The Bigger, The Better
“Clothing does not have a gender. Streetwear can just be clothing, not a symbol of masculinity.”
- Emily Braunstein
“Why are you dressing like a boy?” was a common phrase many girls experienced growing up. Even today, oversized clothes are generally labeled as “masculine”. This idea has been imposed on women throughout their adolescences, but we can redefine women’s clothing and embrace a typically “masculine style” into our own.
There is often pressure for women to dress feminine. We are told that to be a woman is to wear dresses, heels, purses, and bows. However, style is not what is enforced by our society, it is unique and expressive. It is personal. Clothing does not have a gender. Streetwear can just be clothing, not a symbol of masculinity.
Throughout the twenty-first century, women have moved away from the typical minimalistic, “feminine” style of clothing. This can be credited to the creation and popularization of women’s streetwear. Streetwear has normalized the typical oversized, comfortable look for women. It often features oversized graphic t-shirts, hoodies, trackpants, baggy jeans and jorts. Overall, the street-style culture has embraced and normalized gender-neutral clothing.
The key to this style is individualism, or using clothing to express your personal style and to make a statement. The art of self-expression through clothing is not found in wearing what is expected, but rather in what is different. Fashion is all about personality and experimentation, which we are starting to see more of in women’s mainstream fashion.
So, how can women incorporate gender-neutral clothing into their closet? As seen in streetwear fashion in the twenty-first century, there are often hoodies layered under flannels, button-up shirts, or oversized knit sweaters. The trick is to layer, like throwing on a button-up shirt with a collar under a sweater. If you live in a warmer climate, an oversized t-shirt (graphic or plain) is going to be a staple piece.
On the bottom, cargo pants and baggy jeans are the essentials. Both of these are easy to match with just about anything, and they are both gender-neutral. During the colder months, these full length pants are easy to style with anything, and will keep you warm while still fashionable. Throw on a belt, and it is the perfect base for an outfit. For warmer months, jorts are just as easy to throw on, and they also match with just about anything.
Dainty jewelry and bows, while cute, are not for everyone. A silver or gold chain is a staple piece that can elevate any look. A woven hemp necklace is also a good alternative for a neutral accessory. Vintage stores and local gem shops have crystal jewelry that, along with baseball caps or beanies, are versatile pieces that you can pair with any outfit. The iconic Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap is easily a closet essential for our generation.
I, personally, always recommend any second hand clothing store, where you can find unique vintage pieces that completely transform your closet. All it takes is a few hours in the men’s t-shirt section of Goodwill to expand one’s wardrobe. Some other brands that have great streetwear-style pieces are Stussy, Carhartt, Nike, Fear of God, Golfwang, AMBUSH, and Unfinished legacy.
Our femininity is not determined by the clothing we wear. We should no longer be held under the constraints of society’s opinions on what women should wear.
Strike Out,
Emily Braunstein
Saint Augustine
Editors: Maya Kayyal, Jessica Giraldo, Emmy Brutnell
Emily is a writer for Strike Magazine Saint Augustine. She is an avid yoga enthusiast that you can probably find at a coffee shop or beach writing poetry. You can reach her on instagram @emilyybraunstein or email emilyybraunstein@gmail.com
