The platform sneaker. Man repellant.
by JASMINE GARNSWORTHY
The man-repeller. It’s an affectionate little name that my girlfriends apply to my wardrobe. You see – I dress for girls. Not in an I-want-to-take-you-home sense but in that what I wear is often appreciated by women and leaves men… well, less than impressed. Okay, repelled.
‘Man-repelling’ is a phrase coined by fashion blogger Leandra Medine:
man·re·pell·er1 [mahn-ree-peller]
–nounoutfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see: human repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.
Yes it’s silly and yes it shouldn’t matter what you wear when you have sparkling conversation skills and nice manners but let’s face it, I’m yet to find a man who loves me and my printed pants, just the way we are.
For a second opinion, I went to my housemates. They’re relatively blokey and the type of men others would called Good Guys. So my source is solid. Together we created this gallery of their major offenders:
Shoulder pads
If you read Wardrobe Week on Mamamia, you will know some of these items of clothing were pulled from my own wardrobe.
And with Spring fashion trends resembling a car crash of clashing prints, the forecast is fairly grim. Floral jeans with a matching blazer and neon heels? Line up, gents.What other trends would you add to the list of man-repelling fashion?
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72 Comments so far
The report noted that Chinese manufacturers sell their products at very low prices, and therefore attract many consumers to buy smart phones for the first time. Apple’s iPhone is still very expensive, limiting its development in the Chinese market. The growth of the Chinese market, mainly from the low-end users. However, the report is also expected, with the the iPhone5 launch of the fourth quarter of this year, Apple’s share of the smartphone market in China will be a significant rise.
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Yesterday, a report released by market research firm Canalys, shipments increased dramatically because of China’s domestic manufacturers, in the third quarter of this year, Apple has been squeezed out of the ranks of the top five smartphone vendors, Samsung still topped the list.
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The first quarter of this year, Apple’s share of the smartphone market in China is second only to Samsung ranked second, fell to fifth place in the second quarter; while the third quarter, Apple’s smartphone shipments are also growing, but The growth rate is less than the local Chinese manufacturers, fell out of the top five, fell to sixth place.
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The first quarter of this year, Apple’s share of the smartphone market in China is second only to Samsung ranked second, fell to fifth place in the second quarter; while the third quarter, Apple’s smartphone shipments are also growing, but The growth rate is less than the local Chinese manufacturers, fell out of the top five, fell to sixth place.
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However, Huang Lin does not agree with this point of view, he said the fourth quarter has been more than half, even Apple iPhone5, launched in early December and only one month’s time to boost sales. On the other hand, in the October-November, a large number of original Unicom iPhone4 contract users two-year contract expires, the part has been diverted to other mobile phone brands. Even continuation of to purchase iPhone5 contract dryer, also in December, Apple capacity planning problems may be encountered.
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People masquerade often masquerade as monsters, vampires, witches, wounded people, scary
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People masquerade often masquerade as monsters, vampires, witches, wounded people, scary
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You should not forget to look up very good and scary stories. It is very common to tell others very scary stories on this night with less light to create an even scarier atmosphere so that the story seems real. It is also common to watch horror movies at a night like this
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Never make your clothes as fancy as women
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Never make your clothes as fancy as women
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If you want to do a business specifically dealing in the type of clothes that people wear to nightclubs and the more revealing and provocative designs than wholesale club dresses is what you need. However the category of club wear is quite vast and includes so much in it. for example if you are doing business in UK then your wholesale club wear should include more items like white gloves, rompers, tutu
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You will not find just one but several other options to buy the Sexy Cheap Club Dresses. You just need to be patient enough to check out all your options and you will definitely find something cheap and suitable. The first option would be locating a cool discount store in your area. This is since you are a regular at clubs; it would be convenient to shop from a trusted store with a good collection of trendy outfits.
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If you want to visit your nearby warehouse for clothes, you will have to keep at least 2 to 3 hours of your precious time on hold. Thirdly, you could try your local tailor who is the mode of running out of business. If you sight such tailor who is fairly good, but out of work due to much demand for readymade garments and apparels, you could try your luck to get your club wear stitched at under 20 dollars. All you have to do is hand him the material of your choice and get your club wear stitched from him. Fourthly, you could choose to buy your club wear during off season, such as the summer season. Mostly, during the summer season people prefer to stay at home rather than indulge in travelling. Cheap club dresses under 20 dollars is certainly not a big deal for you to sight, however you should be aware as to where and when to buy them.
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There are many options open for you so as to enable you get your cheap club dresses under 20 dollars. Apart from the internet, you could try your local apparel shop, which could keep higher quality clothes at discounted prices. Due to cut-throat competition that prevails in today
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My boyfriend happens to love my black studded heels. I have 5 pairs, all relatively different. But, then again, I love his shredded black skinny jeans that make him look like he’s been in a fight with a wild badger. Reason being, we would both probably be under the ‘punk-rock style’ catagory. More than likely because he’s a punk-rock artist, and I’m a gothic novelist. Back on topic, I think women should dress for themelves, not men, and not other women. They should wear what makes them comfortable and confident. Whether or not it repells men shouldn’t even be in the question. Of course unless their desprately seeking a husband, ‘men-repelling’ shouldn’t be an issue in the fashion world. I happen to rock black, patent leather heels bejewled with silver studs, and more often than not, I get praised for my sense of fashion. By both sexes. To the wind with dressing for men, this is the Twenty-First Century, after all.
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HAHA my boyfriend shudders with disgust when I wear any of these items too!
My cat eye sunglasses- he thinks I look like a freak.
High waist jeans- Grandma arse
Shirt buttoned up to neck- Grandma/ school teacher
Studded boots or heels- dominatrix slut
SO basically he’d like me to dress like a boring nun.
Obviously I do what I want and he gets over them quickly and doesn’t notice.
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Women dress for other women but undress for men.
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These are all Melissa-repelling trends too. I don’t really do fashion; I just want to wear things that are flattering to me.
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Oh my dear lord, I live in high-waisted jeans (although I never tuck my shirt into them so you can never really tell they’re high waisted).
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I must have very manish taste because I hate most of those looks too.
But then I’ve never really been a fan of letting trends dictate what you wear.
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high waisted jeans?! really?!
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What about women-repellers?
http://mum-abulous.com/2012/08/27/affair-proof-your-marriage/
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I actually think men enjoy the leather pants/leggings. They are very figure showing!
Thats about it. Floral pants are a massive no-no in guys eyes!
However, as I constantly tell my boyfriend …. “Girls dress for other girls to like what they wear, not for guys to like what they wear”
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Fetish boots and leather pants are attractive to men with certain tastes…
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I bet if a woman wearing harem pants were to walk past a group of men and you asked them to comment, they would not know what you were talking about as harem pants are below chest height.
Besides, if we dressed for men, we’d all be walking around in black lingerie.
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Petal, that’s an entirely unfair comment.
We are even-handed in our lechery and ogle bums and legs too.
The thing with harem pants is that they look like the wearer has had a small to large accident in them and it’s now pendulous in their gusset.
Apologies for early morning crassness, but gotta keep it real.
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Love it, Trog. Yes, harem pants do look like you’ve had an accident! Sorry about the chest generalisation, hubby is a bum man but that’s a bit had to look at when women are walking towards you
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I LOVE picture 17. I’m still laughing my head off!
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I reckon that most of the time, men will find girls wearing one of the above trends and if she’s doing it well and owns it, and she believes she is sexy, they probably won’t look at her and go “Repellent!”, but it’s probably if she’s looking a little more Nicki/Gaga, she guys she’s probably attracting are a little more on the Priscilla end of the scale…
It’s oftent the case when it comes to make-up, too! Men are all “Oh, we like the natural, no make-up!”… Most of the time, if the girl has applied her ‘no-make-up’ make-up well, they don’t even know she’s wearing it!
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I would never have thought men are repelled by fetish boots, leather pants or one-of-the-ther-ones-there-that-I-can’t-remember!! My bf hates smock-style tops or dresses, he calls them boob curtains!!! Also believes baby-doll anything should only be worn while pregnant or afterwards, because they generally make women look pregnant anyway. Hates too much makeup, tandoori tans and high-waisted stuff, loves basic white t-shirts with jeans. I think generally most guys prefer simple clothes, but I like to have fun and I don’t dress for him anyway!
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My harem pants are the most comfortable pants I own and screw any one, male or female, who thinks otherwise!
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I already know about the harem pants or any baggy pants for that matter. My husband really dislikes them but mainly on me, He thinks i am too skinny in them. I think men don’t like baggy clothes full stop. Part of me thinks bugger him and another part thinks he will roll his eyes when he sees me in baggy pants. Oh well…..
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floral pants definitely . ugh!!
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According to my brothers those cut off high waisted denim shorts.
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Yep, rarely flattering.
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Leather pants man-repelling?!
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Mamamia please sort out this gallery problem asap! I am so sick of not being able to properly enjoy the articles because I cannot flick through the galleries
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Who give a rats behind what men think?
If you like it, wear it.
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Men hate leggings.
Known fact, every guy I know doesn’t understand them.
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As long as they’re not worn as pants *shudders*, with a longer top or dress I think they’re pretty acceptable.
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From my conversations with men, they don’t like them altogether. Sure some don’t care. I personally don’t like them altogether, either wear opaque tights or pants. I just don’t get them. Something about them grosses me out.
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Men don’t hate leggings; they just don’t respect the person wearing leggings, or cut off-butt shorts. Beware of any dude telling you that you should wear them, chances are he’s out for an easy perve!
…and yes, my boyfriend fits that category. He would never let me leave the house in leggings or trampy clothes because he would hate to have some other dude getting an easy eye-full!
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If you’re dressing just to please men, you’re doing it wrong.
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What I’ve heard is that most women dress for other women. I don’t know how true that is but it’s interesting to consider.
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I’ve never really thought about ‘who’ I dress for I always assumed I just dressed for me. I honestly prefer shopping on my own and my friends will often congratulate me on my choices later on when I pull them out. I think I just dress in ways that make me happy and if they attract guys then YAY if not, erm, whatevs they’re the ones missing out
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I love man repeller fashion – when I wear it I feel empowered. I’m wearing it for myself and for what I think is fashion. Harem pants, vests, birkenstocks, bright Nars lipstick, pinafore style dresses, the list goes on!
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High waist jeans? Really? Why?!
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Sigh. But I lovelovelove neon. And leopard print. And pretty much anything that’s bright/fun/has a cute print.
I will say though, the other day I was at a cafe in Surry Hills dressed in bright pink jeans and a white/bright green top and the adorable Italian guy that worked there told me he loved my outfit, and that it was “very Italian” – not a compliment I’ve ever received before. Made me feel pretty awesome, I must say. I don’t dress for anyone in particular, I pretty much just wear whatever makes me feel good.
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If we only dressed for men we would most likely be wearing some questionable outfits (probably only fit for the boudoir!). I dress for myself and what I feel amazing in. In saying that, I don’t wear anything on that list apart from a neon handbag I own so I suppose that worked out well, haha
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Jumpsuits!
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Hi MM Team,
Notice there’s been some changes to the site this week. I’m unable to access the full site anymore on my iPad or iPhone, which means I can’t see the galleries. Is this a known issue? Love MM and want to be able to enjoy all of it.
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I’m finding the new mobile site really tricky to navigate on. It’s very “twitchy” and bounces around when you’re trying to scroll etc. I love reading MM on the go and this makes it hard!
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Puffer vests!
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Well I’m screwed. I need maxi skirts to hide my kankles.
Which is more off putting to men? Maxi skirts or kankles?
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Great point Anonymous. I’d like to know that answer as well.
Plus, why are boyfriend jeans man-repelling?
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Because they’re baggy and don’t flatter the female figure. I’m assuming men like women to wear clothes where they can see your natural body shape.
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In my experience, if your not overweight, but you have natural curvy hips, men like to call you fat anyway. Fashion is a catch-22 situation.
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I don’t think those jeans are particularly high waisted. Unless you call anything that covers your bottom cleavage and pubic hair high?
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I thought the exact same thing. Most men I know like figure revealing as opposed to here is my breakfast!
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Are we dressing for ourselves or for men?
Show me some well dressed men who aren’t gay and then we’ll talk.
And don’t argue with me, because behind every well dressed hetro man, is a stylish gal.
Fact.
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High waist jeans are actually quite flattering! Not a man repeller at all.
I have a pair that come just up to my belly button. They hold my tummy in and look great compared to the low waist ones on me. My partner likes them too.
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My (semi) high-waisters are good tummy tamers, too. Plus it means you can put figure-hugging tops over them and escape the dreaded muffin top. Win.
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Yes no muffin top!
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I have a great pair of tummy trimmers from jeans west. Make me feel 18 again in them……and that was a while ago.
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I agree! I have high-waisted shorts that make my bum look fab!
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I agree. I think they mean the almost under breasts types of high-waisted pants, not merely the ones that avoid “muffin-top”
There is no way I would ever ever ever wear hipsters – so not flattering on 70% of the population and definitely not on me.
If a guy was repelled by my belly-button-high jeans then I doubt he would be looking at anyone of my voluptuous body type anyway!
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Well…according to my husband, high-wasted denim shorts. I happened to wear these on our first date mind you, so surely they can’t have been too repulsive!
I think the other thing men don’t seem to ‘get’ (hair-wise) are top-knots.
-Heavy make-up
-Sequins
That’s all I can think of for now, sure there’s loads more though!
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