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What Guys Actually Think About Your Clothes

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.

You dress up in your cutest new clothes and you know that every guy on campus is going to notice.  All your friends agree that your outfit is to die for.  But will you really get your cutie’s attention with what you’re wearing?
 
Her Campus VT decided to investigate.  What do guys actually think about the latest fashion trends?  We asked a bunch of different guys about a few trends:  high-waisted pants, leggings and jeggings, skinny jeans with boots, fashion scarves and boots with dresses.  We also asked about their personal fashion pet peeves.  You might be surprised to hear their thoughts!
 
Not all of the guys wanted their names used (they didn’t want to be pegged down as women’s fashion experts and critics), but they were all very opinionated.
 
High-Waisted Pants:  Maybe
 
This trend had mixed results.  Some guys think the trend is “hott” and looks great while others think high-waisted pants should never be worn.  Check out these two opposite opinions:
 
“High-waisted pants/shorts are a really cool 50s vintage look for girls.  I always look twice at a girl who dresses in nice vintage garb.”
 
“There is no reason to wear these monstrosities!  These things are just stupid looking to be perfectly honest.”
 
So, I guess we’ll say that this is one trend that is up to you entirely.  You just can’t please everyone!  If you like it, wear it.  Guys will probably never agree on this one.
 
Jeggings and Leggings:  No
 
This trend did not receive a favorable review.
 
“My biggest pet peeve is leggings.  Words cannot express how much I hate these things.”
 
Maybe it’s a little harsh, but most everyone seemed to agree that girls should consider ditching their leggings.  They show everything and not always in a very pleasing light.
 
“The simple answer about jeggings is that it’s okay if you don’t mind people looking at your a$$.  You know what you’re putting on and you know how revealing it is.”
 
In other words, use discretion?  Be sure that you don’t mind showing all of your booty before you head out in leggings.
 
Jeans and Boots:  Yes

 
This trend received a pretty favorable review.  As one guy put it:
 
“The skinny jeans tucked into boots looks classy.  It’s like you are off to an epic sword duel or something of that nature.”
 
Well, I don’t think many of us will be sword fighting any time soon, but at least we won’t have to fight the guys with this trend.  Most guys agreed that this was overall an ok fashion trend to wear.
 
Fashion Scarves:  Unnecessary, but Ok.
 
Guys don’t quite understand this trend, but they don’t hate it either.  Their main concern is questioning why we would wear a scarf when it isn’t snowing and cold outside.
 
“In some occasions they can look OK but the fact that they serve no purpose is well…frankly, silly.  If you’re going to wear a scarf, at least make sure that it keeps you somewhat warm!”
 
Even though they don’t understand our scarves, the guys have decided to let this one slide:
 
“Scarves and all accessories are good in context with what you’re wearing and the weather.  If it’s still hot outside, wear one realizing that people will know you’re doing it for fashion.  If you look good and are confident in what you’re wearing, f- it, go for it. “
 
You heard him!  Head up, bright smile and you can pull off just about anything.  Heck, with that mentality, you could look fabulous in a trash bag.  (I wouldn’t suggest trying that, though.)
 
 
Boots with Dresses:  No

 
This was another very unfavorable review.
 
“Boots with dresses look stupid.  It’s sending off different vibes!  That’s like wearing a sundress and drinking Zima and then claiming to be a Virginia Tech football fan.  IT DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT!  Make up your mind!”
 
The guys all seemed to be confused by the mix and swore the two did not belong together unless you were headed to a country hoedown.  Maybe we have Taylor Swift to thank for that generalization?
Pet Peeves
 
Surprisingly, the guys wanted to see more modesty, discretion and originality.
 
“I wouldn’t mind less revealing outfits.  A little humility can go a long way in being truthful to yourself.  And that way, the campus can be a little less of a giant ego-fest.”
 
Also, a lot of guys felt that girls on campus needed to learn how to dress to show off their best assets.  Try to figure out which trends look best with your body type and you’ll only look more fabulous for it.
 
Their biggest issue, though, was originality:
 
“All the girls here look the same with their JCrew, Polo wardrobe—all of it being pretty standard.”
 
“I would pick up on a quiet scene girl with some gauged ears way faster than a blonde girl with big t*ts.”
 
Guys want to see your personality show through in what you’re wearing.  After all, a first impression tells a lot about a person.  If you’re dressed like everyone else, you’ll just get lost in the crowd.
 
Caitlin is a senior Professional Writing major. Besides Her Campus, she is the Internal Social Chairwoman for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She loves the beach, animals, shopping, yoga, and Hokie football!