How does the idea of gendered clothing affect your personal style?
Style is what’s in you not what’s on you. Anyone can be on trend but to have a personal sense of style is to know yourself so intimately that you are capable of projecting it to the world. When people that possess this quality step out on any street or runway there is an ere about them that exudes a message beyond the clothing. A trait I have found to be shared by all of these people is the ability to find freedom from the heteronormative idea of “men’s” and “women’s” clothing. Breaking down the gender norms in clothing is not a new concept. But, as its resurgence gains momentum, there is a need to separate those using this moment as a stunt and those that are seeking self expression through personal style.
Genderless fashion has been gaining momentum but who is really owning it? Those that utilize the occasional skirt, pants suit or sheer top to gain visibility lack the certain flair that comes from self expression. The best way I can describe it is that the outfit is wearing them rather than them wearing the outfit. Let’s be real, not everyone can eat up every style. Personally I can’t rock some overalls. Not because of something surface level like size or fit but just because my personality has yet to shine in overalls. I feel awkward, therefore, they look awkward. I don’t think that it’s even an issue of having a cohesive image because I think there is so much beauty in the intricacies of juxtaposition. I think it’s a matter of push. An essence of you has to push through the fabric and that’s what ties the look together. Casting aside ideas of masculinity and femininity allows room for exploration into your personal style.
Who is really tossing aside the archaic views of “men’s” and “women’s” clothes and finding themselves playing with the possibilities of free flowing fashion? Each generation has their genderless fashion pioneers. From Prince, David Bowie, Grace Jones and Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga, Lil Nas, and Jaden Smith, these individuals are not the first nor will they be the last in a long line of androgynous fashion trendsetters.
As style is cyclical, we have the consistent emergence and re-emergence of the trendsetters that push the boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable. Some of my favorite personal styles being Tracee Elise Ross, Iris Apfel, Ru Paul, Janelle Monae and Tyler the Creator. All of these individuals have found a way to be unwavering and self actualized in their sense of style. So much so, that they can wear anything by anybody and make it their own.
At the end of the day, not everyone wants to explore the possibilities because it isn’t their taste. It is perfectly fine to feel comfortable in what is considered more traditionally male or female presenting styles and fabrics because that is all they have known. I hope a generation comes that is not immediately indoctrinated with ideas of what is male and what is female and is just allowed to explore. Individuals should be allowed the space to feel comfortable in their clothing regardless of gender, color, race or sexuality because in this day and age judging those that use this artform as an intimate space to allow their inner self to be seen is tired and ugly.
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