[C&C] Male and Female sprite

[Sporeray]

Hello All
I have been working on these two sprites for quite a while now, they are my first real attempt at pixel art so there not amazing. I would love to know you opinion on them and how you think i could improve them, Feel free to be as mean as you want.
Thanks,
Robbie

[MysteryMeat]

they don't read well as different genders, try playing around with the head shape some.
Remember that women tend to have wider hips than men.

[Cyangmou]

First you use 98 colors for those.
Try to restrict your colors first.
Use ramps with equal amount of colors and good contrast in them. YOu always can change colors in the process.

Consider the color of the outlines. You use dark blue for the trrousers, dark red for the pullover, why do you use black for the head?

Then the characters stand there very stiff, you could add a lot more weight to the poses. YOu could add depth, depending on how the character is places in space.

next thing is that a saturated red like this might not be the best combination with the the blue trousers.

You always can add more colors and go crazy with details.

Don't forget to add hair, it adds a lot of character at this size.

[MysteryMeat]

I'd argue that the posing is secondary to getting the basic designs and proportions down.
If you over-rely on posing and clothing it can negatively affect your ability to draw unique-looking people.
(cough cough jojo's bizarre adventure cough)

[dpixel]

I agree with MysteryMeat about the genders.  You could simply add some curves and soften square edges on the female.  Also having the light source shifted to one side a bit can add a bit of depth.
Reduced colors to 10.
Female Edit:

[Sporeray]

Thanks, i'll have a crack at that