BY: Jasmine Franklin
Published 3 months ago
Fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s about self-expression, creativity, and breaking all the rules. Today, it’s also a powerful tool for challenging those outdated ideas of what’s “in” or “out.” Enter non-binary fashion icons—style rebels who embrace fluidity and smash the old-school gender norms to pieces. These icons aren’t just about looking good but about feeling real. Their bold style choices inspire us to see fashion as something unique that can’t be stuffed into a box.
Breaking the Binary in Fashion
Non-binary fashion icons are rewriting the rules of style. They’re not just wearing clothes; they’re making statements about freedom, identity, and the power to define oneself. By blending traditionally masculine and feminine elements—or rejecting those categories entirely—these icons are teaching the world that fashion is for everyone, no matter where they fall on the gender spectrum. Their influence reaches beyond the runway and into the hearts of anyone who has ever felt suffocated by society’s expectations.
Here are five non-binary icons who have significantly impacted the fashion world.
1. Jonathan Van Ness
View this post on Instagram
Jonathan Van Ness may have first captured our hearts on “Queer Eye,“ but their fearless fashion sense is just as iconic. Van Ness isn’t playing by anyone’s rules. They mix textures, colors, and silhouettes like nobody else. As one of the most visible non-binary fashion icons, Van Ness shows us the power of embracing your true self.
2. Jamie Windust
Jamie Windust is an activist, writer, and model with a style that pushes boundaries. Windust loves to mix things up, pairing sharp tailoring with bold makeup and statement accessories. Windust is proof that style is a powerful form of self-expression and activism.
3. Alok V. Menon
View this post on Instagram
Alok V Menon is a non-binary fashion icon who’s made a name for themselves with a style as fluid and vibrant as their identity. Known for their bright, eclectic outfits that mix patterns, textures, and eras, Menon’s fashion choices celebrate non-conformity. Every outfit is a personal statement and often a political one, too. Menon’s style encourages others to break free from the confines of gendered fashion and embrace what feels true to them.
4. Teflar (Teflar Clemens)
Teflar Clemens, the genius behind the brand Teflar, is a true pioneer in non-binary fashion. Clemens designed a brand that throws the concept of gender out the window, creating pieces that anyone can rock, regardless of how they identify. The now-iconic Telfar bag is the perfect example — a wardrobe staple for so many, it’s become a symbol of inclusive, non-binary fashion. Clemens’ work is more than just fashion; it’s about making sure there’s room for everyone in the world of style.
5. David Bowie
David Bowie might not have identified as non-binary, but his impact on fashion is legendary. Bowie was a trailblazer for gender-neutral style, consistently pushing the boundaries of what men and women were “supposed“ to wear. From the glam rock days of Ziggy Stardust to his later, more refined looks, Bowie blurred the lines between masculine and feminine fashion. His legacy paved the way for the non-binary fashion icons we celebrate today, reminding us that fashion is all about exploration and self-discovery.
These non-binary fashion icons are more than just trendsetters—they’re revolutionaries. By rejecting the limitations of traditional gender roles, they’re showing us that fashion is for everyone. They remind us that the only rule in fashion is to stay true to who you are.
Who are some non-binary fashion icons you adore? Comment below!
