Part 8/11:

Despite apparent intentions to avoid male attention, critics argue that these fashion choices reveal an underlying obsession with men. Dressing in ways that are explicitly meant to challenge or repel men still signifies a focus on male perceptions—just in an inverse manner. Critics suggest that these women are, unconsciously or not, still driven by the male gaze, but in a rebellious or feminist-claimed way.

Moreover, many women dressed modestly to hide perceived flaws or weight gain, framing it as a feminist act, when in fact it is rooted in societal pressures about body image and attractiveness. The emphasis on covering up or looking childish indicates that, at their core, these choices are often about insecurity or social signaling rather than authentic self-expression.