Strolling down the streets of your local overpriced downtown, you hear a man catcalling a woman walking by, berating her baggy clothes screaming, ‘You prude! Show us some skin!’ Rounding the corner, you come to see a gaggle of men kneeling before a picture of Ice Spice plastered on a street pole. They praise the image of their lover in tight-fitting clothes, words above her head reading ‘Like grah’ with a kissy face emoji. Upon these two vastly different interactions, you ponder if there will ever be a middle ground that rises above the ridicule or over-sexualization of women’s appearance. Will there ever be an outfit that can accomplish both of these reactions? Or neither? While thinking, another woman struts by. You stare at her ribbon-laced Adidas Sambas, pleated miniskirt, ‘Fly Emirates’ jersey, and slicked braids complemented with bows. You have found your answer; there is hope left in this world, and it lies in the hands of a bloquette.
Some aspects of fashion, regardless if worn by a petite-sized white woman, are deemed perpetually ugly. However, the surge of the ‘bloquette’ (also spelled ‘blokette’) style questions one pillar of men’s averagely ugly fashion choices: the common sports jersey. Worn for decades, their bright clashing colors and nylon fabric are commonly associated with the term ‘bloke’: a British slang term for an average male. Thanks to Bella Hadid, who many claim to be the starter of the trend, the tides are changing. This use of the common bloke’s closet might just be the bridge that overcomes all hate for men’s fashion: by putting it on women, it is finally made cute. In pair with the ‘coquette’ style- ballet slippers, ribbons, mini skirts, pink, floral designs- women across the world are following their cult leader Hadid’s footsteps.
Previous to this combination of feminine and masculine style, college game days were the only time a woman could casually wear a sports jersey and still be considered attractive. Now, Adidas striped shirts are styled with mini skirts, and sneakers are laced with pink ribbon. The ultimate merriment of girly girls and complete jocks has surfaced; the ballerina meets the rowdy drunk man at a Premier League match. Consequently, we as a society have finally found use for the average British male. Hooray for the blokes! In addition, girls no longer have to live in a “tomboy” or “girly-girl” box. They can do both! Is it ugly? Now that part is left up for interpretation.
Despite this recent androgynous trend, no need to worry about a change in men’s style. It still remains tried and true: average, slightly ill-fitting, and too much navy. However, this new use of their closet can be utilized by all women, regardless of how feminine they dress themselves. For years tomboys have raided their local Salvation Army, scouring racks of men’s sweaters and t-shirts in search of the comfy oversized clothing. Now girlies join them and scavenge harder, in search of the recreational soccer jerseys recently donated by middle school boys.
So next time you find yourself on your city’s streets ridiculing the sexism thrown at women’s clothing, think back to Bella Hadid. Reminisce on all the hard work she has done to reverse the hate thrown between men and women. Think of leg warmers and Reebok’s. Ballet slippers and shin guards. A Patriot’s jersey with a matching red ribbon tied around the neck. Release that tension you’ve been holding in your neck: all is right in the world. So go buy that $8 matcha and reflect on how marvelous it is to have a style that is considered cute streetwear while simultaneously looking like the outfit you throw together when all your clothes are in the wash.
