Buzz
An androgynous look celebrates beauty that transcends gender boundaries, embracing both feminine and masculine traits. Whether you want to adopt an androgynous style permanently or simply experiment to discover what suits you, the key is knowing how to select clothing, hairstyles, and makeup that make you feel confident and happy.
Steps
How to Dress Androgynously for Women and Feminine-Appearing Individuals
Opt for black, white, and gray. A truly androgynous style is often associated with white, black, and shades of gray. While occasional pops of color can make you stand out, sticking to neutral tones is a safe and timeless choice.
Joanne Gruber
Professional Stylist
Professional Stylist
Many fashion brands are investing in androgynous fashion. Joanne Gruber, a stylist and fashion consultant, states: "We are witnessing a transformation in many fashion brands as they begin designing collections and showcasing their brands in stores. We are also seeing more brands dedicating specific sections to diverse genders, creating a more inclusive shopping experience."
Wear loose-fitting pants. Tight pants accentuate feminine curves, which contradicts the essence of androgynous beauty. Look for pants that are not too snug. Boyfriend jeans are an excellent choice and pair well with t-shirts and cardigans.
Opt for oversized shirts. A loose shirt conceals the body shape better than a fitted one. Invest in a few colorful or patterned men's button-up shirts that can be paired with various types of pants. Try layering a simple white shirt with a cardigan, paired with boyfriend jeans and canvas sneakers.
Choose boat-neck tops. When it comes to necklines, boat necks are perfect for an androgynous style as they blend masculine and feminine elements. Pair a patterned boat-neck top with velvet pants and oxford shoes for a chic androgynous look.
Wear a vest. A vest is a fantastic way to add style to your basic outfits. Layer a vest over a plain or printed shirt, pair it with neutral-colored pants, and finish the look with boots. Add a watch to complete the ensemble.
Opt for a blazer. Choose a blazer with a playful pattern and layer it over a solid-colored shirt. This style, when paired with cropped jeans and canvas sneakers, creates a casual everyday look. You should also invest in neutral-toned blazers, like navy blue, to pair with bold or patterned shirts and pants.
Choose masculine fabrics. Select items made from materials typically used in men's clothing, such as tweed, corduroy, or leather. These slightly heavier, tightly woven fabrics that don’t cling to the body will help you achieve a more androgynous appearance.
How to Dress Androgynously for Men and Masculine-Appearing Individuals
Wear slim-fit pants. Instead of wide-leg pants, opt for slightly fitted trousers. You can choose skinny jeans or slim-fit pants. Layer a cardigan over a t-shirt, pair it with skinny jeans, and complete the look with canvas sneakers for a casual androgynous style.
Try harem pants. Harem pants are loose around the waist and taper down toward the ankles. If you're ready to embrace a bold look, pair harem pants with a fitted button-up shirt.
Opt for tailored shirts. Fitted shirts are an excellent choice for those with a sturdy build who want to pursue an androgynous style. Instead of loose t-shirts, wear a well-tailored shirt with your favorite jeans. Complete the look with canvas sneakers or oxford shoes.
Wear a blouse. Flowy blouses often feature elastic gathers at the waist or hips and are typically made from sheer, linen, or satin fabrics. Blouses were once common in men's fashion, and even Gucci has a line of blouses for men. Pair a vibrant blouse with neutral-toned, well-fitted pants.
Incorporate floral prints. Floral prints can add a feminine touch to your style. Try floral-print pants with a white button-down shirt or velvet pants with a floral top. Complete the look with a stylish handbag, clutch, and a nice watch.
Choose feminine fabrics. Select items made from fabrics typically used in women's clothing, such as lace, silk, satin, and velvet. You can pair a velvet blazer with shiny skinny jeans and canvas sneakers or wear it with black fitted pants and oxford shoes.
Accessorize
Wear a leather belt. Choose a black or brown leather belt as a versatile and stylish accessory. You can wear it traditionally or slung low on your hips.
Invest in a pair of oxfords for formal outfits. Oxfords are a trendy choice for androgynous style. Opt for a pair in brown or black, and pair them with jeans or dress pants.
Wear canvas sneakers for casual looks. Canvas sneakers can be paired with almost any outfit. Buy two pairs—one in a neutral color and another with a fun pattern or a bit of sparkle to match various styles.
Wear a hat. Hats are the perfect accessory for an androgynous look, as most styles appear gender-neutral. Try a fedora, beret, flat cap, or even a baseball cap. Pair a flat cap with a button-up shirt, jeans, and oxford shoes.
Wear a large watch. Choose a chunky, oversized metal watch to enhance your androgynous style. Opt for a slightly sparkly design or a simple one. Alternatively, you can wear a wooden watch for a trendy, nature-inspired look. Remember to roll up your shirt or cardigan sleeves to showcase the watch.
Choose a crossbody bag or handbag. When it comes to bags, a crossbody bag combines the functionality of a handbag and a shoulder bag, blending masculine and feminine elements perfectly. Select a leather crossbody bag in neutral tones like black or brown for everyday use. Alternatively, you can use a handbag with playful fabrics like suede or bold colors and patterns.
Androgynous Makeup
Use foundation and concealer sparingly. Add matte powder for a natural look and to cover blemishes. Avoid full-face foundation or bright eyeshadow and lipstick.
Define your eyebrows boldly. Those with a masculine appearance often shape their brows to look more feminine, while those with a feminine look let their brows grow naturally or brush them upward for a thicker, more masculine appearance. You can fill in your brows while following their natural shape, focusing on the ends.
Opt for neutral eyeshadow. Neutral eyeshadow can blur gender boundaries. Choose matte neutral shades or enhance your look with shimmering eyeshadow that closely matches your natural skin tone.
Apply eyeliner. Black eyeliner makes your eyes stand out. You can line just the upper lid or both the upper and lower lids, but avoid cat-eye styles as they lean feminine. Use liquid eyeliner for a bold look or pencil eyeliner for a softer finish.
Use neutral lip colors. Smooth, subtle lips are a highlight of androgynous style. Add lip gloss or a tinted balm for a fresh look. You can also use brown or beige lipstick for a more natural appearance.
Emphasize masculine features if you have traditionally feminine traits. A strong jawline is often seen as a masculine feature. Use matte bronzer along your jawline to define it more sharply. Avoid highlighting areas typically considered feminine, like high cheekbones.
Highlight feminine features if you have traditionally masculine traits. Add shimmering highlighter to your cheekbones. Experiment with contouring to create a slimmer neck and soften a sharp jawline.
Androgynous Hairstyling
Go for a short haircut. While short hair isn’t mandatory for an androgynous look, you might want to take the plunge. Consider styles like a pixie cut, buzz cut, or even shaving your head.
Slick your hair back. A slicked-back hairstyle can emphasize your angular features. Use gel or wax to achieve a sleek, polished look.
Try a curly mohawk. Your hair doesn’t have to be short or straight to achieve an androgynous appearance. Embrace your curls and add an edgy twist with a faux-hawk style. You can also shave the sides for a full mohawk look.
Experiment with a shaggy style. Androgynous icon Joan Jett is famous for her shaggy, messy hair. This style works for both men and women. Plus, its low-maintenance versatility will win you over.
Dye your hair. Don’t hesitate to make a statement by coloring your hair. You can opt for subtle highlights or bold shades like purple. Experiment with different options to find the one that suits you best.
