It took a pandemic for me to realize how often I borrow my boyfriend’s clothes. Right now we both practically dress like Larry David, so crew-neck sweaters and sweatpants are in heavy rotation. One too many times have I’ve slipped on a sweatshirt only to realize after putting it on that it was about two sizes too big, and thus my boyfriend’s. But of course, regardless of how you identify, we pretty much all want the same things out of our clothes. Some may prioritize aesthetics over function and vice versa, but at the end of the day we all want to look and feel good.
The rigid gender lines the fashion industry previously adhered to are blurring, and thank goodness for that. I love the idea of walking into a store (more realistically shopping online these days) and be able to not only find something for myself, but also for the male-identified people in my life. It’s no accident that some of my favorite brands as of late are those that have adopted a gender-inclusive approach, designing their collections with everyone in mind. After all, good style is universal. Keep reading ahead to see all of the brands doing just that.
Entireworld makes the kind of clothes you want to live in–they’re affordable, quietly chic, and most of all unfussy. And given the uncertain times we’re in, all of those qualities certainly come in handy. From oversize button-downs and t-shirts to wool coats and socks, Entireworld offers all of the basics you need to build a solid wardrobe. In the seemingly eternal season of the sweatsuit, I’ve been tempted to stock up on their sweatsuits in every color imaginable.
One of the more exciting newer faces on the scene is designer Emily Bode. Her namesake label utilizes vintage textiles to create one of a kind jackets and shirts you’ll want to keep forever. It’s usually stocked in the men’s section at retailers like Net-a-Porter and Matches, but my female-identifying friends have been onto Bode for years, loving its ornately embroidered short-sleeved button-downs in particular. Bella Hadid is also a huge fan.
You can’t escape the buzz of Telfar. Everyone knows about its shopping bags, but behind the pandemonium of the handbags, there’s some great fashion too. Designer Telfar Clemens doesn’t prescribe to gender norms with his clothes–cut-out leather pants and off-the-shoulder knit tops have a place for anyone and everyone. If you’re keen on getting a piece, the brand’s recent collaboration with Converse is a new release worth checking out.
If I could live in one brand for the rest of my life, it would be Wales Bonner. There’s a cool, enigmatic aura about the brand which was founded by designer Grace Wales Bonner in 2014. You can count on impeccably tailored blazers and trousers, but the addition of some unexpected sartorial edge. To my excitement Wales Bonner teamed up with Adidas for a limited collab, offering up a range of sporty yet sophisticated polos, track pants, and sneakers. Best believe everything has already been added to my cart.
Many of this season’s biggest trends have evolved from the traditional grandpa aesthetic–three quarter-zip sweaters, Harrington jackets, and cable knit sweat vests to name a few–so it makes sense that gender-neutral separates are what the people want. Newcomer Amiss Conception is purely about giving you the classics. Think polos, joggers, and sweaters that are easy to mix and match with timeless appeal. Their styles are also available in a multitude of colors if you find a style you love, you can stock up in every color.
