13 things women wear that men pretend not to notice

Men are much more observant of women’s fashion than they’ll ever admit, but they will keep quiet about it because they want to avoid a debate or they find it baffling.

Massive shades

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You can’t go incognito with this “movie star avoiding the paparazzi” look. Women may wear oversized sunglasses to shield themselves from the sun or disguise dark circles, but guys will notice immediately if the lenses cover half of your face.

They’ll probably stare at them, wondering if you’re making a fashion statement or simply not wanting to make eye contact with anyone.

High jeans

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Whether you are going for an old school 90s vibe or ultra-wide-leg mom jeans, pants that extend past your belly button alter your figure. Guys pick up on this style quickly because it directs the eye immediately to your waist. They may not know the difference between high-rise vs low-rise jeans, but they will know that those jeans aren’t your average jeans.

False lashes

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Whether strips or high-end extensions, long lashes transform your eyes. Men can tell immediately when eyelashes look artificially thick, heavy, or flawlessly curled. They may even see a corner beginning to peel up, but won’t mention it because they know it takes work to do eye makeup.

Big outerwear

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If you wear a sweater or hoodie three sizes too large, your body shape disappears into the fabric. Guys totally notice you drowning in knit, but they don’t say anything because they know staying warm and comfy is your number one goal.

Clunky shoes

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Men notice clunky shoes immediately. These large, bulky sneaker platforms make standard ankles look skinny by comparison. The first thing guys think of when they see those clunky sneakers is their own dads’ worn-out lawn mower shoes. You cannot slip one of these on and quietly fade into the background.

Loud nails

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Some people believe that guys don’t notice hands until you break a nail. But they do see long acrylics, neon colors, and sparkling gems. They see your intricate nail art and wonder how you do normal things. They may not say anything, but they are silently questioning how you even text or open jars.

Mixed styles

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Dressy stilettos with uber casual clothing, such as sweats or baggy pants, will always turn heads. Guys recognize the contrast immediately because heels are typically worn for dressy occasions. Mismatching heels with lounge clothes (or sneakers with a formal dress) confuses the mind because you’re now presenting a puzzle.

Heavy makeup

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Women can contour and blend their faces perfectly in low-light settings indoors. When they step outside into bright sunlight, all of those lines of brown powder and shimmer highlighter are very visible. Guys can see every layer of makeup and how it sits on your face, even if they say it’s just natural radiance.

Thick bands

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Chunky, fluffy headbands or those with extra-large pearls and jewels add a huge amount of attention on top of your head. This item gives off a very specific, old-school schoolgirl look that overpowers your entire look. Men notice how much height it adds to your hair instantly and they tend to view it more as a crown rather than a hair accessory.

Backless dress

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As soon as a woman wearing a backless dress enters the room, heads will turn. Guys recognize this look right away as something you don’t see every day. It’s daring and revealing while leaving the front of the dress modest. Guys tend to see it as very classy and bold.

Gym sets

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Matching outfits, yoga pants, and workout bras to run to the grocery store or grab some food is one of the biggest trends nowadays. Men notice the tight workout gear the second they lay their eyes on you. They know you aren’t going to the gym, but they love the trend regardless.

Peekaboo layers

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When you purposefully let your lace bra strap fall off your shoulder or wear a dark colored bra with a see-through shirt, it’s meant to be seen. Guys see that look as soon as you enter the room, but they’ll look away or look you right in the eye to be gentlemanly about it.

Bright lips

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Slapping on a bright red or dark berry lipstick transforms your face. Guys see a woman with a bolder lip color before noticing any other makeup. It’s not simply because it’s brighter, but also because they may be mentally monitoring where your lipstick goes to ensure it doesn’t get rubbed on their clothes later.

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.