Beyond the binary: the ultimate guide to genderless fashion trends
Forget the ‘his’ and ‘hers’ sections. The future of fashion is fluid, and it’s more exciting than ever.
Take a moment and imagine your wardrobe without labels. Not brand labels, but the invisible ones: ‘menswear’ and ‘womenswear’. What if every piece was just… clothes? This isn’t a far-off fantasy; it’s the reality of genderless fashion, a movement that’s gracefully moving from the fringes of high fashion to the forefront of our daily style. It’s more than just a fleeting trend; it’s a celebration of self-expression, inclusivity, and the beautiful freedom of dressing for yourself, and yourself alone.
At KIQIZ, we’re always watching the pulse of what’s next, and believe us, the move towards a more fluid approach to style is one of the most significant shifts we’ve seen. It’s about dismantling outdated rules and building a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are. Ready to explore the pieces and icons defining this exciting new chapter? Let’s dive in.
The rise of gender-fluid fashion: more than just a moment
While it might feel incredibly current, with stars like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish championing the cause, the roots of genderless dressing run deep. Think back to the 1920s when Coco Chanel liberated women from corsets by introducing trousers and boxy, comfortable silhouettes inspired by menswear. Fast forward to the glam rock era of the ’70s, where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust blurred every line imaginable with makeup, platform boots, and skin-tight jumpsuits. These pioneers walked so that today’s fashion landscape could run.
So, what’s different now? The conversation has evolved. Today’s gender-neutral movement isn’t just about ‘borrowing from the boys’ or vice versa. It’s driven by a deeper cultural understanding, particularly from Gen Z, who value authenticity and reject rigid labels. It’s the belief that a great silhouette, a beautiful fabric, or a killer accessory shouldn’t be confined to one gender. It’s about personal style over prescribed identity, and designers and brands are finally catching on, creating collections that are intentionally unisex from the start.
Key genderless fashion trends to try right now
Ready to embrace a more fluid style? The best way to start is by incorporating key pieces that defy categorization. These items are loved for their versatility, comfort, and ability to look amazing on literally everyone.
The oversized blazer: your new wardrobe hero
If there’s one piece that perfectly encapsulates genderless fashion, it’s the oversized blazer. With its strong shoulders and relaxed fit, it erases traditional silhouettes and creates a powerful, confident look. Once a staple of ’80s power dressing, it’s been reclaimed as a universal symbol of chic. Throw it over anything—a simple t-shirt and jeans, a slip dress, or even a pair of bike shorts like Hailey Bieber. Look for classic fabrics like wool, tweed, or linen. The magic is in the proportions; it’s your go-to for instant, effortless polish, regardless of your gender.
Utilitarian and workwear aesthetics
Functionality is for everyone. The rise of utilitarian style, including cargo pants, boiler suits, and chore coats, has been a game-changer for unisex fashion. These pieces are defined by their practicality—plenty of pockets, durable fabrics, and comfortable fits. Brands like Carhartt and Dickies have crossed over from workwear essentials to streetwear must-haves. A classic khaki boiler suit is a full outfit in one, while a pair of wide-leg cargo pants adds an edge to a simple knit sweater. Finish the look with a pair of chunky combat boots for a style that’s both grounded and forward-thinking.
The triumph of the wide-leg trouser
Skinny jeans had their moment, but the era of the wide-leg trouser is here, and it’s a win for gender-fluid style. This silhouette is all about movement and comfort, creating a fluid line that isn’t focused on clinging to the body. From baggy, puddle-hem denim to elegantly tailored pleated trousers and breezy linen pants, there’s a wide-leg option for every occasion. We see them styled to perfection on red carpets by icons like Timothée Chalamet, who pairs them with everything from a simple tee to an ornate jacket. They are incredibly versatile and serve as a perfect foundation for building a non-binary wardrobe.
Knitwear for everyone
Is there anything more universally comforting than a great piece of knitwear? The humble sweater, cardigan, and sweater vest have become staples in the genderless fashion world. Think chunky cable-knit crewnecks, soft cashmere cardigans worn open over a tank top, and preppy-cool sweater vests layered over button-down shirts. The key here is focusing on texture, quality, and a relaxed fit. A slightly oversized knit piece is a cozy and stylish addition to any wardrobe, offering endless layering possibilities throughout the year.
Redefining jewelry and accessories
Accessories are where you can truly have fun and blur the lines. For years, delicate pieces were coded ‘feminine’ and chunky metals ‘masculine’. Not anymore. Harry Styles single-handedly made the pearl necklace a must-have for men. Chunky silver chains, once a hip-hop staple, are now seen on everyone. Signet rings are no longer just for patriarchs, and a simple, well-made tote bag is the ultimate universal carry-all. Experimenting with jewelry and accessories is a low-stakes, high-impact way to explore a more fluid expression of your style.
Icons of androgynous style: celebrity inspiration
The red carpet and our Instagram feeds are filled with celebrities who are fearlessly pushing the boundaries of fashion. Here are a few of our favorite style icons leading the charge.
- Harry Styles: The undisputed king of modern gender-fluid style. From his Gucci feather boas and sheer blouses to being the first man to grace the cover of Vogue solo in a dress, Styles consistently proves that fashion is about fun and fantasy, not rules.
- Billie Eilish: A trailblazer from the start, Billie’s signature look of oversized, comfortable silhouettes challenged the long-held expectations for female pop stars. Her style is a powerful statement about comfort, privacy, and deflecting the male gaze, proving you don’t have to be revealing to be a global superstar.
- Timothée Chalamet: On the red carpet, Chalamet is a breath of fresh air. He consistently ditches the traditional black tux for more adventurous looks, like the Haider Ackermann backless top he wore to the Venice Film Festival or his Virgil Abloh-designed Louis Vuitton harness. He makes menswear exciting, unpredictable, and fluid.
- Zendaya: A true style chameleon, Zendaya moves seamlessly between hyper-feminine gowns and razor-sharp suiting. She demonstrates that strength and style aren’t gendered. When she steps out in a perfectly tailored Berluti or Fear of God suit, she owns the look completely, proving that a power suit is for anyone with power.
How to incorporate gender-neutral pieces into your wardrobe
Feeling inspired? Building a more fluid wardrobe is easier than you think. It’s not about throwing everything out and starting over; it’s about shifting your mindset.
- Start with the basics: Look at classic, timeless pieces. A great trench coat, a crisp white button-down shirt, a perfect black t-shirt, and classic denim are the building blocks of any wardrobe, regardless of gender.
- Play with proportions: This is the secret to great styling. Pair an oversized blazer with fitted trousers, or baggy jeans with a cropped top or tank. Experimenting with silhouettes helps you discover what makes you feel most confident.
- Browse every aisle: The most important tip? Ignore the signs. Walk through every section of a store. The perfect oversized sweater you’ve been searching for might just be waiting in the ‘men’s’ department, and the best-fitting structured trousers could be in the ‘women’s’. Shop for the item, not the gender it’s marketed to.
- Focus on fabric and fit: Pay attention to how things feel on your body. Do you love the structure of heavy cotton, the drape of silk, or the comfort of soft wool? When you focus on quality materials and a fit that makes you feel good, the gendered labels become irrelevant.
The future is fluid: why genderless fashion is here to stay
This is so much more than a passing trend. The shift towards genderless fashion is intertwined with bigger, more important conversations about inclusivity, identity, and sustainability. By creating versatile pieces designed for everyone, we encourage a more conscious way of consuming fashion. A great unisex coat can be shared between partners or passed down to anyone, extending its lifespan and reducing waste.
Ultimately, the genderless fashion movement is about liberation. It’s the freedom to wear what you love, what makes you feel powerful, what makes you feel comfortable, and most importantly, what makes you feel like *you*. It’s a powerful reminder that style is a personal journey, not a set of rules to be followed.
How are you embracing fluid fashion in your own wardrobe? Share your favorite gender-neutral pieces or style tips in the comments below!
