Gender categories have become progressively muddled over the previous two centuries, indicating the societal confusion around masculinity and femininity. Furthermore, it is well recognized that gender is a social construct, and fashion has always allowed people to explore. Dressing and fashion are two fundamental social-cultural variables that determine gender. The struggle over the usage of pants by women exemplifies the disparity in treatment of men and women. Fashion, in essence, is a dream of escape from one’s regular position, directing and defining male and female roles, with big fashion designers playing a crucial part in shaping it.
In the nineteenth century, when the display of sexual difference via clothes was more essential than the social order, fashion became feminine. At the same time, there was a noticeable shift in the way men expressed themselves via dress. At the end of the nineteenth century, bourgeois males avoided all sorts of ornamentation, “feminine” colored textiles, and jewelry, reserving it all for women.
Fashion may have an important role in the formation of a social identity. It shows how individuals in different times displayed their positions and status limits. Fashion has prominently shown the most evident markers of social class and gender. Fashion influences people’s decisions through culture, customs, and the appropriateness of the event. Hats, for example, were a significant statement piece and were worn to either demonstrate recognized or aspired social standing. Fashion attire also conveyed a person’s work, social class, and geographical origin.
Because of the strong link of outer beauty with women, it has been dismissed as a societal phenomena.
In more recent times, one of biggest trends of the spring 2022 runway shows was the fact that several designers put both men and women on their runways in what used to be referred to as “women’s wear” — not as an incitement, but simply as a reality. Younger generations reject gender preconceptions and desire to explore, express, and discover themselves completely. Many brands have responded to this shift by designing unisex apparel that isn’t designed for a certain gender, demonstrating openness, willingness, and understanding.
Celebrities such as Harry Styles, Kristen Stewart, Billy Porter, Jaden Smith, Billie Van Ness, Tyler The Creator, Zendaya, Billie Eilish, and many more are known to dress in gender-bending fashion, breaking all norms. Activists and poets such as Alok Vaid Menon are also making significant contributions to the issue of gender identity and how we represent it through our outer appearance.
Fashion was previously a way to establish the identity bestowed upon you by the public and the state, but it has gradually evolved into an expression of the self. As a result, we have broken free from old rigidities and learnt to accept fashion for what it is: genderless, adaptable, and for everyone.
