Every group of people has their own style, and lesbians are no different. Fashion and lesbianism have a long history together – women often used how they dressed to indicate to others that they were queer, such as how lesbian women dressed much more androgynous or masculine back in the 1950s in a time where women were still supposed to be the feminine housewives (according to offensive gender roles of the time). Some of these trends have carried over into the present, some have evolved and some are new altogether. This is a short list of some of the popular fashion trends that people in the lesbian community enjoy.
The Butch Lesbian
A butch lesbian is probably what you imagine when you think of the stereotypical lesbian image. Also known as studs, these lesbians are best known for their more masculine appearance, such as short hair and muscled physiques. They tend to dress much more masculine, wearing a bunch of button-up shirts, large T-shirts, Timbs, and backwards snapbacks. I have had several friends, in fact, who portray themselves more on the butch spectrum that were mistaken for guys because of how masculine they were dressed. If you want to follow this trend, my only advice is to just shop in the men’s section.
The Lipstick Lesbian
Out of all of the lesbian stereotypes, lipstick lesbians (also known as femmes) are the most likely to get told, “Well, you don’t look like a lesbian.” They are basically the exact opposite of butch lesbians, and the stereotype goes that they often pair together because opposites attract (which is obviously not the case). Lipstick lesbians defy the stereotypical lesbian image and embrace both their femininity and queerness all in one. They typically love dresses and skirts, often wear their hair long and flowing rather than in the stereotypical pixie and love their lipstick – that’s what they’re named for after all! This is probably the stereotype that I fall under the most.
The Chapstick Lesbian
If femme and butch are two opposites sides of the spectrum, the Chapstick lesbians fall somewhere in the middle. Sometimes called stems (a mix of stud and femme), these lesbians often appear more androgynous rather than masculine or feminine – maybe they wear a tie and heels to work or pair a nice blouse with a pair of slacks. They’re not quite femme but not quite masculine either, falling somewhere between the two stereotypical gender roles.
The Power Lesbian
These lesbians are exactly what the title suggests – powerful. They are ambitious, bad*ss women who are influential, competent and maybe just a smidge elitist. Whenever I think of power lesbians, I think of those sexy women walking down the red carpet in suits – take Kristen Stewart for example. Of course, power lesbians can come in all kinds of looks – actresses, sports icons, politicians – but they are the kind of people who do anything they set their minds to.
The Activist Lesbian
If you’re an activist lesbian, more power to you. These are the kick*ss women out marching on Washington, petitioning legislatures to make powerful and meaningful changes for their brothers and sisters in the LGBT+ community. Does this sound like your fit? Then put on some rainbows, make yourself a sign, and go join these lesbians in their fight for freedom not just for themselves, but for their LGBT+ family as well.
Always remember that these five stereotypes are just that – stereotypes. There is no one way to be a lesbian or “look like” a lesbian, these are just a few trends I, as a lesbian woman, have noticed within the community. You can fall into one category, two, three, all of them or simply none of them. You can combine multiple into one look or just stick to a single aesthetic. There are no guidelines for how a queer person is supposed to “look,” contrary to popular belief. And if anyone ever tells you that you don’t “look” like a lesbian, tell them that there’s only one way to look like a lesbian: Be one.
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