How do you get the androgynous or tomboy look down? Here at GFW we are into celebrating gender fluidity and androgynous styles.
Here’s a few ideas on how to get started.
Curtains, wolfcuts and other unexpected hairstyles
Not that you have to have shorthair to qualify as a tomboy or androgynous, but there are some awesome short cuts out there at the mo. Would you believe it…curtains have made a comeback and have done for some time. Curtains suit all sorts of people too - from K-pop boyband members to afro middle parts, the styles are almost endless. You could go for the tousled beach bum look, the sleek gelled look (Peter Andre eat your heart out), the curly curtains look and even the thick, longer Prince Charming from Shrek look! The curtains hairstyle is all about experimentation and finding what feels good for you…and the upkeep is minimal! We can see why curtains are a firm favourite with androgynous or tomboy looks.
Credit: Edo Salon and Gallery
Then there’s the even more surprisingly comeback…the mullet. It’s all business at the front and party at the back. Queer folk have welcomed the mullet with open arms! Whether you love or hate mullets, they’re possibly one of the most gender-fluid haircuts to ever exist. A new twist on the mullet is the wolfcut. It combines elements of the mullet with the 70s shag dos of glam rock. All genders have been embracing the wolfcut too, maybe because it’s such an expressive, alternative look!
Credit: Lightning Like Scissors
Credit: @cutsbyben
Boyfriend jeans and mum jeans
Skinny jeans are soooo 2014, though they’re not completely on their way out. Boyfriend jeans and mum jeans are back in the spotlight again - especially when it comes to the tomboy or androgynous look.
It’s all about a slightly looser fit and a higher waist. You might notice that heels tend to be paired with mum jeans in particular, but that isn’t necessarily the case! Mum jeans and boyfriend jeans can be paired with flats such as high-tops, skate shoes and basketball shoes (e.g. Converse). There’s no denying that these jean styles are super comfy and practical…and without sacrificing style.
Vintage sportswear
90s sportswear is still big with the andro/tomboy crowd and can represent the ultimate tomboy outfit, though thievery latest trends are slowly slipping towards early 00s athli-leisure! Stuff like Kappa, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste and Le Coq Sportif - surely a blast from the past for all of us over the age of 30!
Credit: Camilla Carvalho
People of a certain age might remember when we used to count the stripes on someone’s Adidas tracksuit to see if they’re legit. Well, the same tracksuit bottoms are back again. Sportswear of the late 80s and early 90s is experiencing a revival….and we’re glad of it because it takes us back to our childhood/teenage years when the classic tomboy look was sportswear-heavy. Pair these with some bright white trainers and you’ve got yourself a strong andro or tomboy look. You could also go full matching tracksuit or you could opt for a clean white-tee - sometimes basic is best!
Credit: Maureen De Wit
Streetwear and skatewear
Arguably, masculine, tomboy or androgynous style streetwear always looks fresh on any gender. Streetwear is a clever fusion of hip-hop and skating cultures - so it’s a great choice for those of you that don’t want to stick to one tomboy style.
Streetwear celebrates diversity, gender fluidity and culture. All you have to do is a quick Google to find brands like Flavnt, a brand that combines social activism with logo-style streetwear. The company even does bareskin binders that work perfectly with streetwear look (and add peace of mind to those that want to use binders). It’s all about comfort, colours and eye-catching logos. Androgynous streetwear is where you’ll find some of the very best queer clothing brands - we don’t think it will ever go out of style!
Hawaiian shirts
Think Finn from L Word Generation Q or Carla Delavigne kicking back by the pool…think timeless trend! Hawaiian shirts have been a staple in queer wardrobes for yonks. Whether you go for a brand new Hawaiian shirt (from GFW Clothing) or a vintage number from a second-hand store, you can’t go wrong with tropical shirts. They add colour and a touch of fun to everyday life, so it’s easy to see why they’re a strong choice for those of you looking to achieve that andro-tomboy look.
Have you got any go-to androgynous style tips? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages!
Cover pic @georgie_kid in GFW Khaki shirt
Great article!