Androgynous style is a way of dressing that blurs the traditional lines of gender-specific fashion by mixing garments, footwear, and accessories traditionally considered to have masculine or feminine aesthetics and silhouettes to create a gender-neutral look.
The standard androgynous look follows a boxy silhouette comprised of tailored pants, structured blazers, and crisp button-down shirts, eschewing tight-fitting forms for a more fluid drape that doesn’t conform to the body’s gender-specific lines.
The style embodies a sense of equality, fluidity, and freedom of self-expression, championing the idea that clothing does not need to be confined by traditional gender roles.
In this article, I’ll present 3 androgynous outfit ideas that pay homage to the style’s roots and iconic figures and how to achieve an authentic look.
1. Androgynous Luxe
Start your Androgynous Luxe look with a crisp white Oxford shirt from Zara as a versatile base, and layer with a long faux fur coat from Mango for a luxurious touch and a dramatic flair.
Combine with COS or Uniqlo pleated wide-leg pants and Church’s black chunky loafers, and accessorize with Ray-Ban sunglasses and large Mejuri hoop earrings for an opulent, non-binary look.
2. Androgynous Power Dressing
Centered on a pinstripe pattern Alexander McQueen blazer with oversized padded shoulders, the Androgynous Power Dressing outfit has a commanding vibe depicting sharp tailoring with a gender-fluid twist.
Combine the blazer with black wide-leg suit trousers and a white Victorian ruffled shirt from Ralph Lauren to add a touch of historical androgyny.
Ground the look with black leather Church’s derby shoes, balancing masculine and feminine fashion influences.
3. Androgynous Prep
The Androgynous Prep outfit merges Preppy style garments with contemporary trends to deliver a traditional gender-neutral look.
Start with a white Oxford shirt from Brooks Brothers, a black single-breasted blazer from Polo Ralph, and a black signature skinny tie from YSL for a dash of formal elegance.
Match with a Thom Browne grey midi plaid skirt to break the mold of classic preppy style and black leather army boots from Prada for a rugged but stylish touch.
Editor’s Styling Notes
1. Traditional Vs. Modern Androgyny in Fashion
Androgynous has historically been associated with women adopting traditionally considered masculine styles.
However, the modern interpretation of androgyny in fashion has evolved, and nowadays, it describes a style that mixes traditionally gendered fashion pieces in ways that challenge and transcend these norms, not limited to one gender imitating the other.
Modern androgynous fashion is about creating a look that can be seen as neither strictly male nor female, characterized by ambiguity and a blend of gender attributes in clothing and grooming.
2. Androgynous Vs. Agender Fashion
While agender or gender-free fashion shares similarities with androgynous style, as both reject gender binaries, agender clothing focuses on avoiding gendered distinctions altogether rather than blending them.
Nevertheless. both androgynous and agender looks contribute to a more inclusive fashion landscape that allows for personal expression beyond traditional gender expectations.
Similar Styles to Androgynous
Agender | Tomboy | Boyish | Power Dressing | Preppy | Minimalist
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A passionate advocate for inclusivity and diversity, Aidan is the driving force behind The VOU magazine as its Editorial Manager. With a unique blend of editorial acumen and project management prowess, Aidan’s insightful articles have graced the pages of The Verge, WWD, Forbes, and WTVOX, reflecting his deep interest in the dynamic intersection of media and technology.
