• Style
  • Women
  • Huff/Post50
  • Weddings
  • HealthyLiving
  • Divorce
  • Parents
  • Sign In / Register
  • stylelist home
  • huffpost style
  • FASHION
    • Departments

      Fashion News Fashion Features Fashion Trends Designers Models Accessories
      In The Market For Intern Diaries Step Into My Office Object of My Affection Stylelist Network Stories

      Featured

      Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt? Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt?
      Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds
      Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images
  • BEAUTY
    • Departments

      Beauty Basics Beauty News Beauty Features Beauty Trends Uptown Downtown Makeup Healthy Beautiful You
      Skin & Body Fragrance Nails Facetime The Unexpected Icon

      Featured

      Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      Is It Normal To Break Out After A Facial? Is It Normal To Break Out After A Facial?
  • HAIR
    • Departments

      Hair Trends Hair How To

      Featured

      The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key
      Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President
      Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated? Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated?
  • CELEBRITY
    • Departments

      Style Evolution Look Of The Day Uptown|Downtown A Look Back

      Featured

      How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup
  • CULTURE
    • Departments

      Art & Design Film Music Books & Magazines

      Featured

      How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper? How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper?
      5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without 5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without
      PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style
  • FASHION WEEK
    • Departments

      Fashion Week Spring 2012 Fashion Week Fall 2012

      Featured

      Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines
      Prada's Take On Ombre Prada's Take On Ombre
      The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine
  • VIDEO
  • STYLELIST NETWORK

What science says about your closet

by Anne Metz (Subscribe to Anne Metz's posts)
Posted Oct 10th 2006 at 6:23PM  
107 Comments
Share
A new study suggests that women tend to dress to impress when they are at their most fertile. By following the dressing habits of college women, researchers found that women tended to dress more provocatively during the times that they were ovulating. Instead of putting on a pair of jeans, ovulating women were much more likely to wear a skirt or a dress. The upshot of this research is that human ovulation really isn't as mysterious as scientists once suspected. Basically, this study disproves the previously accepted truth that humans, unlike all other animals, covered their bodies during fertile periods.

As I look down at my outfit (a miniskirt and ballet flats), I suppose it's possible that I'm ovulating. But then there's the more likely explanation that I am dressed up because I'm having a drink with an ex-boyfriend later this evening. Sometimes psychology is more powerful than biology.

What do you think?
Read All Comments
Filed under: News
Tags: dress, science, study
Share

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

ImaxTree

  • Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
  • How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
  • Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
  • Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
  • Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
  • Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
  • Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

Related Videos

by 5min
  • Vogue's 2010 Best Dressed Women List Vogue's 2010 Best Dressed Women List Play Vogue picks best-dressed women in the world for its January 2010 issue.
  • How to Choose a Halter Dress How to Choose a Halter Dress Play Choosing a halter neck dress can be frustrating. This VideoJug clip will teach you how to choose the most flattering and appropriate halter neck dress for your body shape.
  • Debating Muslim Women's Dress Codes Debating Muslim Women's Dress Codes Play Muslim women's dress codes have come into the political spotlight in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim societies. At one end of the spectrum the state has sought to enforce Islamic dress codes while at the opposite end the state has sought to ban certain items of women's religious dress.Under the Taliban, Afghan women were forbidden to appear in public unless they were wearing the all-enveloping burka. Now, French President Nicolas Sark
  • How Short Women Can Wear Maxi Dresses How Short Women Can Wear Maxi Dresses Play Should short women avoid wearing long dresses? Fashion expert Jeannie Mai shows how women of all heights can wear the trend.

READER COMMENTS

(107)Add A Comment

Spinner, 10-17-2006, 9:24AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Spinner

I think it's a crock.I wear whatever is clean and ironed.I'm not a skirt kind of gal and I know I ovulate.I don't dress in outfits that show my bum either though.I know women who dress in tiny skirts and low cut tops all the time and they can't be ovulating everyday of the week.That's just how they dress..

Reply »

Gloriua, 10-17-2006, 7:25AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Gloriua

When it comes to dressing, I believe in two major factors: the person's
sense of style and whatever mood you're in that is happy, sad or going through a transition as to Financial or Emotional.

Reply »

Greg St. Pierre, 10-17-2006, 7:32AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Greg St. Pierre

Hey, I've just invented a new word...

Flirtile!

:-)

Reply »

Sara, 10-17-2006, 7:37AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Sara

I don't wear skirts, but I do tend to wear a lower cut blouse when I'm in my fertile stage. Funny, I never thought about that before. Usually, I wear very conservative clothes.

Reply »

janine, 10-17-2006, 7:42AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
janine

I think it's possible for both to be occuring. I tend to dress trendy, yet professional. However, it's hard to know if I've subconsciously ever changed the way I dress due to biological factors. If I kept track I would be ultering my regular mind set and wouldn't be able to determine if I dressed different because I was more aware or donig so because of other factors. What I do think is that the possibility is fascinating for us all to consider. Especially when it comes to studying sexual aggression by individuals in business settings. How does biology (ovulation and Pheromones) and the unconscious (defined by the way we dress unconsciously) affect sexual advances if at all?

Reply »

Gin, 10-17-2006, 7:47AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Gin

Ok so is it dress to impress or dress like a whore? I only say that because dressing to impress is NOT the same as showing skin. If you assume it's the impress then yes I can see that in a way. You usually do dress up a bit. Not meaning showing all yours assests for everyone within a 50 foot radius. But putting on those jeans that flatter you or wearing a pants suit that exudes appeal.
It kinda goes the same way during the other time of the month. Personally I dont want to get my "nice" clothes stained. lol So I wear the sweat pants, baggy shirt, etc.

Reply »

jan mannion, 10-21-2006, 10:15AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
jan mannion

With all due respect, I disagree with this new "study" on what women wear during their monthly ovulating experiences. I myself, am al-most 54 years of age and my choice of clothing has never changed! I still, to this day, enjoy wearing tight jeans, short skirts, tiny "outfits", and still enjoy the things the teens are wearing and have never changed my style.
Believe me, my "ovulating" days have been well over with and it hasn't changed my taste one bit! It all depends on the individual entirely.
After having 4 miscarriages, 1 still-born and 6 children, I still feel and look very sexy. It's called, "self-esteem"! "Jan"

Reply »

Michele, 10-17-2006, 7:49AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Michele

I have to agree and I also think its a woman's overall fertility factor,not just during ovulation. A woman in her REPRODUCTIVE YEARS may dress more seductively than any other time in her life and thruout her cycles. Our hormones are what give us our looks and "competitive edge." I believe this affects men too. Its social and biological. Any thoughts?

Reply »

STEPHEN P DESROSIERS, 10-17-2006, 8:01AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
STEPHEN P DESROSIERS

GOOD FOR ANY WOMAN WHO FEELS COMFORTABLE WEARING ANYTHING SHE WANTS. STEVE.

Reply »

STEPHEN P DESROSIERS, 10-17-2006, 8:07AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
STEPHEN P DESROSIERS

GOOD FOR YOU GIRL . WEAR WHAT EVER YOU FEEL LIKE . A MANS POINT OF VIEW. STEVE

Reply »

K, 10-17-2006, 8:18AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
K

I don't know if I actually think about it, but I do know those pre-ovulatory fertile days are my "skinny days" of the month and I tend to pick out my clothes with that in mind... and the days that follow you are much more likely to find me in a jog suit!

Reply »

URSULA, 10-17-2006, 8:33AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
URSULA

It sounds interesting if you're really into science like that.

Reply »

Marisa, 10-17-2006, 8:35AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Marisa

This blurb does not adequetly describe the study. It is less about dressing more provacativeley, and more about dressing a little bit nicer. You might wear the same outfit, but with an extra few pieces of jewlery or nicer shoes. The study suggests that when we're ovulating we go a drop further to put our best foot forward. I'm not aware if I do this, and right now I'm pregnant so who knows what my body does when, but I do know that it is possible that we all do a little something extra when we're ovulating. It's not all about mini skirts and low cut shirts (which I NEVER wear EVER).

Reply »

Boopercat, 10-17-2006, 8:45AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Boopercat

What I want to know is who paid for this study? Why do we need to know this? Please say this isn't our TAX dollars at work.

Reply »

Amber R., 10-17-2006, 8:50AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Amber R.

I wear jeans every day. I hate dresses and skirts. The only one I still have is my wedding dress. And lord knows I ovulate. I have 2 kids.

Reply »

Linda, 10-17-2006, 8:53AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Linda

Humans are always in heat. Human females , who dress in a sexually provocative way, are subconsciously looking as if they are in estrus, in order to attract a male for sex. Other female animals have sex only when in estrus.

Reply »

women's health nurse, 10-17-2006, 8:55AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
women's health nurse

Just remember girls, if you are on the pill or any other hormonal method of birth control, you don't ovulate, so that shoots the whole methodology to hell in your own case... This phenomenon would only work for people who weren't on the pill-- but in my work as a women's health care provider, I've definitely seen that women are exponentially more likely to throw caution to the wind around the time of ovulation... Are people also more likely to throw caution to the wind when wearing a mini skirt? Can't say.

Reply »

Donna, 10-17-2006, 9:07AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Donna

As for me, my man likes me to wear dresses or skirts which I already owned but never wore. He likes the femininity and so do I. I feel more feminine and sexy when I wear them. For "That time of the month", I do where dark colors and try to refrain from wearing pants, although I want to. The days I feel skinnier and feel better about myself, are the days I really want to put on a dress.

Reply »

Wendy, 10-17-2006, 9:15AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Wendy

This is just another way for them to try and tell us what to think since we can't think or should I say dress ourselves.





Go see Facing The Giants. Great family movie !

Reply »

noelle, 10-17-2006, 9:32AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
noelle

ok i think that retarded the only reason younger girls in collage dress in more skirts and dresses is because #1 they're younger and thats in stlye for the younger croud. u dont usally see a 40 year old woman in a mini skirt, #2 usally not always younger girls have better bodies and wanna show it off. so i think that this study was a wast of time and money! and it only takes someone to use commen sence!

Reply »

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments
 
ADD A COMMENT
  • NEW USER
  • RETURNING USERS
  • AOL/AIM USERS

Got something to say? Say it!

Simply enter your name and e-mail address, and you'll receive an email confirming your comment and issuing you a password. Use that password, and you're good to go.

If you already have an AOL/AIM screenname, log in under the other tabs.

Happy commenting, and keep it classy.

Members enter your username and password.

Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password.

ADVERTISEMENT

STAY IN THE LOOP!

Most Popular

 
 
PHOTOS: We 'Turn Back Time' On Cher's Wild Style
Like

264

Stars and Their Moms
Like

44

Kim Looks Elegant & 12 Other Best-Dressed Stars This Week
Like

10

How I Paid Off $27,000 in Credit Card Debt in Two Years
Like

152

After 37 Years, 'Neighbors From Hell' May Finally Face Eviction
Like

37

Gaga Gets What She Wants & 10 Other Worst-Dressed Celebs This Week
Like

25

17 of the Riskiest Moves in Music History: The Brave, Crazy and Inspirational
Like

91

D.C. Bartender Stabbed While Walking Patron Home Faces Staggering Medical Bill
Like

15

Vanessa Williams' Poolside Glamour
Like

0

Just Missed Millions: People Who Left Early Jobs At Billion-Dollar Companies
Like

86

Stay-At-Home Mom Fights New Credit Card Rule
Like

465

Look Like A '60s Sex Symbol
Like

6

Kolmanskop: Namibia's Eerie Ghost Town
Like

7

Rihanna Twitter Pictures: See the Singer's Most Shocking Social Media Photo Shares
Like

62

Look Of The Day: Diane Kruger Laces Up For Cannes
Like

6

Kiss Aero goodbye: Latest Windows 8 build reveals minimalistic desktop UI (update)
Like

653

Carole Lombard's Elegant Evening Look
Like

24

Wearing Two Necklaces Instead Of One? And Other Ways To Make A Statement
Like

21

Look Of The Day: Ashlee Takes A Big Risk
Like

0

Hot on Facebook

 
 
Why I Slept Like This For 7 Days
PHOTOS: What Celebs Looked Like Before They Met A Stylist
Weird Beauty: Breast Slapping Treatment
PHOTOS: We 'Turn Back Time' On Cher's Wild Style
20 Tips For Styling Short Hair
7 Spring And Summer Shirtdresses We Love

MORE ON Stylelist

Kips Bay Show House
Design Destinations Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2012 Pictures
Uses For Vintage Items
Design Check Out These Ideas For Clever Home Decor
Platesglasses_300
Know-How Throw An Easy Outdoor Cocktail Party (Without Stressing Out)
Weekend Diys
DIY Weekend DIY Ideas: 8 Ways To Fix Up Your Home In 2 Days Or Less (PHOTOS)
Houserealestate02
Gardening and Landscapes How To Landscape On A Budget
Owl Purse
DIY STYLE Hot On Pinterest: The DIY Owl Purse That Everyone Is Talking About

SITES WE LOVE

Chanel Face Tattoos: The Kaiser Will Sell Temporary "Beauty Marks"

Nothing's Perfect...But The Madewell Fall Looks Come Pretty Close

Meloncat Hair & Spice Girl Platforms: The Unexpected Chanel Cruise Collection

PHOTOS: See The Red Carpet Glam Of The 2012 Billboard Music Awards

Soyon An: American Idol: What They Wore, 5/9/12 (Top 4)

PHOTOS: Thank Goodness For Double-Sided Tape...

Chic-o-Pedics: Twenty Comfortable Sandals

Sheikha Mozah Blue Us Away

Charlotte Casiraghi Models So Her Horses Can Go to Dubai

Spotlight: What’s Bright Now: Get Styld.by Gap

Listen Up: Bang & Olufsen Beolit 12 Portable Speaker

Put A Record On: 5 Summer Singles

Billboard Music Awards 2012: Who Wore What

The Gorgeous Gowns, Jewels, and All-Out Glamour at Cannes - See Every Look Now

Fab Recap - Every Chic Cannes Look, Our Ultimate LWD Guide, and More!

Mozart Meets the Future

‘Don Giovanni’ on Steroids

If Zuck Cleaned Up

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Stylelist Network
Inspiration
Celebrity
Projects
Celebrity Homes
Beauty
Home Design
Beauty Basics
Hair Highlights
Home Products
 
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Advertise
  • About Our Ads
  • Get AOL
 
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved