Gender Neutral Colors and How to Wear Them
Gender neutral colors are colors that are not associated with one gender, but both. So, what do you wear when you want to wear something neutral? Below, we are including top ten tips on what to choose when looking for gender neutral colors and clothing.
What are gender neutral colors?
Gender neutral colors are those colors which can be suitable for both men and women. Although there is no specific list of colors for this category, but you can use it as a reference:
- Gray (the darker shade) - It looks good on everyone and gives them the points of authority. The color also has a soothing effect that can make people feel calm and relaxed. The color also works well with all skin tones, especially cool-toned skin such as light blue eyes and blonde hair.
- Brown (the darker shade) - This earthy tone is quite versatile because it points to something natural hence adds freshness to any look, especially for those who want to look younger than their age.
- Taupe - Beautifully combines gray and brown, making it a lovely neutral color for almost all skin tones.
- Bordeaux - Gives warmth to the look and makes people feel relaxed because of its earthy tone.
- White (the paler shade) - This color works well on everyone and is perfect for formal occasions such as weddings.
- Ivory (the paler shade) - Just like white, this color also works well on everyone and is perfect for formal occasions such as weddings or business meetings since it represents purity, cleanliness and virtue.
- Black (the darker shade) - The dark tone gives an intense look that's usually associated with power and authority while the paler version can give elegance to a look. It also works well with all skin tones, especially cool-toned skin such as light blue eyes and blonde hair.
- Navy - A rich hue that's perfect for formal occasions such as weddings or business meetings since it represents authority and steadiness.
- Beige (the paler shade) - This color gives a soft look, making it perfect for casual events such as shopping with friends or going to the park on a Sunday afternoon.
- Light Blue - Just like beige, this color adds freshness to any look while still looking formal enough for a business meeting or a wedding if paired properly with other dark colors such as navy or black.
Top Tips When Wanting to Wear Gender Neutral Colors and Clothing
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Know Your Body
Clothes can come in a wide variety of cuts and styles that flatter every kind of body — but what flatters your shape may not always be flattering for you as an individual. For instance, knee-length skater skirts look good on many body types, but can make those who want slimming silhouettes feel self-conscious. High heels work for some people, but cause discomfort or pain for others. It's important to know what looks flattering on you before shopping so you don't waste time trying on things that will never work no matter how trendy they are. If you're still unsure about your silhouette, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member who knows what works on your body.
Likewise, your comfort level is a big deal when it comes to being gender neutral in your fashion choices. If certain types of clothing make you uncomfortable or are difficult for you to move around in, don't wear them just because they're popular right now. There's absolutely nothing wrong with rocking the latest trends while staying true to yourself and your sense of style — but if pain or discomfort is holding you back from wearing what you want, try searching for an alternative that will work better for you.
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Know Your Colors
Before choosing any garment to wear, take the time to learn your colors first. When dealing with neutral tones like browns, tans and grays, the color may appear different across various lighting situations. This means that just because something looks brown in one store's lighting doesn't mean it will look the same under natural sunlight outside of the store. This goes for all neutrals — black included! — and it's important to try on an item candidate in the lighting that you'll be wearing it in.
Moreover, colors can also appear very different depending on your skin tone — which might surprise you if you don't take the time to test out every possibility before buying something! Sometimes neutrals look great one person but terrible another, so knowing what looks good on certain people is crucial when trying to find gender-neutral clothing. If you're unsure about how a color will show up against your skin or frame, simply test some swatches on your hands or arms first! This is especially helpful when shopping for shoes or accessories rather than clothes.
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Understand Style Terminology
There are some words used in fashion labels that may be confusing to those outside the fashion world. This is especially if you're shopping for gender neutral clothes, since many of these words and phrases don't necessarily mean the same thing in a non-binary sense:
Boyfriend: A trend where boyfriend styles (slim-fitting jeans, v-neck tees, etc.) become popular among women. Often times these trends are also referred to as "unisex" or "menswear."
Sheer: Denotes transparency in fabric — literally sheer material that lets light through.
Peplum: Generally refers to a type of skirt or dress that has an additional layer of material that fans out from the waistline and ends just above the hips.
Trench Coat: A type of coat that ends above the knee and features a wide, straight collar.
Cropped: Denotes a shorter length, generally measuring from the waist to just below the top of the thigh.
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Seek Out Affordable but High-Quality Clothing Options
While there are plenty of expensive designer options out there for both men's and women's clothing - two words you'll often see combined to create "unisex" items. If you are on a budget, choose high quality items that last.
Moreover, just because something is labeled as "menswear" doesn't mean that it has to be worn by men alone! Many women rock unisex button-downs, blazers and sports coats quite often, especially for office ensembles.
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Know When to Splurge (& When Not To)
There are certain instances where finding a good deal on an item you'll wear regularly can be hit or miss. A few examples of this include: shoes (more relevant with unisex options), pants/jeans/skirts (you'll want these in several colors and styles to mix up your wardrobe!), jackets and coats (because you should have one in every color, right?), and bags (because you'll use them regularly).
On the other hand, neutrals like t-shirts and tank tops are usually decently priced so you can easily find something flattering without breaking the bank.
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Invest in Quality Basics to Mix & Match with Trends
Buying quality basics will prove more beneficial than buying cheap trends at first glance because they're simple investments that can be worn multiple ways for various occasions. For example, pair neutral sweaters with bright feminine dresses for a fresh take on basic black; or go monochrome but throw one piece into an animal print (snakeskin, leopard, etc.) to update your look even further! By simply adding these types of items to your wardrobe, you can spruce up any outfit for a night out or an everyday look.
On the other hand, trendy pieces won't always be flattering and aren't as versatile since they're made specifically for a certain event. For example, leopard print pumps might be perfect for going clubbing with friends, but not great if you have a business meeting during the day!
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Plan Your Outfit Before You Make a Purchase
This is especially important to those who want to wear neutral colors because it helps determine whether you need more masculine/feminine articles in your closet before putting together an ensemble. Some people may go from head-to-toe feminine by pairing a lace dress with dainty jewelry and flats, while others might be more masculine by pairing a jacket with jeans and boots.
The point is to know what type of look you're going for before grabbing those clothes because it will help you narrow down your options accordingly. If you do this, there's no need to stress the next day about what to wear — just grab whatever neutral piece looks best and mix and match!
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Know Your Shape & How It Affects What You'll Wear
Similar to planning out an outfit, knowing your shape ensures that you can find flattering pieces that work well together either way (dressy or casual). For example, if you are looking to elongate your figure, perhaps you can try a well-cut blazer that is not too fitted and goes over your hips. If you are looking to lengthen the appearance of your legs, perhaps you can pair your pants with gender neutral boots and have the slim pants cover the boot past ankles.
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Know Your Body Type & How It Affects What You'll Wear
Understanding what kind of body type you have can help when shopping for gender neutral options since different clothing styles flatter each body shape differently. If you have slender legs, try to avoid skinny jeans because it'll make you look smaller than you are. Instead, wear dark denim with longer tops to balance out your size more effortlessly!
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Accessorize Accordingly & Have Fun!
Since neutral colors are pretty simple in terms of patterns and textures, accessorizing is key to livening up an otherwise basic outfit. This doesn't mean you have to go overboard with statement necklaces, scarves, and hats — it's all about finding what works best for you!
The key is to go with simple pieces that add a touch of flair without looking like too much. For example, add a bright scarf or necklace (even both!) for an outfit that's perfect for fall; or throw on some funky accessories to balance out an otherwise neutral look. It helps if you're shopping in the right stores since there are plenty of options available nowadays!
By knowing your personal style, body type, and shape beforehand, picking out gender-neutral pieces is just as easy as putting together an outfit that highlights femininity or masculinity! Try these tips when wanted to wear gender neutral colors next time around and see where they take you.