Fashion is a means of self-expression. Clothing conveys meaning. A wardrobe can express a person’s style, emotional state or life philosophy. In many cultures, clothing is also a formal marker of gender and certain styles are restricted to women or men. When the traditional fashion rules don’t allow for authentic self-expression, people ignore the rules.

Androgynous tomboys and those in genderqueer communities have been making their own rules for a while now, and the fashion industry is finally starting to catch up. More designers are using androgynous models on the runways. Zara just launched a unisex clothing line, and Kirrin Finch’s successful Kickstarter campaign proves that folks are willing to invest in menswear-inspired clothing designed for women.

Interested in joining the revolution? If the traditional ‘women’s’ section doesn’t offer you enough variety, try one of these menswear-inspired looks:

Tuxedos

I’m currently in love with female tuxes.

Janelle Monae — Photo: Marc Baptiste/ Atlantic Records

You don’t have to be Janelle Monáe to pull off this simple yet elegant look. Stick with the basic black and white or mix it up with light-colored solids.

Pair with heels for a feminine touch, or stick with flats for a more androgynous look.

Button-ups

Start-up Kirrin Finch designs shirts with a menswear aesthetic that are specially made to fit female bodies. Say goodbye to that annoying gaping boob button! Pair one with shorts, skirts, or cropped pants in spring.

We simply can’t get over the #amazing @blachaz3 Hazel you look smoking 🔥! #badasshair #coolasschick #hair #menswearinspired #dapper #nyc #shirt #fashion #style #hairdo #sweetbuttonup #buttonupshirt #buttondownshirt @haze.haze #ootd #tomboystyle #lgbt #sustainable #sustainablefashion #ecofashion

A photo posted by Kirrin Finch (@kirrinfinch) on Feb 8, 2016 at 3:38pm PST

Pair with a jacket and bowtie for a complete, stylish look. Saint Harridan offers a full line of shirts, outerwear and accessories that work well for female-bodied individuals.

Tex for Saint Harridan in Atlanta. Lyon jacket in charcoal. Parker shirt in blue windowpane. Golden Bow Tie. http://saintharridan.com

A photo posted by Saint Harridan (@saintharridan) on Mar 2, 2014 at 7:06am PST

Cardigans

Cardigans are a year-round staple and offer a simple way to incorporate androgynous fashion into your everyday wardrobe. And lightweight wool cardigans from gender-neutral clothier CharlieBoy fit nicely into an early spring wardrobe.

If young Metro don’t trust you… 😏 || As the weather warms up its the perfect time to invest in a Weekender Bag. I’ll be listing and posting a few of my favorite brands, various price ranges|| #shedoeshim 📷: @nvbilll #ootd #wiwt #dapper #gq #menswear #mensfashion #blogger#gq #mensfashionblogger #mensfashionreview #mensfashionpost #dapperlydone #sprezzatura #lookbook #streetstyle #streetfashion#bespoke #instamood #ootdmen #ootdmagazine #lesbian #lgbt#womensfashion #womenwithstyle #womeninmenswear #streets #nyc #bk

A photo posted by Allison Graham (@shedoeshim) on Mar 11, 2016 at 2:19pm PST

Swim trunks

Yes, gender-neutral swimwear is a thing. And I’m totally here for it.

Another amazing look for last night’s runway at #QueerFashionWeek Ride the Wave!! #queerfashion #swimwear #tomboy #tomboyfashion #boardshorts #lgbt #lgbtq #lesbian #stud #beach #summerfun #summer #sun #catwalk #model #androgunous #androgynousstyle #androgynousfashion

A photo posted by Outplay (@out_play) on Apr 19, 2015 at 7:07am PDT

Outplay offers both full coverage and minimum coverage options for those who aren’t keen on traditional swimsuits and bikinis. Target also offers rash guards, board shorts and swim trunks in their men’s sections that would work for androgynous swimwear as well.

Check out DapperQ for an extensive store guide and more styling tips.

How do you break gender norms with your fashion? Let us know in the comments below!

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