Break the Mould by Being Bold

The rules of fashion are changing. No longer do we need to be pigeonholed in our sartorial choices by gender; a concept which is becoming increasingly outdated as we embrace the spectrum of gender fluidity. 

More and more often we are seeing people able to embrace their true selves; whether you identify as female, male, transgender, non-binary, gender neutral, or anywhere else on the gender identity spectrum. No matter your pronouns, fashion is for everyone, and it can be one of the most exciting ways to express yourself.

 

Whether you’re embracing a new lifestyle or simply a new look; we’ve picked out different aspects which can be styled in any number of ways to reflect how you feel. Whether you’re playing with a look for today or discovering your new style identity, read on for our gender neutral outfit ideas.

Traditionally viewed as a more ‘masculine’ aspect of fashion, tailoring is one of the most exciting ways to play with the masculine/feminine dynamic. We’re seeing sharply cut, dramatic tailored suits teamed with leather spike heels and bold lips for the ultimate power look.

 

Playful tailored chino shorts teamed with blouses and blazers give a modern twist on the ‘schoolboy’ uniform and even chic pleated skirts taking up their place on men’s catwalks at fashion weeks around the world. 

 

The beauty of tailoring is that you can work with the more formal styles to create a badass work look or add delicate, playful and frivolous touches for a more relaxed vibe. Whether you shop online, on the high street or get something created bespoke for you, tailoring is hands down the best way to find something that flatters your body. A perfectly tailored piece can create or flatten curves and disguise or emphasise shoulder breadth, so it’s a great way to change your silhouette.

 

Top Tip: If you’re buying tailored items, check the sizing details carefully and know your own measurements. This way, whichever department you’re shopping in, you know what fit you’re getting.

The truth is that the world of prints and patterns has something to offer everyone. From classic stripes to wild animal print, colourful florals to cute polka dots - a cheerful print is celebrated in unisex fashion.

 

When it comes to patterns, there are no rules. We’re seeing traditionally masculine pinstripe blazers on feminine silhouettes and tropical florals on button-downs and boardshorts. Accentuate your style with a single patterned item or go bold and mix and match your favourite prints for an eclectic, boho look. 

 

With prints, remember to keep your accessories relatively simple; stick to a chic metallic finish for jewellery or pick out a single colour from your chosen pattern.

 

Top Tip: If there are areas of your body you don’t wish to highlight, choose an all-over pattern rather than one that’s focused in a specific area, eg. patterns across the chest.

If you’re taking your first steps on the road of androgynous dressing, then accessories are an easy way to play with your look and curate different styles to suit your mood. 

 

If you’re unsure of where to start, why not choose a daily ‘wardrobe’ of classic, timeless, monochrome outfits that you feel comfortable in. Switch up the finishing touches every day to indulge a different persona?

 

You’d be amazed how different a change in accessories can make you feel. Why not add a trilby or dapper fedora hat for instant cool? Or add a pop of colour with a paisley silk scarf? The possibilities are endless.

 

Top Tip: When it comes to jewellery, regardless of gender, some people suit silver tones more than gold. Hold up each metal close to your skin - which one makes it glow? That’s your most flattering option.

 

Did you know that throughout history, men have chosen heeled shoes to accentuate their skill in battle, to highlight their social standing, to symbolise their virility? It’s only in more recent times that high heels became viewed as the purlieu of femininity. 

 

Although heels are being reclaimed as sought-after footwear for all genders, that doesn’t mean you have to rush out immediately and buy a pair. There are plenty of shoe designs that are truly genderless if you want to play with your style. 

 

Unisex fashion gives a nod to suede loafers they are a particularly flexible style when it comes to dressing in gender neutral clothing. They are available in a range of colours and finishes and can be worn with everything from a pretty summer dress to a tailored suit to jogging bottoms, depending on the look you wish to curate.

 

A classic pair of unisex white trainers are also an easy style to mix and match with many outfits and are great for swap-portunities between friends. Or why not choose a leather slider style for the summer months? 

 

These slip-on sandals have become incredibly popular recently and for good reason: they’re available in all kinds of finishes from sports-luxe to glitter, leather to faux fur and everything in between.

 

Top Tip: If you can’t find the perfect pair of embellished trainers, ever thought about personalising them yourself with fabric markers?

Everybody loves loungewear, and in fact, it has always been the most flexible unisex fashion choice, with women regularly choosing to source comfy joggers and hoodies in the menswear department, and vice versa. 

 

Athleisure has consistently been a popular trend in recent years, its neutral style and design been perfect for unisex fashion. 

 

The rise in popularity of comfortable joggers, from loungewear to workwear  during the pandemic has been exponential; with from-home workers valuing comfortable pieces they can dress up for the obligatory Zoom meetings. 

 

Choosing neutral hues and nude palettes with tone-on-tone ensembles elevates casual loungewear into a relaxed but chic style. Relaxed, subtle colours are also an easy way to make any loungewear look gender inclusive, as pastels are for everyone.

 

Top Tip: Loungewear doesn’t automatically have to mean ‘shapeless’. Team joggers with a vest or knitted tank for a more form-fitting style.

For a minority, the way we dress means little to us. For others, there are stereotypes and binaries categorising how we conform to fashion trends. But, fashion is free, un-restricted and entirely subjective. Gender neutral clothing is more than just a statement, it is the statement. 

Push boundaries by picking the clothes you like and feel great in and wear them with confidence, despite what societal “norms” say. Break the mould and be bold when it comes to gender neutral clothing and let your outfit do the talking. 

They say, “dress for the job you want”, but we think you should dress for the mood you want to feel. We continue to challenge attitudes towards fashion and culture and this can benefit our day-to-day behaviours. For tips on how to dress to impress nobody but yourself, check out our blog on colourful outfits to make you smile.