Meet Bryan, an American living in Germany who challenges societal norms by dressing unconventionally. Despite identifying as straight, Bryan feels that fashion should not be limited by gender. You’ll often find him confidently strolling around in skirts and heels, even at work.
Bryan believes that men’s fashion choices, especially when it comes to office attire, are too limited compared to women’s. While women have a wide range of options, such as skirts, pants, and dresses, men are mostly confined to neutral-colored pants. Bryan appreciates the diversity in styles, patterns, and colors that skirts offer, and he thinks men should have the same freedom to explore them.
Bryan’s unique fashion sense involves mixing traditionally masculine attire for the top half, like a blazer and tie, with more feminine attire for the bottom half. He often pairs his outfit with a pencil skirt and four-inch heels. Surprisingly, wearing heels is no issue for Bryan. In fact, he learned to walk in heels during his college days when his girlfriend wanted them to be on the same level while dancing. They continued this practice for over a year. Bryan refuses to let stereotypes or assumptions dictate how he expresses himself through fashion. He fearlessly challenges expectations, embracing his style unapologetically.
“To me, clothes have no gender,” Bryan explains. He prefers skirts over dresses because they allow him to combine both masculine and feminine elements. He appreciates a “masculine” look on the upper half and a more gender-neutral look on the lower half. With a touch of nostalgia, Bryan recalls a time when girls were prohibited from wearing pants, and now pants have become a non-gendered garment. Therefore, he believes that, similarly, skirts and heels should also be considered non-gendered. In fact, historically, men wore heels before women, although not in the stiletto style we see today.
Bryan is correct in stating that high heels have a long history. Their origin can be traced back to at least the 10th century when Persian cavalry wore heeled boots for practical purposes, such as staying securely in stirrups. Over time, high heels became a symbol of wealth for noblemen and traders across Europe. However, during the 18th century, societal beliefs surrounding gender roles and fashion began to shift. Men gradually abandoned high heels, considering them impractical and effeminate. This misguided perception remains prevalent today, perpetuating the idea that fashion is frivolous and solely for women.
Nevertheless, Bryan exemplifies the slow resurgence of high heels as acceptable footwear for men. He acknowledges that many people may do a double-take when they see him in skirts and heels, akin to someone with brightly dyed hair. While it may be perceived as unusual or intriguing at first glance, Bryan believes that people quickly return to their own thoughts and actions. He is comfortable with his style choices, and this sense of self-assurance minimizes any potential discomfort.
Finding skirts and heels that fit him is not a challenge for Bryan. He wears a size 8 in skirts, and his shoe size for heels is 8.5, making it easier for him to find what he needs. For those curious about trying out heels and skirts, Bryan advises starting with lower heels and gradually working up to higher ones to enhance comfort while walking. Do you know anyone who would be willing to take a step into Bryan’s unconventional fashion territory? Let us know your thoughts, and don’t forget to share this story with your friends and family!
