How to Incorporate Womenswear into Menswear

by Corey Gray

Just as a foreword, I am a major advocate for trying to

make clothing less gendered, and I want for nothing more

than for ‘womenswear’ and ‘menswear’ to be just ‘clothing’,

but it isn’t. I urge and try to set an example for people that

clothing and appearance shouldn’t have anything to do with

your gender and societal expectations, but I of all people

know how terrifying it is to try and break free of that

gendered box. I remember when I was younger, I would see

gender nonconforming people and think to myself, “If only

that could be me.” It took years, but I can finally say that I

would make my younger-self proud. I know it’s daunting,

but if you’ve been aching to take a step out of the dysphoria

inducing clothing of your past, here are some gentle and

safe ways you can do it that will give you the confidence

over time to become a you that you’re proud of.

---

Shoes

Shoes are one of those things in fashion that can be so

wonderfully unisex by today’s standards. One of my favorite

style of shoe is creepers. Their defining feature is their thick

platform-style sole. They are a very androgynous shoe, and

a great way to depart from the traditional shoe silhouettes.

If creepers are a bit too alternative for your style, a cute flat

or loafer, is another great option. I’m personally partial to

the Unif Hellraiser, which is a spike studded black loafer, but

again that will not be everyone’s style. For the warmer

months, there are an incredible amount of androgynous

sandals available. Dr. Marten’s and Asos.com have some

great options.

Jewelry

Jewelry is kind of a no brainer. If you have any piercings

already, just no feminine jewelry, go buy a piece or two, and

any look you’re rocking will immediately have a more

androgynous edge. Getting my ears pierced was the best

thing I did for becoming more comfortable with my gender

expression. Earrings are a very simple way to change up

your look. If you don’t have any piercings and don’t feel like

getting any, you could play around with chokers. A simple

velvet choker is a nice and effortless option. Cute sunglasses

are also a great and easy way to femme up any outfit.

Playing with Different Fabrics and Silhouettes

If you’d feel more comfortable sticking with a familiar

silhouette, you could just try finding garments made of

different fabrics. I’ve been loving mesh recently and there is

a good amount of mesh cardigans and shirts on the market

if you look. Really, you can walk into the women’s section of

any thrift store and find a plethora of clothing made with

exciting fabrics and yarns, but still in a style similar to that

of a traditional “menswear” piece. There is also a ton more

options for exciting prints with clothes you find in the

women’s section. If you’re willing to try out some new

silhouettes, definitely look for things like longline cardigans,

large shawls, and kimono dusters. I always make a point of

checking out the “intimates” or “nightwear” parts of the

women’s section of thrift stores because there are always

really nice shawls and dusters hiding there. Outerwear is the

easiest way to incorporate less stereotypically masculine

silhouettes into your wardrobe. If you’re feeling extra spicy,

you could cut one of your old tops into a crop top, which is

always a good look.

I hope these easy tips give you a few ideas to step out

of the gendered box you were placed in and can’t seem to

find a way out. It’s really the first step that’s the hardest,

but after that, there’s a wonderful sense of liberation and

self-love knowing that you’re finally stepping out of the toxic

masculinity that “menswear” reinforces. Remember that

there are tons of people struggling with this alongside you.

Stay strong!