The Enduring Appeal of the Masculine-Feminine Style
The masculine-feminine aesthetic is not a newcomer in the world of fashion. From the tailormade suits for women in late 1800s England to silver screen icons like Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn who challenged societal norms in the post-war years, and not forgetting the flapper fashion of the roaring twenties—these styles have periodically made their mark on women’s wardrobes throughout history. One figure who scandalized nineteenth-century society with her masculine attire was the writer George Sand. However, it was not until the mid-1960s that the style truly became mainstream and accepted, when Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized evening wear for women with his adaptation of the men’s tuxedo. Celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Hardy were among the first to embrace this androgynous fashion, pioneering a movement that radically altered traditional concepts of femininity. Following the success of his women’s tuxedo, Yves Saint Laurent incorporated it into his ready-to-wear line in 1967, prompting numerous other designers to follow suit on the runway.
As predictable as fashion’s cyclical nature might be, no one was surprised when the tomboy look made a strong resurgence on the runways starting in 2012 (with notable appearances in Lanvin’s Spring-Summer 2012 collection, Christian Dior’s Spring-Summer 2013, and the Autumn-Winter 2013-2014 collections of Dries Van Noten and Moschino). By the Autumn-Winter 2014-2015 season, major brands had embraced the style, with Mango highlighting the boyish look at its show in Barcelona. Since then, the trend has firmly taken root, adapting with each new season and becoming a staple in the feminine wardrobe.
For those who appreciate the comfortable masculine look but didn’t jump on the bandwagon in 2012, it’s never too late to start! As we approach the back-to-school season, we offer some tips on how to skillfully wear the boyish look with five proven fashion pieces.
Boyish Trend Takes Center Stage
Over several seasons, androgynous silhouettes have become increasingly prevalent: borrowing from the male wardrobe has grown more frequent, and the boyish trend will continue to be prominently featured in the fashion scene for Autumn-Winter 2015-2016. Before you dive in—or make your fashion debut—we’ve outlined five ways to wear the boyish look, providing a rundown of the rules that govern this trend and helping you choose your garments wisely when adopting the tomboy style.
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Olivia Martinez is the Fashion Editor at Lady and The Track, bringing over seven years of experience in the fashion industry. With a background in fashion design and styling, Olivia has worked with top fashion brands and magazines. Her keen eye for trends and styling tips helps readers stay ahead of the fashion curve. Whether she’s covering runway shows or street style, Olivia ensures that Lady and The Track readers are always in the know when it comes to the latest in fashion.