Dress Gender Neutral
There are many reasons why you might want to dress "gender neutral." You may be going for a killer tomboy or androgynous style, or you may be designing a special costume for an upcoming performance. Many people also simply just like dressing in a gender neutral way. Whatever your reasons, see Step 1 below to get started on your new androgynous look.
Contents
Steps
- Choose what to do with your hair. If you are a girl with long hair that you refuse to cut, either pull it into a very Make a Preppy Messy and Curly Ponytail or cornrows. You can also straighten it, create a smaller ponytail in the back, or wear it down but messy. Short hair can be left as is, or a bob can be messed up and pulled into another ponytail.
- Choice of 'makeup'. Girls should apply minimum makeup (or none), but boys can use chap stick or the like.
- Wash your face, and use any acne supplies you have, if your skin is prone to breaking out. Smooth skin will usually make you look older or slightly more feminine.
- Girls should invest in a tighter sports bra, not to accentuate the breasts but to compress them. A binder of the kind made for trans men is even better, but comes with some health risks and can be a pretty drastic step if you don't want a completely flat chest. Boys can obviously skip this step.
- Wear a baggy tee shirt. A baggy tee shirt in an ambient design (e.g. a black band tee shirt compared to a bright blue *NSync Babydoll) is good, and arm-warmers or fishnet sleeves in dark colors are excellent if they match the rest of your outfit.
- Get a 'wife-beater. An undershirt(beater-style) is useful for shirts that show your navel.
- Get some loose pants, they are 'De Rigeur'. Loose jeans, bondage pants, or flattering slacks are necessary. If you have girl's cut jeans already, feel free to wear those. Once again, black, brown, navy and dark-washed denims are preferred to bright pinks and blues.
- Wear square-toed boots, neutral-toned skateboarding shoes or Converse to fit the outfit. You can usually find something less masculine/feminine in your own closet.
- Use pockets instead of a purse. It would raise some eyebrows when a boy's cell phone rings and he pulls it out of a cute black Coach knockoff. A good alternative is a large, neutral-colored messenger bag.
Tips
- If you feel that you need to change your voice, don't use your highest, happiest voice - use a slightly softer and rougher tone.
- Try shopping in the boy's section. Wear a shirt under an open polo shirt as it helps hide your chest. Plus it looks good.
- If you can not go without an accessory, try Snap Bands. They come in plenty of neutral prints and patterns.
- Terrycloth wristbands are a girl thing. Don't wear it.
- If you're going out clubbing or somewhere with dim lighting and a more Emo atmosphere, feel free to cake on the mascara and eyeliner.
Warnings
- If you get bullied or harassed, don't remain silent. Talk to someone who you trust, whether it's at school or at home. Don't let anyone make you feel inferior for being the way you are and dressing differently. Be yourself and be proud.
- Flirt with whoever you want, but be careful. Some people don't react well to being misled about the gender of their new companion.
- Don't wear tight pants or skin-tight jeans.
