Dressing For The Female Gaze: 5 Trends You Should Know About
By: Adesegun Adefunke
Validation is one thing any woman can relate to. And one of the most common ways we seek this validation is in the way we dress. After all, we should dress how we want to be addressed, right?
While the rest of the world is evolving, it seems this one aspect of feminity remains constant. Even when we want to “dress for ourselves” or “dress how we feel” there’s always that one awkward moment—on the road, in the church bathroom, in class—when someone shoots us a look. They don’t have to show any expression on their face. They don’t have to say anything. We do all the talking ourselves.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/OUTFITS/comments/15fecum/people_often_give_us_strange_looks_in_the_street/
Alt: Reddit post
So, once again, after fighting off all the wardrobe demons at home, you find yourself tugging on the hem of your skirt, adjusting your shirt, or even lifting the waistline of your trousers and wondering, ‘What does this person think of my outfit?’
What is the Female Gaze?
Part of feminism is spreading and basking in the freedom of being a woman and being bold while at it. In dressing, we feminists call it “dressing for the female gaze.” If you haven’t heard about it before, it’s basically a notion that women can dress, not to please the sight of others, but to reflect how they feel.
This realization opens the doors to aesthetic-based dressing, which allows women to break free of the mental confines of fashion—what should and shouldn’t be worn—and instead embrace self-desire. Feeling comfortable and confident, not just in your skin, but in your clothes too.
5 Trends Shaping the Female Gaze in 2025
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/603904631317656163/
Alt: the female gaze dressing collage
Although early notions about the female gaze stemmed from claims by Laura Mulvey, more recent interpretations of this movement have been developed by Zoe Dirse. In line with these interpretations, many influencers, celebrities, and even creators have popularized the movement, leading to a growing trend in the common outfits associated with it. If you’re looking to get with the movement and find your own style, here are five of these trends you should know about:
1. Functional Yet Stylish Clothing
Think pockets. A lot of people don’t fully understand how much of an issue this was and how the female gaze has impacted it. “Feminine” clothes were made either with tiny pockets or none at all, hinting that it was more womanly to carry a bag, clutch, or purse around, even if you were only stepping out with your keys.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/46161964925642551/
Alt: Jeans with pockets
Today, we see that more female clothing come with functional pockets, and even added features like belt loops and waistline modifications so women feel comfortable in their clothing: Not having to carry extra baggage or sew in modifications to make their outfits look good.
2. Soft, Feminine Outfits with a Modern Twist
Perhaps one of the most popular trends in dressing for the female gaze—soft, feminine outfits like gowns, tops, and skirts—has become a rage recently. But rather than the not-so-flattering long bell sleeves and patterns, modern touches like simpler necklines, less full sleeves, and skirts of varying lengths have been adopted.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/30188259996013694/
Alt: The soft, feminine aesthetic
This trend features silk clothing, linen, soft pleats, platforms, and dainty jewelry, which celebrate the softness of womanhood, allowing more women to bask in the femininity of clothing.
3. Baggy Clothing
On the other end of the spectrum, numerous women dress for the feminine gaze by combining baggy clothing, which diminishes outfit sexualization and allows them to feel both confident and beautiful at the same time.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17099673581479909/
Alt: Baggy outfits
From baggy jeans to extra large t-shirts, dress shirts, and even long skirts, this trend leans towards the understanding that women don’t have to be sexually appealing to anyone to feel beautiful, both in private and in public.
4. Statement Pieces
In between the soft aesthetic and the baggy outfits lies the bold clothing concepts consisting of fashion trends like alternative, vintage, and maximalist fashion.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/15762667442630929/
Alt: Statement outfits
Women are dressing for self-expression, not validation. Unique accessories, bold colors, and vintage-inspired outfits are trending as people embrace personal style over fleeting fashion rules. Whether it’s maximalist jewelry, eclectic layering, or playful prints, dressing is about showcasing personality.
5. Comfort Wear
This includes not-so-loved clothing items, such as knitted sweaters, scarves, sweatpants, and loungewear. As a way of dressing for the female gaze, we’ve seen a lot of women opt for more comfortable outfits with breathable material like cotton or wool.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31384528647412708/
Alt: Comfort outfits
The best thing about this trend is that it’s practically unlimited. It’s flexible enough for you to wear these outfits around the house, to the grocery store, or even on a walk. Either way, the comfort provided by these outfits makes you feel confident in any scenario.
Final Thoughts
The shift to dressing for the female gaze is one that embraces femininity and inclusivity. Whether you’re a size -2 or a plus-sized woman, you deserve to feel comfortable and confident, not just beautiful in the eyes of a third party.
And, as a Nigerian, you must understand that people look, people think, and people talk. Also, confidence is loud: It calls attention. So you can best believe that they’re going to look at you, even when you dress in your aura. The whole idea of this movement is for you to be comfortable enough not to care. So, own it.