by Jude Wheeler, Will + Wheel Hair Lounge –
I have always enjoyed the artistic expression offered by clothing choices. That expression can be fun and playful, or serious and conservative. Mixing textures, patterns and colours offers unlimited options for expression. Finding a personal style doesn’t have to be limited to any particular era, department, store, or to the gender binary. Escaping from the constraints of traditional ideas of gendered clothing expands our clothing vocabulary. Clothing allows us to wordlessly express ourselves. Clothing can be our armour that communicates our willingness to have people approach us or keep at a distance.
There is no inherent gender to an article of clothing. I have a family member that is transgender, and they have shown me the importance of dressing in a way that make oneself feel comfortable. Changing your perspective on what constitutes masculine or feminine is refreshing; dispensing with labelling is freeing.
Gendered clothing is actually a relatively newer concept: historically, all people dressed similarly. Clothing was a piece of fabric draped around the body, and later developed into more defined shapes. The kimono, sarong and tunic are examples of attire that was worn by everyone. The western world created the gender division in clothing.
There have always been public figures that resisted the constraints of gendered fashion. David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Prince are recent examples. Kurt Cobain embraced a gender subversive style and often performed wearing a dress. One of my personal heroes, Frida Kahlo, not only wore men’s clothing occasionally, but embraced her facial and body hair. Current trendsetters who are helping create new gender free norms are Dan Levy, Billy Porter and Billie Eilish.
Fashion has been a reflection of what is happening in the world at the time. Everything from wars to the sexual revolution affected how people presented themselves. Choices of colours and fabrics, length of hem, shapes of pants, and styles of hair are all affected. Today people are more conscious consumers. Choices about where we shop, who we support and the environmental consequences of those choices are important to us. Supporting small local businesses and consigning or reworking older items are all good conscious choices.
When I was in university, the dean of the women’s dorm pulled me into her office to ask me why I insisted on dressing androgynously. I’m sure this had more to do with her irritation in repeatedly thinking I was a man in the women’s dorm, but she was obviously uncomfortable with my chosen appearance. I wore my hair short, loved oversized vintage jackets and rarely wore makeup. I was working out my chosen style and enjoying playing with different looks. Not much has changed today; I am still having fun with my personal style.
Exploring what we like without limits of traditional classifications opens up options to celebrate our own unique personality. I enjoy combining things that seem incongruent: a fancy top with distressed bottoms, or a vintage piece with a modern one. To me, clothing offers a way to express myself. Be brave; don’t limit your choices; blend and merge the things you like to create your own unique style.
