Androgyny has gone in and out of fashion throughout the decades. From the use of padding around the hips and shoulders in men’s fashion during the Romantic Era or the famous YSL “Le Smoking” suit in the 1960s designers have crossed society's boundaries of gender in the name of fashion time and time again. Oftentimes trending fashions can reveal to you what is happening within a society and culture at that time.
One of the most popular examples of androgynous fashion would be shoulder pads in women’s suits. The consistent use of shoulder pads in women’s fashion started in the early 1930s when women’s roles began moving from outside of the house and into the workforce. They used their exaggerated shoulder line to present their assertiveness in previously held masculine roles. What was considered fashionable for a woman, as well as the roles she was expected to fill, changed to adapt to the needs of society.
Looking at the resurgence of androgyny in today’s fashion, this could be accredited more to the recognition of the idea that gender is a spectrum, not a dichotomy. This means that the strict gender roles of how a man or woman is supposed to act and dress are diffusing, and people feel more comfortable exploring what gender means to them. Younger generations are seeing the importance of being comfortable in your own skin and allowing the clothes you are wearing to express this sentiment.
Many celebrities are working hard to normalize this notion, a couple of examples would be Harry Styles being styled in a dress for Vogue or Zendaya walking the red carpet in a suit and tie. Although being in the spotlight it does still raise controversy from those who are skeptical of the progression of society and cling to the comfort of the ways of the past.
Fashion outside of modesty and protection has always been about decorating yourself. Your clothes are an extension of yourself if you allow them to be. It allows you to send a message to society without ever having to open your mouth. Just like the shoulder pads gave women the confidence to enter into leadership positions in the 30s, a man wearing a dress can feel that same power being allowed to speak a truth that many people disagree with.
Androgyny isn’t a trend exclusive to the queer community. The beautiful thing about fashion and loosening the reigns of society means that everyone is welcome to join and participate how they see fit. Although it is important to recognize that androgyny continues to grow, this for many people is not a trend. Non-binary and gender non-conforming people have always existed. In many instances, indigenous cultures are having mentioned what many call the third gender. A place in between the rules of what people who identify as a man or woman feel. Queer fashion and designers are consistently pushing the fashion world to new heights. Their art and ideas are celebrated while they are ridiculed and shamed. That is why as we continue this progression to free expression within fashion, representation for this community of people is important to make everyone feel as if they are welcomed and celebrated within the excitingly beautiful world of fashion.
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