Fashion Column
The world of fashion is a vast and intimidating one... luckily, Kayla is here with her monthly fashion column about different styles that you can possibly consider adding to your wardrobe!
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Fashion Column - Androgynous
Fashion Column - Androgynous
By Kayla Feskens
By Kayla Feskens
This month’s fashion style is the Androgynous style. The word androgynous originates from the Latin word ‘androgyne’ which describes a mix of male and female physical characteristics. The term “androgynous fashion” means clothing and accessories designed to avoid creating a distinction between masculine and feminine physical characteristics and to express more of a non-binary gender identity. Androgynous fashion styles are neither feminine nor masculine, but gender inclusive and sexually neutral. The classic androgynous look is built on neutral tones: black, white, and subtle shades of grey.
Contrary to some stereotypes, it is different than gender-bending or cross-dressing. Gender-bending in fashion disrupts certain gender roles and stereotypes, often by dressing up as characters of the opposite sex. Cross-dressing is similar in this way, as people dress in the manner common to that of the opposite sex. But again, that is not the goal for androgynous people, or the fashion style.
So if you have a FEMALE body type, wear loose bottoms. Tight pants will show off your curves and feminine figure, which is the opposite of what the androgynous look is about. Male jeans are a great option without spending a ridiculous price for a new look. Moreover, oversized jeans look great paired with a jacket or cardigan. Hoodies are also usually a good, more loose-fitting option. Speaking of which, make sure you always pick an oversized top. A loose top will hide your figure better than something super fitted. As you can see in the picture, this person has chosen to wear tighter pants, but balanced that out with both a long and oversized top with a loose jacket, as well. Personally, I tend to go the other way with fairly loose bottoms that are more masculine. But my tops tend to be more tight, giving me a look that's more of both spectrums as I try to blend in the middle.*
If you have a MALE body type, wear feminine fabrics. Choose garments made from soft fabrics, such as lace, silk, satin, and velvet. Cardigans or oversized jackets over t-shirts once again, paired with jeans and sneakers, create an excellent everyday androgynous look.
And for both sides of the spectrum, no matter whether you’re more feminine or masculine-looking, choose a boat-necked top. As far as necklines go, a boat-neck is perfect for the androgynous look as it is a mix of masculine and feminine. Pairing a boat-neck top with corduroy pants and oxfords can be a fabulous outfit for a chic androgynous style. And add a hat to your outfits! Hats are the perfect accessory for the androgynous look, as many are gender-neutral. It’s also a good option to cover your hair if it looks more feminine or masculine than you’d like to show. You can go for a fedora, newsboy cap, trapper, or a baseball hat.
As for makeup, use foundation and concealer minimally. Use matte powder to create a natural look and hide blemishes, but avoid adding a full face of foundation or bright eyeshadow or lipstick. Choose neutral eye shadow; a neutral eye shadow can help blur the gender lines. Then, choose a neutral color of matte shadow or amp up your look with a glossy shadow in a color close to your skin tone. Add eyeliner, as a black eyeliner will make your eyes pop. Line either just the top or the top and bottom, but avoid the cat-eye look, as it is traditionally feminine. Choose liquid eyeliner for a bold look or pencil eyeliner for a more subtle look. Wear a neutral lip gloss. Glossy, subtle lips are a great way to get the androgynous look. Swipe on a clear gloss or choose a rosy gloss to add some color. You can also wear a tan or beige lipstick for a truly neutral look. Play up your masculine features if you have features traditionally thought of as feminine. A chiseled jaw is often seen as a masculine feature so use a matte bronzer along your jawline to add definition. Avoid highlighting traditionally feminine features, such as high cheekbones. Play up your feminine features if you have traditionally masculine features. Highlight your cheekbones with a shimmery blush, or experiment with contouring to create a slender neck and less-defined jawline.
Short hair is recommended, especially for those with female features. Some of the most suitable hairstyles are the pixie, or any other shorter styles that will differentiate from the long-haired female norm.
Obviously, for those with more masculine features, a longer hairstyle would be preferred. However, you do not really have to have short or long hair to have an androgynous look. It much more depends on the clothes you’re choosing, and where you get them from.
There are not many strictly androgynous clothing-specific brands in the U.S., but one that I do really like is Androgynous Fox. (https://androgynousfox.com/) There are others, mostly expensive or tailored button-up shirts for a more formal look, but Androgynous Fox has mostly t-shirts for casual day wear. But fair warning, most of the t-shirts have phrases and wording on them which wouldn't be the best choice if they do not sport a statement you agree with. Finding clothing to achieve an androgynous look will probably mean looking in the opposite gender’s aisle in clothing stores, or at least looking through most of the store. As I said previously in this article, the goal is to play up the opposite of the gender you look and downplay your actual figure for your gender to remain neutral and genderless right in between the two, looking like neither one specifically. To me, the androgynous look is more about personal freedom, much more than expression. Either way, fashion has a way of expressing and showing much more than what usually must be said.
*For the record, I am not non-binary and I do have just one gender but I tend to dress more androgynous-ly and I feel a lot more comfortable this way. I only used myself here as an example to show the opposite side of the main way people dress for this style.
My sources for this article was the website: https://wtvox.com/fashion/androgynous-fashion-androgynous-clothing/
~ Even if this isn't the style for you, no matter your style or preference of clothing, every individual is beautiful. Stick to being yourself and know you're perfect just the way you are ~
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