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Att: Tomboys and want-to-be Tomboys!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'd like to hear your thoughts on what constitutes Tomboy Style. Think of all the style indicators and vibes and jot them down on this thread.

When Jonesy started her thread on "androgynous dressing" - your thoughts were *so astute*. And Brenda's recent thread on "preppy style indicators" was also lots of fun. So I'm doing the same with Tomboy Style (and I have looked at the blog devoted to this persona).

Last but not least, can you be a feminine tomboy?

Let's hear it! Rae - you have centre stage.

Dressing

46 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I can't wait for this!

My daughter (aged 12) likes to call herself a tomboy. She has no interest in fashion whatsoever—at least on the surface. But she takes my YLF pics with great good humour and has started to weigh in with style suggestions (as well as a lot of teasing and jokes). I take her thoughts very seriously, because I think of them as signs of her own nascent style preferences. I'm going to encourage her to read this thread for ideas.

Mochi

Veteran

One overall principal for me at least would be that the things you wear should not constrain movement, feel uncomfortable or prohibit you from doing anything physical in any way. The shoes would need to be good for lots of fast movement, you should be able to climb trees--er, I mean move around comfortably ;)--and you shouldn't ever have a fun opportunity unavailable to you because of your clothing. You keep up with the boys, you have fun, you don't need to rely on holding on to anyone's arm because you're wearing five-inch heels.

Lookswise, casual and sporty, and at the same time sharp and spiffy without being stuffy at all. (So Katherine Hepburn, though she wore elegant menswear, I'm not sure that I would be calling that particular look "tomboy." Do others agree?)

Clothes that are either fitted but in a boxy style, or else loose and untucked. Hair short, or in a ponytail--the trick is to look like you're not obsessing over your looks, I think.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think it would definitely include NOT exposing cleavage, too much leg, anything overtly "sexy".

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Just realized I must have an element of tomboy to my own style, then! I never wear overtly sexy (would feel like an imposter!) and I absolutely demand movement and comfort in my clothes, and want to feel as if I can dash off at a moment's notice (even in heels!)

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I definitely think feminine tomboy style exists. Personally, I think it's a must if you're going to pull the look off without looking costumey. To me, tomboy style is taking style elements that are traditionally associated with men/boys and wearing them in a way that shows off your femininity. To me, that IS showing some skin (but not in a sexy way). So, if I think about your outfit yesterday, Angie, I would say the rolled sleeves show off your delicate wrists, and the unbuttoned collar shows your neck and chest a little bit (but not cleavage). I can't imagine a man wearing a button down and sweater this way, although the elements themselves could be described as masculine. To me, it's a feminine way to wear it (kind of like a short haircut--there's a feminine and a masculine way to have it done).

I think the difference between androgyny and tomboy is that there is a layer of whimsy or playfulness that comes through in fit, styling and detail. For example, a tie might have a fun print or be knotted more loosely. A blazer might be shrunken, that sort of thing. In your outfit yesterday, your trousers were pleated and paired with the oxfords. That was a fun touch. The shoes seem feminine to me also, because of the styling and the toe. Even though they are a "men's style" they are very stream-lined.

I'm not sure if I'm expressing myself clearly. Does any of that make sense?

Aziraphale

Veteran

For me, the word 'tomboy' conjures up an image of a young girl (grade school age) dressed like her male peers. However, if I were to apply the term to a grown woman, I guess I would use it to describe a heterosexual woman with butch style. How Ellen Degeneres typically dresses is what comes to mind. Ellen's got great butch style, but if she were not gay, I'd call it Tomboy Style.

rae

(website)

Veteran

When I define myself as a tomboy, I definitely think of it as "a girl who likes to run with the boys." So, not butch, not androgynous, not menswear (men and boys are totally different to me) - definitely a physical girl who likes to enjoy (stereotypically) boyish activities. A bit of immaturity is key.

Since there are so many different types of "boys" out there, I think this will vary for each tomboy. For me, though, this means dressing for sort of rough-and-tumble activities and wearing boyish styles without obscuring the feminine shape. Short pants, jeans, graphic tees with Star Wars or comic characters, rugged boots, utility jackets. I DO wear heels and carry handbags, but always ones that I can still run around and be relaxed/comfortable in.

Again, for me, it's not about *looking* like a boy, but about being ready to *play with* the boys. Fishin' in the creek? Pinball at the arcade? Climbin' a treehouse? Shootin' cans in the desert? Buildin' a robot? Let's go! I've got my trusty slingshot in my back pocket.

A tomboy is NOT prim, prissy, ruffled, coiffed, delicate, dainty, waiflike, or wide-eyed. She isn't afraid to get a little dusty. She doesn't blush at salty language or faint at the first sign of trouble. If you bully her, she'll probably sock you back rather than cry. She'd rather snuggle up with the family hound than cuddle a baby doll.

For celebrity examples, I definitely don't see Katherine Hepburn. To me, she is an example of menswear style - definitely very mature, pristine, and elegant. I think more Angelina Jolie (back when she was married to Billy Bob), Ellen Paige, even Gwen Stefani (she rocks out with the boys while definitely looking like a glam gal).

catgirl

Veteran

Ooh, love this topic! Two of my favorite tomboy style icons ever: Idgie from "Fried Green Tomatoes" and Watts from "Some Kind of Wonderful", both played by Mary Stuart Masterson. Ellen is a great real-life example too.

There's an element of utilitarian to tomboy style, but more than that is involved somehow. Here, a lot of women dress "functionally" but whether that's a style, I don't know. Jeans, flannel shirts, sneakers or boots - a far cry from Angie's outfit yesterday. It's more like the old school l.l. bean catalog "Maine housewife" look.

I also think there's some overlap with UWP, though they are not exactly the same.

Can't wait to read more.

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm, you know, I think of a tomboy as girl who wants to downplay her femininity. I picture a girl hiding under a baseball cap and baggy sweatshirt. Jodie Foster when she was a little girl. This is different from butch style and androgyny, to me, which I think ride on sex appeal.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I love this thread and think Ana expressed it beautifully. I'm really interested to hear what everyone shares as I feel like I am quite comfortable in a feminine Tomboy look or, at least, what I "think" is one. I like Rae's comments about "being ready to *play* with the boys." It's having this sense of freedom. Angie and Brenda's earlier posts on gingham shirts, schoolboy blazers and penny loafers are some of the fitting Tomboy elements to me. Again, it's in the detail with color and accessories, that can feminize this look.

Rocking a casual and comfortable look, as a guy would do, is part of the style sensibility. Cotton shirts, with the collar popped or a bow tie would work for me. A nice cashmere hoodie (J. Crew has one in their new catalog) would be something I would add, too. I've got an idea for a feminine Tomboy look that is still being worked out in my head. I have a navy and white gingham shirt and a blue paisley silk bow tie I've had from the '80s that I want to sport together. I'm still thinking about the bottom (color? orange?) and shoes/boots, but it's a style I can see wearing and will be fun to assemble.

Tomboy looks can range from "preppy indicators" to "cafe racer indicators" (here, I'm thinking of mods and rockers, both having an androgynous/tomboy look). Time to stop writing and listen in. This is fascinating.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think of skater, surfer, and skier girls as tipping more tomboy - the first more than the last. I think of looser-fit jeans or cut-offs, with a tank. Their look has its own edgy sophistication and usually has a bodyconscious edge, even if it is not overtly "sexy." Hair can be long or short, but if it is long it is usually pulled back. The overall impression is of health and freedom. Plus I see cool sneakers or flip flops, no heels unless under duress.

Gaye

As I tend to regard myself as a bit of a tomboy. So to me it means not fussy and too frilly. Dresses and skirts are definitely not my first choice of clothes to wear, I feel I walk(stride) way to fast to look graceful. When I am out with friends I don't want to be spending my time in the ladies having to check that my make up/ hair and clothes are still in order .
I am looking forward to following this and reading what others have to say

rae

(website)

Veteran

Una, I think you're definitely correct that it is more than utility. I cannot at all envision a "Maine housewife" fitting in with a gang of boys, for example. Maybe the difference is being ready to have fun and raise a bit of hell vs. being ready to roll up your housewife sleeves and care for the family. To me, it's got to be a youthful look.

Vicki, your vision of tomboy style is so different than mine, but it is also so very perfect for you. Reading your post, I picture a youthful prep-school prankster with the uniform-like button up shirt and bowtie.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

What is yours, Rae? Don't get me wrong; I can do plaid shirt or cafe racer, too, as Tomboy style runs a continuum. What are your primary Tomboy elements? ^_^

catgirl

Veteran

I've never read the blog Tomboy Style but I am loving it! I see Debbie Harry and Joan Jett together - that's awesome.

http://tomboystyle.blogspot.co.....eatre.html

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Rae! My stepmom is/was the ultimate tomboy and is still captain of her softball team in her late 60's. In the 50's she tried to join little league with slicking her hair back under a ball cap. Made the team . . . until the physical. She has worn a dress twice that I know of - her wedding to my dad and my brother's wedding.
Once when we were all riding BMX bikes when Silicon Valley was first being built up we tripped a silent alarm in a bldg being built. When the cops came they yelled, "hey you kids!" Mistaking my stepmom for one of the boys - she was on her own bmx bike I wish I had some digital pics of her. To me, looking up tomboy in the dictionary would be a pic of her.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, Vicki, I guess I picture a cross between Huck Finn, Dennis the Menace, and young suburban hooligans from the 70s and 80s, lol. Distressed denim, graphic tees, long or baggy shorts, baseball caps, toboggan hats, sneakers or boots... this is all for me personally, not the end-all of all tomboy styles.

Una, that site is very cool! A goldmine of inspiration for a tomboy with a preppy bent.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

AMAZING thoughts! Wow!

I am out for the rest of the day, but will get back to this thread later. Don't mean to be rude.

Here is something to chew on - perhaps being a Tomboy and having Tomboy Style are not the same thing.

Elly

Veteran

I was waiting to jump in here, because I personally agree that there are potentially several different types of style (or offsets of the same style) being discussed here.

Angie's "tomboy" blog post brings up images of prep rebels and schoolboys funking up their uniforms after school.

Rae and Mo and others talk more about "being on of the boys"-- and adopting elements or all of the "hood rat" style from a particular time and place.

I think the uniting element is the kind of youthful air-- inspired by youth and teens. The Peter Pan (boys who never grow up) influence.

I was a "tomboy" growing up, but I am not sure I would consider myself to have "tomboy" style based on any of the current definitions-- I like the combo of feminine and masculine elements, but the "boyish" element is missing.

Jonesy

Veteran

Hmmm. Well, I think of androgynous style as a mixture or juxtaposition of elements identified as male with elements identified as female (andro + gyn). I tend to think of tomboy as applying only to girls under 18, but if pressed, I suppose I think of tomboy style in general as a subgenre of androgynous style: It involves the same sort of mix but is defined by its casual, rugged, utilitarian "I'm gonna climb this rock or throw this frisbee now" kind of vibe. To me, tomboy is a very casual, sporty, low-maintenance style that is quite RATE. Clothes that don't look weird with skinned knees or wind burn or the like :).

Patty

Veteran

Rae gives a good description.
For me--utilitarian and doesn't give me the creeps.
It's the state of mind too other than a fashion. There are many tomboys who get along great in skirts and other more feminine clothes-like my daughter.
I need pockets and they are full of stuff from my kids to my own. I just started carrying a bag about 10 yrs ago, before that all money and id was in my pocket-like a guy I guess--I hate to carry a bag but do --don't know why. This bag must not look like a "purse"--I hate that and the word gives me the creeps!! But can enjoy it for others.
I guess it's a little rebellion ( my girl peers never liked me-the guys were more fun anyway)-- I don't know because another thing I don't like to do is over think things--I just want to do and don't want my stuff to slow me down--like having to change or watch not to get dirty. Clothes are pretty no nonsense and easy to tend to--also good for a mother on the go. I also don't think about androgyny or unisex --never thought of that before reading about it here last year---it does make me wonder about my motivations but don't want to--I want to paint my front door like a Tardis.
I have never had a 'tomboy' fashion roll model--still don't but wonder how certain women can do it and still look very fem when I don't--MUCH jealousy there LOL because I don't want to look like a guy.
I do need to watch what I wear now tho because I do get mistaken for a guy (ugly face, tall and shapeless) and it bugs me more now than when I was way younger when I was an equal. So I wear no cardigans, not a fan of button shirts but am trying again (think I'm gonna stop) straighter leg, ts tops --no bows or ruffs (I think those could be worn in irony tho--I kinda like that thought), kinda simple hair cut, no real jewelery, warm coats and sensible shoes/boots. But THAT'S just me and even that's changing. Now I'm wear more fitted tops and pants and have my eye on some jewelery.
Sorry for being all over on this --kinda out of practice in posting.

Memory Moment:
I can remember being upset by having to tuck my skirt into my thick stirrup ski pants to slide down the snow piles outside the Co-Op when I was a kid and thought this has to stop--so I stopped wearing skirts/dresses LOL.

catgirl

Veteran

I have been mildly obsessed with this all morning. I feel a style catharsis coming on! I definitely feel like this is an undercurrent of the direction I'm wanting to follow, and one I've aspired to throughout my life. It is too late? Is youth a defining feature of this style?

Aida

Veteran

Hmm Angie your second comment resonates with me: I'm a bit of a tomboy for sure, but I wouldn't call my style tomboy-ish (it's very not sporty). I agree with Rae that part of it is being ready to play with the boys, Ana's thoughts on exposing a little skin, and the comments that comfort is also important. Everyone's level of comfort is going to be different, right? Angie's comfortable in button-up shirts, many ladies here have said that they aren't. I had to chuckle at Rae's "pinball at the arcade" example because I've done that several times.. in heels, at a punky pinball bar, and felt perfectly comfortable. I'm comfortable running around in heels, tromp through fields, playing in the snow, but heels aren't generally considered "tomboy". So I do think you can be a tomboy and not dress in a particularly tomboy style.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Rae, I'm trying to picture a really feminine version of a slingshot for your back pocket (DtM-look).

Heather

Veteran

I agree with Angie's second comment , and Elly's and Aida's comments: being a Tomboy and having Tomboy style is not an if, then equation.

I feel perfectly confident and comfortable in shooting a three pointer in a skirt and heels or challenging some dude to a foot race in heels (yes, it has been done), but I don't think I rock a Tomboy style.

Love this thread and everyone's opinions.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I ran across these today and it made me think back to this post.

I didn't think i had tomboy style now i think i *kind* of do, i just like it mixed with pieces/elements that are the opposite of tomboy.

And i'm totally with Heather! I love the, "not only can i do tomboy things i can accomplish them in a dress and heels" attitude.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Heather, I love your non-tomboy style, and I also love that you challenge guys to footraces in heels!

Speaking of heels, Aida and others also mentioned them. Are heels decidedly non-tomboy to everyone? I don't feel that way myself. I think they can put the "Tom" in "tomboy" - if there is zero femininity, then the style is just "boyish," yes? No "tom" needed.

Una, you ARE youthful! But to answer your question, I don't think you need to be super young to have tomboy style. A bit of immaturity and an impish spirit probably help, though.

Vicki, that would be a fun little thing to have on a pendant!

catgirl

Veteran

I think certain heels are questionable - stiletto heels never say anything but FEMME to me, though I'm happy to be contradicted. Chunky high heels on boots or oxfords are different. Is tomboy style about girls wearing boy clothes as is, or girls appropriating boy clothes and girl-ing them up? I guess that's an underlying question.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Lo and behold, such things actually exist!
http://www.frontandcompany.ca/.....p_149.html
http://www.farfetch.com/shoppi.....37279.aspx
http://www.youreyeslie.com/24-slingshot.html

Hm, I never thought of it as appropriating boys' clothes. I don't wear boy's clothes. Maybe it's about avoiding the "girly girl stereotype"? Pink, ruffled bloomers, bows, frills, sugar and spice...

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