Are men limited to how they are presented on magazines?

Movements such as Feminism have enabled women to have powerful portrayals, such as ‘the career woman’ on the covers of magazines as they were traditionally sexualised for male audiences, and to raise beauty standards for women. However, on the other hand, men on covers of magazines have been normalised to always be presented as ‘sophisticated’ ‘smart’ ‘businessman- look’ ‘physically strong,’ which have all been built up off traditional masculine stereotypes. Personally, I think, these remain and few frown upon it in the media, till recent events…  

In December 2020, the media turned to madness because of Harry Styles cover on VOGUE. Harry Styles was designed to wear a dress as he wanted to celebrate his unique and flamboyant style, which created (shockingly) negative inputs as it was a ‘problem’ and ‘wrong’ explicitly from the old-fashioned ideas of the media. Many think that this was ideal culturally, as it struck a realisation that men should and CAN dress how they want, and it should not be addressed as ‘feminine.’ Some say, ‘why is it acceptable for women to wear suits and men not to wear dresses;’ suggesting that the media is changing to realise that fashion is not and does not always have to be gendered, it is about expression and individuality.  

Moving on from this, Harry Styles is now recognised ‘globally’ as one of the most fashionable men, showing recognition that men as well as women can be fashionable and not having to follow trends socially.