Be you gay, trans, pan, demi, nonbinary, or an ally, we can all agree on one thing: We choose to look the way we do, but it is based upon who we are as individuals. This Pride season, we should really look at ourselves and think about the way we and others see ourselves, and smash those to pieces. Proclivity is the act of actively choosing one thing or acting over another without thinking about it. Despite thinking of ourselves as inclusive and welcoming, we ourselves are not welcoming or genuine with our own being, and sometimes our style reflects that.
There are days where you want to wear a crop top, or days you want to wear a skirt or mom jeans, but you see yourself and stop. Instead, take the time to tell yourself what you love about the outfit. Whether your style is masc, femme, or androgynous, you can reclaim clothing styles for a new age.
First, let us talk about what makes an outfit masculine-coded in our society. Of course, there are traditional forms of masculinity in clothing: straight edges, creased seems, a tucked hemline, and more recently, baggy clothing. These simple elements can help you choose how your masculinity is shown for the day. If femme is more your style, let’s talk about the keys to the divine feminine.
Clothes that are flowy or drape over the body embrace a more feminine feel. Clothing that also explores a more expansive color theory such as pastels or cloud colors and neons can give the presence of femininity for men and masculine-aligned people. However, contemporary (Western) feminine styles focus on the way clothes hug the body and the areas of the body that are shown and hidden from prying eyes, all culminating in a more diverse and perhaps superior range to express femininity.
With that being said, we see feminine styles leaking into more traditionally masculinity styles such as the e-girl trend, the hot-girl-Meg, hip-hop reclamation, or Ariana Grande’s contagious, simple-but-iconic, baggy sweaters and jackets paired with thigh-high boots and heels and form-fitting dresses. We have yet to see many men in mainstream idol roles express gender queerness, with the exception of queer favorites Lil Nas X and Billy Porter.
Both femininity and masculinity have been “defined” for a long time, but gender aside, try wearing that cute skirt from Shien you saw with your fave work shirt, and show off your hams! Or wear your Harry Styles, waist-high pants to elongate your legs and flaunt your masculinity. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt; your silhouette and calves will agree with you that those stripper heels make you look like you are the boss.
Even when you actively choose to style yourself in a more fashionable light, you may be neglecting that child who liked to wear your mother’s heels, or the sibling who liked to dress like a member of the G-Unit.
Take the time to embrace anything feminine or masculine that feels right for YOU to embrace. Be it your daily look, color theory, or form-fitting or form-distorting clothing, be the andro-id, handsome masc, or femme beauty you deserve to be. Remember to stay beautiful; stay bold, and stay proud.
