Everyone has both masculine and feminine energy. Our society has tried to ingrain in us the notion that we must associate these traits with the gender roles of male and female.
However, if these societal constructs are ideas that were created as a form of control but don’t actually exist in the objective reality then why do we continue to perpetuate these stereotypes?
Being a masculine of center female is still a foreign concept to some. Many people don’t quite understand how a “female” can be masculine of center and don’t think that women should present as masculine.
But let’s think about it… if we all possess these two inherent traits and are constantly trying to find a balance between the two, in all aspects of our lives, wouldn’t it make sense that in certain parts of our identity one trait might be more dominant than another?
Questions like these weren’t asked when I was growing up. In fact, over 20 years ago, there wasn’t much visibility for masculine of center folx. If there was, then maybe I would’ve come out a lot sooner.
My own journey toward discovering my true self grew from cultivating the resources I needed to help me better understand my identity and intersectionality. I’ve morphed my actual lived experiences into a digital platform for the primary purpose of inspiring a younger generation and to also strive to fill a void that still exists in so many industries.
While this journey has allowed for me to fully discover all of myself there are still far too many individuals searching for inspiration and resources to help them understand their identity.
So, from here on out, She’s a Gent will celebrate and share the experiences and journeys of androgynous and masculine of center folx from all over the world with hopes of helping the next generation better navigate their identities and spaces in the world!
With that said, it’s only right that we start this new endeavor by spotlighting masculine of center women who wear menswear just as well as hetero men.
If you are looking for fashion inspiration and guidance then you’ve come to the right place. Meet four women who are slaying the menswear game and what they think about style and sexuality.
1. Ciara (She/Her)
At 27, Ciara has already worn quite a few hats while establishing herself as a prominent content creator and style influencer. With a bold yet refined, masculine yet feminine and “neo-nostalgic” approach, she’s focused on one thing, de-gendering fashion.
Is your style androgynous or masculine presenting?
“With my style, I think it’s more androgynous. I have always loved to play on both clothing styles from the mens and women’s section. With that, I can mix them seamlessly to where you can’t even tell which is which. Essentially, androgynous style to me are meant to blur the lines of gender. It’s all meant to prevent people from assuming that some styles are meant for men and others for women.”
Where does your style inspiration come from?
“My style inspiration comes from multiple parties. It ranges from my parents, to other creators, and even random strangers I see while I am out.
I always take note of something I see that I want to try and put my own spin on it.”
Do you prefer wearing men’s clothing or women’s clothing or do you merge the two together?
“I definitely merge men’s and women’s clothing together. I always have as sometimes there’s something that I know I love in the “men’s” section vs the women’s and vice versa. When it comes to some items, I can easily choose one over the other, yet I can mix the two with zero issues.”
As a womxn who rocks menswear, what kind of reactions do you get from the way you dress? Do you experience prejudice because of how you present yourself?
“The reactions are sometimes hit or miss. I think the biggest reaction I typically get is when I’m wearing a suit. I know society is still stuck on what “women’s” suits should look like and 90% of mine are from the men’s section. Outside of suits, I have received the occasional stare or two if I’m wearing a button down with a nice pair of trousers, however, I know to not let it phase me as I know I am comfortable.”
I would say over the years I definitely have experienced prejudice over the way I dress. I have received comments like “it’s too masculine” or “are you trying to be a man”, yet for me, it goes in one ear and out the other. It took a few for it to finally not let it phase me, yet, I know I am happy with how I dress and present myself.”
For years, I have been arguing that style and sexuality aren’t mutually exclusive. Do you think that there’s any link between your style and sexuality?
“I can agree with you that I do not see that style and sexuality are mutually exclusive. Those are two different spectrums and cannot see how the paths cross. I know my sexuality is one thing and how I express myself through my clothes is another. Just because I choose to wear both men’s and women’s clothing does not mean that I can identify one way or another.”
2. Zuri (She/Her)
Zuri is Harlem born and bred and it definitely shows in her style.
Is your style androgynous or masculine presenting?
“I would classify my style as androgynous because it is a balance of masculine and feminine energy.”
Where does your style inspiration come from?
“My style is inspired by uniqueness. I like to wear what I want and not necessarily follow trends.”
Do you prefer wearing men’s clothing or women’s clothing or do you merge the two together?
“I am not too fond of the cut of women’s clothes which is why I stray towards menswear.”
As a womxn who rocks menswear, what kind of reactions do you get from the way you dress? Do you experience prejudice because of how you present yourself?
“I definitely get a lot of compliments and cat calls from older men. While older women compliment me as well. One thing that I have noticed is a decrease in harassment by men overall.”
For years, I have been arguing that style and sexuality aren’t mutually exclusive. Do you think that there’s any link between your style and sexuality?
“As I get older, I realize that style and sexuality are not related. However, my sexuality did play a part in me developing my style. I probably would not have came into my own if I still dated men lol.”
3. Danielle (She/Her)
Danielle is a Style Coach that advises women who don’t feel comfortable in traditional women’s clothing on ways to merge mens and women’s wear together so that they can look and feel their best.
Is your style androgynous or masculine presenting?
“Masculine presenting”
Where does your style inspiration come from?
“I believe first impressions make lasting impressions. I also want to change the stereotypes people have about how gay women dress.”
Do you prefer wearing men’s clothing or women’s clothing or do you merge the two together?
“I merge the two together.”
As a womxn who rocks menswear, what kind of reactions do you get from the way you dress? Do you experience prejudice because of how you present yourself?
“I get very positive reactions from both men and women about how I dress. I haven’t experienced prejudice.”
For years, I have been arguing that style and sexuality aren’t mutually exclusive. Do you think that there’s any link between your style and sexuality?
“Yes, the way I dress also describes my sexuality. I dress masculine and I identify as a Lesbian who takes on the more masculine role in my relationships.”
4. Lavon (She/Her)
Lavon Caeli is a Lesbian Style Influencer and Content Creator. As a proud member of the LGBT community, her goal is to bring diversity to menswear as woman who confidently wears mens clothing. Her content revolves around men’s fashion, promoting and empowering both men and women to dress boldly and be the best versions of themselves.
Is your style androgynous or masculine presenting?
“I would say my style is represented in a masculine form.”
Where does your style inspiration come from?
“My style is inspired everyday by people all over, but the inspiration really depends on what I’ll be wearing that day. Four men, in particular spark my inspiration. I’m from LA, so when I want to tap in with my West Coast style, YG is my inspiration. He is by far the best dressed rapper in the game. Then if I’m talking style in terms of accessories and how to elevate a outfit with something like a fedora, Joe Budden is man. For those days when I want to get suited and booted, my go-to inspiration comes from another Influencer by the name of Devja Webb, his Instagram name is @djuice_ he’s just so effortlessly fly, I love his eye for fashion. And lastly, there’s celebrity stylist Tan France, he slays in everything that touches his body. He’s very versatile in his appearance. So with a combination of YG, Joe Budden, DJuice, and Tan France brings you Looks by Lavon.”
Do you prefer wearing men’s clothing or women’s clothing or do you merge the two together?
“I started buying my own clothes in my junior year of high school. Before that I would shop in the woman’s department but I would try to find gender neutral clothes like cardigans cause at the time I hadn’t came out to my mom yet so I felt like I couldn’t pop out in mens clothes because I was still hiding my sexuality from my mom. Soon after she found, which at that point I was like fuck it, I’m going to dress how I truly want to and since then I’ve been only wearing mens clothing.”
As a womxn who rocks menswear, what kind of reactions do you get from the way you dress? Do you experience prejudice because of how you present yourself?
“ALL THE TIME! I literally always get mistaken as a man when I go out to the point where I don’t even correct them anymore lol. If I’m at store or something and cashier is ringing me up they’ll 9 times out of 10 always end their greeting with a “sir” until I speak and they be like oh sorry “ma’am”.”
For years, I have been arguing that style and sexuality aren’t mutually exclusive. Do you think that there’s any link between your style and sexuality?
“I don’t believe there is a connection between style and sexuality. Who someone chooses to date, love or be in a relationship doesn’t determine the kind of style someone has. For example, in the lesbian community we typically are divided into Fems, Stems, and Studs. Each type of lesbian has their own style – Fems tend to be more feminine and girly when they dress and their styles can be broken down even further because you have some Fems who wear nothing but heels then you have some who are only into streetwear style. Compared to Studs who are more masculine in their style. Then you have Stems whose style merge of a Stud and Fem. Only thing the different types of lesbians have in common is the sexuality not the style.”
What do you think?