oh androgyny...

Forget a "fine line" - there is a gaping chasm of a difference between simply dressing like a dude and embracing the effortlessly sexy style of androgynous chic. Women who successfully execute this look simultaneously exude staggering confidence and inexplicable sexual magnetism. So hot. Androgynous chic icons, such as Patti Smith, Kate Moennig (The L Word's resident androgynous hottie, Shane McCutcheon), and Kate Lanphear (senior editor of Elle magazine), ooze cool intrigue. Maybe it's the juxtaposition of rigidly tailored menswear against the soft curves of a woman's body, maybe it's the "fuck you, social norms" attitude, the feminine hijacking the masculine...whatever the reason, it's mysterious and sultry as hell.

I mean, sure, Charlize Theron is gorgeous in a gauzy designer gown, but put her in a lean satin tux and you've not only got the cool charm and wit of James Bond, but all the sizzling allure of a Bond girl as well.

Effortlessly cool, devastatingly sexy, and fantastically enigmatic…androgynous chic is one look I can’t take my eyes off.

Patti Smith

Kate Moennig

Kate Lanphear