Woman Recreates Outfits To Show The Double Standards Of Fashion Trends, But Not Everyone’s Convinced
Meet Brooklyn Allen, a 23-year-old part-time retail worker, and part-time social media aficionado.
Recently, Brooklyn saw a number of thin women participate in a trend on TikTok where they recreated popular Pinterest looks. So she decided to take part herself.
“My intention when recreating these outfits is to wear them exactly how the original model did and show how they look on my body,” Allen told Bored Panda. “I’m trying to show women who are my size that we can wear these outfits and look good! I do the best with what I have and sometimes the outfits don’t turn out well. In that case, I talk about society’s standards and how hard it is to find items as a plus-size woman and how our treatment is entirely different from thin women’s.”
Image credits: brooklyn.dallen
Image credits: brooklyndallen
Her TikTok already has over a million views
@brooklyndallenlove y’all but I said what I said #WidenTheScreen #plussize #fashion #style #pinterest♬ Kiss Me More (feat. SZA) – Doja Cat
In the video, Brooklyn explains that she’s “missing the key accessory that makes these outfits so desirable and perfect to society, and that is a flat stomach”
Image credits: brooklyndallen
Image credits: brooklyndallen
“I’m sure I wasn’t the first plus-size person to do it, but I felt like with my specific body type and size, I could help a lot of my followers understand that they can wear anything they want and look great doing it,” Allen told BuzzFeed.
“When I refer to a flat stomach as an accessory, I am in no way being mean or bitter!” Brooklyn explained. “I’m completely okay with thin women using what they have, but I just want people to understand that it’s not the same for fat women. Our fat stomachs are systemically considered an imperfection, while a thin stomach is something that society would see as an elevation to an outfit.”
Allen thinks that “fat women don’t have the privilege of accessorizing with their fat stomachs unless they want stares and rude comments.”
Image credits: brooklyndallen
Image credits: brooklyndallen
Brooklyn aims to highlight what she believes to be a double standard in the fashion world that “has to do greatly with systemic fatphobia.”
“I don’t like the word ‘flattering’ anymore, because I’ve noticed that what’s considered ‘flattering’ on fat women is clothing that hides our bodies,” she said. “Fat women have been ridiculed for ages for wearing crop tops, short skirts/shorts, and just anything that shows skin. Whereas skinny women are celebrated in these items because it shows off their thin bodies — which there’s nothing wrong with, it would just be nice to not be treated differently as a fat woman.”
Image credits: brooklyn.dallen
When it comes to TikTok as a whole, Brooklyn thinks the platform has done a lot of good and a lot of bad for the body positivity movement. “On the good side of things, I have met some of the most loving, accepting people that I now consider friends. And on top of that, I have such an amazing following that truly gets me and relates to me!”
“On the other hand, I think TikTok has pushed a lot of women who would barely be classified as mid-size to the forefront of the movement, which isn’t what the movement was made for. Of course, everyone can be body positive, but I think it’s important for smaller-bodied creators to advocate for the women who are on the larger side of the spectrum and push for their representation.”
Image credits: brooklyn.dallen
“The body positive movement was started by fat black women and was meant to give them representation because they lack(ed) that!” Brooklyn said. “I think we have tons of work to do with putting the bodies this movement was made for as the face of the movement, really uplifting them, and giving them the representation they deserve.”
The woman hopes that people take away from her TikToks the idea that all bodies should have access to fashion.
“I really just want my plus-size women to understand that we can wear whatever we want, and for the thin women following me to understand where I’m coming from, that I am never personally attacking them, and for them to understand their privilege and use that to advocate for plus-size women,” she added.
Image credits: brooklyn.dallen
Brooklyn said the reactions her TikToks have received are mixed. “I have a great support system and tons of followers who understand my intentions and meaning behind the series. They get that I’m always just trying to start a conversation and advocate for fat women.”
“Some people on the other hand take it as a personal attack, and that’s never my intention. They think that ‘some things just don’t look good on fat people’, and prove my entire point with their responses.”
Here’s what people have been saying about Brooklyn’s TikToks
133Kviews
Share on FacebookI don't get this. She seems to show that certain clothes don't fit certain body types? Why is that a problem? I don't wear skinny jeans or leggings because I look fugly in them, but I don't blame anyone else for that? I just wear other pretty pants.
You’re right - though I share the resentment towards clothes that are centered around a flat stomach. I have serious flatness envy. Many women are perfect weight and quite muscular and STILL have a little belly. That’s actually a lovely thing. You know, something that looks really good naked. But not in many fashionable clothes, alas.
Load More Replies...Well... I look terrible in some clothes... I'm 1.86, 85 kg, pandemic body... If something doesn't fit me... Well... I look for something that it does... I don't get the point of this vídeo... Also, most of the pictures in printerest and IG are photoshopped and the clothes are fixed for the model in that moment... What's her point? That not all the clothes fits you? That's for sure... That the people on those pictures do extra excercise and diets to look like that?... Well... Duh... Of course... But... Why does she wants to use clothes that doesn't fit her????
Exactly! I'm smaller than 1,60m and obvisously i can't wear trendy "oversized" clothes or i will look totally lost in fabric, like Dopey from Snow White, i can't wear long dresses or i will look like a piece of fabric with a small head on top... And i have a 35feet size (2-3) so it's a pain in the "foot" to find pretty women shoes... "Boo hoo hoo double standards are so hard on me! I will take pictures with clothes that fit tall women and start a movement to free tiny women from such a significant injustice! " Or i will stay happy to buy sneakers with children prices and avoid tall woman clothes to avoid being cast as Dopey in the next Disney live action movie and i will continue to be happy with the body that carry my brain.
Load More Replies...The point seems to be making itself obvious in this comments section. That people who scream blue murder about discrimination when it comes to race, disability or gender have immediately ganged up to attack anyone who challenges their thinking about what clothes are 'acceptable'.
Load More Replies...I don’t understand why people insist on wearing clothes that does not fit them. There are aesthetic clothes for all body types and you prove nothing with parading around looking fugly.... Anyway, a flat stomach is a choice in 99% of the case. I am sorry, I know a lot fat people hate to hear this, but YOU are the one who is not willing to put in the effort to get and maintain a flat stomach. 🤷🏻♀️
@Arikan, I agree with the first part of your comment, but totally disagree on the second. As someone who has struggled my whole life with my body I can assure you that a flat stomach is not just hard work and perseverance. I've gone from 45 kgs to 90 (99 pounds to 200) and back to 55 (121) and never EVER have I had a flat stomach. I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't smoke/drink but still my belly is there, round and showing. Now, in my mid 40s I've come to terms with it (can't say I love it, I still have a long way!!) but I know now that this is my body type and I dress accordingly. I feel better than ever :)
Load More Replies...I am going to come flat out and say it— the clothing in these TikTok is not at all flattering on any body type! (At least in my personal opinion— people are more than free to disagree.) I am also genuinely confused by some of what she says, especially her comment about people with smaller frames being “privileged” for having a flat stomach. Come again? My stomach is not a bloody accessory. I have an athletic build, and do have to work hard to maintain it- it isn’t a privilege. The woman in the photos is gorgeous and I’m sorry that she feels this way. Can we please stop body shaming on all sides? Wear what makes you happy and stop shaming others.
Newsflash - wear clothing that goes with your body type. Was that too hard?
Clothes tend to look good on a person when they fit well, regardless of their size.
Here is the last 100 years of women's vastly different body types in fashion, summarised and short with images of each. Have a look. And they by no means are all thin. But they are all real women https://www.insider.com/models-evolution-photos-2018-2?amp
Load More Replies...I applaud anyone who will put themselves out there as a voice for change. But I absolutely HATE that people focus so much on the outside of themselves and others. I carry weight, but I HAVE fat, I am not fat. I am more than that. I am creative, empathic, funny, loving...can we just let go of the demand that everyone look the same? And allow human beings to just be who they want to be. The pressures of looking just like what someone in the fashion industry wants me to look like is ridiculous, because they are influencing me to buy their stuff, make them rich. Nothing more. Its ridiculous.
please wear whatever gives u confidence and makes u happy. life's too short to keep wondering about what others think about ur outfit. if u don't love yourself, who will?
There had been many posts on boredpanda about 2 friends, one who is slim and another friend is curvy showing how the same outfit looks on 2 different body types. Both look gorgeous. Because the clothes are properly made and fitted. If you are looking for controversy, you will find it anyway like this woman above. Here's one post: https://www.boredpanda.com/two-friends-same-outfit/
I agree with the comment talking about stores not stocking petite-sized clothing. I am teeny tiny, but I don't want to shop in the little girl's section, and I usually can't find many things that actually fit me in the woman's.
I admire her confidence so much! I'd love for her to be my stylist.
AHH The clothes, the lighting, the body positivity! The moral of the story: wear things that make you feel CONFIDENT!!
The only issue I see is that this person is deliberately stirring up controversy by posing in very childish poses that the original models are not in. She wears Mary Jane shoes and white socks, making her look as if she's about 8 years old when she's clearly much older than that, and she's exaggerating the poses so that her belly sticks out or hangs out much farther than it does when she's standing straight. THAT is where she's being controversial, therefore not even worth bothering to pay attention to.
She can wear what she wants to but what people like to see is their perogative. In my opinion a lot of these outfits don't even look good on average or slim bodytypes.
Uhhh just gonna point out that the skirt she bought won't look flattering on anyone, period- it hits the midsection at an awful place and it's close to being transparent... honestly, a lot of these outfits would actually look great in her if she had bought a skirt that was more opaque and high waisted like the one in the photo. And she kind failed to make a point on the jeans and tank top one, because I think she looked just as good as the other model tbh
It’s so easy to just not care what people look like, and weight is a flawed system for measuring health. I hope that people keep themselves healthy, but why should I care what they wear? They’re wearing it for themselves, not for me.
Louder for those in the back! I am sickened by the hypocrisy. Literally the top voted post on the previous article was about a man complaining that women shouldn't wear trousers, and all the comments were "ZOMG! How dare a man tell women what to wear! Not OK!". Next article, and women are tearing down other women for not wearing what they deem 'acceptable'.
Load More Replies...At 47 I can hardly understand why have the nerve to compare one self to other standards. Have your own standard, style, what fits you, what suits you, you decide not whatever internet application my goodness this is going too far and these youths are so sensitive to anything!! Get a skin, know yourself, thats all that matters!! For fxxx sake!!!
I know that being slimmer comes with better health, but can we take a second to understand how exactly odd this world has become? People used to be living in caves, just discovering fire. People used to live in tiny homes, where the women had no spare time to do anything other than cook and clean. And now here we are. There are mental disorders, because of how the world agrees that “thinner is better”. I just think it’s so weird, once thought about in retrospect. And now, anyone who dares to go outside of those views, is “rebellious”. I wish the world was a better place sometimes. We’re floating on a rock in space, and yet here we are. Fighting on an app over opinions on some girls outfit, on some app named after an endangered animal. What happened.
Well I get her meaning clothes are made for skinny people designers have that in mind when they have run ways you never see people that have big hips are very short like me I have to be very careful what I choose a lot of the clothes that I buy have to be fixed and I'm not a seamstress but it seems like the designers are never going to catch up do making clothes for women that have stomachs an ass and wide hips and short legs if they got their crap together they might have more money in their bank accounts
While it is certainly problematic that flat stomachs are seen as the beauty ideal, as even healthy people often have a little bit of a belly, I think that her posts are...misguided. There are cute ways for plus size women to show their midriff. For example, if the skirt she wore was longer and looser, and if the top fit a little differently, it could be a cute outfit. Here's an example: https://i.styleoholi...a-brown-bag.jpg
Flat stomachs being the beauty ideal is in no way problematic. There's no reason for you to diminish what is many peoples' goal. It may not be your goal or your ideal, but you don't get to decide what's "problematic."
Load More Replies...Fat,thin,old or young some clothes just look better on different body types, I'm really thin,always have been but I don't put alot on show cos I like to feel comfy .
What was the point of this post? To show what we already know, that overweight women are not visually appealing? Lose weight and the clothes will fit fine as they were designed to. You will also have the added benefit of being healthy.
Who said overweight people aren't visually appealing?? I thought we stopped judging people based on their sizes. And also being healthy doesn't mean being slim/thin. Stop with the stereotypes already. Idk what these men are trying to accomplish from commenting about bodies of perfectly beautiful women. I don't care If I get down voted today . Regardless of how small or big someone is Everyone must feel appreciated. Their choices must be accepted by the society.
Load More Replies...Nah, 95% of the issue is how pale she is to be honest. That being said, there is a tool for every job and this girl has a great face. She just isn't wearing the right tool
Well I mean, I'm pretty sure her point was to show how much better these styles look on thinner people but she looks absolutely stunning.
I am 57. Child free by choice. 5'8" tall and about 140 pounds (I don't use a scale, I just go by whether my pants fit or not because I hate shopping). That weight hasn't changed substantially in over 30 years.
Load More Replies...Well I guess she could, but it seems you're out there getting the job done, there may not be anything left for her :) don't go getting jealous now!
Load More Replies...If your vanity is so great that you prefer to live on a diet that borders on an eating disorder, then you do you I guess. If, however, you are a compassionate human being that recognises that not everyone has the health, time, finances, or access to fresh food to come up to your 'standards', then that would be infinitely preferable.
Load More Replies...I don't get this. She seems to show that certain clothes don't fit certain body types? Why is that a problem? I don't wear skinny jeans or leggings because I look fugly in them, but I don't blame anyone else for that? I just wear other pretty pants.
You’re right - though I share the resentment towards clothes that are centered around a flat stomach. I have serious flatness envy. Many women are perfect weight and quite muscular and STILL have a little belly. That’s actually a lovely thing. You know, something that looks really good naked. But not in many fashionable clothes, alas.
Load More Replies...Well... I look terrible in some clothes... I'm 1.86, 85 kg, pandemic body... If something doesn't fit me... Well... I look for something that it does... I don't get the point of this vídeo... Also, most of the pictures in printerest and IG are photoshopped and the clothes are fixed for the model in that moment... What's her point? That not all the clothes fits you? That's for sure... That the people on those pictures do extra excercise and diets to look like that?... Well... Duh... Of course... But... Why does she wants to use clothes that doesn't fit her????
Exactly! I'm smaller than 1,60m and obvisously i can't wear trendy "oversized" clothes or i will look totally lost in fabric, like Dopey from Snow White, i can't wear long dresses or i will look like a piece of fabric with a small head on top... And i have a 35feet size (2-3) so it's a pain in the "foot" to find pretty women shoes... "Boo hoo hoo double standards are so hard on me! I will take pictures with clothes that fit tall women and start a movement to free tiny women from such a significant injustice! " Or i will stay happy to buy sneakers with children prices and avoid tall woman clothes to avoid being cast as Dopey in the next Disney live action movie and i will continue to be happy with the body that carry my brain.
Load More Replies...The point seems to be making itself obvious in this comments section. That people who scream blue murder about discrimination when it comes to race, disability or gender have immediately ganged up to attack anyone who challenges their thinking about what clothes are 'acceptable'.
Load More Replies...I don’t understand why people insist on wearing clothes that does not fit them. There are aesthetic clothes for all body types and you prove nothing with parading around looking fugly.... Anyway, a flat stomach is a choice in 99% of the case. I am sorry, I know a lot fat people hate to hear this, but YOU are the one who is not willing to put in the effort to get and maintain a flat stomach. 🤷🏻♀️
@Arikan, I agree with the first part of your comment, but totally disagree on the second. As someone who has struggled my whole life with my body I can assure you that a flat stomach is not just hard work and perseverance. I've gone from 45 kgs to 90 (99 pounds to 200) and back to 55 (121) and never EVER have I had a flat stomach. I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't smoke/drink but still my belly is there, round and showing. Now, in my mid 40s I've come to terms with it (can't say I love it, I still have a long way!!) but I know now that this is my body type and I dress accordingly. I feel better than ever :)
Load More Replies...I am going to come flat out and say it— the clothing in these TikTok is not at all flattering on any body type! (At least in my personal opinion— people are more than free to disagree.) I am also genuinely confused by some of what she says, especially her comment about people with smaller frames being “privileged” for having a flat stomach. Come again? My stomach is not a bloody accessory. I have an athletic build, and do have to work hard to maintain it- it isn’t a privilege. The woman in the photos is gorgeous and I’m sorry that she feels this way. Can we please stop body shaming on all sides? Wear what makes you happy and stop shaming others.
Newsflash - wear clothing that goes with your body type. Was that too hard?
Clothes tend to look good on a person when they fit well, regardless of their size.
Here is the last 100 years of women's vastly different body types in fashion, summarised and short with images of each. Have a look. And they by no means are all thin. But they are all real women https://www.insider.com/models-evolution-photos-2018-2?amp
Load More Replies...I applaud anyone who will put themselves out there as a voice for change. But I absolutely HATE that people focus so much on the outside of themselves and others. I carry weight, but I HAVE fat, I am not fat. I am more than that. I am creative, empathic, funny, loving...can we just let go of the demand that everyone look the same? And allow human beings to just be who they want to be. The pressures of looking just like what someone in the fashion industry wants me to look like is ridiculous, because they are influencing me to buy their stuff, make them rich. Nothing more. Its ridiculous.
please wear whatever gives u confidence and makes u happy. life's too short to keep wondering about what others think about ur outfit. if u don't love yourself, who will?
There had been many posts on boredpanda about 2 friends, one who is slim and another friend is curvy showing how the same outfit looks on 2 different body types. Both look gorgeous. Because the clothes are properly made and fitted. If you are looking for controversy, you will find it anyway like this woman above. Here's one post: https://www.boredpanda.com/two-friends-same-outfit/
I agree with the comment talking about stores not stocking petite-sized clothing. I am teeny tiny, but I don't want to shop in the little girl's section, and I usually can't find many things that actually fit me in the woman's.
I admire her confidence so much! I'd love for her to be my stylist.
AHH The clothes, the lighting, the body positivity! The moral of the story: wear things that make you feel CONFIDENT!!
The only issue I see is that this person is deliberately stirring up controversy by posing in very childish poses that the original models are not in. She wears Mary Jane shoes and white socks, making her look as if she's about 8 years old when she's clearly much older than that, and she's exaggerating the poses so that her belly sticks out or hangs out much farther than it does when she's standing straight. THAT is where she's being controversial, therefore not even worth bothering to pay attention to.
She can wear what she wants to but what people like to see is their perogative. In my opinion a lot of these outfits don't even look good on average or slim bodytypes.
Uhhh just gonna point out that the skirt she bought won't look flattering on anyone, period- it hits the midsection at an awful place and it's close to being transparent... honestly, a lot of these outfits would actually look great in her if she had bought a skirt that was more opaque and high waisted like the one in the photo. And she kind failed to make a point on the jeans and tank top one, because I think she looked just as good as the other model tbh
It’s so easy to just not care what people look like, and weight is a flawed system for measuring health. I hope that people keep themselves healthy, but why should I care what they wear? They’re wearing it for themselves, not for me.
Louder for those in the back! I am sickened by the hypocrisy. Literally the top voted post on the previous article was about a man complaining that women shouldn't wear trousers, and all the comments were "ZOMG! How dare a man tell women what to wear! Not OK!". Next article, and women are tearing down other women for not wearing what they deem 'acceptable'.
Load More Replies...At 47 I can hardly understand why have the nerve to compare one self to other standards. Have your own standard, style, what fits you, what suits you, you decide not whatever internet application my goodness this is going too far and these youths are so sensitive to anything!! Get a skin, know yourself, thats all that matters!! For fxxx sake!!!
I know that being slimmer comes with better health, but can we take a second to understand how exactly odd this world has become? People used to be living in caves, just discovering fire. People used to live in tiny homes, where the women had no spare time to do anything other than cook and clean. And now here we are. There are mental disorders, because of how the world agrees that “thinner is better”. I just think it’s so weird, once thought about in retrospect. And now, anyone who dares to go outside of those views, is “rebellious”. I wish the world was a better place sometimes. We’re floating on a rock in space, and yet here we are. Fighting on an app over opinions on some girls outfit, on some app named after an endangered animal. What happened.
Well I get her meaning clothes are made for skinny people designers have that in mind when they have run ways you never see people that have big hips are very short like me I have to be very careful what I choose a lot of the clothes that I buy have to be fixed and I'm not a seamstress but it seems like the designers are never going to catch up do making clothes for women that have stomachs an ass and wide hips and short legs if they got their crap together they might have more money in their bank accounts
While it is certainly problematic that flat stomachs are seen as the beauty ideal, as even healthy people often have a little bit of a belly, I think that her posts are...misguided. There are cute ways for plus size women to show their midriff. For example, if the skirt she wore was longer and looser, and if the top fit a little differently, it could be a cute outfit. Here's an example: https://i.styleoholi...a-brown-bag.jpg
Flat stomachs being the beauty ideal is in no way problematic. There's no reason for you to diminish what is many peoples' goal. It may not be your goal or your ideal, but you don't get to decide what's "problematic."
Load More Replies...Fat,thin,old or young some clothes just look better on different body types, I'm really thin,always have been but I don't put alot on show cos I like to feel comfy .
What was the point of this post? To show what we already know, that overweight women are not visually appealing? Lose weight and the clothes will fit fine as they were designed to. You will also have the added benefit of being healthy.
Who said overweight people aren't visually appealing?? I thought we stopped judging people based on their sizes. And also being healthy doesn't mean being slim/thin. Stop with the stereotypes already. Idk what these men are trying to accomplish from commenting about bodies of perfectly beautiful women. I don't care If I get down voted today . Regardless of how small or big someone is Everyone must feel appreciated. Their choices must be accepted by the society.
Load More Replies...Nah, 95% of the issue is how pale she is to be honest. That being said, there is a tool for every job and this girl has a great face. She just isn't wearing the right tool
Well I mean, I'm pretty sure her point was to show how much better these styles look on thinner people but she looks absolutely stunning.
I am 57. Child free by choice. 5'8" tall and about 140 pounds (I don't use a scale, I just go by whether my pants fit or not because I hate shopping). That weight hasn't changed substantially in over 30 years.
Load More Replies...Well I guess she could, but it seems you're out there getting the job done, there may not be anything left for her :) don't go getting jealous now!
Load More Replies...If your vanity is so great that you prefer to live on a diet that borders on an eating disorder, then you do you I guess. If, however, you are a compassionate human being that recognises that not everyone has the health, time, finances, or access to fresh food to come up to your 'standards', then that would be infinitely preferable.
Load More Replies...
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