One striking example of how the male gaze continues to influence fashion is the recent trend toward beige and neutral-coloured clothing. While minimalist and neutral tones can be chic, the overwhelming popularity of these muted palettes raises questions about whether we are being encouraged to dull ourselves down, to blend in rather than stand out. In a society where women are often taught to take up less space—physically, verbally, and even sartorially—this trend mirrors a larger cultural push for women to tone down our presence. The emphasis on beige, a colour that quite literally fades into the background, subtly reinforces the idea that we should be palatable, inoffensive, and less visible. It stands in stark contrast to the bold colours and patterns that can celebrate individuality, strength, and personal expression.
Recently, Australian fashion brand Witchery faced backlash for its new direction, which included removing size 20 and promoting a controversial 'heroin chic/white supremist' aesthetic. Public outrage spanned TV, podcasts, social media, and newspapers, highlighting the power of collective voices in demanding inclusivity.
Personally, I found it incredible because I don’t remember a time when women have used their power to call out lack of size inclusion and diversity in such a public way. Viva la revolution.
The reluctance of many of us plus-size women to invest in our wardrobes often stems from deeper issues of self-worth and the pervasive influence of diet culture. Despite the current cost-of-living crisis, this mentality has persisted over the years. The constant comparison to unrealistic beauty standards leads to feelings of inadequacy, making fashion investments seem pointless and I have some thoughts about it.
My New Years resolutions were always based around my body and that my body needed to change. Drastically.
Five years ago, I was so highly influenced by diet culture. I thought that being thin was the only way to be seen as attractive. To be deemed as worthy and to be perceived as successful. But something has happened to me in the last five years. It’s been a slow, but steady change that has utterly disrupted these once held beliefs.
