Feminism Within Fashion

Kyle Verrette

Gender Communications
Dr. Smith
November 26, 2016

Introduction:
Fashion plays a major role in society because it is able to define an individual by

social and economic class as well as gender. Fashion is crucial in individuals lives

because it allows for people to express themselves. Clothing is used as a form of

expression for many individuals. The research paper will analyze nonverbal

communication and the impact it makes in the fashion industry.

An artifact is a type of nonverbal communication. Fashion plays a key role in

nonverbal communication because individuals can be perceived negatively or positively

depending on an individuals fashion interests. For example, if a male wears a suit he

could be perceived as knowledgeable and in command. However, when a woman wears a

dress the perception is drastically different. If a woman wore a dress individuals would

draw attention to her physical development, rather than her power and knowledge. These

perceptions do not allow for equality. This is because the perceptions can cause women to

have less power than men due an individuals outfit.

The research will also examine social norms in our society and how role models

and guardians impact an individuals personal image. For example, why are mens

clothing more functional than womens clothing? Why is womens clothing less

functional compared to mens clothing? And why is womens clothing more reveling?

The research will also examine why boys and girls are given specific color designations.

For example, why boys have a tendency to wear darker colors, such as blue and black,

and girls wear vibrant colors, such as pink.

There are several ways to conduct research on this topic. These examples include:

novels, magazines, research articles, case studies, and research journals. The research will

include credible source that will help enhance the argument throughout the paper. This

research will have concrete data and facts about gender and fashion. It will include

designers, fashion consultants, and professors concentrated in gender and fashion. These

individuals are considered professionals in the field of fashion and they are credible

sources. An important element when researching the problem is to show the progression

of fashion over the course of time. This will allow the reader to compare and contrast the

differences from fashion in history to present day fashion.

Conducting this research will allow individuals to become knowledgeable about

the subject of fashion. It will also allow the reader to become informed and be able to

understand why there are specific social norms in todays society. Fashion is more than
pieces of clothing thrown together to create an outfit. It is a symbol of who an individual

is. Fashion allows people to express their creativeness and individuality. The research

helps understand feminism in the fashion industry. It will allow for all gender to be equal

no matter if an individual is male, female, or transgender. Individuals should be able to

express themselves and not have to worry about labels and perceptions of others. The

significance of this research is to stand up against social norms and allow everyone to

have a voice towards equality in the fashion industry.

Mower, Sarah. Vogue. 20 September 2014. 5 October 2016

<http://www.vogue.com/2095159/feminism-march-fashion-chanel-spring-2015/>.

Why Feminism is On the March in Fashion written by Sarah Mower, is

powerful and uplifting. Sarah Mower using a quote from Caroline de Maigret that states,

We are the daughters of the 68ers! Our mothers marched in the streets of Paris to win

freedom. We have a responsibility to continue what they won!1 Sarah starts her article

with this quote. This was the backbone of her whole article, because it establishes a

baseline for her argument supporting feminism. She is then able to expand on this quote

and further elaborate on her argument.

The author introduces various celebrities such as, Emma Watson, Caroline de

Maigret, and Alber Elbaz to help support her argument about equality. These three

individuals have a powerful voice either the fashion industry or the movie industry.

Emma Watson is idolized by millions of both girls and boys all around the world due to

1 (Mower, 2016).
her outstanding movie productions. Emma now focuses a majority of her time speaking

out against violation of the rights of girls and women around the world. Emma Watson is

an excellent piece of evidence provided in the article. Since Emma Watson is idolized her

voice is able to make an impact on others.

Ms. Mower expresses the significance of uniqueness in todays fashion industry.

Fashion is all about making the outfit your own and being able to selling it. In my

opinion, the article is trying to argue that when a girl digs through her closet to find the

perfect outfit, she cannot think about what is the right or appropriate clothing to

wear. She has to put her own unique touch on the outfit, which allows for originality.

Sarah argues individuality and self-expression throughout her article. She uses Alber

Elbaz as an example. Alber Elbaz does not look for a specific theme in fashion, he rather

focuses his attention on the individuality of the outfits. Alber ties in very well with her

article, because she argues originality and that is what the fashion industry needs. Women

should be able to dress exactly how they choose. No male should force a woman to wear

a specific outfit.

Bissinger, Buzz. Caitlyn Jenner: The Full Story. 25 June 2015. 18 October 2015
<http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/06/caitlyn-jenner-bruce-cover-annie-
leibovitz>.

Buzz Bissinger editor at Vanity Fair recently wrote a piece on Caitlyn Jenner and

her journey to altering her gender to become a female. Mr. Bissinger is a highly qualified

journalist who has won several awards including the American Pulitzer Prize. The Vanity

Fair piece is transformative and sends a message to our nation. This article allows the

reader inside information on the transformation of transgender individuals. Buzz

Bissinger examines Caitlyn Jenners sex appeal and the transformation from wearing
mens clothing compared to womens clothing. This source allows the reader to

understand the challenges transgender women have to face within fashion.

Vanity Fair has behind the scenes photos of Caitlyn Jenner s outfits and new

style. When Vanity Fair released the magazine cover for Call me Caitlyn, Caitlyn was

wearing a satin one-piece corset. Corsets are a piece of womens lingerie and are

considered sexy. The corset is a significant garment because womans clothing usually

calls more attention to their body. They are highlighting the sex appeal. The corset that

Caitlyn is wearing shows off her whole body. This image portrays the ultimate sex

appeal because Caitlyn has her hair unrestrained, her legs bear, and her curves accented

by her attire. The cover of the magazine is significant, because Caitlyn Jenner is wearing

a corset. For many transgender women it may be difficult for them to fit into womens

clothing because the body shape. For example, their shoulders, hips, and chest may be

wider which could make it more difficult to transgender women to fit into women

clothing.

Caitlyn Jenner had to make a major adjustment not only in her physical

appearance, but in her fashion as well. When Caitlyn was Bruce he had to fit the mold of

masculinity. Bruce had to wear dark jeans, shorts, and dark color shirts. Mens clothes are

usually darker; they consist of black, grey, and dark blue. Women are more prone to wear

more vibrant colors. Men and womens clothing differ in style and color. Womens

clothing is primarily more fitting and focuses on revealing their sexuality. The author was

able to reveal Caitlyns sexuality by images. For example, when Caitlyn was wearing

sleek tight fitting dress as well as the corset. Mens clothing is more styled towards

comfort and freedom of movement. So, the clothing is usually more bagger and not as
reveling. The author was able to examine the differences of mens clothing compared to

womens through Caitlyns personal experiences.

O'Bryne, Susan. "Clothing and Gender in the Workplace." (2010): 1-3. Web.
<http://www.prismjournal.org/fileadmin/Praxis/Files/Gender/Obyrne.pdf>.

Clothing and gender in the workplace written by Susan O Byrne an

experienced journalist and public relations practitioner. The author uses her personal

experiences and knowledge she has gained over the years to incorporate into the article.

The author could have incorporated various sources within the article to strengthen their

arguments. Susan O Byrne published the article in 2010, so the evidence in the article is

fairly recent.

The author analyzes three main subjects throughout the article. They include,

letting go of the peacock routine, Dressing to stand out, Women as ornaments, and

Women as sexual objects. Susan O Byrne reiterates one main idea throughout the article.

She states, less emphasis needs to be placed on the external image we create through

clothes to make a statement and a greater emphasis placed on the quality of our

communications work.2 The author believes that knowledge is more powerful and

influential than new clothes.

The main theme of the article Ms. O Byrne observes throughout the article is the

differences between men and womens dress in the workplace. The author argues that

men are more prone to wear suits to work, while women are more likely to wear clothes

that make a statement. For example Susan O Byrne states, women are a much more

varied bunch, with a significant number more likely to wear statement clothing as part

of their expression of self.3 One aspect Susan O Byrne examines in the article is women

2 (O'Bryne, 2011)
3 (O'Bryne, 2011)
as sexual objects. Ms. Byrne analysis how women, particularly younger women are

wearing clothes that emphasize their bodies. The author observes how womens clothing

is becoming more reveling. For example, necklines on shirts are lower, shorter skirts, and

allows for more self- expression.

Maglaty, Jeanne. "When Did Girls Start Wearing Pink?" Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian
Institution, 07 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

Jeanne Maglaty wrote an articled called, When Did Girls Start Wearing Pink?

This article was published five years ago in 2011, so the sources used in the article

provides current information. The author incorporated various quotes from specialists

within the fashion industry to strengthen her arguments. However, the author could have

included more scholarly sources. This would have allowed Jeanne Maglaty to elaborate

on her thoughts and force the author to examine different aspects of why gender-neutral

clothing is no longer a social norm.

Jeanne Maglaty main argument throughout the article examines why boys are

more prone to wear blue and girls primarily wear pink. Ms. Maglaty states, So the baby

boomers were raised in gender-specific clothing. Boys dressed like their fathers, girls like

their mothers. Girls had to wear dresses to school, though unadorned styles and tomboy

play clothes were acceptable.4The author argues that girls are now more likely to be seen

wearing pink dresses with flowers.

The author analyses historical content to understand why gendered neutral

clothing is no longer trending. Jeanne Maglaty argues that gendered- neutral clothing

only remained popular until 1985. Ms. Maglaty argues that prenatal testing was the major

reason for gendered- neutral clothes. The merchandise helped force the social norm of

4 (Maglaty, 2011)
girls wearing pink and men wearing blue. The author makes an interesting argument

when nothing that even the fashion industry forces boys to wear blue and girls to wear

pink it is not that simple. This is because a boy may not feel comfortable wearing boys

clothes. The boy may prefer wearing girls clothing instead. The author states, The

fashion world may have divided children into pink and blue, but in the world of real

individuals, not all is black and white.5 This argument does not only force the fashion

industry to adjust to these changes, but society as well. The author argues that

incorporating gendered- neutral clothing would diminish the black and white within the

fashion industry.

Fletcher, Ben C. What Your Clothes Might Be Saying About You. 20 April 2013. 18
November 2016 <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/do-something-
different/201304/what-your-clothes-might-be-saying-about-you>.

Ben C. Fletcher wrote What Your Clothes Might Be Saying About You. The

author examines the psychological aspects of fashion and how clothing is able to

determine an individuals first impression. The author makes an interesting argument

throughout his article that states, People make their assessments in the first few seconds

of seeing another; assessments that go way beyond how well you are dressed and how

neat and tidy you might look.6 Throughout the article the author examines why does this

happen? The author does case study that includes 300 adults men and women and the

participants viewed another individuals picture and within three seconds the participant

already made a snap judgment about that individual.

The author does extensive outside research where he is able to examine why

individuals are able to make snap judgments. The author argues that our clothing is able

5 (Maglaty, 2011)
6 Please reference (Fletcher, 2013)
to reveal many different things about an individual. The author urges the reader to always

dress to impress. She argues that what we as individuals wear speaks volumes and

people make instant first impressions by the way an individual dresses. When the author

examined the results of the case study he concluded that the clothing an individual wore

ultimately mattered.

Ben C. Fletcher is a professor of psychology. He is an expert when it comes to

analyzing human behavior. This article Professor Fletcher wrote is beneficial in the

overall content of the paper because the author examines the psychology aspects of

individuals and fashion. The research the author conduct will be beneficial in the paper

because it provides a real example. This study will strengthen the argument and help

analyze the impact nonverbal communication makes in society.

Rizzo, Mary. "Can We Tie Unisex Fashion Trends to Gender Equality?" CNN. Cable
News Network, 14 Jan. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

Mary Rizzo wrote "Can We Tie Unisex Fashion Trends to Gender Equality?" this

article studies equality within the fashion industry. The author used a couple of

celebrities, such as Caitlyn Jenner and Miley Cyrus, as key examples in the fight for

equality. Mary states, Before we raise a toast to a world of post-gender fashion, it's

important to differentiate between marketing and actual progress towards gender

equality.7 Mary looks into the basic understanding of the meaning of fashion throughout

history. Throughout the 19th century women fought for the right for women to wear pants.

This was a major push towards equality in the fashion industry for both men and women.

The author could have incorporated outside sources to strengthen her argument;

this is because the article is built of speculation and no concrete evidence. The author

7 (Rizzo, 2016)
examines specific points throughout history when gendered equality was tested. The

specific examples Mary finds all happened organically, without the fashion industry

involvement. The author makes an important argument against the fashion industry. The

author argues that the fashion industry is more worried about the profit aspect instead of

the fight towards equality.

The theories and historic content the author offers will strengthen the final paper

when analyzing the history of the fashion industry. The argument the author makes

against the fashion industry is significant. This is because Mary has a different viewpoint

from other authors or professors. This article will also give the reader a different

perspective of the fashion industry. It makes the reader question whether they are focused

on equality of wealth.

Screws, Nic. "Men's Fashion Is Headed for a Gender-Bending Moment Unseen Since the
'70s." Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg, 6 Aug. 2015. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

"Men's Fashion Is Headed for a Gender-Bending Moment Unseen Since the '70s."

was written by Nic Screws. The article analyzes the most recent runway show. The mens

runway collection has shifted over the years. The most recent runway included

transgender individuals. The author states, Models of both genderswaifish male

models and boyish female models alikewere wearing silhouettes, fabrications, and

items of clothing that traditionally appear in womenswear collections. This fashion show

helped transform the mens fashion industry. This is a shift in the right direction; the shift

is heading towards gender equality within the fashion industry.

Nic Screws examines how the young people have shaped the fashion industry.

The author believes that the clothes are the 2000s with have no meaning. There will be

no symbolic meaning attached to them. The author illustrates how fashion from the late
1970s is being combined into todays dress. Images were incorporated in the article,

which allows the reader to reference to get a better understanding of the specific clothing

that is on the rise once again.

This article analyses the shift towards gender equality not only in the fashion

industry, but in the retail industry as well. The author stated that the retail industry is

incorporating unisex clothing lines. Incorporating this article within the final paper gives

specific evidence into the future of the fashion industry. In 10 years, a college student's

idea of what is "masculine" or "feminine" clothing is likely to be drastically different.

Analyzing these differences will help make the paper more empowering. Including this

article is important. Because it will be observing how our society has finally accepted

fashion equality.

Tarrant, Shira, and Jolles, Marjorie. Fashion Talks: Undressing the Power of Style.
Albany, NY: State U of New York, 2012.

Marjorie Jolles and Shira Tarrant co- authored Fashion Talks. The authors

observe the importance of fashion and analyze how time plays a major factor within

fashion. For example, the authors state, Fashion is, crucially, about time. Fashion is

both temporally self- aware and historicized, marked by time.8 The authors examine how

individuals are criticized for wearing a specific article of clothing because it was from

last years fashion line.

The chapters in the book examine different aspects of fashion. For example, one-

chapter analyses dressing the body while another focuses on fashion choices. The author

then is able to connect these different aspects into one main theme. This one theme is

examined extensively throughout the book. The authors include work from other scholars

8 (Jolles, Tarrant, 2012)

to help support their arguments.

The authors are informing the reader about feminism in the fashion industry. The

author also illustrates how, females move up into political or leadership roles, their

fashion sense becomes more expensive. Marjorie Jolles and Shira Tarrant argue that as

women become more influential they need to dress the part. This is because fashion can

make a major first impression and ensuring a woman dresses the part is a major step.

Women want to ensure their social class and control is noticed through their dress.

O'Cass, Aron. "Fashion Clothing Consumption." Fashion Marketing. Emerald Group

Publishing Limited (2003): 869-897.

Aron OCass wrote, Fashion clothing consumption this article focused on the

clothing industry and the impacts clothing has on society. The authors main theme

throughout the article is focusing on materialism and the affects it has on an individual.

The author states, The focus on fashion clothing is significant because both its economic

value and significant social functions and meaning it provides in consumers lives.9 The

author also elaborates on the impact clothing has on an individual. The author details that

clothing is able to create relationships with other groups or individuals based on there the

individuals clothing preferences.

OCass focus of the article is limited because their main focus is on one state in Australia.

Even though the author limits his research he is still able to provide concrete evidence

and develop several theories of gender and fashion. The author incorporates several

sources to help bolster his argument on materialism within the fashion industry. He is

successful at examining data and incorporating the data into the article. However, the data

9 Please reference (OCass, 2003).

in the article is outdated it is still able to give the reader a basic understanding of an

individuals purchasing pattern.

The author conducted a survey that was distributed to 478 individuals. The author

collected the data and examined the results. His conclusion was that fashion clothing

involvement is influenced by three categories: materialism, gender and age. The final

paper analyzes how nonverbal communication impacts society and the survey that was

conducted offers compelling evidence. The theories that the author proposes will be able

to tie in with other sources and increase the overall product of the paper to help examine

nonverbal communication and its ties into fashion.

Bansal, Puneet. "Female to Feminine." Elements of Fashion and Apparel Designing. 1st
ed. Jaipur, India: Book Enclave, 2008. 86-114. Print.

In the Elements of Fashion and Apparel designing, the author examines

different elements of the fashion industry. One subject of the book that is beneficial to the

final product is Female to Feminine. The main theme throughout the section of

Female to Feminine explore the history of women in feminism. Throughout history the

authored noted that womens clothing was depended on their social wealth. Womens role

in history was to be conservative and to be a good homemaker for the husband and kids.

Women were expected to dress very conservatively. The only time they showed sexuality

is during maternity.

Puneet Bansal explored feminism within family households. The author was more

specific within the analysis they focused on feminism in fashion. The author also

examined how media has played a major role within the fashion industry. For example,

they portray women in the media as beautiful youthful women. This impacts the younger

generation and forces them to become anorexic and self-conscious.

 Extensive research has been conducted, which will be helpful when writing the

final paper. Puneet Bansal examined feminism throughout history and this will be an

important element in the final paper. The historic content will allow for background

information in the fashion industry. This book will be a guide into how fashion has

shifted over the years; however, it will be a credible source when analyzing non-verbal

communication. Over the years non- verbal communication has always been constant, it

has always played a major role in first impressions and individuals identity.
Michelman, S. O., & Miller- Spillman, K. A. Fashion and Dress. Retrieved October 12,
2016, from I Love To Know: http://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/fashion-
history-eras/fashion-gender-dress

Susan O. Michelman and Kimberly A. Miller- Spillman wrote, Fashion Gender

and Dress. The two authors are co-workers, which will explain their connection. These

two authors are credible due to their knowledge, research, and book publications. The

authors main focus is to analyze what it means to be a man or a woman and how it is

linked to fashion. The theme throughout the article is gender artifacts and nonverbal

communication. The heart of the article is the impact on historic perspective of dress and

gender. This is because the article gives of the author historical background of gender and

gendered nonverbal communication. The historical viewpoints were reversed in the early

1900s. The article statesThe color "rule" in 1918 was pink for the boy and blue for the

girl. Pink was interpreted then as a stronger and more assertive color and blue as more

dainty and delicate.10 However, after WWII the roles were reversed to what we are

accustomed to today. Since WWII our society still follows social norm by color- coding

boy and girls.

10 (Michelman & Miller-Spillman)

 The major aspects Susan O. Michelman and Kimberly A. Miller- Spillman

observe throughout the article are societys impact on gender and gendered nonverbal

communication. Susan O. Michelman and Kimberly A. Miller- Spillman analyze social

norms in our culture and examine the impacts that they have had on society. The authors

express the importance of womens image, especially in the fashion industry. Women

need to be youthful, slim, athletic, and well-toned physique.11 The authors argue how

parents and society encourage these behaviors. The authors also analyze why men and

women dress the way they do. They used an example of men wearing suits. When men

wear suits it shows that they have power and control and when woman wear a dress it

draws attention to their physical development, rather than their power.

The article cites various bibliographic sources. Susan O. Michelman and

Kimberly A. Miller- Spillman provide adequate evidence that consists of research

development, novels, and case studies. The authors effectively use the sources throughout

to strengthen their arguments and back up their previous statements. The downfall to this

evidence is that various studies are outdated. Since our culture is changing and becoming

more accepted to change in gender identity the results of the research could be different.

An example is when the authors examine why newborn boys will more likely receive

blue or pink if the newborn is a girl. The authors argument is strengthen when they uses

evidence to support their argument. However, the research used was conducted in 1984.

This specific piece of evidence is outdated, which would weaken the overall argument

about the classification of gender.

Arvanitidou, Zoi and Maria Gasouka. "Construction of Gender through Fashion and
Dress." Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences 4.11 (2013).

11 (Michelman & Miller-Spillman)

 Construction of Gender through Fashion and Dressing is an article co-written

by Zoi Arvanitidou and Maria Gasouka. These two authors are credible and well

educated; they are both Doctors at the University of Aegean with a concentration in

educational design and clothing design. Professor Gasouka and Professor Arvanitidou

main focus in the article is to inform the reader of social and economical differences

through fashion and dress. As the readers expand their thoughts on social differences they

explain how an outfit can define the individual.

The authors started the article with an introduction, but then gave the reader

historical background of fashion and gender. Establishing historical allows the reader to

compare and contrast the fashion industry over time. Professor Gasouka and Professor

Arvanitidou analyzed how laws were passed to regulate clothing. From the 13th Century

to the 17th Century clothing was regulated depended on social class and an individuals

occupation. The authors stated, There is a clear separation of fashion in male and

female. The female one requires constant change and innovation, imposed by the

capitalist system of production and fashion with the excuse of the supposed obsession of

women with elegance12. This passage helped give the reader a better understanding of

what was considered acceptable throughout history due to economic diversity. The

authors argued that throughout history fashion defined an individual and people are

perceived differently due to their fashion identity. Dr. Arvanitidou and Dr. Gasouka

provide examples on how these perceptions are still true today by using various

references in the text.

Throughout the article the authors express how appearance is such a major factor

in todays society. They used various examples to prove that fashion is used to determine

12 (Arvanitidou & Gasouka, 2013)

social class and social norms. The article states, clothing is the main instrument of the

appearance of the body considering in the general sense that it includes anything that

contributes to this configuration, like shoes, hairstyle, accessories and even cosmetics. 13

Professor Gasouka and Professor Arvanitidou express that these factors are shaping the

fashion industry as well as society. These arguments force the reader to examine their

fashion sense. The reader is forced to analyze the designers they wear for clothing, the

style and designer of their shoes, and even their cosmetics.

Eicher, Joanne B. and Mary Ellen Roach- Higgins. "Clothing and Textile Research
Jounral." Dress and Identity (1992): 8.

"Dress and identity" co-written by Mary Ellen Roach- Higgins and Joanne B.

Eicher was published in 1992. This is a scholarly article because these two authors are

well respected and educated. The article is a great source for historical background and

insight. The authors use articles, books, and scholarly journals to strengthen their

arguments. However, the sources that the authors used are considered outdated. The

sources and references used throughout the journal are outdated as well. The authors use

references from 1965- 1990 and studies and research have changed that could alter this

data. However, this journal is still a reliable source of information. The reader is able to

compare and contrast the differences in dress throughout the years because it gives

historical content.

The authors introduced dress as a general form of communication and then

elaborated on this topic throughout the journal. Their main focus throughout the journal is

to provide historical content by providing framework, which includes various sources.

But, the main goal is to illustrate the social aspects of dress. The abstract and introduction

13 (Arvanitidou & Gasouka, 2013)

is a key eliminate to the journal, because the authors are able to define the meaning of

dress and the impacts it has on society. The authors simply defined dress as,

appearance, clothing, ornament, adornment, and cosmetics.14 But, then they elaborated

on the meaning and were able to give historical background on the meaning. The

professors then compare dress to various subjects. For example, Dress Versus

Appearance, Dress versus Adornment or Ornament, Dress Versus Clothing, and

Dress Versus Fashion. These comparisons further examine the importance dress has in

our society and the importance in communication.

Mary Ellen Roach- Higgins and Joanne B. Eicher argue that dress is a form of

communication in our society. They argue how dress is able to define who the individual

is. Dress may, for example, make a statement about age, gender, social class, school

affiliation, or religion.15 For example, when individuals attend social gatherings, the

name of the dress is major factor. The dress is a form of communicating, because it is

able to represent individuals social standards. Another example, the authors use to

illustrate dress is another form of communication is by the dresses properties. The also

authors emphasizes the importance of the dress matching their significant others tie. If the

dress did not match the tie it could indicate that the couple is a part of the middle or lower

social class.

Wood, Julie T and Natalie Fixmer- Oraiz. Gendered Lives. Boston, MA: Cengage
Learning, 2015.

Julie T. Wood and Natalie Fixmer- Oraiz co-authored Gendered Lives.

Gendered Lives is a scholarly textbook that incorporates various sources to back up

their thoughts. The data and sources used in the book are currently up to date. This

14 (Eicher & Roach- Higgins, 1992).

15 (Eicher & Roach- Higgins, 1992).
textbook is used throughout the country to help students identity and learn the basic

gendered differences. The textbook examines numerous forms of nonverbal

communication, Feminism, Gendered Media, and gendered stereotypes. Chapter 6 of

Gendered Lives supports the argument of nonverbal communication in fashion.

The authors are able to give the reader examples of fashion differences between

male and female. The authors stated, Clothing has become less sex- distinctive than in

former eras, fashions for women and men sill differ. Mens clothes generally are not as

colorful or bright as womens, and they are designed to be more functional.16 This is a

key passage because it shows examples on how the males wear clothes that are primarily

darker; for example, blacks, greys, and blues.

Julie T. Wood and Natalie Fixmer- Oraiz also analyze the fit of womens clothing

compared to mens. The authors argue that mens clothing is more function compared to

womens clothes. This forces the reader to examine the fit of their clothing and see if their

clothing fits into the social norm. For example, Womens clothing is designed to call

attention to womens bodies and to make them maximally attractive to viewers.17 Mens

clothing is more functional because it usually bagger and has pockets, which allows men

to fit their cell phones, wallets, and miscellaneous items.

Marcangeli, Sveva. "Undressing the Power of Fashion." Bucknell University, 28 April

2015. Web. 11 Nov. 23.

Undressing the Power of Fashion is a student thesis written by Sveva

Marcangeli. This article was written in 2015, so the sources incorporated within the

article is currently up to date. The sources that Sveva Marcangeli includes; articles,

research journals, and books. Ms. Marcangeli uses a wide range of information dating

16 (Wood & Fixmer- Oraiz, 2015, p. 127).

17 (Wood & Fixmer- Oraiz, 2015, p. 127).
from 1919-2014. The author provides historical content to help the reader understand the

differences through fashion. Ms. Marcangeli is able to integrate these sources to

strengthen their arguments on feminism through the fashion industry.

The authors compare the differences between men and women and how women

are more revealing. Sveva Marcangeli states, Womens erotic body features such as

arms, busts, hips and breasts have always been emphasized in dress, while womens legs

have been hidden and ignored for centuries. On the contrary, mens legs have been

emphasized as their erotic zone.18 The author argues that it was not until the twentieth

century when the fashion industry began focusing on the sex appeal.
The author forces the reader to compare present day fashion to historic content.

Sveva Marcangeli argues that over the years women have increased their independence

not only in life, but fashion as well. Since the 1920s, women have steadily been

obtaining greater independence in choosing what they should wear, when they could wear

it, and in front of whom.19 This change has allowed women to stand up against social

norms within the fashion industry and force women to express themselves freely and

independently. Incorporating this evidence within the final paper will not only bolster the

paper, but also examine the historical content throughout history.

Arvanitidou, Zoi and Maria Gasouka. "Fashion, Gender and Social Identity "
FashionColloquia (2012). < https://process.arts.ac.uk/sites/default/files/zoi-
arvanitidou.pdf>.

Zoi Arvanitidou and Maria Gasoua co- authored Fashion, Gender and Social

Identity. Both of these authors are considered specialists in their fields of study. Zoi

Arvanitidou has her PhD in Candidate fashion as well as Gender and Cultural Studies.

While her co-author Maria Gasoua focuses on education and education design, the

18 (Marcangeli, 2015)
19 (Marcangeli, 2015)
authors focus the development of gender identity through clothing and fashion. The main

theme throughout the article is to analyze the cultural differences between men and

women through dress. Zoi Arvanitidou and Maria Gasoua states, The way everyone is

formed through the clothes, makeup and behavior constitutes the sexual identity and

social position, namely the dressed bodies constitute tools of self.20 The authors argue

that individuals are able to use fashion and makeup as a form of self-expression.

The authors states, Fashion can present the hidden desires and fears of the

wearer, with the dark color and severe lines of the classic costume. Fashion, with its

provocation can raise concerns among viewers due to the ambiguity of messages such as

the extreme forms of sub cultural, street costume movements, or provoke the perceptions

and taboos, such as when a man is wearing a woman's skirt. The authors analyze that

individuals are able to talk to each other through fashion. For example, an individuals

social class can be identified through dress. Individuals are able to express their

unconscious and conscious through clothing. The focus is to inform the reader of social

change through fashion by conducting an informal interview. The interview examines

twelve pictures of both men and women and the interviewers analyze their fashion

preferences based on what the individuals are wearing in the picture.

Zoi Arvanitidou and Maria Gasoua cite numerous scholarly sources in the article.

The authors use case studies, research journals, and books as concrete evidence. The

sources used in the article help strengthen their argument; however, the sources can be

considered outdated. The authors use sources from 1978-2008. That is an eight-year time

span where social norms have changed and new information has been gathered. This

makes the article outdated; however, the article is still able to give the reader a basic

20 (Arvanitidou & Gasoua, 2012)

understanding of nonverbal communication through fashion. The authors have also

included images, which allows the reader to visually see the differences between men and

women in fashion.

Levi, Jennifer L. "Clothes Dont Make the Man (or Woman), But Gender Identity Might."
(2006): 91-113.

Jennifer L. Levi wrote a paper called; Clothes Dont Make the Man (or Woman),

But Gender Identity Might this paper examines gendered identity and dress

requirements. The author includes several different sources to help bolster his arguments

throughout the paper. This is a credible source because Jennifer L. Levi is conducting

this research paper for Western New England University School of Law. Ms. Levi uses

credible sources to further enhance her stance on the dress code challenges.

The author is able to incorporate several theories, as well as different cases

throughout history, to reinforce her argument against dress codes. Jennifer L. Levi

included one case within the paper that stated, Prior to the implementation of the

grooming code, Jespersens employer had suggested, but not required, that women

employees wear make- up; Jespersen tried wearing makeup for a short period of time, but

stopped.21 The author argues that the worker ended up being fired, because she stopped

wear making up into work. The employee did not feel comfortable wearing makeup

because she did not feel like herself. The author did a good incorporating these sources;

because it gives real examples that the reader is able to relate to.

Ms. Levi states, Cases brought by transgender litigants provide insight into what

may move judges to understand both the harms of forced gender conformity for those

individuals and the inelasticity of gender identity.22 This passage is the main theme that

21 (Levi, 2016)
22 (Levi, 2016)
the author is trying to answer. The author argues that the law does not take into

consideration the transgender community. The author believes that individuals are able to

alter their appearance by dress and cosmetics, but the individuals gender identity does

not change. Integrating the LGBTQ community gives the paper a different perspective in

the fashion industry.

Hristova, Tatyanna. "Clothing- A Choice and Image of Cultural Identity." Postmodernism

Problems 4 (2014): 80-87.

Tatyanna Hristova wrote a peer review article called, Clothing- A choice and

image of culture identity. Tatyanna examines fashion is various different aspects of life.

She examines how fashion is a way of communication that not only impacts an

individuals identity, but our culture as a whole. The author explains that fashion is no

longer a human satisfaction. Clothing now has a meaning and this meaning can affect an

individuals social group, cultural background, and sexually. One last phase the author

analysis is how fashion is able to change the social norm and create new fashion trends.

The author argues that individuals do not want to be perceived differently due to their

fashion sense, but instead for what they have to offer.

Hristova is informing her readers about the basic understanding of fashion and the

impacts is can create not only on ones self but society as well. She is able to study these

different phases of fashion by conducting extensive research. The author uses various

sources throughout the article to not only strengthen her arguments, but also provide

different theories and findings within the fashion industry.

Hristovas findings are able to connect to the overall paper, because she has

extensive research on how fashion affects nonverbal communication. She argues that our

clothing sends a message to others and we are able to use these messages to
communication to one. The paper analyzes how nonverbal communications plays a major

role in first impressions and an individuals self-image. The findings and theories

Tatyanna Hristova found will be able to be incorporated into the paper.

Todorovic, Tigana. "Clothes and Costumes as Form of Nonverbal Communication."

(2014): 321-333.

Tijana Todorovi wrote a peer-reviewed article called, Clothes and Costumes as

Form of Nonverbal Communication. The author argues that clothing is a way for

individuals to express themselves. They are able to use clothing to as an outlet for self

-expression. Throughout the article, the author connects fashion into various aspects of

society and culture. Nonverbal communication plays a key role in the clothing industry.

One example the author uses is when she examines how clothing is able to send symbolic

messages in either the general or specific scope of the fashion industry. The author then

illustrates how these messages are being sent and received.

The main theme the author is arguing throughout the article is self- expression and

human development. Todorovi includes various references to help support her

arguments. She is then able to expand upon the resource used, which bolsters her overall

content throughout the article. The author also includes several different images of

fashion pieces of history. This allows the reader to be able to compare and contrast the

differences in fashion over the years. (Todorovic, 2014)

This article will strengthen the overall content of the paper. The author elaborates

on specific keys areas of the fashion industry such as, clothing as a symbol, clothing;

function and meaning, and clothing as an expression of time. These three areas will

impact the paper significantly because it will give the reader background knowledge of
the subject. Including the symbolic meaning of clothing will help analyze the impact it

has on an individual and society.

Berberick, Stephanie Nicholl. "The Objectification of Women in Mass Media." The New
York Sociologist 5 (2010): 1-15.

Stephanie Nicholl Berberick wrote, The objectification of Women in Mass

Media. The article analyzes the impact the mass media has within the fashion industry.

The author examines the rate increase in plastic surgery, eating disorders and suicides.

The media examines how women have been objectified for years and the impacts they

have made. Berberick uses shows like the Victoria Secret fashion show as a prime

example of how women are showcased as thin, young, and beautiful.

The author includes various credible sources throughout the article to reinforce

her points on the impacts of mass media on society. Stephanie Nicholl Berberick states,

Some of the media, wanting to be a kind of tool for empowerment, is sending subtle

messages for women to change themselves but, similarly, they also hint that this change

and empowerment must not challenge or upset patriarchal societal norms.23 This passage

is the main theme throughout the article. Stephanie Nicholl Berberick analyses why

women will do absolutely anything to chase perfection. Women are constantly degraded

and put down by the media or by others and this affects their self- esteem. The author

studies the challenge for women to find inner peace.

This resource is significant to the overall product because it examines the impact

mass media has on an individual as well as the fashion industry. This article is not

specific on gender, however, it examines a gendered artifact that is crucial when

identifying non-verbal communication with the fashion industry. The article observes

23 (Berberick, 2010)
how the mass media is able to persuade individuals. The media is able to influence men

and women that what they seen on TV can be reality. This can relate to how men and

women are influenced by the fashion industry and society.