The Rise of Feminine Masculinity

by: Kyle Faresich

When Harry Styles was interviewed by Vogue in December of 2019 about his “candid” and “androgynous” fashion choices, he simply stated: “If I see a nice shirt and get told, ‘But it’s for ladies.’ I think: ‘Okaaaay? Doesn’t make me want to wear it less though…”

Harry Styles isn’t the first male celebrity to question the status quo when it comes to dressing “according to your gender identity.” Men can be found dressing in feminine clothing in the United States as early as the Civil War, initially acting as entertainment for men at war. Drag then made its debut in the 1950’s in underground gay bars and clubs as a means of self-expression but considered to be taboo entertainment.

In fact, cross-dressing was criminalized throughout a large part of the 20th century, with the latest anti-crossdressing law being passed as late as 1974. Today, many of these laws have since been overturned, but there continues to be a looming stigma over the gender-fluid fashion movement. Numerous male influencers are starting to normalize gender-fluid fashion for men of all ages and sexual orientations by wearing traditionally female clothing items, painting their nails, and wearing makeup as everyday streetwear. Here’s a look at the latest male gender bender trends:

In recent years, more and more male figures have reclaimed crop tops, a clothing item that was almost exclusively for females for the latter part of the 20th century. Although previously worn by celebrities such as Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, the crop top today can be seen on men in their everyday lives, not just on TV. Ricky Thompson, a 24-year-old Instagram influencer with nearly 6 million followers, constantly shatters the gender barrier, wearing a crop top in almost every other post. His pairing of a tight-fitted crop top with loose baggy pants defines his disregard for conventional menswear. They are also an easy-to-make fashion statement; for mine, I simply found a light-material crewneck at a local thrift store, measured about four inches from the bottom, and cut across, leaving the sleeves intact for a long-sleeved crop top.

Makeup:

The 21st century makeup market has seen increased consumption from male customers. Although classic rock members have used makeup such as eye shadow and eye liner since the 70’s, social media moguls such as James Charles and Jeffree Star helped spark an entire revolution in the 2010s when they started making YouTube videos creating elaborate men’s (and women’s) makeup looks, plus celebrity guest makeovers. Their YouTube channels boast millions of followers and both figures have released makeup palettes for all genders and skin tones. From blending to contouring to lip-lining, men’s makeup tutorials have sprouted everywhere on social media thanks to these big-name trailblazers. Searching ‘male makeup looks’ on both YouTube and TikTok will result in hundreds of videos - all intended to erase stigmas and embrace change.

creative direction by: Kyle Faresich photography by: Natalie Leinbach models: Kyle Faresich and Noah Fichter

Painted Nails:

In pop culture and fashion, men have painted their nails in the past, but it was almost exclusively as part of the on-stage performances of stars such as Freddie Mercury and David Bowie. Nowadays, men no longer have to be wellknown celebrities in order for it to be considered normal. Manicures are becoming mainstream for men and boys alike, providing a historically unconventional accent to any outfit. They can be seen anywhere from the music industry (e.g. Bad Bunny, A$AP Rocky) to the movies (e.g. Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt) to the runway (e.g. Marc Jacobs). Even boys of the younger generation, such as LilHuddy, a TikTok personality with 25.4 million followers, have contributed to the rise of this upand-coming social norm. More male social media influencers, especially those of the younger generation, are starting to incorporate painted nails as a nonchalant staple for any outfit, on the same level as one’s choice in shoes or jewelry. These trends are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a new wave of masculinity, and an equally new perspective on the attempt to further blur the lines between gendered fashion. The possibilities for creative expression are limitless. If men start to come to terms with breaking the barrier of social acceptability, they are tapping into a new part of their personal clothing preferences. They can look at a tennis skirt and equate it to the same practicality as wearing athletic shorts on a hot day, or they can discover a new artistic passion with how they do their makeup. When it comes down to it, what men wear should be nothing less than an expression of personal creativity, growth, aestheticism, and rebellion.

Although men have worn jewelry for ages, more guys are starting to stray away from the typical gold and silver color scheme. Not only are ‘mainstream colors’ starting to vary, but also jewelry silhouettes; another current trend is the rise of dangly earrings. One famous TikTok personality, Christian Vierling, repeatedly emphasises his belief that men wearing whatever clothing or jewelry they desire. Throughout his TikTok videos and Instagram pictures, he can be seen wearing colorful rings and dangly earrings, as well as incorporating these flamboyant jewelry pieces into his modeling career. It is also important to take note that Vierling identifies as heterosexual, making a statement that flamboyant outerwear that was once a staple of the queer community now transcends sexual orientation, identity, and expression.