If I Were A Boy

Helmut Newton for Le Smoking

"How am I supposed to challenge socially constructed gender norms and defy Deuteronomy 22:5 under these conditions?" Those were the words of Natalie ‘Nat’ Jameson, as uttered to ABC satirical website The Chaser (www.chaser.com) in 2008. The tranvestite was referring to an alarming trend popping up, that threatened her ability to be queer in a straight world: androgyny.

Two years later, the trend has become a full-on epidemic; even girly-girls are sporting everything from fedoras to tailored pantsuits in the name of fashion. It’s all in the styling: slouchy men’s blazers are being thrown over tight dresses, and suspenders are invariably paired with short shorts, stockings, and knee-high boots.

Many girls can even be seen in a full suit, vest, and tie combo if the proportions are right. When trousers are slimmed to cigarrette pants, fitted vests are worn against bare skin, and sleek jackets are all put together in complimentary, but not matching materials, the look is sexy and fresh. If you don’t think you can do it, just rent a copy of Annie Hall, the 60’s classic where Diane Keaton woos Woody Allen in the chicest of vests and bowler hats.

Androgyny is also making a splash in mainstream fashion. The Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2010 line, for example, is a men’s collection- that is currently featuring both men and women in its advertisements. The women, styled with slicked back hair and photographed in black and white, are virtually indistinguishable from the males. Posing in loose, blousy suits, oversized button-ups, and wide-lapelled tuxedo jackets with no shirts underneath, they are the epitome of cool.

While I wouldn’t advise anyone to go shirtless in real life, even the most feminine girl can pull off a boxy jacket over a crisp white collared shirt and a pair of skinny jeans. Wear this look with flats for the office, or top it with sky-high heels and the perfect bag to be ready to pick up the guy that’s been eyeing you at the bar all night (just make sure he’s eyeing you, not your coat).

We can also draw inspiration from Yves Saint Laurent, which debuted the second collection from their unisex line this year, entitled Yves Saint Laurent Edition Unisex 2010.It featured double-breasted jackets and trench coats along with some gender-bending high-waisted pants. Keep the rest of your look as sexy as possible to offset the bigness of these pieces... think skintight skirts, lacy lingerie, or nothing at all but heels and a smile for your honey under that trench if you’re feeling daring. These are outfits made for a burlesque-style ‘big reveal.’


So get shopping! With these tips and so many looks on the market, us girls can do it up just as good as the boys these days- if not better!