Embrace Androgyny – How to Make Your Wardrobe More Gender Fluid

In 2021, the subject of gender has caused much debate. Many people think that a person should be defined by who they are and not confined to a specific sex. A person who identifies as gender fluid, believes that their gender can change over time. Such a person may identify as agender, bigender, or another non-binary identity. If you feel more comfortable blurring the lines between the sexes and want to embrace androgyny through your dress sense, here are some ways to make your wardrobe more gender fluid.

Androgynous Icons

Many famous people have celebrated their sexuality and presented themselves to the public in a way that is neither male nor female but a mix of both.  David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Roxy Music, and other male musicians throughout the glam rock era in the 1960s and 1970s dabbled with dressing in feminine attire. Throughout the 80s, this look became more pronounced in celebrities such as Boy George and Marilyn. Annie Lennox of Eurythmics was one of the first women to embrace androgyny by sporting a shaved head and pinstripe suit.

Take inspiration from gender-bending icons and build a wardrobe in their honor. Prince always dressed in plush velvet, frilled lace, and stilettos. If you admire his look, invest in some white, balloon-sleeved blouses, purple bell-bottom pants, or even some funky purple glasses. Emulate the early Boy George look by layering lots of baggy clothes – oversized shirts to blur the shape of your body, loose pants, and flat shoes.

Smart

Suits are a great gender-neutral wardrobe staple. In the past, suits were always designed to fit the male form, but now they are made to fit the female shape. A person born female but now wanting to identify as male or gender-neutral can enjoy the look of a masculine suit but feel be physically comfortable. Complete the look with a crisp shirt in pastel color, and shoes of your choice – a pair of high heels will look great on anybody, as would a pair of elaborately stitched leather brogues. A tan leather belt or a pair of suspenders with a bow tie can create a preppie look for any gender. Neutral colors are popular among the less flamboyant individuals. If you are loud and proud, fill your closet with bright-colored suits and shirts made from shiny satin and silk and sumptuous velvets.

Casual

There are no real set rules when making your wardrobe gender fluid – if you like it, wear it.  Popular clothes for all humans are usually those comfortable to wear, such as joggers, hoodie tops, oversized shirts, boxy T-shirts, and vests. Complete a relaxed, casual look with a knitted beanie hat, sneakers, and some chunky jewelry or a gold watch. Jeans continue to be an important part of everyone’s wardrobe and can be worn loose or skinny fit.  Chinos rolled up at the bottom and worn with slip-on loafers without socks can create an androgynous hipster look. Many shops have now removed gender labels from clothes in their stores and allow customers to peruse the clothes racks without confining themselves to gender-specific clothes.