It's 2021 and the last thing we need is some social construct telling us what we can and can't wear. The concept of gender has sparked up several debates, with many pointing out how it forces people to adhere to a rigid spectrum of what is masculine and what is feminine. Certain sartorial notions like "skirts are for girls" or "boys shouldn't wear pink" are motivated by this school of thought. As society progresses, it's also about time that our fashion choices do so as well—this is where the term "gender neutral" can come in.
How does one classify an outfit as "gender neutral?"
We've heard the term be thrown around in numerous conversations, but in it's simplest form, "gender neutral" just means not adhering to the boundaries set by gender. How we walk, how we talk, and how we dress ourselves can be considered as such when we do them without subscribing to the "masculine" or "feminine" distinctions of doing things.
Though, this is different for everyone. Jessica Glasscock, a lecturer at the Parson's School of Design, mentioned that, "gender-fluid [or gender neutral] dressing, like unisex dressing before it, is often self-fashioned and self-constructed." What's considered to be gender neutral for one person may not be classified as such for the other. Some individuals don't even identify with a single gender at all, so the way they are or do things are considered genderless (yes, that's also different from gender neutrality.)
Long story short, an outfit is a gender neutral outfit if you want it to be. If you want to free your wardrobe of gender norms but need some inspiration, you came to the right place. Scroll on and pick up some style tips from some of our favorite local influencers.
10 Gender Neutral Outfits to try, as seen on local influencers
1. Tent Dress + Polka Dot Top + Printed Socks + White Sneakers + Sling Bag
We can always count on our girl, Mimiyuuuh, for some gender-defying style inspo. Not afraid to go all out in terms of prints or silhouettes, she layers an adorable polka dot-printed top over her coffee-colored tent dress. Some classic white trainers, funky socks and a designer bag caps off the quintessential Mimi look.
2. White Tee + Mom Jeans + White Corset + Dad Sneakers + Black Handbag + Gold Jewelry
White tee and jeans a bit boring for you? Take notes from content creator Josh Cruz and amp up the go-to ensemble by wearing a corset with it! Gold jewelry and a sleek handbag matches the corset's posh vibe, while some dad sneaks (in this case, a pair of cool Nike M2K Teknos) keeps it city strolling ready. We're definitely trying this 'fit out for our next brunch date.
3. Printed Baby Tee + Flare Jeans + Platform Sneakers + Handbag + Tinted Shades
Another option for days a regular tee and jeans just isn't cutting it. Let Kingzie Sia give you a crash course on color-blocking with this covetable but easy to recreate look. The play on proportions between the bell-bottom jeans and the tiny pink leopard print tee totally gets an A+ in the Y2K trend's book. Also notice how Kingzie subtly but keenly wore all three primary colors in this 'fit? Love!
4. Crop Top + Straight Leg Pants + Sneakers or Sandals + Handbag + Jewelry
Speaking of Kingzie, they totally knows how to twin with their sis Toni Sia. Literally the yin to the other's yang, they show that you can add some character to a crop top and pants look by playing with textures and keeping things monochromatic.
Leather pants? Sure. Sandals or sneakers? Try on both! Just don't forget to cap things off with some fitting necklaces.
5. Oversized White Tee + Gray Sweatpants + Socks + Dad Sneakers
On the more sporty side of things, here's one anyone can wear while lounging around or running quick errands. There's an art of restraint involved in the androgynous baggy tee and sweatpants ensemble, and Ida Anduyan has mastered it.
6. Cropped Button-Up + Bike Shorts + Heeled Slippers + Handbag + Shades
In another 'fit that feels like pajamas yet looks so sharp, Sef Loseo throws on together this pseudo-romper ensemble. We especially adore their heeled tsinelas-like sandals.
7. Crochet Skirt and Top Set + Knee-length Tights + Doll Shoes
We've talked about Sef in skirts before, but we're still not done gleaning inspo from their looks! This forest green crocheted set is absolutely to die for. Sef's addition of tights and black shoes adds a campy school teacher-like touch to the outfit (you know, like the cool substitute teacher the class loves.)
8. Cowl Neck Tank Top + Printed Pants + Tinted Shades + Stacked Necklaces
We'll never get enough of Bretman Rock's summery, unapologetic 'fits. Emulate the essence of Rock and show off your bod with a slinky top and low-waisted spunky bottoms. Go for the ultimate island vibes and keep things in a bright sunrise-like color palette.
9. Denim Jacket + Flare Jeans + Boots + Logo Belt
Boys, girls, everyone in between, and everyone that is neither of those—remember that double denim will never fail you. Button up a jacket and tuck it into a pair of jeans for a streamlined take on the Canadian tuxedo. Cinch it together with a belt, slip into your favorite pair of boots and you're ready to conquer the day in style.
10. Matching Jacket and Pants Set + Tank Top + Sneakers + Pouch Necklace
Angelique Manto and David Guison's couple style is one we will always try to replicate. Wearing essentially the same thing (save for the colorways of their Jacquemus Pouch Necklaces and Nike Air Jordans), these two prove that no matter who you are or how you identify, you can wear absolutely anything—lucky you if you get to do so with a significant other.
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