To think that some young people dress like they're oppressed?

[WindInTheWillows7]

I'm in my early 20s, and I've noticed some fashion trends among my peers which seem deliberately geared toward making the wearer look what I can only describe as oppressed. I'm only talking about my observations in student areas of London, so don't know if it's just here. For example, shaved heads; baggy clothes which make you look undernourished; workman boots and cropped trousers that make you look like you're in a prison camp in Siberia; boxy worker jackets; fisherman beanie hats... It's almost a dystopian look, or like they've emerged from a Soviet country, malnourished, pale, and worn out from heavy labour.

(FYI, I am no fashionista and I am not "judging" people who dress like this, just wanting to see if others have noticed it and what you think it's all about!).

@Horst

*I mean if you want to say judgy then sure but seriously the Instagram look is so over done. Anyone who’s stepping away from that is great.

No individualist ideas to just follow the look everyone else is doing.*

But that's my point - everyone is now doing this look so where is the individuality? It's more appealing as it's see as anti-consumerism or anti-Instagram - but it's still a "uniform". It's a uniform liked by the middle classes so that makes it "OK" ad means people can sneer at other "uniforms"

I like that look, it’s nice to see youngsters venturing outside of the identikit Barbie look for girls and sportswear for boys

@ghostyslovesheets

It's just fashion isn;t it? Nothing to understand - 1988 I lived in Docs, dungarees or 501's and a big check shirt - not very different.

Oh dungarees! I bought mine 2nd hand- my DF used to shake his head and say they were 5 sizes too big and had clearly come from a farmhand in the Deep South- cut some into shorts and some with one side unclipped! I just remembered that

malariai agree

@IONA really? The look has had absolute almost 100% approval on this thread. In fact girls who dress as you describe have got the bashing, talk about a straw man argument

OP, I get completely what you mean. My daughter is of that age. She loves to shop in urban outfitters, which seems to be to pay £££ (when you're a student) to look like you've not bothered.... I don't get it.

I prefer to spend money on classic cuts which stand the test of time... which is showing my age I guess!

I don't know.... I've noticed lots of really super-baggy (and super plain - all black, grey, navy) stuff, but hadn't thought of it being oppressed-looking!

I'm laughing so hard. The beanie I put in DS1's stocking is stuck to his head but rolled up above his ears. I wondered why! DS2 (15) is wearing hid normally- he's clearly not cool enough 🤣

Bit odd @unwicked to say it's offensive to say they're dressing oppressed.... and then go on to say all these kids are 'edgy wannabe'... 'look awful' and 'don't look good enough' to pull off typically feminine looks

Shit. I am a 58 year old professional. I wear black lace up boots and cropped flared trousers.

I dont feel opressed.

@TheHoptimist

Shit. I am a 58 year old professional. I wear black lace up boots and cropped flared trousers.

I dont feel opressed.

52 this year and still wearing mine - also not very oppressed!

PS @TheHoptimist is you name a nod to the springy little happy people - I collect them!

For YEARS women were made to feel that the only way to dress to get value was to wear something flattering i.e slimming. It is utterly liberating to not only wear baggy, comfy clothes, but also have that as somewhat of a norm.

@WindInTheWillows7

something like this maybe

You think that's an oppressed look?

How do you think everyone should dress then, OP?

I was out one night before Christmas (what an exciting life I lead!) and was really happy to see the majority of young women wearing flat boots or shoes, no matter what the rest of their outfits were like. Very few vertiginous heels, they were all able to stride along rather than hobbling, even the drunk ones!!! Great to see.

@WindInTheWillows7

something like this maybe

Like an early 90s rapper?

Another odd thread.
First the MC now young people.
Wear what you like and let everyone else do the same.

Some elements of it are reminiscent of the skinheads, come to think of it.

@StEval

Another odd thread. First the MC now young people. Wear what you like and let everyone else do the same.

Yes People linking clothes with odd things...

@HarlanPepper

How do you think everyone should dress then, OP?

However they want, that's not the point I'm making.

PS @TheHoptimist is you name a nod to the springy little happy people - I collect them!

It is- just packing the Christmas ones away!

I like that but I was a teenager in the 90s!

Your examples don't fit your description OP. I like the look you describe - I think it's always been around. It's good for comfort and those with body image issues, as well as looking quite cool.