discount serif;”>Ciara-Louise Murphy discusses fashion’s latest fixation: the androgynous look.
illness serif;”>This daring trend of wocase serif; font-size: small;”>n imitating men in their choice of dress is seen on many of the high fashion runways around the world, but one must ask; is this trend often too daring to wear on the high street? If we look at the catwalk inspired creations using this manly look we can see that they often team its masculinity with heavy smoky eyes and lashings of bronzer to create Gaga inspired cheeks. This however isn’t feasible for even the biggest makeup enthusiasts among us, but does toning down this edgy daring look mean that we are no longer dressing as androgyny? How much, is too much and when do we cross the line into androgynous style without venturing into the realms of the transsexual with its stereotypical theatrical dramatics.
Anyone who has stepped into Pennys, New Look, A-wear and top shop can see that the item to have and cherish is the billowing blouse with its full throat buttoning, this is often paired with brogue shoes and a satchel bag which are then classified as the androgynous look. This style is far more easily replicated than the slicked back hair to rival a greaser and the tux to match that we often associate as androgynous thanks to the catwalks. We have formed our own masculine inspired style on the high streets which incorporates as much femininity as possible to soften this harsh look and make it more attractive and appealing to the eye. Long locks or cute hairpieces are a must with this street style as they liven up the starch stiff seams of a blazer or shirt and allow a playful tone to ring through. Topman has also become a female favourite cloth store as many of the stores quirky jumpers can be seen on women worn to perfection with cute skirts or tight jeans and various feminine flairs in the form of hair accessories scarf’s or jewellery. It is easy to replicate an androgynous look while remaining feminine with these additions as it seems the high street and people in general are not ready for fully fledged masculine tailoring and a matching male glare.
Last week also saw many women “Suit Up” for international suit up day and as I took part myself I found that my choice of suit was a little too masculine for peoples’ liking as I received many strange looks and second glances for my full white shirt, blazer and bow tie combination. In future I will take a leaf out of Ellie Goulding’s style guide and add a feminine twist of stockings, heels and a more modest neck piece.
(A typical catwalk androgynous look complete with heavy set make up.)
