October 1, 2026

PHOTO BY CAMILLA SINI

Homecoming court exempliflies the different attire expectations between genders.

When you dress up for a formal event, you are to meet certain expectations. These expectations depend on who is getting dressed. Men are often expected to wear some combination of a suit, dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. Women, however, have a variety of possibilities, from dresses to shirts, heels to flats, jewelry to nails. Although more options might appear beneficial, they often create unfair expectations. 

In today’s society, there is an unspoken concept that women are supposed to put more thought into their appearances. From what Zendaya wore to the Oscars to what Hailey Bieber wore to eat dinner, women must always look their best. Their outfits must be appropriate for the occasion, yet still unique. Additionally, their hair should be styled, makeup should be flawless, and accessories should match. While these aren’t necessarily requirements, they have become the expectations for most formal events and have even become a burden for women.

“I think that it can be really challenging to constantly feel the pressure to dress well,” senior Clara Gerlach said. “While it can come off as more professional, the outfits are often less practical and more expensive.”

However, not everyone views these differences in expectations as unfair. Some believe that while they exist, biased standards aren't prominent in society. 

“I wouldn’t say unfair, but different,” senior Chase Kosobayashi said. “I can see the other side’s argument, though.”

Though it may not always be noticeable to some,  differences in expectations can also show up in the amount people spend on formal wear. While suits and tuxedos can often be rented or worn for multiple occasions, dresses are typically purchased and worn only for that event. Beyond the outfit itself, women may also spend money on alterations, jewelry, hair, makeup, and heels. Formal wear can be expensive for anyone, but the additional expectations surrounding a female’s appearance result in larger spending.  

Formal events should be a chance for people to celebrate and express themselves. Whether someone spends hours getting ready or simply puts on a suit and walks out the door, the standard for what “formal” means should not be tied to gender. Recognizing the differences in expectations between men and women may help identify and change unfair standards.