When I was younger and always suppressing my feelings about wanting to dress up in female clothes and wasn't as serious as I am now I always wondered why woman could spend hours shopping for clothes and then recently when I would go out to different stores to shop for female clothes I started to realize why. Female clothes are just so amazing and I am very frugal and like to find the best deals so that means going through the discount racks and finding the best outfits and I just enjoy that so much.
I find myself being very in depth when buying female clothes and even when I am buying panties I just find that I am just searching and searching for the right style or fabric or etc. In the past when shopping for boring old male underwear I would just find it and go and there was never much thought. I mean lately I have been seeing more male underwear that are trying to cater to men that want something more feminine but that still has no interest in me and I still want to shop in the women's department and just enjoy it.
Why do companies that make men's clothes make them so boring and why do they have to be so bland and boring? I mean whoever makes clothes for females knows exactly what they are doing. I love all the clothes that are made for females. I love wearing bras and panties and skirts and dresses and swimsuits and blouses and corsets and all those fun things. It makes me feel so close to my womanhood than boring male clothes, the silk feeling of panties is so amazing. I just love dressing up and being and feeling like a woman.
You raise several interesting points.
I have male friends who love to shop and enjoy looking very good in nice well made tailored clothing. They look fabulous and yummy.
I know women who hate shopping for clothes and really can't be bothered more than needs be.
I did go through a stage of wanting all the 'sexy' stuff but to be honest there comes a time when clothes are just clothes. I wear a bra and knickers because I have too. My boobs need support and hygiene dictates my underwear. But it is just that, clothes.
I do enjoy getting dressed up to the nines for a night out, I love going to a cocktail party and feeling gorgeous, but I couldn't do it every week!
I think I'm pretty normal in saying I come home from work, shed the skirt/blouse/dress toss the bra into the draw and put on some sloppy joes or track wear and relax.
Before transitioning I would strip off the male clothes and get all dolled up!
Now? Clothes are just that.
The drabness of male attire is influenced by the inherent homophobia and transphobia of male society. At the same time, it helps to perpetuate those phobias. Your average male, when he spots a bit of colour or an interesting design, will immediately think, "Is that too gay for me?"
That enforced conformity had always rubbed me the wrong way. It really hits home now that I am looking for and wearing more interesting clothes. My wife and I were recently shopping for clothes in a large department store. To exit the store, we had to go through the men's wear department. What really struck me was that men could get suits in any colour they wanted as long as it was gray. They had 18 different shades of gray, but no other colours at all.
You might reciprocally ask why are "women's" clothes more expensive and completely impractical?
It was the Victorian era that turned the tables on men being as well or more adorned than women. Capes on men are cool.
(I'm sorry is this thread is a little old I just don't think a reply warrants a new thread, and also, I think most people could add their 2 cents to this topic if it pops up again)
It really depends where you shop. I find men's clothing to be utterly thrilling, and just being in the womens section a drain of energy. I definitely agree with SadieBlake that women's clothing is stupidly expensive, inpractical, and made of inferior materials (i.e. I went shopping for a velvet jacket, in the womens section I found ones that were made of thin nothingness, but in the mens I found ones that were just as velvety, but thicker and more appropriate as a jacket, and with inside pockets for my money and such - why do womens jackets not have inside pockets ffs?!) But also, as I said, it depends where you buy mens clothes - stores for younger guys can be very fashionable. For example I shop in, Topman, Zara Man, Urban Outfitters, Asos and some great little creative independant shops (both real life and online), and although menswear tends to stick to more traditional cuts, you tell me wearing a velvet jacket (Topman) and a bright african print shirt (Camden indpendent shop) and suede chelsea boots (Asos) that I look drab. I dare ya.
Sounds dressed as a boy to me. Dare accepted ;-)
I think a lot of this goes back to old school gender stereotypes. Females are expected to show a lot more emotion then males, therefore their clothing tend to be more colorful and decorative. On the flip side, since men are expected to be more "even tempered," so men's clothing don't necessarily express much about the wearer. That is why if a guy wears a pink or purple shirt, people automatically classify them as gay, because "men don't wear that color."
The idea goes far beyond just clothing of course, how many times have you watched a television program or movie where a guy lived in a very bland house or apartment and he's told that he needs a "woman's touch." It's absolutely the same idea as the clothing...
My male "persona", James, dresses in drab, bland, gender-neutral clothing - faded-out greys, greens, blues, with the same old black pants every day. In my mind my female persona, Juliana, dresses in cute, girly, feminine pastels and dresses with sparkles and lace and glitter. You're right mens clothes are depressing as heck. For the past 31 years, I've had to wear this crap. I can never find anything I like in the men's section. It's very very easy for me to find something I like in the women's section.
I really think you guys just aren't looking hard enough into men's clothing. I think it's pretty awesome.
Men's clothing goes through its phases from drab to flamboyant and back. Currently there is a big feminization push in some areas of men's clothing and unisex clothes in general are more popular than ever. More Androgynous and masculine clothing also has its strong base among women too.
Men were the first to wear high heels and not that long ago men wore tights, fluffy shirts and wigs. The reformation and calvinist/puritan movements in Europe helped tone down male clothing and make it more somber and utilitarian, even for the dressy stuff.
I love fashion and fashion history and one thing is for certain, it always changes.
Quote from: KathyLauren on December 21, 2016, 07:51:31 AM
They had 18 different shades of gray, but no other colours at all.
Well that's hardly fair, men getting only 18 shades and women get 50?
Hugs
Jeanette
well just did a long post and stupid computer/inter net dumped it. Thank god they are nice
Quote from: RobynD on February 21, 2017, 02:24:28 PM
Men's clothing goes through its phases from drab to flamboyant and back. Currently there is a big feminization push in some areas of men's clothing and unisex clothes in general are more popular than ever. More Androgynous and masculine clothing also has its strong base among women too.
Men were the first to wear high heels and not that long ago men wore tights, fluffy shirts and wigs. The reformation and calvinist/puritan movements in Europe helped tone down male clothing and make it more somber and utilitarian, even for the dressy stuff.
I love fashion and fashion history and one thing is for certain, it always changes.
Exactly men's fashion is pretty golden right now.
The title to this thread is a little misleading as the there are really 2 questions for comparison, better/worse or boring/expressive.
For me female styles provokes an emotive response in my brain where I am over Male styled clothing.
I have had to wear 'men's' clothing for 50 years and now that I can express myself to my wife, I have this massive desire to quell all those years of hiding my desires.
There is good functional clothing in either department so there is no difference there. What I find is that if I wear mens clothing that is flamboyant or flowery then I am now classified as has been said previously and having to defend myself. I would love to wear boots, pantyhose/stockings, a nice skirt or dress and a top to suit but alas due to where I am in life and stereotyping means I can't express myself.
I have lots of men's clothing I wear out that I look very nice in but I still find I don't feel satisfied.
I'm posting here too much now, but until someone explains to me why nothing fits in women's jeans pockets, or how it's ever beneficial to have a jacket without inside pockets (I.e, aaaall women's jackets), I will never agree that women's clothing is practical.
Fashion in general is an exhausting topic for me, mens' or womens'. I'd be perfectly happy in fatigues or some other uniform so I don't have to think about it, but I do have to think about it more than I care to and I guess I'm actually happy mens' is less "exciting" for the most part, and that people pay less attention to it.
I suppose the origin of womens' clothes being more decorative - and they are across the world - is twofold. Traditionally working men wore more functional clothes, work clothes... and women's attractiveness was always allowed to incorporate their clothes (and I guess they weren't so often expected to work down mines etc. and get so filthy wearing nice clothes would be pointless). Women were judged by their appearance more, men were judged by their station in life more.
Quote from: TomTuttle on February 21, 2017, 07:35:08 PM
I'm posting here too much now, but until someone explains to me why nothing fits in women's jeans pockets, or how it's ever beneficial to have a jacket without inside pockets (I.e, aaaall women's jackets), I will never agree that women's clothing is practical.
Right on! Lack of pants pockets is a big limiter for me. That said, I really prefer my stretch misses jeans for comfort and think they look better on me.
But to the original point, I was interested to note that after I admitted I liked cross dressing, I bought a new Buff neck warmer in the brightest colors I could get. Otherwise it's identical to one I bought a few years back as a male, and that one is gray/black. So right there in my own life, I see this dichotomy. As a male, I sought out fairly plain stuff. As a female, I go more decorative. Sure it's the social milieu that facilitates this, but apparently I buy in myself.
Quote from: CrystalMatthews0426 on February 21, 2017, 08:53:53 AM
That is why if a guy wears a pink or purple shirt, people automatically classify them as gay, because "men don't wear that color."
Didn't the Roman Emperors wear purple or something as a sign of their authority?
went for a look around clothes shops the other day, maybe not the right one for my age as don't like cut across shoulder tops , tried to find a swirly skirt but they all are tight . bust be current style? anyway found a size 18 cross over dress black with gold/orange flowers print and didn't buy it. So went back tonight and got it ,sale price £17 from 30 and wearing it now as I type this and loving it. As to stretch jeans ladies cut high wast fit me well as I have a very high pelvis (only 2 ins from rib to pelvis) and loving them with nice tops and 2ins heel ankle boots.
I find myself as a minimalist when it comes to male clothing but if you look at my other side of the closet (literally lol) I have an absurd extravagant amount of cute/sexy/formal/party/casual etc women's attire. My female wardrobe is probably 5 times as much as male. Some dresses I have bought because I was like "hey that's cute and on sale!" and its literally been in my closet for a year without getting worn. same goes for shoes/heels/boots etc. I have about 30 pairs of women's footwear and 4 pairs of male. I have almost 30 different cute bras and only worn half of them as I choose to wear sports bras 90% of the time because they give my breastforms more realism and bounce and are way more comfortable because I wear them 8+ hours a day. I think female attire has an insane amount of variety and that's why Im attracted to it more. Literally never the same outfit twice and its like unlimited options to suit my mood for the day.
Now about female jeans and lack of pockets, I think it has something to do with the societal stigma to highlight the curves of a woman and/or the fact that most people expect a woman to have a purse or even handbag/wallet to hold thier things. At the same time a woman holding things in her pockets creates unsightly lumps and discomfort when wearing said form-fitting attire.
I only wear tights/leggings/skinny jeans and can attest to the fact it is uncomfortable to have things in my pockets, plus I usually carry a purse because I carry more things than I would even have pockets for. ESPECIALLY KEYS! But even as a male I hate having keys in my pocket because well, they are sharp metal pointy things stabbing you...
Good topic. Much love! <3
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, once you start hrt and have been on it a while, clothes become clothes. Pantyhose and heels become torture devices, makeup becomes work and long beautiful nails become a pain in the butt. Takes the thrill (thank god) right out of crossdressing. lol As to the op's ? I suspect it's because the average cis guy could give a s♥★t about clothes. lol!
Haha, nails - as if :-(. I have always worked with my hands and keeping femme fashion nails is something I tried long ago and simply gave up.
As for clothing, I do love the feel of wearing well cut femme fashions, however it's the exception far and away, not the rule. That's partly enforced by budget for now.
As for pockets that are incapable of holding more than a lipstick and prone to ejecting even small items, I appreciate that the line of clothing is improved by not doubling as storage, still I'll be looking for as practical as possible femme cut clothing as I slowly revamp my wardrobe.
Quote from: DominiqueDiamond on March 14, 2017, 08:31:59 PM
I find myself as a minimalist when it comes to male clothing but if you look at my other side of the closet (literally lol) I have an absurd extravagant amount of cute/sexy/formal/party/casual etc women's attire. My female wardrobe is probably 5 times as much as male. Some dresses I have bought because I was like "hey that's cute and on sale!" and its literally been in my closet for a year without getting worn. same goes for shoes/heels/boots etc. I have about 30 pairs of women's footwear and 4 pairs of male. I have almost 30 different cute bras and only worn half of them as I choose to wear sports bras 90% of the time because they give my breastforms more realism and bounce and are way more comfortable because I wear them 8+ hours a day. I think female attire has an insane amount of variety and that's why Im attracted to it more. Literally never the same outfit twice and its like unlimited options to suit my mood for the day.
Now about female jeans and lack of pockets, I think it has something to do with the societal stigma to highlight the curves of a woman and/or the fact that most people expect a woman to have a purse or even handbag/wallet to hold thier things. At the same time a woman holding things in her pockets creates unsightly lumps and discomfort when wearing said form-fitting attire.
I only wear tights/leggings/skinny jeans and can attest to the fact it is uncomfortable to have things in my pockets, plus I usually carry a purse because I carry more things than I would even have pockets for. ESPECIALLY KEYS! But even as a male I hate having keys in my pocket because well, they are sharp metal pointy things stabbing you...
Good topic. Much love! <3
The thing is, guys my age (18), have started to wear skin tight jeans too. They sell skin tight men's jeans in fashion sorward shops. They still have bloody pockets. They get the choice whether or not they want to use them in such tight clothes. That's not what I go for tho, I wear slim slightly tapered men's jeans to get a similar silhouette but without showing off my actual womanliness. Anyway, it also seems highly restrictive to be expected to carry a bag at all times. Tbh that can be very inconvenient some times, at least for me. It assumes that your never really doing anything with your hands, or you wanna look like an idiot wearing a backpack at all times just to carry your phone and wallet. I will never get it.
I also think it's quite the opposite. Female clothes are impractical, weird looking and worse quality. It is almost impossible to find a plain, long sleeved, buttoned up shirt for women, at least where I live. They always have either a weird design, ruffles, a lace, ridiculous lenght (too long or too short). Women pants are also pretty annoying, with no pockets and with the malicious intention ( :D) of giving you a really curvy shape. It took me 29 years to realize that actually men's pants fit me way better than women pants ever did. Even women shoes are inferior than men's. They break apart way easily and if you are trying to buy trainers, there are less available designs for women than for men (and they are usually uglier in my opinion).
If you have a skinny top though, like I do, it's hard to find clothes in the men's section that fit you well, and the children's section is not formal enough. Sometimes you can find some gems in vintage or second hand stores. One of the favourite pieces of clothing that I own is a 70's tweed jacket, with lots of pockets and elbow patches that has nothing to envy to male clothes.
Yes I also hate that in women's clothes the supposed extra options actually come at the cost of never being able to find a classic style functional peice. What you say about shirts is very true. They are all too short and have unecessary details that you dont always want because some of them makes the peice very hard to match with other things. Sometimes you just need something a bit plainer. And besides the extra "design" usually comes at the cost of any sort of ergonomic function. In terms of trousers... by wearing men's trousers I find that two problems are eliminated (other hand the lack of pockets) - 1) the way low waisted women's jeans and such are always just tooo low wasted and you end up showing your ass 2) a close cut seam trying to attack your genitals.
Quote from: David1987 on March 25, 2017, 09:00:58 AM
I also think it's quite the opposite. Female clothes are impractical, weird looking and worse quality. It is almost impossible to find a plain, long sleeved, buttoned up shirt for women, at least where I live. They always have either a weird design, ruffles, a lace, ridiculous lenght (too long or too short). Women pants are also pretty annoying, with no pockets and with the malicious intention ( :D) of giving you a really curvy shape. It took me 29 years to realize that actually men's pants fit me way better than women pants ever did. Even women shoes are inferior than men's. They break apart way easily and if you are trying to buy trainers, there are less available designs for women than for men (and they are usually uglier in my opinion).
If you have a skinny top though, like I do, it's hard to find clothes in the men's section that fit you well, and the children's section is not formal enough. Sometimes you can find some gems in vintage or second hand stores. One of the favourite pieces of clothing that I own is a 70's tweed jacket, with lots of pockets and elbow patches that has nothing to envy to male clothes.
All that's true....but if you got the need to wear something cute....those boy duds just ain't gonna cut it :D
As far as quality goes, that's true too....but I remember growing up and my Dad spending a stinking fortune on an ugly couch. He was majorly impressed though....said it was built like a tank and would last forever. It did too...he
was right. He still had that ugly thing 35 years later when he died. Come to think of it, I think he was probably wearing the same "high quality" clothes he'd worn when he bought that high quality couch when he'd died as well. Great clothes...ugly as the couch, and built like a tank. :D
More comfortable to wear and there is style.These are two reasons why I like women's clothing.
Quote from: jentay1367 on March 25, 2017, 12:03:57 PM
All that's true....but if you got the need to wear something cute....those boy duds just ain't gonna cut it :D
It hasn't happened yet. I think that if I ever need to wear something cute but still feel like myself I would go for a velvet jacket, which I always regarded as "super fancy". There is the slight disadvantage that given my glasses and hairstyle I might just look like Austin Powers, though.
I actually dress pretty boring. The only reason why my wardrobe doesn't just consist in dress pants, dress shirts and blazers is because I don't have enough money and I cannot find my size for everything. Even then, I still have a ridiculous amount of those items for a millennial.
Quote from: David1987 on March 25, 2017, 12:46:59 PM
It hasn't happened yet. I think that if I ever need to wear something cute but still feel like myself I would go for a velvet jacket, which I always regarded as "super fancy". There is the slight disadvantage that given my glasses and hairstyle I might just look like Austin Powers, though.
I actually dress pretty boring. The only reason why my wardrobe doesn't just consist in dress pants, dress shirts and blazers is because I don't have enough money and I cannot find my size for everything. Even then, I still have a ridiculous amount of those items for a millennial.
Well...based on your user name and the way you talk...you seem like a guy...so there's that. Most guys don't really give a hoot if they're wearing something cute. :)
So my whole internet stuff went completely bonkers when I did try and send this post a couple days ago. Thank you copy-paste for being such a good sport on my tablet, and for my tablet not to run out of juice so I can eventually get this post sent up.
Going back, way back into my days as a male. I guess you could say I was a bit fashionable to say the least.
It all depends on the shop, and what they cater to. Regular say outlets, such as Target, Macy's, etc... do have an assortment of clothing for men, ranging from that boring, to a slightly moderate class. As well as other stores which suit a specific style or going with the style of the times, which reinvent the casual tones as well as the more dressed tones.
I remember my days of slacks (or a nice quality pair of jeans), a decent button up, with a v neck sweater overlaying. Having an assortment of ties for occasions or flare along with my oh so casual (and dress nice) converse, or toward my other dress nice whatever's.
Fashion in males clothing have been leaning for more of the skinny jean/tight fit such. But you cannot compare the shaping of how male and female skinny jeans actually work. Male skinny jeans are more rigid, sharp, and more outlined as such which would give a sleek look into a more masculine tone. Female jeans however curve and contour to the body, giving a more soft appearance.
(Added content as from the previous day trying to send it) Also to justify pockets on the jeans in turn. With the shape of men's jeans, pockets do cover functionality due to the rigid nature of the jeans themselves, as they do not conform to the shape, but to set a slight buffer between body and outline, in which can give it the functionality. So the everlasting mystery of women's jeans and their uses, is it functional? Notable mention, there is a very broad spectrum in which jeans and other female attire dress pant having the iconic, tiny front pocket, and also range to a similar depth of male jeans. From my own opinion of why there is the decoration of a super shallow, almost non-existent pocket on the majority of pants, is that they are made by the clothing companies, to not impose on purse companies. My reason is this, the less there is in your pockets, the more you need a purse, or some alternative way to store your essentials, and non-essential everyday items. Or in the same ideals, is that the pockets are more toward keeping a uniformality(if this is a word) to jeans themselves, serving as a non-functional, but necessary part of what is in fact to claim it as jeans, and not say leggings. One last idea of why the pockets seem to miss the margin of functionality, is if you put anything more than just your ID (or drivers license), a few folded up bills of currency, or a credit/debit card, it will offset the silhouette that the skinny jeans are usually meant to give off, after all, in fashion, appearance matters, and if you have an unsightly bulge (no pun intended) it will take away from the fashion statement of said jeans.(end of additional content).
I don't miss that side of me for a bit. But I do casually look at how I used to dress, and had over 20 pairs of converse.
My wardrobe has since been purged, and slowly building more of my oh so late 1800's Victorian style to an early 1900's mid class western flare. Along with my comfy and cozies, my casual loungewear, and did have a casual normalwear, though most of that has been purged. Also I do have a small area, which is my work wear, which consist of basic women's button up collared shirts and skinny jeans.
Shopping for both males and females are literally the same. It could be just for necessity and that's it, or it could be an extravagant hunt for the perfect wares. I almost always steer clear away from the males side of things, but if I walk through, I generally see how things can go from casual, to dress. From boring and unexciting, to exquisite. But at the same time the females side too has just that range as well.
Shopping for me at times, especially at Target, especially for clothing, sometimes is for necessity, " work pants, bra's, underwear, done!".. and other times I go on an elusive hunt, sometimes I am empty handed, other times I find wonderful gems, like the time I found a very Victorian, cold shoulder dress, which had bell sleeves, lace and frills.
Otherwise going towards the mall, going into more forward fashion stores such as Francesca's I can find things that are nice quickly, but with a higher pricetag.
The shopping adventurer has many variants if you can envision it that way.
It's not called mannoflage without good reason ;)
Personally, on reflection, it is an exposure of my inner desires. I wear loose clothing that is nondescript but made of fabric that becomes gloriously soft with age (and has a unique palette of colour), quite simply because mannoflage doesn't fit, doesn't feel comfortable in pretty much any way. The styling is so restricted, the variety of colours, and fabrics and the inevitable punishment for wearing anything that differed even slightly from the norm.
In the heady days of catalog shopping, I used to sign my mum up for the latest 'free' distribution. She used to let this happen, as she thought I was scheming for Christmas or birthdays. The reality was, that I was buried in the boots, shoes, handbags and women's clothes sections.
I still can buy a mean handbag (and my partner loves it)...
Rowan
Women dress to be alluring to the opposite sex. Society has determined that sexy clothes, makeup, etc. are attractive to males. For me, I don't dress to be attractive to anyone in particular. I enjoy being with men and women. I dress to feel like a woman. Female clothes are exciting, especially anything lacy!
Quote from: David1987 on March 25, 2017, 12:46:59 PM
It hasn't happened yet. I think that if I ever need to wear something cute but still feel like myself I would go for a velvet jacket, which I always regarded as "super fancy". There is the slight disadvantage that given my glasses and hairstyle I might just look like Austin Powers, though.
I actually dress pretty boring. The only reason why my wardrobe doesn't just consist in dress pants, dress shirts and blazers is because I don't have enough money and I cannot find my size for everything. Even then, I still have a ridiculous amount of those items for a millennial.
Oh yep I have a velvet bomber jacket and I bought this shirt yesterday http://www.asos.com/reclaimed-vintage/reclaimed-vintage-inspired-brocade-shirt-in-reg-fit/prd/7174481 and trust me its luxiourious and looks flash as hell for going out. My next planned purchase for looking fancy and dressing up is suede chelsea boots. I don't think I dress boringly at all just stubbornly masculine.
I've been wearing a pink cordoruy jacket recently. Since pink is an in colour for men's fashion right now I'm trying to experiment. I wish I was actually making more of a statement about pink and masclunity and not just looking like another girl in pink haha. I used to throw fits over being given pink things. But the jacket looks pretty nice as a statement within a menswear look, and it still has a masculine design, so I think its cool. I don't think of it as a feminine pink, since I dress it very mascluninely. But its certainly not boring either.
What you need to be asking is why do you think womans' closes are more interesting. Mens fashion can be very diverse if you are willing to step out of the norm a little. The fact is the 80% of men are homophobic and don't want to give any impression that they have a feminine side (which they all do, we know this). So they wear what everyone else is wearing to not standout. The other thing is that most men are lazy with there appearance. Example: I never used moisturizer on my face until I started transsistioning, but ounce I started I was like wtf why haven't I been doing this all my life????? Male or female you should be moisturizing!
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Quote from: rachel.i. on April 21, 2017, 04:29:24 PM
The fact is the 80% of men are homophobic and don't want to give any impression that they have a feminine side (which they all do, we know this). So they wear what everyone else is wearing to not standout. The other thing is that most men are lazy with there appearance. Example: I never used moisturizer on my face until I started transsistioning, but ounce I started I was like wtf why haven't I been doing this all my life????? Male or female you should be moisturizing!
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I would dispute that 80% of men are homophobic. Certainly in older age groups, the percentage is high because they grew up at a time where homophobia was institutionalized and then had little personal reason to change with the times, but this is not true of younger men. They get a steady diet of acceptance in the media, in college and often on the internet. Sure there are crowds that hang out at homophobic sites and subcultures that tend to be that way, but by and large they are far more accepting.
I think many of us women and men tend to follow the fashion trends that our friends, family and community are wearing. I'm sure i'd dress different if i lived in Manhattan vs. Amarillo.
I think many men tend to think in fairly utilitarian fashion about clothes - "i need one pair of dress shoes, 2 pairs of casual shoes for going out on dates etc, and athletic shoes." Many think nothing of trying to match the color schemes and that sort of thing. I see a fair amount of very unflattering color schemes on guys and i think a lot of them don't take that into consideration.
Even the trend towards beards lately is utility. Sure its out there among the stars etc, but it is also a lot easier to keep a beard going than to shave well every single day. I do think though a fair amount of men dress to standout maybe via graphic t-shirts, brand names etc. Our 19 year old son loves certain brands.
I so agree on the moisturizer. By the way that goes for body, hands and feet too. Everyone needs to maintain that skin.
I am largely in agreement mens clothes are rather uninspiring. However, as I often present male, female, or down the middle, the middle can get interesting. I am the owner of a nice collection of silk scarves. Solids, patterns, a little of everything. I will often wear them as neck scarves. Think something in the late 1960s rock and roll era. close anyway. I'm a musician so it becomes a little easier but still, it can be interesting to see reactions. Interestingly, Not very much reaction anymore, as things have indeed turner the corner a bit for male experimentation off the beaten path. So between my very long hair, earrings and scarves I get almost nothing as reaction. I am actually happy about that. Makes other modes of presenting easier to live in now.