and die. But instead, it’s continuing to grow and expand. For instance, there have been more fashion collaborations between high-end designers and sportswear brands. For example, Wales Bonner partnered with Adidas to create luxury tracksuits, knit joggers, and half-zip jackets.
Athleisure is here to stay, and it’s an important aspect of the modern woman’s wardrobe. But it’s important to remember that athleisure isn’t the best choice for a job interview or wedding. Stick with more formal attire for these occasions.
You can always add a few touches to an athleisure look to avoid looking too casual. This includes jewelry, a nice purse, scarves, sunglasses, and hats. Athleisure is about being comfortable and confident, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
Loungewear
Whether relaxing at home or catching up with friends, the right loungewear is key. From a comfy pair of sweatpants and a hoodie to elegant leggings and a luxurious robe, these wardrobe essentials will help you unwind in style.
Falling between athleisure and sleepwear, loungewear is intended to provide the ultimate comfort and style for the modern woman. This middle ground has seen a surge in popularity as higher-end fashion brands have responded to customer demand.
Designer Ashley Merrill launched her Los Angeles-based loungewear label, Lunya, in 2014 after realizing the options available didn’t suit her needs. She describes her brand as “reinventing sleeping wear for the modern woman.” Her sophisticated, considered aesthetic is evident in the bestselling ribbed leggings, seamless bras, draped joggers, and alpaca pullovers that are now staples of her collection.
The success of these products demonstrates that women are looking for comfortable and versatile loungewear to help them unwind after a long day. In order to meet this demand, retailers should ensure that their collections include versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down for different occasions and situations.
For example, a lightweight blazer can easily be worn over a silk camisole or a fitted tank as part of an evening ensemble. Alternatively, these items can be paired with jeans or leggings for an everyday look. This versatility is one of the most important features for customers when buying loungewear.
Similarly, a pullover maxi dress can be worn as a going-out outfit with the addition of some jewelry and a pair of sneakers or ankle boots. This is particularly useful for women who work from home and need a quick outfit change to run errands or meet up with friends.
Aside from ensuring that your loungewear ranges have the right fabrics and styles to appeal to your target market, it’s also important to consider the color palette you use. Neutrals like white, grey, and navy are popular choices, while brighter colors like fuchsia or lime green can invigorate your products.
