Break Gender Norm Essay

I decided to break a gender norm at a party on Friday night. Since my friends were throwing the party I figured it would be the best place and time. Females are supposed to look their best when they go to a party. They are expected to have a full face of makeup on (and look “natural”), wear a killer outfit (typically a dress, while not looking too “slutty”), and their hair is supposed to look its best. Normally when I go to a party I conform to these gender norms. However, this past Friday I walked in looking like I had just come from the gym. I did not wear any makeup, I wore yoga pants, an oversized t-shirt, and tennis shoes, and my hair was up in a messy bun.
I remember feeling strange while I was walking to the party because I was underdressed.
When I go to a party I always put some effort into my appearance, even if it is not much. It was nice not having to waste so much time getting ready, but at the same time I missed the routine. When I got to the party I felt like everyone was watching and judging me. In reality, I was judging myself more than anyone else. Now that I think about it, not that many people cared; most of the people at the party were in their own world and were not paying attention. However, that does not mean I did not receive some looks. A few females gave me that “are you seriously wearing that” look and one male looked at me with a confused expression (however, that might not be because of what I was wearing). I do not think males care all that much about what one female is wearing. Females on the other hand, are more judgmental and are not afraid to show it. I found that females expect other females to conform to proper party attire more than males. Receiving a few negative looks is not that bad in my opinion. If a female is able to get past what a few people might think, she can dress in any way she likes.