07.30.2024

Our Top 5 Androgynous Fashion Icons

Get inspired! How to make your wardrobe more gender-fluid and stylish.

Androgynous
The Thigh Life > Our Top 5 Androgynous Fashion Icons

Fashion has always been a great form of self-expression and a way to show off your unique style. While in the past there may have been a time when clothing was distinctly masculine or feminine, today we enjoy the freedom to blend beyond the gender binary however we want when it comes to the way we dress. This type of gender-fluid styling is often referred to as androgynous style and can further be achieved with accessories, hair styling and makeup.

What is androgynous? 

Androgyny is a non-conformist sense of style that bridges traditionally masculine and feminine aesthetics. It promotes individuality and creativity by rejecting the idea that certain clothes are specifically for men or women. In androgyny, women can wear menswear-style suits and men can wear colors and fabrics that might have previously been considered for women only, like pink or sequins, for example. Androgyny toys with societal expectations and is a powerful tool of personal style and self-expression.

Androgynous Style Icons

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, there have been many androgynous style icons who’ve pushed fashion boundaries and redefined what feminine or masculine style is. Let’s look at some trailblazers of androgyny who’ve made it easier for all of us to dress however we like.

1. Marlene Dietrich

This German movie star was a pioneer of androgyny in the 1930s and ‘40s, a time period during which it was not at all common for women to rock menswear. Not only did she wear a tuxedo or suit like no other, she also challenged gender norms, was openly bisexual and politically radical. She even kissed another woman in her debut film “Morocco”, which was so groundbreaking for the time that the scene was cut from the movie. Dietrich’s bold fashion and life choices made her a daring figure still remembered today for her signature androgynous style and how it reflected her way of life, beliefs and values.

2. David Bowie

This influential singer is synonymous with androgynous style. David Bowie (aka Ziggy Stardust) wore makeup, flamboyant costumes, gender-fluid outfits and boldly challenged the concept of masculinity. An iconic singer and performer, Bowie’s signature androgynous look influenced fashion and pop culture at large with other artists and individuals feeling inspired by his style. He left a lasting impression on society, highlighting the importance of individualism and being yourself irrespective of presumed gender roles.

3. Grace Jones

This wouldn’t be a comprehensive list about androgynous style icons without mentioning Grace Jones. Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, Jones was an influential singer, model and actress famous for her sharp outfits, angular hairstyles and dramatic makeup. Her fierce, gender-fluid aesthetic inspired the art and fashion world where she collaborated with minds like Andy Warhol and Yves Saint Laurent. Her striking and unconventional look continues to be celebrated today. 

4. Tilda Swinton

Actress Tilda Swinton is known as the ultimate movie chameleon who can take on any type of appearance, whether it’s masculine or feminine. Combine that with her androgynous fashion sense in which she likes to wear gender-fluid and minimalist silhouettes, she regularly bends gender norms. Beloved in the fashion world, she’s partnered with avant-garde designers such as Haider Ackermann and Yohji Yamamoto on their designs. She’s promoted individuality and creativity to film and fashion lovers around the world and is one of the most versatile actresses today. 

5. FKA Twigs

Singer, songwriter and dancer FKA Twigs is known for her avant-garde aesthetic and eclectic wardrobe. In her music videos and performances, she’s often rocking unconventional and gender-fluid attire to enhance her artistic expression and mind-blowing dance moves. She’s known for pushing the envelope with her bold and fearless style, and encourages fans to embrace their individuality and true selves.

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A Clothing Item to Suit Androgynous Styles

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