

Femininity isn't a bad word—it's just a misunderstood one.
Some brands shy away from what could be conceived as ultra-feminine marketing (here's looking at you, green M&M who no longer wears high heels) while others lean too heavily into archaic and gender conforming stereotypes around femininity (pink! hot pink!). And society still tries to equate all things feminine to frivolity or a female's physicality.
While it's impossible to ever fully, accurately pinpoint "femininity"—part of what makes it so wonderful is its ever-evolving, nuanced, and individualized definitions—we wanted to get a more wholistic view of how real women interpreted the concept, giving them the chance to redefine it in their own terms.
Over the course of Women's History Month, Marie Claire posed the question, "What does femininity mean, to you, in 2022?" to a host of notable women we interacted with. From Malala Yousafzai, activist and author of Podium on Bulletin; to Sarah Michelle Gellar, actress and The Little Market Council Member; to Gwen Stefani, singer and founder of beauty company GXVE; and many more, here's what we heard.
Femininity is authentically growing into power, voice, and strength.
Amanda Gorman
Femininity is a double-edged sword. The fact that I get to be feminine in my daily life—with dresses and makeup and heels and all the rest—is a constant source of joy to me. But it comes with the inevitable, nagging question: Am I feminine enough?
Amy Schneider
Femininity means not being afraid of showing your strength.
Diane von Furstenberg
Femininity is defined by who you are and what you want out of life, rather than what society expects.
Lilly Singh
In countries around the world, I've met incredible women and girls; because of them, I see femininity as strength and courage. It's women protesting for their rights in Afghanistan and against war in Russia. It's every girl who fights through conflict, poverty, and social norms to go to school and achieve her dreams.
Malala Yousafzai
Femininity is the mother side of me. It's the caring, nurturing side. It’s the way that women look at things from all angles and are able to role-play every single bad thing that could happen before it happens. The worrying, the foresight into things...Being in love for the first time and truly having a cool partnership brings out a femininity in me that I never thought I had.
Gwen Stefani
It's time to get rid of all the patriarchal connotations attached to femininity. I'm an activist and a feminist who kicks ass while wearing high heels.
Maryam Shojaei
Femininity is complex, deep, and impossible to put in a box, which is part of why it’s incredible and powerful! Femininity to me is my incredible mother who showed me the power of using my voice, and my daughter who never ceases to amaze me with her curiosity. As a mother, partner, daughter, actress, and activist, I embrace my femininity by supporting all people, transgender people, cisgender people, and anyone no matter how they choose to identify.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Today, femininity means defining our own personal standards and rules. It means owning our own bodies and being celebrated for who we are as people.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

As Marie Claire’s Entertainment Director, Neha oversees and executes strategy for all editorial talent bookings and culture coverage across the brand's print and digital entities, including covers, celebrity profiles and features, social takeovers, and video franchises as well as handles talent relations for MC's flagship summit, Power Trip. She's passionate about elevating diverse voices and stories, loves a hot-take, and generally hates reboots. She's worked in media for more than 10 years and her bylines about pop culture, film & tv, and fashion have appeared on Glamour, Vanity Fair, GQ, Allure, Teen Vogue, Brides, and Architectural Digest. She is a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism.
-
Cult Docuseries Are Having a Moment—Here Are 10 to Watch Now
From 'The Vow' to 'Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God'
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Taylor Swift, Anna Wintour, Laura Dern, and Robert Patterson Made an All-Star Front Row at an NYC Premiere
Grab the popcorn.
By Fleurine Tideman
-
The Crown's 2 Princess Dianas Hung Out on the Red Carpet in a Multiverse Moment
Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki are besties!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash
-
The 30 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now
From 'Fight Club' to '10 Things I Hate About You.'
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Amanda de Cadenet Wants Us to Start Listening to Men
With her new podcast, the host is hoping to gain a deeper understanding of modern masculinity and its role in advancing women’s rights.
By Emily Tisch Sussman
-
Queen Elizabeth Has Passed Away at 96
After a 70-year reign, the queen passed away at her home in Balmoral, Scotland.
By Jenny Hollander
-
The 50 Best '80s Movies
An official ranking of the decade's standout films.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Elizabeth Lail and Dustin Milligan Compete in 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The stars of 'Mack & Rita' could barely hold it together during a round of trivia.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Charli XCX Isn't Here to Appease Anyone
The pop star talks authenticity, her new album, and taking care of herself while on tour.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Gossiping With DeuxMoi, the Internet's Lady Whistledown
The woman behind social media's "Society Papers" dishes on being the keeper of Hollywood's secrets and names her Diamond of the Season.
By Neha Prakash