Clothing has almost chiefly been used to create a distinction between the binary genders. There has been a huge contrast between the colors, patterns, and styles of men and women. But this ideology is now changing as the constraints of heteronormativity are fading away since more people are exploring their gender and sexuality. A wave of gender-bending clothing is rushing in as celebrities, runways, and clothing lines are giving attention to this idea. Many are fusing menswear and womenswear into unisex wear. Women for the most part have been able to style masculine clothing openly. Men have not, unfortunately, been able to, predominantly due to toxic masculinity, which views feminine clothing as dainty and unprofessional and masculine clothes as powerful and strong.
Gender-bending fashion is all about cross-dressing as well as giving way to androgynous gender fluidity to help people’s gender expression and identity. Now conformity towards one’s assigned gender is being disregarded as social media is giving strength and solace to individuals finding their sense of self. Media has boosted the exposure and growth of genderfluid clothing lines like TomboyX, Huemn, The dash and dot, and The pot plant clothing.
Of course, this belief is not a new way of being. In India, this epicene way of dressing can be seen by just looking at some of our deities, like Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali. During the 30s, queer public as well as queer singers, punk rebellions, and women activists were amongst the first groups to adopt this revolutionary way. From Katherine Hepburn, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, and Prince, to now Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, and Ranveer Singh, celebrities are paving the way for us to evolve toward gender-fluid fashion becoming a standard practice. And it is high time we let go of old gender norms telling us to be boring and cautious, and finally, discover ourselves through fashion and feel confident.
These are some gender-bending fashion trends that you can incorporate into your daily life.
1)Loose Pants, or skirts for a gender-neutral silhouette.
2)Satchels, tote bags, and clutches for character and convenience.
3)Suits and blazers; the garçonne look.
4)Jewellery and makeup for accentuating any look.
5)Loud and colorful or monotonous and bold depending on our mood.
“Conformity is the only real fashion crime. To not dress like yourself and to sublimate your spirit to some kind of group identity is succumbing to fashion fascism.”
Simon Doonan, writer of Eccentric Glamour
Be overdressed, let fashion reflect your soul, and be the main character of your life.