For many people, clothing isn’t just for covering one’s body. It’s a source of self expression, and a way to identify as part of a cultural group. While there is no official style assigned to any culture or demographic, many groups do embrace traditional styles to communicate who they are, what their interests are, and their values. This is the case with many queer subcultures, including those who identify as nonbinary.
If y9ou are interested in using your clothing choices as a way to proudly showcase your nonbinary identity, keep reading. We’ll dive into the many ways that the fashion world intersects with gender expression, and offer up fun tips for finding your non binary style.
Clothing as Personal Expression
For some, the idea of non binary outfits might seem strange, but wearing clothing that indicates membership in a group or community with shared experiences and values is commonplace. People wear clothes and accessories to show:
- Religious or spiritual beliefs
- Membership in fandoms
- Alignment with certain political views
- Connection with ethnic or cultural commmunities
With queer communities, clothing choices have historically gone beyond expressing oneself. In times and places where queerness was criminalized or socially taboo, clothing has been used to help people find like-minded folks. For example, lesbians have used the hanky code to find one another or carry bouquets of violets. Also, in the mid 20th century gay men would wear suede shoes with pointy toes. Today, those clothing and accessories might include rainbow pins, caribiners, trucker hats, wallets with chains, and other items that have come to be associated with various subcultures.
What Are Non Binary Outfits?
Anything a non-binary person wears is a non-binary outfit. Just like folks in other communities make a wide range of choices around clothing, so do those who are gender diverse. It’s important to remember that non binary people aren’t obligated to look androgynous or avoid clothes that are traditionally masculine or feminine. Gender identity is not the same as gender expression.
That said, many non binary people do enjoy selecting outfits that either embrace gender neutral clothing or blend both masculine and feminine looks. They enjoy creating a unique look that often defies old-fashioned rules around dress.
Why Non Binary People Don’t Always Wear Androgynous Clothing
There are many reasons non binary people might not wear androgynous or gender neutral clothing. This includes:
- Simply being uninterested in highlighting their identity through fashion
- Enjoying wearing gendered clothing
- Not feeling comfortable or safe in styles that might reveal they are non-binary
Also, keep in mind that all of this is subjective. One person might consider a fit to be gender neutral while another may see it as masculine or feminine.
The Rise of Genderless Fashion
Gender neutral clothes are more popular today than they ever have been. Some parents are seeking out gender neutral options for their kids to avoid imposing gender identity on their kids, or simply because they believe some outfits are cute regardless of who they are “intended” for. Fashion designers are even creating gender neutral connections after realizing that there are men, women, and gender diverse folks who dress themselves out of both the men’s and women’s sections of the store. Today, style icons like Harry Styles and Janelle Monae are ignoring gender norms and sporting fashions that look great no matter your identity.
Building a Style Around Gender Neutral Clothing
If you are non-binary, anything you wear is a non binary outfit. However, there are some looks you can put together if you are interested in expressing your identity while still looking chic. Check out these wardrobe ideas with garments that rock a variety of enby looks.
Loose Comfortable And Gender Neutral
If being non binary draws you to styles that don’t hug your body shape, prioritize comfort, or lean just slightly towards a masc look, try some of these gender fluid style ideas.
Pair a Graphic Tee With Some Baggy Cargo Pants or Shorts
This is a comfortable, casual look that’s great for almost any casual occasion. It’s also budget friendly. Choose four or five t-shirts and a couple of pants or shorts. That gives you several days worth of comfortable fabrics. Of course, the extra pockets are a great selling point.
Wear Your Favorite Jersey With a Pair of Basketball Shorts
If you prefer a look with more masc fabrics, this pairing is a classic. You can even layer a jersey over a white t-shirt to tone down any curves (if you’ve got them).
Try a Slouchy Sweater With Loose Fit Chinos
This is a great look for moving from daytime into evening. You can even replace the chinos with your favorite jeans to keep things a bit more casual. Throw a button down shirt on under your sweater to create a slightly more tailored appearance.
Looking Sharp And Tailored – Menswear Inspired Looks
Here are some classic looks that take inspiration from the menswear category. These allow you to wear suits and other tailored styles while still honoring your non binary identity.
A Flowy Oversized Suit
Start with a roomy blazer or suit jacket that’s wide in the shoulders. Add a matching or color-coordinated pair of trousers that are comfortably baggy, but not too loose. Finish the base of your outfit with a cool button down. You can add various accessories depending on how you want this look to lean. For example add a tie and belt for a tucked in slightly masc vibe. Throw on some dangling earrings, a necklace, and chunky bracelet to make things look a bit more feminine.
Styled Yet Casual Button Down And Pleated Slacks With a Vest
Let’s imagine this eye-catching, non binary outfit from the ground up. Start with a pair of dress shoes or dress boots. Pointy toed oxfords would be ideal here. The pants are slightly loose and pleated with a tapered leg. Up top, you have a long sleeve button down. Keep it neutral with white or blue. Alternatively, you can experiment with some patterns or brighter hues. Throw a vest over that to complete the look. Try adding a blazer or long trench coat to complete this stylish outfit. You can also take things in another direction by replacing the dress shoes with a pair of black combat boots and a pair of suspenders.
Non Binary Outfits For Work That Are Still High-Comfort
These ideas are great for business casual settings. They don’t force you into gender norms that don’t work for you, but still showcase effortless style.
Polo And Slacks – A Classic Pairing
This is an outfit that looks great without screaming man or woman. It’s great for the office, the sales floor, or anywhere else you need to have a professional edge.
Loose Blazer With a Solid Tee And Baggy Slacks
If you love the comfort and effortless style of a graphic t-shirt with comfy pants, you can update that look for the office. Try loose-fitting dress slacks instead of cargo pants. Replace the graphic tee with solid color. Try to find one in high-quality fabric. Finally, bring the look together with a blazer. You could also swap that out for an unstructured jacket or cardigan.
A Tunic Style Button-Down With Loose TroGrunge Inusers
This is a balanced look that can obscure your body shape and emphasizing comfort more than a classic suit. It is a slightly more feminine look, and you can lean into that with some fun patterns and accessories if you choose.
Layered Outfits That Are Great For Transitional Weather
Here are some style ideas for outfits that are ideal for autumn, spring, or places where temps tend to vary from day to night.
Grunge Inspired Layers
If there is one look in history that truly works well for enby folks, it might be the classic, layered grunge look. think distressed jeans with a tee-shirt, open flannel over that, and a vintage sweater tied around your waist. You could also replace the flannel with an over-sized hoodie.
Artsy Academic Fashion
This look brings whimzy and creativity. It will have you looking like you are ready to show your latest works at an art gallery or deliver a lecture on post-modern feminism. Start with a mock turtleneck and add a cardigan or sweater vest to that. Add a long duster or trench coat as your top layer. For your bottoms, a nice pair of black tailored slacks or pleated skirt. You could also be a bit more fashion-forward by replacing the cardigan with a structured blazer.
Soft Andro Street Layers
Start with a ribbed tank or form-fitting base layer shirt in a neutral color. Stack an oversized button up on top of that. Finally, add a denim jacket, Carhartt, or biker jacket on top. Finish the look with some baggy pants or flared leg jeans over workboots.
Formal Looks For Weddings And Other Occasions
It isn’t always easy to know what to wear to weddings and other formal occasions. These outfit ideas make a great addition to your wardrobe, and will have you looking sharp in all of the wedding pictures.
Soft Masc Modern Formal
Start with a silk shell, nice button down, or a mock turtleneck. Add a tailored vest. If you want a pop of color or pattern – this is a great place for that. Layer a blazer or sportcoat on top of that. Try a bright or jewel-tone blazer if you’ve chosen a more neutral vest, or a neutral color with if your vest is a bit more attention-grabbing. Add wide leg pants or pleated slacks to finish the look. Classic oxfords or dress boots would be a great final touch.
Utilitarian Workwear For Hobbies or on The Job
Yes, you can mix effortless style with a wardrobe that must stand up to heavy-lifting. These ‘fit ideas are ideal for on the job or your favorite hobbies.
Industrial Minimalist
If you need something that is comfortable and durable for those task heavy days, start with a moisture wicking t-shirt or base layer. Add a lightweight utility vest with pockets for small tools and other gear. Throw on a quilted flannel or canvas overshirt. Add some carpenter pants for comfort and utilitarian functionality. Choose rugged sneakers or boots with great support – especially if you are on your feet.
Creative Tech Types
Consider opting for a bit of a uniform that you can customize to showcase your personality and creativity. First, a high-quality long sleeve t-shirt or mock turtle neck always comes in clutch. Then, you can add a quarter zip or cardigan with zipper pockets. Top that with a windbreaker or tech jacket. Add some joggers or tactical khakis. Slip resistant sneakers or clogs add comfort and support. However, if you want to be a little dressier try some topsiders instead.
Tips For Styling Your Non Binary Wardrobe
Learning how to style a nonbinary wardrobe is all about personal comfort, freedom, and self expression. It allows you to be your authentic self in a world where most people are used to outfits fitting neatly into male or female categories. By building your own style, you can break those boundaries and dress in a way that makes you feel good. Whether you are dressing for a wedding or just putting together your everyday looks, the goal is to create fashion that aligns with your personality and identity.
- Forget about old rules around garments and sex – Try opting for what feels right for you instead.
- Mix textures, patterns, and silhouettes to create outfits that showcase your personality
- Stock up on some gender neutral basics like some retro jeans, a baggy hoodie, some oversize shirts, graphic tees, and cargo pants.
- Accessories add balance and make any ‘fit look put together
- Play with makeup to as a way to complete your looks
- Get fashion ideas from the world of modern style and retro looks
- Layering is a great way to mix textures and patterns without going over the top
Remember that it’s important to love the way you look and feel good. You can always balance comfort with being fashion forward.
Start Rocking Your New Look
Everybody deserves to feel comfortable and authentic. Part of that is wearing clothes that represent your identity. For nonbinary folks, that often means finding ways to break away from strictly gendered clothing to curate a look that works for them. Not matter if your preferred look favors masc aesthetics, blends femme style with androgynous sensibility, or something else, take the ideas here and use them to develop a unique style that is all your own.
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