Gender-bending Runway Pieces for the Minimalist

Minimalist ensembles channeling gender-bending fashion feature distinct characteristics, one of them being certain silhouettes that are neither overtly masculine nor feminine. Luxury fashion houses have been designing garments that are inclusive of body types and genders, which further emphasizes how they speak individuality and self-expression in louder volume.

Here are some of the few noticeable common factors that have redefined gender norms through high fashion in recent years.

• Oversized Tailoring - Pantsuits, coats, blazers, and even shirts that come in oversized silhouettes have become a recurring sight in fashion’s biggest names. Balenciaga, Miu Miu, and Loewe are this year’s perfect examples of minimalist gender-bending fashion pieces. Structured shoulders, loose trousers, and clean lines make oversized ensembles adaptable for all.

• Fluid Shirts and Tunics - The classic button shirts will never lose its place in terms of the basics, but as genderless clothing arises, they were slightly tweaked to become androgynous statement pieces. Asymmetric cuts and muted shades make them perfect as standalone pieces or layered looks.

• Classic Prints - Plaid, gingham, houndstooth, and stripes are prints and patterns that know no gender. Plus, these classic patterns are never too visually busy so they also make ideal options for your minimalist luxury pieces.

• Functional Fabrics - Nylon, polyester blends, and wool are very versatile fabrics that can give you that minimalist aesthetic as they hold structure quite well, enhancing your most prominent features

• Unisex Outerwear - The minimalist aesthetic thrives in outerwear, and Burberry’s trench coats are an enduring example. Updated with subtle innovations, the classic trench becomes a modern and gender-neutral staple. Similarly, Raf Simons' longline coats in muted hues echo the ethos of gender-bending fashion, the minimalist way.

We’re almost at the end of 2024 and we’re definitely no longer associating colors with gender! Everyone can wear pretty much anything on the palette, from neutrals to pastels, and when fused with gender-fluid clothing design, the result is nothing short of iconic! Minimalist fashion and monochrome palettes go hand in hand if you’re looking into keeping things subdued. But this doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. You can incorporate brighter colors to your looks and tone them down by matching them with neutrals.

Gucci is known for its genius play with colors and their Spring 2025 collection showed how one can embrace minimalist fashion with a spike of color. On the other hand, Celine’s recent collection by Hedi Slimane also showed exquisitely crafted tailored blazers paired with crisp white shirts that only prove how less is always more.

Accessories may seem minute but the right ones can absolutely amplify your look. It doesn’t have to be too dramatic, believe me. It can be a minimalist accessory paired with a unisex piece and you’ll see how accessories are no longer confined to one gender.

• Luxury Bags: Look no further than the Bottega Veneta Pouch or the Loewe Puzzle Bag, both of which have become unisex icons. Their clean, structured lines and lack of overt branding make them the perfect minimalist accessory for anyone.

• Minimalist Footwear: Gender-neutral footwear, such as the popular chunky loafers from Prada or Chelsea boots by Saint Laurent, pairs effortlessly with a range of minimalist, gender-bending outfits.

• Jewelry: Designers like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier are reimagining jewelry for the modern minimalist, offering clean, geometric designs in gold, silver, and platinum. Dior Homme’s jewelry collection is also worth mentioning thanks to its edgy and inclusive design.

If you’re in search of gender-fluid fashion without the usual extra frills, the world of high fashion has got a vast collection of minimalist options for you to sift through from. The marriage of gender-bending fashion and minimalism became a clear reflection of a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity and individuality.

We have entered a new era in fashion and gone are the days when finding your own unique fashion piece is like finding a needle in a haystack. Minimalist-loving designers who would like to carry on pushing the boundaries of fashion surely crafted a ton of different pieces that resonate with a wider audience, regardless of gender.